Gn Flow Meter is a leading manufacturer of microfluidic measurement and control instruments.

Vortex Flow Meter：Principles, Applications, and Advantages

2026-08-06

Working Principle

Vortex flowmeters operate on the principle of fluid oscillation to measure flow rate. As fluid flows through the transmitter in a pipeline and passes a triangular-prism vortex generator, two rows of vortices—alternating above and below—are shed downstream of the generator at a rate proportional to the flow velocity; the vortex shedding frequency depends on the average velocity of the fluid passing the generator and the characteristic width of the generator itself.

Measurable Media

Steam: superheated steam, saturated steam
Gases: compressed air, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, natural gas, coal gas, and other common gases
Liquids: water, gasoline, alcohol, benzene series, and similar light liquids

Non-Measurable Media

Strong acid and strong alkali liquids
Highly viscous liquids
Liquids with large particles or slurries
Gases with high dust content
Wet or corrosive strong-acid gases

Applications

Measurement of gas, liquid, and steam flow rates
Adaptable to a variety of medium-calibers and various types of measurements (via switch settings)

Features / Advantages

Designed in three-wire or two-wire system (E Series Display Circuit)
Compact circuit design (newly emerged)
Analog-type amplified circuit
High accuracy within the conventional flow range
Wide range (large turndown ratio)
Optional EVC function

Conclusion

The Vortex Flow Meter is a reliable device for measuring liquids, gases, and steam (up to 350 °C) using the Karman vortex principle. With no moving parts, it offers high accuracy, wide range, and corrosion-resistant SS construction, making it ideal for oil, chemical, and power industries. However, it cannot measure strong acids/alkalis, viscous fluids, slurries, or dusty/wet gases. The E Series Display Circuit enhances it with flexible wiring, large turndown, and optional EVC function.

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Shanghai Cixi Instrument CO.,LTD was founded in 2008 and is located in Shanghai Songjiang industrial park. We are the professional flow meter manufacture who integrate R&D, production and sales as one manufacturers.