Precautions before using the vortex flowmeter

1. Verification before commissioning. On the one hand, considering that there are still various difficulties in the on-site verification of such instruments. In addition, if the intention of purchasing is to use this instrument in more important measurement occasions, such as large-flow trade measurement or measurement points with prominent measurement disputes, and the application site does not have the conditions for online flow calibration, then in this case, it is too early to easily judge that all the performance of the meter is qualified based on a factory certificate provided by the manufacturer at the time of purchase. Therefore, in order to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the measurement results of the instrument in the future work process, it is necessary to send it to a department with verification capabilities and qualifications in this regard for a system verification within the full flow range before formal installation.

2. Flow meter

Selection. After the type of instrument has been selected, the selection of the instrument specifications and its supporting components is crucial. In a word, only by selecting well can we use it well. To this end, two basic principles should be grasped in the selection process: one is to ensure the accuracy of use, and the other is to ensure production safety. To achieve this, three selection parameters must be implemented, namely the maximum, minimum and commonly used instantaneous flow rates in the short and long term (mainly used to select the size of the instrument), the design pressure of the measured medium (mainly used to select the nominal pressure level of the instrument), and the working pressure (mainly used to select the pressure level of the instrument pressure sensor).

3. Do a good job in process installation. Although this type of flow meter does not have too many special requirements for process installation and use environment, any type of flow measurement instrument has such a commonality, that is, to avoid vibration and high temperature environment and flow interference elements (such as compressors, separators, pressure regulating valves, reducers and manifolds, elbows, etc.) as much as possible, keep the inner wall of the straight pipe section before and after the instrument smooth and straight, and ensure that the measured medium is a clean single-phase fluid.

4. Pay attention to internal maintenance. If the measuring cavity and its components of the instrument need to be regularly inspected or cleaned due to dirty gas or other reasons, then one thing must be paid special attention to: for the same specification of vortex flowmeter, its vortex generator, guide body and other core components cannot be interchanged, otherwise, the metering coefficient of the instrument must be recalibrated and the temperature and pressure sensors it carries must be systematically calibrated.

5. Strengthen post-management. Although this type of meter has multiple automatic disposal functions and low power consumption, it still needs to be managed after it is put into operation. For example, in order to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the flow meter in the long term (to avoid unexpected downtime and data loss), it is necessary to regularly calibrate the system (every 1 to 2 years), copy the header data (daily or weekly), replace the medium parameters (monthly or quarterly), and check the battery status, meter coefficients and lead seals from time to time.