In chemical plants, many types of fluids and gases are used, and maintaining stable flow control is essential for safe operation. Among the various flow meters available, the vortex flow meter plays a particularly important role—especially for steam.
This article explains why vortex flow meters are widely used for steam service and why they are less suitable for most other applications.
1. Where Vortex Flow Meters Stand Among Other Types
Chemical plants use a wide range of flow meters, each suited for different fluids:
| Type | Typical Service | Straight Run | Pressure Loss | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electromagnetic | Water | Short | None | High |
| Vortex | Steam | Medium | Small | Medium |
| Coriolis | Oils | None | Medium | High |
| Variable Area | Gas/Oil | None | Small | Low |
| Positive Displacement | Calibration fluids | Long | High | High |
Vortex meters have a very clear role: steam measurement.
This clarity actually helps plant engineers because many other flow meter types have overlapping uses.
2. Why Vortex Flow Meters Are Ideal for Steam
✔ They can measure gases
Few flow meter types can reliably measure gases.
Steam is technically a gas, and vortex meters handle this well with stable performance.
✔ High accuracy
Steam is used as a heat source in chemical plants.
Heat creates risk—temperature changes can trigger dangerous reactions, fires, or explosions.
Because of this, accurate steam control is essential.
Vortex meters provide the accuracy needed to maintain stable heating conditions.
✔ Low pressure loss
A vortex meter adds very little pressure drop.
For steam, pressure directly affects temperature (saturated steam).
Pressure loss from equipment introduces instability, so minimizing it is critical.
Low pressure loss = more stable steam temperature = safer operation.
3. Why Vortex Flow Meters Are Not Common for Other Fluids
✖ Many liquids contain solids or impurities
In chemical plants, it is normal for liquids to contain solid particles from reactions or raw materials.
This makes vortex meters risky because buildup or clogging can affect measurement stability.
✖ Other flow meters match liquid requirements better
Different processes need different accuracy levels.
Variable area meters or positive displacement meters are often more suitable for liquid flow measurement.
As a result, vortex meters end up being an “in-between” option:
usable, but not optimal.
✖ They require straight pipe runs
Vortex meters need a moderate straight run for accurate readings.
This affects:
- Piping layout
- Building constraints
- Operator access
- Equipment maintenance
- Overall plant optimization
For piping designers, straight-run requirements are a major constraint.
✅ Conclusion（まとめ）
Vortex flow meters excel in one very specific role: steam measurement.
They offer high accuracy, low pressure loss, and stable performance for gas flow—features that make them perfect for steam systems.
But for liquids or fluids with impurities, other flow meters usually provide better reliability and flexibility.
Understanding this distinction helps engineers choose the right flow meter for each application.
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