05/11/2025

Vortex Flowmeter

Prowirl – Endress+Hauser Vortex Flowmeter

The Vortex flowmeter is a modern measurement device widely used across various industries such as food and beverage, chemical, oil and gas, and energy. In particular, the Prowirl Vortex flowmeter from Endress+Hauser has been proven for its durability, stable performance, and safety when operating under harsh conditions, withstanding pressures up to 250 bar and temperatures up to 450 °C. It is the optimal solution for processes requiring reliable and long-term flow measurement.

Measuring Principle of the Prowirl Vortex Flowmeter

The operating principle of the Vortex flowmeter is based on the Kármán vortex shedding phenomenon. When a liquid or gas flows past a bluff body—a fixed obstacle placed inside the pipe—alternating vortices are generated on both sides downstream of the obstacle.

- The frequency of these vortices is directly proportional to the flow velocity.
- A capacitive sensor detects the alternating pressure changes caused by these vortices and converts them into a linear electrical signal.
- From this signal, the device calculates the volumetric flow rate, and when combined with pressure and temperature sensors, the Vortex flowmeter can accurately determine the mass flow rate of steam or gas..

Thanks to this principle, the Prowirl Vortex flowmeter enables stable and accurate measurements even with media experiencing significant variations in operating conditions.

Advantages of the Prowirl Flowmeter

1. Versatile Measurement: Suitable for measuring saturated steam, superheated steam, liquids, and compressed gases., …
2. Safe Steam Measurement: The Prowirl 200 is the world’s first Vortex flowmeter capable of monitoring steam quality and providing alerts for wet steam conditions (Wet steam measurement / Wet steam detection).
3. Resistant to Harsh Environments: Operates reliably in temperatures ranging from –200 °C to +400 °C (with an option up to +450 °C) and withstands water hammer effects.
4. Safety-Standard Design SIL2 and SIL3: Certified by TÜV according to IEC 61508 standards.
5. Easy Installation and Operation: Designed for seamless integration with existing systems.

Applications of the Prowirl Flowmeter

With its flexible design and high durability, the Prowirl Vortex flowmeter is applied across many critical industrial sectors:

- Food & Beverage Industry: Measurement of saturated steam, hot water, CO₂ gas, and more, supporting the production of beer, soft drinks, dairy, and canned food.
- Oil & Gas and Petrochemical Industry: Measurement of compressed air, natural gas, fuel gas, and superheated steam in extraction and processing operations.
- Energy & Steam Industry: Control of saturated steam and superheated steam consumption in power plants and industrial steam systems.
- Chemical Industry: Measurement of solvent flow, volatile liquids, and industrial gases.