Wirbelmessgeräte

Wirbelmessgeräte, also known as vortex meters, are instruments used to measure the flow rate of fluids, both liquids and gases. They operate based on the principle of vortex shedding, a phenomenon where alternating vortices are shed from a bluff body placed in a flowing fluid. The frequency at which these vortices are shed is directly proportional to the flow velocity of the fluid.

The core component of a vortex meter is a bluff body, often a V-shaped or triangular shedder bar, installed within the pipeline. As the fluid flows past this body, it creates a repeating pattern of swirling eddies, or vortices, on alternating sides. A sensor, typically a piezoelectric crystal or a capacitance-based sensor, is positioned downstream of the bluff body to detect the pressure fluctuations caused by these vortices.

The sensor converts the pressure variations into an electrical signal. The frequency of this signal corresponds to the vortex shedding frequency. By knowing the dimensions of the shedder bar and the pipe, and by calibrating the device, the flow velocity can be accurately determined. Since the cross-sectional area of the pipe is constant, the volumetric flow rate can then be calculated by multiplying the velocity by the area.

Vortex meters are known for their robust construction, lack of moving parts, and ability to handle a wide range of temperatures and pressures. They offer good accuracy and are suitable for clean or slightly contaminated fluids. Common applications include process control in chemical plants, steam flow measurement, and water and wastewater management. Their simplicity and reliability make them a popular choice for many industrial flow measurement needs.