Glossary Updates12 new terms added to the glossaries · October 2, 2026, 22:44 CEST
AI TechDocKnowledge

Glossary · Sensors and measurement

Vortex flowmeter

Also known as: Vortex shedding flowmeter, Vortex meter

German: Wirbeldurchflussmesser

In process instrumentation, a vortex flowmeter is a flowmeter that measures volume flow from the frequency of vortices shed alternately behind a bluff body in the flow (Kármán vortex street), which is proportional to flow velocity within the operating range.

  • Sensors
  • Process industry

In one sentence

A vortex flowmeter measures volume flow from the frequency of vortices shed behind a bluff body, common for steam, gases and liquids.

Example

Vortex flowmeters measure the steam consumption of individual production areas for energy management.

How it applies

  • Engineering: Vortex flowmeters suit steam, gases and low-viscosity liquids and have no moving parts. Below a minimum flow velocity or Reynolds number, no stable vortices form, so the low end of the range is limited.
  • Installation: Straight inlet and outlet runs are needed; pipe vibration can disturb the measurement. For mass flow of steam or gas, pressure and temperature compensation is required, integrated or external.
  • Operation: Low-flow cutoff suppresses readings at very low flow; operators should know that this makes small flows appear as zero.
  • Documentation: Record the measuring range, low-flow cutoff and compensation method. For energy reports, state whether values are compensated.

Vortex flowmeter vs. orifice plate

Both suit steam and gases. An Orifice plate measures via differential pressure with a square-root relationship and a limited turndown; a vortex flowmeter measures a frequency proportional to velocity and has a wider rangeability.

By knowledge.aitechdoc.world · Published September 26, 2026 · Last reviewed

Source: AI TechDoc Knowledge editorial definition, based on flow measurement practice

Definitions follow the cited standards and specifications. Where a source is a copyrighted publication, such as an ISO, IEC or EN standard, the definition is a close paraphrase, not a verbatim quotation, so as not to infringe copyright. We recommend reading the original publication. The sections “How it applies” are editorial commentary by AI TechDoc Knowledge and are not part of any standard.

Seen a mistake? Send us a note!