Proper installation of a vortex flow meter is essential for accurate measurement and long-term reliability. This guide outlines key precautions and best practices that must be followed during installation.
1. Power Supply Requirements
Ensure that the 24V DC power supply is correctly connected. Reversing the polarity (positive and negative terminals) is strictly prohibited and may cause irreversible damage to the circuit board.
For outdoor installations, apply waterproof sealing gel at the connection point between the flow meter and the signal cable. This prevents rainwater from entering the housing via the cable.
2. Piping and Pre-Installation Preparation
Thoroughly flush the pipeline before installing the flow meter to remove debris or foreign particles that could damage the sensor.
Do not weld flanges with the flow meter already installed. All welding work must be completed in advance. After welding, clean the inside of the pipe to remove welding slag or residues.
3. Installation Orientation and Flow Direction
The flow direction of the fluid in the pipe must match the arrow mark indicated on the body of the flow meter.
Mount the flow meter horizontally on a horizontal pipeline whenever possible, ensuring the sensor is aligned vertically to optimize vortex shedding and measurement accuracy.
4. Straight Pipe Length Requirements
To ensure stable and accurate flow measurement, sufficient straight pipe lengths must be maintained upstream and downstream of the meter:
Upstream (inlet side): At least 10D to 15D (D = pipe inner diameter)
Downstream (outlet side): At least 6D to 8D
Avoid installing the meter near elbows, valves, pumps, or reducers without sufficient straight run.
5. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Protection
Do not install the flow meter in environments with strong electromagnetic interference, such as near high-power inverters, motors, or switchgear.
During wiring, separate power cables and signal cables to minimize interference.
6. Vibration Considerations
Avoid installing the meter on highly vibrating pipelines, such as those connected to reciprocating pumps.
If unavoidable, implement vibration damping measures, such as:
Installing rubber dampers
Using flexible hose segments between the pipeline and the flow meter
7. Steam Flow Measurement
When measuring steam, open and close valves slowly to avoid sudden pressure changes.
Sudden surges may result in water hammer or steam hammer effects, which could damage the sensing element.
8. Environmental Considerations for Outdoor Installation
For outdoor use, the enclosure must be rated IP65 or higher.
Protect the transmitter and wiring from direct exposure to rain, snow, and UV radiation. Consider using instrument enclosures or shelters for added protection.
Conclusion
Following these installation guidelines helps ensure the vortex flow meter operates with high accuracy, stability, and longevity. Improper installation may result in signal loss, measurement error, or even permanent damage. Always refer to the manufacturer’s full installation manual for model-specific requirements.