A vortex flowmeter is a velocity-type flowmeter used to measure the flow of steam, gases and low-viscosity liquids in industrial pipelines. It has no moving parts, which reduces maintenance and improves long-term reliability.

A bluff body (shedder bar) is placed in the flow. As fluid passes it, vortices are shed alternately from each side, forming a Karman vortex street. According to the Strouhal relationship, the vortex shedding frequency is proportional to the flow velocity within the working range. A sensor detects the vortex frequency, and the transmitter converts it into a flow rate.

Vortex flowmeters can measure steam, gases such as compressed air and nitrogen, and low-viscosity liquids. Their high-temperature resistance and durable construction make them a common choice for steam flow measurement.

Vortex flowmeters are generally not recommended for high-viscosity liquids, very low flow velocities, strongly pulsating flow, or multiphase flow. Please send us your application details so we can confirm suitability or recommend another technology.

• MIK-LUGB without temperature and pressure compensation: for applications where the process temperature and pressure are stable or compensation is not required
• MIK-LUGB with temperature and pressure compensation: for steam and gas where temperature and pressure change
• MIK-LUGB wafer installation: wafer-style body installed between pipe flanges
• MIK-LUGB-C intelligent anti-vibration vortex flowmeter: for gas, steam or liquid in pipelines where vibration is a concern
• MIK-FVM200 micro vortex flow meter: small pipes (DN8–DN15), liquid flow and temperature monitoring

If you are unsure, send us your application details and our engineers will recommend a model.

A vortex flowmeter measures volume flow at operating conditions. For gases and steam, density changes with temperature and pressure, so the same volume can contain a different mass. A compensated flowmeter measures temperature and pressure and uses them to calculate flow at standard conditions or mass flow, which is important for energy metering and cost allocation.

Compensation is generally recommended for steam and gas measurement when the process temperature or pressure varies, or when you need standard volume or mass flow. For liquids, or for gases at stable conditions, an uncompensated flowmeter may be sufficient.

A wafer-style flowmeter is clamped between two pipe flanges using long bolts, which makes it compact and lighter. A flanged flowmeter has its own flanges that bolt directly to the pipeline flanges. The choice depends on your pipe size, pressure rating and piping standard.

The MIK-LUGB-C is an intelligent vortex flowmeter designed based on the Karman vortex principle, for measuring gas, steam or liquid in industrial pipelines. Its anti-vibration design is intended for installations where pipe vibration could affect a vortex signal.

The MIK-FVM200 is a compact vortex flowmeter for DN8–DN15 pipes. It monitors the flow and temperature of water and water-based liquids such as ethylene glycol, with a flow accuracy of ±3%. It provides 4–20 mA or RS485 output, an alarm switch output and an OLED display.

• Vortex: steam, gases and low-viscosity liquids, including non-conductive liquids.
• Electromagnetic: conductive liquids, including dirty water and slurries; cannot measure gases or steam.

A vortex flowmeter measures gas volume flow and can calculate standard volume or mass flow with temperature and pressure compensation; it can also measure steam and liquids. The MIK-MF thermal mass flowmeter measures gas mass flow directly with insertion installation on DN65–DN1000 pipes, and is often used for gas consumption monitoring and leak analysis.

Vortex flowmeters support multiple output modes, such as frequency/pulse and 4–20 mA analog output. Available outputs vary by model; for example, the MIK-FVM200 provides 4–20 mA or RS485 output and an alarm switch output. Please check each product page or tell us your requirements.

A vortex flowmeter has no moving parts, which reduces maintenance frequency and improves long-term reliability. Its pressure loss is relatively low, helping reduce system energy consumption.

Vortex flowmeters are sensitive to flow disturbances, so they generally need longer straight pipe runs upstream and downstream than many other flowmeter types. The required length depends on the upstream fittings, such as elbows, reducers and valves. Please follow the installation manual of the selected model or send us your piping layout.

• Provide sufficient straight pipe upstream and downstream of the meter.
• Avoid installing near sources of strong pipe vibration, or choose an anti-vibration model.
• For liquids, make sure the pipe is always full.
• For steam, follow good practice for drainage and insulation.
• Install pressure and temperature sensors in the positions specified for compensated models.

Please follow the installation manual of the selected model.

Vortex flowmeters are widely used in energy, chemical, petrochemical, power, food and beverage, pulp and paper, and HVAC industries, especially for steam, compressed air, nitrogen and other gas measurement.

To help us select the correct model, please provide:

• Medium name and state (steam, gas or liquid)
• Flow range (min / normal / max)
• Operating temperature and pressure
• Pipe size and connection type (flange or wafer)
• Whether temperature and pressure compensation is required
• Output signal and power supply requirements
• Vibration conditions at the installation point
• Hazardous area requirements (if any) and quantity

Send your requirements to info@asmik.com or contact us via WhatsApp at +86 13325716921.