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Vortex flowmeter back pressure reasons and solutions introduction

If a vortex flowmeter is used to measure the flow rate, the effect of back pressure must be considered. In some processes, sufficient back pressure will exceed the maximum operating pressure, causing some parts of the process to fail. This means undesirable downtime and potential cost impacts.
Anything connected to the vortex flowmeter, including valves, elbows and other structural components, creates back pressure. In many cases, this is fine as long as the pressure generated does not exceed the maximum. For some low pressure applications, such as indoor air supply or cylinders, the back pressure may be minimal. For higher pressure applications in process control and research, such as in a reactor pressurized system, unless there is a safety valve, the line may burst from additional back pressure. To determine what your back pressure is or what it will be, use a pressure gauge.
Cause of back pressure
The vortex flowmeter itself is not large enough. The accuracy provided by manufacturers and suppliers is comprehensive. When selecting a vortex flowmeter for process applications, it is best not to get too close to this specified maximum. For example, if the accuracy is listed as 5 liters per minute and the actual flow rate is 4.9 liters/minute, then approaching the maximum may result in an increase in pressure. Even if other models are more economical, choosing the right vortex flowmeter size from the start is a worthwhile investment. Installing a vortex flowmeter that is too small in size will ultimately prove to be more costly.
Blockage of the production line can create excessive pressure. Anything that hinders the flow of the line can cause pressure fluctuations, whether the blockage is due to material build-up, high levels of particulate matter or sludge, or other obstructions. Detecting clogging as a source of pressure change can be challenging. Of course, removing the blockage should normalize the back pressure.
The fluid is too viscous (heating if possible) or too high (increasing the pipe diameter / re-adjusting the meter size).
The design of the pipe set. If you are experiencing consistent back pressure problems and your vortex flowmeter size is right for your process, you may want to double check your settings. If the elbows are too close to the meter itself or to each other, the back pressure will increase. Avoid creating unnecessary restrictions on the line by including a significant number of straight lines in the setup.

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