Why Turbine Flowmeter and Vortex Flowmeter Are Selected for Flow Measurement in Different Working Conditions?

Both turbine flowmeters and vortex flowmeters are common flow measuring instruments. Though their names differ by only one word, they vary greatly in working principles, applicable media and operating conditions. For practical selection, it is not simply about picking the one with higher accuracy. Instead, comprehensive judgement shall be made based on media, flow range, temperature, pressure and installation conditions.

So what exactly are the differences between turbine flowmeters and vortex flowmeters?

The turbine flowmeter is a velocity-type flowmeter.

When fluid flows through the meter, it drives the internal impeller to rotate. There is a corresponding relationship between the rotating speed of the impeller and the fluid flow velocity. The sensor detects the rotation signal of the impeller, which is processed to calculate the fluid flow rate.

The vortex flowmeter works based on the Karman vortex street principle.

After the fluid passes through the vortex generator, periodically alternating vortices form behind it. The meter detects the frequency of vortices and calculates the fluid flow rate according to the corresponding relationship.

One of the most significant differences: the turbine has rotating parts, while the vortex flowmeter has no moving mechanical parts.

① Clean, low-viscosity liquidsFor measuring relatively clean and low-viscosity liquids such as water and certain oil products, turbine flowmeters are usually a good option.

It features high accuracy and excellent repeatability, applicable to scenarios requiring certain precision in flow measurement.

② Gases and steamIf the measured media are compressed air, industrial gas, saturated steam and superheated steam, vortex flowmeters can be prioritized.

Vortex flowmeters cover a wide range of applicable media and contain no moving mechanical parts like impellers, widely used for flow measurement in industrial pipelines.

③ Media containing impuritiesIf the medium is unclean, special attention should be paid to the risk of impurities damaging the internal impeller of the turbine flowmeter.

Therefore, we cannot judge merely by instrument parameters; the actual medium conditions must be taken into consideration.

A flowmeter is not better simply for larger flow or wider measuring range. The caliber and measuring range shall be reasonably selected according to the minimum, normal and maximum flow on site, to ensure the actual working flow stays within the proper measuring range.

For media such as steam and high-temperature gas, the operating temperature and pressure range of the meter must be carefully verified.

If mass flow calculation of gas or steam is involved, corresponding compensation or calculation shall be performed combined with actual temperature and pressure parameters.

The installation position of the flowmeter, upstream and downstream straight pipe sections, pipeline vibration and on-site space will all affect the actual measuring performance.

Thus, flowmeter selection cannot rely only on pipe diameter. It is better to provide information including medium, flow range, temperature, pressure and on-site installation conditions.

From the above content, we can conclude:Turbine flowmeters are more suitable for measuring clean, low-viscosity media;Vortex flowmeters apply more to gases, steam and various industrial media.

Hence, flowmeter selection is not a simple comparison of accuracy or price, but matching the instrument with actual working conditions.

If you are still uncertain whether to choose a turbine flowmeter or vortex flowmeter, please provide Norhen with parameters including medium, pipe diameter, flow range, temperature, pressure and installation conditions.

Norhen specializes in industrial process measurement, offering one-on-one free type selection, parameter verification and solution support to help you pick the most suitable flow measurement product for your working conditions.