Vortex Flow Meters

Vortex meters use a principle called the von Kármán effect to measure liquids, gases and vapors. In fluid dynamics, a Kármán vortex street is a repeating pattern of swirling vortices, caused by a process known as vortex shedding. As water (or another liquid, gas or vapor) flows past an obstacle, fluid separates and forms alternating differential pressure known as vortices.

Vortex meters measure by placing an obstruction (called a shredder bar) in the flow path, which creates vortices of alternating differential pressure. These vortices cause a small sensor device to oscillate with a frequency directly proportional to the velocity of the moving fluid. The sensing element then converts the oscillation rate into an electrical signal, which is converted into a quantifiable velocity reading.