Endress+Hauser’s Prowirl vortex flowmeter has established itself in utilities applications and is now also widely used in process measurement systems. Its success is based on the continuous development of the vortex flow measurement technology at Endress+Hauser; according to end users the Prowirl meets the needs of robust technology, ease of handling and fulfilment of international requirements and standards.
Innovation in practice
In 2007 the introduction of vortex flowmeters with a single and even double nominal diameter reduction brought the user two decisive advantages. One was the ability to measure lower flows, while the other was to do this without a reduction of up and downstream piping – a development met with widespread approval from design engineers and end users alike.
The key to this success was the ability to install one or two step reducers without affecting the original performance specifications. Endress+Hauser vortex flowmeters with a nominal diameter reduction also have the same face-to-face length as a standard instrument; this can be used to adapt older systems to modified process conditions without expensive and time-consuming operations. Using Applicator, a selection and design software tool from Endress+Hauser, all device versions and variants can be sized to ensure the best possible performance over any given set of process conditions.
The capacitive vortex sensor
The heart of the vortex flowmeter is its sensor for measuring the pressure differences produced by the bluff body. As early as 1986, the patented DSC sensor (Differential Switch Capacitor) was introduced replacing the original piezo sensor.
The design of the DSC sensor is balanced against pipe vibrations up to 1g, temperature shocks and various forms of steam hammer. Its robust construction enables use in applications with process temperatures from –200 to +400°C and pressures up to 250 bar. For this reason, Prowirl vortex flowmeters are frequently used in cryogenic applications.
An exceptional feature of Prowirl is its drift free measuring behaviour, providing reliable flow metering with long-term stability, ideal for utilities requiring consistent, interference-free operation.
The multivariable transmitter
Due to its low power requirement, the vortex flow measuring principle is suitable for two-wire technology even with multivariable inputs. The transmitter electronics containing many innovative functional enhancements that permit the accurate mass measurement of steam, gas and liquids. For example, IAPWS-IF97 standard is programmed in the device software allowing accurate mass measurement of saturated and superheated steam.
For the measurement of gases, the integrated flow computer also contains the properties of 22 typical industrial gases. A separate menu in the function matrix permits selection of various pure gases, such as nitrogen and oxygen, or a gas mixture with up to eight different components. Additionally, the HART input makes it possible to include external pressure signals for a completely compensated mass measurement of steam or corrected volume measurement of gas.
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