Vortex flow meter, also known as vortex flow meter or kamen vortex flow meter, is a kind of flow measurement instrument designed based on kamen vortex principle.Vortex steam flow meters are mainly used for industrial pipeline media fluid flow measurement, is an important tool to measure the flow rate of gas, steam or liquid.
How does a Vortex Flow Meter Work?
Vortex steam flow meters works on the principle of the Karman vortex street. When fluid flows past a baffle, vortices are alternately formed on both sides with opposite directions of rotation. As shown in Figure 1. The vortex separation frequency f is proportional to the average velocity v on both sides of the cylinder and inversely proportional to the cylinder width d:
f =St*V/d
f: vortex separation frequency
St: Strouhal (dimensionless constant)
v: average fluid velocity
d: The width ofthe vortex generating body on the flow surface

Within the allowable range of the flowmeter, St is a constant, and the fluid velocity and volume flow can be measured by measuring the separation frequency of the vortex.
What are the Advantages of Vortex Steam Flow Meters?
- High accuracy: ±0.5% of reading (the highest for liquid), ±1.0% of reading (gas/steam).
- Low flow: The measurable lower fluid limit flow velocity of the instrument is as low as 0.2 m/s. (Temperature 20°C and water density 1,000 kg/m³
- Wide temperature range: general type: (-40–200)°C; high-temperature type: (- 40–400)°C
- High stability and vibration resistance.
- Cost Efficiency: The multivariable design reduces the need for additional sensors and instruments, leading to cost savings in both equipment and installation.
- Easy Installation: Heinrichs vortex flow meters are designed for straightforward installation, with minimal downtime required. Whether retrofitting into existing systems or for new applications, our meters integrate seamlessly.
- Durability: With a rugged, all-metal construction, these meters are resistant to corrosion, abrasion, and harsh operating conditions, ensuring long service life in even the most demanding environments.
- Minimal Maintenance: The absence of moving parts ensures that vortex flow meters require little to no maintenance, reducing operational costs and the risk of equipment downtime.
- High Turndown Ratio: Offering a wide range of measurable flow rates, our vortex meters maintain accuracy across varying conditions, making them adaptable for both low and high-flow applications.
- Communication and Output Options: With digital communication options such as HART, Modbus, and analog outputs, these meters can easily integrate into existing industrial control systems, providing real-time data for process optimization.
How Should a Vortex Steam Flow Meters be Installed?
- Avoid strong electric equipment, high frequency equipment, and strong switching power supply equipment as much as possible. The power supply of the instrument should be separated from these equipment as much as possible;
- Avoid the direct influence of high temperature heat sources and radiation sources. If it must be installed, insulation and ventilation measures must be taken;
- Avoid high humidity environment and strong corrosive gas environment. If it must be installed, ventilation measures must be taken;
- Although our flow meter has good vibration resistance, if conditions permit, it can be preferred to be installed in places with less vibration. If installation is necessary, pipe fastening devices must be installed at 2D upstream and downstream, and anti-vibration pads must be added to enhance the anti-vibration effect;
- The instrument is best installed indoors. When installed outdoors, attention should be paid to waterproofing. Special attention should be paid to bending the cable into a U shape at the electrical interface to prevent water from entering the amplifier case along the cable;
- Sufficient space should be left around the flowmeter when installing to facilitate wiring, installation and regular inspection.
- The wiring location should be as far away from electrical noise sources (such as high-power transformers, motors, mixers, etc.) as possible to prevent electromagnetic interference.
Applications of Vortex Steam Flow Meters
ARTang vortex flow meters are suitable for a wide range of industries and applications, including:
- Power Generation: Steam flow measurement for boiler efficiency and energy management.
Oil & Gas: Gas flow measurement in refining, distribution, and production processes. - Chemical Processing: Precise measurement of process liquids, steam, and gases.
- HVAC: Monitoring of air and steam flow in heating and cooling systems.
- Food & Beverage: Steam and liquid flow measurement in production and processing lines.
Optimize Your Operations with ARTang Vortex Flow Meter
ARTang vortex flow meters provide a highly accurate, cost-effective solution for your flow measurement needs. With their robust design, multivariable measurement capability, and real-time compensation for temperature and pressure, these meters ensure precise, reliable readings in a wide range of applications. Reduce your instrumentation costs, simplify installation, and gain actionable insights into your process with our advanced vortex flow meters.