Top 5 Types of Steam Flowmeters
Holykell offers various steam flow monitoring solutions for steam.
Solution 1-Vortex Flowmeter
Vortex flow meters operate on the principle of Kármán vortex street, where vortices are created behind a bluff body placed in the flow stream. The frequency of vortex shedding is directly proportional to the flow velocity, which is then used to calculate the flow rate.
It is suitable for medium temperatures of -40~+400℃ and DN15-300mm pipes.
Product advantages
No moving parts, stable and reliable, ensuring long-term reliability and low maintenance costs.
High measurement accuracy up to 1.0%F.S
Small pressure loss, saving energy
Low-power single-chip microcomputer technology adopted
Flexible and simple installation, reducing setup costs
Steam Measurement Applications:
Industrial Steam Systems: Used in steam generation and distribution systems.
Chemical Processing: For measuring the steam flow used in heating or energy generation.
Power Plants: Common in measuring steam flow for turbines and boilers.
Solution 2-Coriolis Mass Flowmeter
Coriolis mass flow meters directly measure the mass flow rate of fluids by detecting the deflection caused by fluid movement through a vibrating tube. This technology is particularly effective for accurately measuring mass flow regardless of temperature and pressure changes.
It is suitable for medium temperature of -50~+150℃(typical), -50~+450℃(optional) and DN1-300mm pipes.
Product advantages
Fewer process measuring points, multivariable measurement (mass, volume, density, temperature)
Coriolis meters provide direct measurement of mass flow, which is especially beneficial when steam is used as a heat transfer medium.
Highest accuracy of 0.1%F.S, even for variable steam conditions.
Independent of fluid properties, not affected by changes in steam temperature, pressure, or density.
Steam Measurement Applications:
Steam Systems in Power Plants: For monitoring steam flow in boilers, turbines, and heat exchangers.
Pharmaceutical and Food Industries: When precise measurement of steam used in sterilization or cooking processes is required.
Oil & Gas: Used in steam injection systems for enhanced oil recovery.
Solution 3-Thermal Mass Flowmeter
Thermal mass flow meters measure the mass flow rate of gases, including steam, based on the principle that the heat dissipation of a heated element is proportional to the flow rate of the gas. The temperature difference between the heated element and the surrounding fluid is used to calculate the flow rate.
It is suitable for medium temperature of -40~+220℃ and small and huge pipes from DN15mm-6000mm..
Product advantages
Accurate for low flow rates especially effective in applications with low steam flow or precise measurement of small quantities of steam.
Calibrated in actual gas to ensure accuracy over the entire flow range
High power for quick response and wide turndown (100:1)
Constant temperature sensing for low flow accuracy
In-situ testing of sensor and circuitry, factory recalibration is not required
Compact design, ideal for applications where space is limited.
Steam Measurement Applications:
HVAC Systems: For monitoring steam used in heating and cooling.
Industrial Steam Processes: For accurate measurement of low to medium steam flows in chemical processing or manufacturing.
Energy Monitoring: Used in steam systems and optimize efficiency.
Solution 4-Target Flowmeter
Target flow meters measure the flow rate by using a target or vane placed in the flow stream. The force exerted on the target by the moving fluid (steam) is proportional to the flow velocity. This force is measured and used to determine the flow rate.
It is suitable for medium temperature of -196℃～+450℃ and DN15-2000mm pipes.
Product advantages
Allows comprehensive and accurate steam measurement up to 0.2%
Simple and robust design, without moving parts , requiring little maintenance.
Capable of medium include liquid, gas, steam, viscous medium even under high temperature & low temperature conditions
Wide measuring range, max measuring range reach 1:30.
Good repeatability, generally 0.05~0.08%, fast measurement.
Strong anti-interference and anti-impurity ability.
The measuring flow range can be changed by replacing the force component according to actual needs.
Steam Measurement Applications:
Boiler Systems: Ideal for steam flow measurement in boiler feedwater and steam generation.
Turbine Flow Measurement: Common in power plants to monitor steam flow to turbines.
Refineries and Chemical Plants: Used in high-flow, high-pressure applications to measure steam for heating and process control.
Solution 5-Differential Pressure Flowmeter (Orifice Plate Flowmeter)
Orifice plate flow meters are a type of differential pressure flow meter. They consist of a thin plate with a hole in the center, installed in the pipe. The flow of steam through the orifice creates a pressure drop, which is measured and used to calculate the flow rate.
It is suitable for medium temperature less than 400℃ and DN25-1200mm pipes.
Product advantages
Simple structure, stable and reliable in performance
Cost-effective, generally less expensive than other types of flow meters.
Wide range of applications, including single-phase fluid (liquid, gas, steam) and partial mixed-phase flow
Simple to install and maintain, making them a popular choice for steam flow measurement in various industries.
Products available for pipes and working state of general production process
Online and dynamic full compensation and self-diagnosis and self-setting range function
Steam Measurement Applications:
Steam Boilers: Common in the measurement of steam flow to and from boilers.
Power Plants: Used to measure steam flow in turbines, heat exchangers, and other critical steam lines.
Chemical and Petrochemical Industries: Widely used in steam measurement for processes like distillation, refining, and heating.
The choice of the 5 steam flowmeters above depends on the specific working condition and the budget requirement. Contact us NOW for how to select a flow meter for your project.
