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Steam Flow Meter Selection Guide: Accurate Measurement Helps Improve Energy Efficiency

2025-03-03
 

In industries such as petrochemicals, electricity, pharmaceuticals and food processing, steam is an important energy medium, and its flow measurement is directly related to production efficiency and energy cost control. However, the high temperature, high pressure and phase change characteristics of steam put forward strict requirements on flow meters. How to choose a suitable steam flow meter? This article will analyze the mainstream technical solutions for you to help you achieve accurate monitoring and energy saving and consumption reduction!
 
1. Vortex flowmeter
 
Principle: Calculate the flow rate by detecting the vortex frequency generated when steam flows through the vortex generator.
 
Advantages:
 
High temperature and high pressure resistance (up to 400℃, 4MPa), suitable for saturated steam and superheated steam.
 
No moving parts, high stability, low maintenance.
 
Accuracy can reach ±1%, range ratio 10:1, meet fluctuating conditions.
 
Applicable scenarios: boiler outlet, steam pipe network, heat exchange system, etc.
 
2. Differential pressure flowmeter (orifice plate/nozzle)
 
Principle: Based on the Bernoulli equation, the flow rate is calculated by the pressure difference before and after the throttling device.
 
Advantages:
 
Simple structure, low cost, long history and mature standards.
 
Resistant to extreme working conditions (high temperature and high pressure), suitable for large industrial steam systems.
 
Limitations:
 
High pressure loss (about 30%~50%), high energy consumption in long-term operation.
 
Requires accessories such as differential pressure transmitter and condensate tank, and complex installation.
 
3. Average velocity tube flowmeter (Velibar/Annubar)
 
Principle: Measure the average flow velocity of the pipe section by taking pressure at multiple points.
 
Advantages:

The pressure loss is only 5% of the orifice plate, with significant energy saving effect.
 
Integrated design, easy installation, suitable for large-diameter pipes (DN200 and above).
 
Applicable scenarios: main steam pipelines of power plants, large chemical plants.


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