In the selection of steam flow meter, orifice flowmeter and vortex flowmeter have their own characteristics and application scenarios. Here’s how the two compare:

Orifice flowmeter

advantage

  • The measurement is stable and reliable, especially suitable for heating stations and other scenarios.
  • The measurement of steam (including superheated steam and saturated steam) can provide high accuracy, especially when used in strict accordance with the national standard calculation formula.
  • Simple structure, firm, reliable, and low price.

shortcoming

  • There is a large pressure loss and may require more maintenance.
  • The range is narrow, usually only 3:1 to 4:1.
  • There are long straight pipe length requirements, generally difficult to meet.
  • It is sensitive to corrosion, wear, fouling and dirt, and the accuracy of long-term use is difficult to guarantee.
  • Using flange connection, easy to produce running, bubbling, dripping, leakage problems.

Vortex flowmeter

advantage

  • Based on the principle of fluid oscillation, the pressure loss is small, which helps to reduce operating costs.
  • The wide measuring range, up to 1:30 (some models may vary, such as 1:10 or 15:1), can meet the measurement needs of different flow ranges.
  • Low maintenance requirements, simple and firm structure, no moving parts, long-term operation is very reliable.
  • Integrated temperature and pressure sensors for temperature and pressure compensation to improve measurement accuracy.
  • The signal output is diverse, both analog standard signal output and digital pulse signal output, which is convenient to use with digital systems such as computers.

shortcoming

  • The requirements for the straight pipe section are high, and it is usually necessary to ensure a certain length of the straight pipe section to meet the measurement requirements.
  • It is not suitable for pipelines with large pipe diameters (such as DN300mm or more), because the flow coefficient is small at this time, which may affect the measurement accuracy.
  • High temperature resistance is limited, usually can not measure the temperature ≥300℃ fluid media.
  • The seismic performance is relatively weak, and the vibration source may make it produce measurement errors or even fail to work properly.

Selection suggestion

  • If the measurement accuracy has strict requirements, and is not particularly sensitive to pressure loss and maintenance, you can choose the orifice flowmeter.
  • If you want to reduce energy consumption, simplify installation and maintenance, and have a wide measurement range, vortex flowmeters may be a better choice, especially where long-term stable operation is required and cost control is required.

In summary, the selection of steam flow timing should consider the specific application requirements, working conditions (such as steam type, pressure, temperature, flow range, etc.), cost budget, and whether temperature and pressure compensation is required.

If you want to know more about the flow meter or flow meter selection, please consult the Aister flow meter manufacturer email: sales@aistermeter.com for help.