Vortex flow meter advantages & disadvantages: Industry guide - IFM

Vortex flow meters measure the flow of gases, steeam or liquid through a system. However, they can be less than ideal in certain applications. 

Shengjia are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

In this article, we'll review the advantages and disadvantages  various applications. We'll also explain how vortex flow meters operate and how you can identify the applications where they are best suited. Finally, we'll provide recommendations for choosing the right model for your needs.

ifm vortex flow meters measure water-based media. This article is a comprehensive guide to the benefits and drawbacks of many types of meters. 

Since , ifm efector has become a premier provider of sensor and control technologies in the U.S. A subsidiary of the global ifm electronic gmbh, we serve more than 23,000 clients across sectors such as automotive and material handling, achieving annual sales surpassing $260 million. Our global footprint includes the production of over 800,000 sensors and connectors.

Vortex flow meter pros and cons

Overall, vortex flow meters are durable, simple sensors with low setup cost. However, they're also sensitive to contamination and vibration and are ineffective for high viscosity, low velocity applications. Here are the detailed pros and cons of these flow meters:

Advantages of vortex flow meters

Benefits and features of these flow meters include: 

• Versatility These flow meters are highly versatile, capable of effectively measuring the flow of liquid, gas, or steam. This adaptability makes them invaluable in diverse industrial settings.
• Durability This model has few moving parts. This design simplicity means there's less room for failure, resulting in low maintenance and a reduced risk of malfunction.
•   Independence from temperature and pressure fluctuations. Vortex flow meters can measure flow rates independently of temperature and pressure fluctuations within the system. They provide consistent and reliable data even in dynamic conditions.
• No conductivity requirement Unlike some flow measurement technologies, vortex meters do not require a specific level of conductivity in the flow media. This makes them a great solution for deionized water systems.
• Low setup cost: These meters are cost-effective to install. That feature makes them especially attractive for businesses looking to improve flow measurement without a significant financial outlay.

Vortex flow meter disadvantages

Some vortex flow meter limitations to consider are:

• Sensitivity to contamination Vortex flow meters are not suitable for applications involving contaminated flow media. Any foreign particles or inclusions can interfere with the accuracy of the measurement.
•   Unsuitable for high viscosity or low flow velocity applications Vortex flowmeters are ineffective in situations with high viscosity or very low flow velocity. Consider coriolis mass or oval gear flow meters for these applications.
•   Susceptibility to vibration High levels of vibration in the system can lead to false interpretations of increased flow rates. This is a significant limitation in environments with substantial vibrations.
• Potential clogging Liquid polymerization can lead to sensor clogging. However, some models have extra features that overcome this limitation.

How vortex flow meters work

Similar to how a rock in a stream will create vortices downstream, the bluff body in these types of meters acts as a vortex generator. The amount of vortex shedding off the bluff body is proportional to the flow rate in the same way that higher velocity of a stream will create rapids. The intensity of the vortices created in the system can be measured to determine the velocity of the liquid, gas, or vaporous flow media.

Best applications for vortex flow meters

• Water based liquids (>=95% aqueous) These flow meters are ideal for aqueous flow media due to their low-viscosity. Since there is no conductivity requirement of the flow media, this is a great option for deionized water systems.
• Cooling circuits Vortex flow meters are well-suited for monitoring cooling circuits, providing accurate measurements without the need for extensive maintenance. They also work well in a wide range of operating temperatures.
• Low-cost systems Businesses with budget constraints can benefit from the affordability and reliability of vortex flowmeters.
• Small pipe diameters Vortex flow meters are ideal for systems with pipe diameters of 6 inches or less thanks to their compact design and simplicity.

Choosing the right vortex flow meter

• Contamination If your application involves the risk of contamination in the flow media, opt for a model equipped with screens to prevent sensor clogging.
• Temperature and pressure ranges Ensure the model you choose can operate within your system's temperature and pressure ranges. These factors impact accuracy and reliability.
• Additional features Some vortex flow meters offer supplementary data, such as temperature readings. If this is essential for your application, look for a model that provides this capability.          

Vortex flow meter advantages & disadvantages: FAQs

Keep reading for more information on common advantages and disadvantages of vortex flow meters. Or, browse ifm's vortex meters to find the best one for your needs.

CHARLOTTE, NC—Charlotte, NC-based ARC International has announced a new technical partnership with UK-based flexographic prepress specialist Reproflex3 Ltd to deliver the Vortex print technology to the Americas. Vortex technology allows post print graphics to be produced at higher screen levels with superior solid coverage. Designs that would normally be printed using a preprint or digital process can now be more cost effective and printed directly on a corrugated flexographic folder/gluer.

The exclusive partnership is aimed at the growing demand for high-quality corrugated packaging graphics across all flute lines and print across the territory. ARC International is a leading supplier of anilox rollers and services in the flexographic printing industry with manufacturing sites in Charlotte, NC and Las Vegas, NV.

Reproflex3 Ltd (R3) is a UK-based flexographic prepress specialist. Its Vortex technology is game changing technology for all corrugated printers, whether it is brown box or multi-color high graphics. Vortex technology will also allow brown box printers to achieve better ink coverage on their boxes due to how the ink is transferred from the plate surface. In a nutshell, Vortex delivers improved press setup time, high-impact graphics and super solid color densities.

Micheal Foran, president, CEO and founder of ARC International, said, “When we were first introduced to Reproflex3, we immediately recognized the benefits that the Vortex technology could offer to the North American corrugated market. We’re excited to bring this European FTA award-winning technology to the table for both the integrated and independent box makers throughout North America.

“Once we verified the fantastic results that Reproflex3 was reporting with their innovative Vortex system—particularly the significant reduction in dot gain and ink usage—we were eager to find a way to introduce this technology to ARC customers,” Foran continued. “That’s going to happen at SuperCorr.”

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit cost-effective Vortex Screen.

To allow ARC anilox rollers to complement the Vortex process, ARC has recently invested in new laser technologies that will integrate a new Fibertronic engraving process which produces the highest tolerances, roller-to-roller.

ARC International is the exclusive anilox supplier chosen by Reproflex3. The ARC International team will be enabling integration of Vortex technology as well as performing audit analyses to tune in anilox specs for Vortex. The new alliance will be supported by Canada-based DTM Flexo Services through its extensive knowledge of the industry working with all the partners and customers to bring added value to the process.

Pacificolor, a leading supplier of prepress services in both the US flexographic and offset print industries, is also supporting the partnership.

ARC International, Reproflex3, DTM and Pacificolor will officially launch Vortex at the hugely anticipated SuperCorrExpo, which takes place August 8-12, , in Orlando, Florida.

“We are delighted to be teaming up with ARC International and DTM Flexo Services to drive Vortex in the US corrugated market,” said Andrew Hewitson, Reproflex3 co-founder. “This alliance creates great synergies with our established delivery partner Pacificolor which is committed to working with us to expand the technology’s reach and support our plate delivery and fulfilment needs.

“We’re seeing a real shift in consumer expectations during the global coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown situation. There’s a movement for brand owners to decorate their outside packaging to enhance the consumer experience and better promote their brand.

“Vortex is a highly effective, new generation technology for flexo printing on corrugated board. It delivers superior print consistently and efficiently along with many more benefits. We can’t wait to showcase its capabilities at the SuperCorrExpo in Orlando next month. It is one of the most influential corrugated packaging-focused trade shows in the Western Hemisphere. You can find us in the ARC International booth #.”

“With our broad customer base and existing corporate roller programs in place, we feel that ARC International’s technical service team, along with DTM Flexo Services in Canada, can show the corrugated industry how the Vortex process can enhance their overall print quality, just as we’ve been able to do over the years with our Opticell and HV High Volume anilox rollers. The new HVV High Volume Vortex roller will be the perfect partner to the Vortex plate technology!

“We continuously analyze emerging flexo technologies that have the potential to help our customers maintain and improve the quality of their products or the efficiency of their operations. For many of them this might be a quantum leap in the kind of package they can now offer to new customers using existing equipment,” Foran concluded.

Dave McBeth, president of DTM Flexo, added: “Combining these four fantastic companies and their technologies will bring corrugated print to a much higher standard here in North America. The Vortex technology combined with high tolerance anilox technology will allow printers to now take jobs that would normally be printed pre-print and have them printed directly onto a box.

“The cost savings for customers and end users are huge. The process will also allow brown box printers to produce a higher quality box with great solid graphics. Having been in the anilox and pre-press platemaking world for 35-plus years, and understanding how ink releases onto dots and how, in turn, that is transferred to the board, bringing these two companies together (ARC and R3), with expertise in award winning plate technology and anilox, will revolutionize corrugated print here in North America.”

Tim Hirsch, owner, Pacificolor LLC, commented: “We have a great relationship with Reproflex3 and we’re excited to be supporting the delivery of Vortex through our state-of-the-art prepress facilities in Utah, Colorado and Minnesota. This powerful technical partnership brings the capabilities of Vortex to the market and presents a fantastic opportunity for us and our client base to move to a whole new level.”

Check out this new technology in Orlando, Florida at SuperCorrExpo, August 8-12, , booth #.

For more Shale Shaker Screeninformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.