In the realm of process instrumentation, flow measurement stands out for offering the broadest array of options, which can make it challenging to determine the best fit. Emerson helps the situation by offering a wide variety of flow measurement options, along with extensive application experience. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and we can help our customers choose an ideal solution for their specific application.
One technology that is growing rapidly is vortex, thanks to its versatility, and Emerson has an excellent offering using this approach in our Rosemount 8800 Flanged Vortex Flow Meter line. How vortex works and understanding where it’s the best choice is the subject of my article at automation.com, Vortex Flow Meters, Versatile Solutions for Complex Safety and Measurement Needs.
All flow meter technologies present a balance of pros and cons in a variety of applications, and vortex technology has a long list of positives. From a performance standpoint, they are similar to differential pressure (DP) designs, so they can often be considered on similar terms in many applications, however vortex technology offers important additional advantages.
The list of advantages includes no less than 12 points, as explained in the article. Some limitations are also mentioned, but they are common to many flow meter technologies. For now, let’s concentrate on two specific advantages that are especially worthy of consideration: safety and the ability to handle a variety of process fluids. Variety first:
A vortex flow meter alone delivers a volumetric reading, but if combined with temperature and line pressure data, a sophisticated transmitter can calculate additional mass flow variables, especially useful for compressible fluids. The temperature sensor provides compensation for saturated steam, and an additional pressure input compensates for superheated steam.
Safety is especially important, and our Rosemount 8800 Quad Vortex Flow Meter line delivers key advantages. First, they are available certified to SIL 3, and a standard solution is available for highly critical requirements where a 2oo3 voting scheme is necessary to avoid false alarms.
Configuring and installing a 2oo3 flow measurement scheme can be cumbersome and costly, but the effects of an unneeded response can be far worse. One major advantage of vortex flow meters is their compact design, making it easy to fit multiple units in a relatively small space. In this configuration, opposing transmitters share a single shedder bar, but their function is sufficiently separated so each acts independently. This configuration is approved by safety evaluators and has received a SIL 3 rating for critical applications. A fourth transmitter provides the same reading to the automation host system, so only three of the transmitters need to be safety certified.
For anyone who has tried to configure a 2oo3 flow meter setup, this is a huge step forward. But there are many other reasons to use this vortex meters, particularly where steam or other gases are involved.
Overall, vortex flow meters provide a range of capabilities, operational economy, and form factor advantages difficult to duplicate with any other flow measurement technology.
For more information, visit Emerson’s Flow Measurement pages and the Control & Safety Systems pages at Emerson.com. You can also connect and interact with other engineers in the Oil & Gas and Chemical Processing Groups at the Emerson Exchange 365 community.
