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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Vortex shedding provides accurate flow

Journal Article · · Oil Gas J.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5167531

The Myers-Aubrey Co. reports that industry is using vortex-shedding flowmeters in such applications as air, water, and natural gas measurements as well as gas-well testing, liquid-hydrocarbon flow control, and custody transfer for cryogenic LNG measurements. Based on the direct relationship between shedding frequency and flow velocity, the flowmeters are capable of linear and repeatable operations over a wide flow range, have low maintenance costs and long-term accuracy, and are considered reliable. The Eastech vortex flowmeters use 4 different sensing methods. Three are based on thermal sensing in which the heated sensor responds to the cooling effect of flow; the fourth technique involves a shuttle-type sensor that is moved back and forth by the vortex shedding along the flow axis. The resulting signals are transformed into electrical pulses for further electronic processing. These flowmeters are low-pressure-loss devices that can measure gas flows in a 2-in. pipe as low as 13 SCF/min with an accuracy of +/-0.25%. For liquids with viscosities close to that of water, the minimum flow in a 2-in. pipe is 7.5 gal/min. Increasing viscosity raises the minimum measurable flow rate.

OSTI ID:
5167531
Journal Information:
Oil Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Oil Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 73; ISSN OIGJA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English