control & instrumentation solutions VLM10 vortex flowmeter for steam, gas and liquid flow measurement
V L M 1 0 v o r t e x f l o w m e t e r The innovative VLM10 vortex flowmeter A compact all in one solution, vortex technology is an excellent flexible option for measuring a wide range of fluids including saturated and superheated steam, single-phase liquids and other gases. The vortex flowmeter s robust, welded design, ensures no leak paths for safe operation and minimal maintenance which is particularly suited to utility steam measurement. The innovative VLM10 vortex flowmeter Simple to install and commission. Compact all-in-one solution for your flowmeter applications. No leak path design ensures safe operation. Monitor flow and your flowmeter s health through the built-in web interface. Integral or remote mounting of electronics for easier commissioning and monitoring.
spiraxsarco.com Accurate measurement provides you with effective energy data Achieving energy and carbon savings is a key priority for all plant managers and operators as they aim to make effective cost savings and achieve environmental targets. Effectively monitoring and measuring flowrates remotely with a VLM10 vortex flowmeter, which has the added benefit of having a built-in webserver, will enable effective measures and controls to be put in place. The user selectable digital, analog or pulse communications on the Spirax Sarco VLM10 flowmeter can help pinpoint vital management information and provide the flow data necessary to identify and target energy savings on your steam system. Accurate and repeatable flow measurement Unlike alternative technologies, VLM10 vortex flowmeters can measure a wide range of fluids including superheated steam, liquids and gases with no change to the flowmeter configuration. The no moving parts vortex design can measure low pressure flows with minimal pressure drop less than 0.138 bar g (2 psi g). The fully welded design with replaceable flow and temperature sensors means safe reliable measurement with no leak path. 3
V L M 1 0 v o r t e x f l o w m e t e r Easy to install and commission All VLM10 vortex flowmeters are factory calibrated, allowing for easier commissioning. Electronics can be mounted directly to the flowmeter, or remote mounting is available for easy user access. The menu driven front panel, or web enabled interface allow for straightforward commissioning. The VLM10 range at a glance Turndown Up to 20:1 Accuracy Outputs Steam and Gas ±1.5% measured rate over the entire flow range. Liquid ±1.0% measured rate over the entire flow range. Modbus RTU over RS485, BACnet MS / TP, Modbus TCP / IP, HTTP web interface, 4-20 ma, and pulse. Sizes DN25 to DN300 (1" to 12") Maximum steam operating conditions 46 bar g @ 400 C (670 psi g @ 750 F) A VLM10, installed at a manufacturing plant in the Northeast U.S. measured steam usage on one of their product lines. Based on the steam usage information gained from the flowmeter, they were able to size a smaller boiler for the plant decentralization plan, thus saving the company considerable money. John Thompson Product Marketing Manager-Flow
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V L M 1 0 v o r t e x f l o w m e t e r Why you should use a VLM10 vortex flowmeter High accuracy Delivers accurate and repeatable measurements to identify energy saving opportunities. Digital signal processing (DSP) produces a linear signal from sensor wing. In-line density compensation. Low installation cost The VLM10 can be installed without bypass tubing since the flow sensor and RTD can be removed under process conditions. Once the flowmeter is installed and commissioned, you can be confident it will operate effectively without the need of costly maintenance. Easily integrated with a host control system An easy addition to your monitoring and reporting system. Choice of Modbus (RTU and TCP / IP), BACnet, 4-20 ma and pulse outputs. Unrivalled performance and low cost of ownership Reduced installation time means less factory downtime which is a huge benefit for any organisation. Combined with reduced maintenance and long operating life, the VLM10 flowmeter is a good investment.
spiraxsarco.com Density compensation and accuracy Steam and gas applications often have widely fluctuating loads due to process variation. Measuring under these conditions presents unique challenges. Compensating for changes in density is critical to capture accurate mass flowrates. For some technologies this challenge is beyond their capability, or can only overcome at a great cost. The VLM10 is uniquely designed to meet this challenge in a single integral flowmeter. How saturated steam temperature and density change with pressure Steam pressure bar g (psi g) Steam temperature C ( F) Density kg / m³ (lbs/ ft³) 10.0 (145.0) 184.15 (363) 5.64 (0.35) 5.0 (72.5) 158.95 (318) 3.17 (0.20) 4.2 (60.0) 153.40 (308) 2.77 (0.17) Steam density alters with pressure changes caused by varying process loads. This can significantly affect the accuracy of the measured flow results. An uncompensated volumetric steam flowmeter calibrated to operate at 5.0 bar g (72 psi g) will over-read by 14.4% when used at 4.2 bar g (60 psi g), as shown below. 1 000 (2 200) 10 (145) Flowrate kg / h (lb / h) 800 (1 750) 600 (1 325) 400 (900) 200 (450) 0 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 (115) 6 (90) 4 (60) 2 (30) Pressure bar g (psi g) 2 500 (5 500) 2000 (4400) 1500 (4000) 1000 (2400) 500 (1100) 0 Cumulative error kg (lb) Hours elapsed Flowrate Actual system pressure Cumulative error In this example, a simple non-compensated flowmeter is set for 6 bar g (90 psi g). The actual pressure in the system varies through the day and unless this is allowed for, by the end of the day, very significant errors can arise. This is typical of many steam systems. 7
V L M 1 0 v o r t e x f l o w m e t e r Turndown, density compensation and accuracy Applications often have widely fluctuating loads due to seasonal or process variation. Measuring flow under these conditions presents two distinct challenges: The first is having the ability to measure from the minimum to maximum flowrates (turndown) which gives greater accuracy. The second is compensating for the changes in density. For some technologies these are challenges that are beyond them or can only be overcome at great cost. The VLM10 is uniquely designed to meet these challenges in a single integral flowmeter. Turndown ratio comparison of flow technologies Measuring both minimum and maximum flowrates (turndown) VLM10 Typically 20:1 Averaging pitot Typically 7:1 Orifice Typically 4:1 0 5 10 15 20 Turndown ratios with steam velocities limited to 35 m / sec (115 ft / sec)
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V L M 1 0 v o r t e x f l o w m e t e r Why choose a VLM10 vortex flowmeter? The VLM10 combines a proven in-line vortex design, and multivariable electronics with advanced digital signal processing and digital communications to provide you with an elegant solution for your steam and other fluids measurement needs. Safe operation Fully welded design requiring no gaskets means safe operation. Flow and temperature sensors never come into contact with fluid, allowing for sensor replacement without fluid leaks. Ease of installation and commissioning On board electronics and integral RTD measure the mass flow of steam without additional equipment. Menu driven front panel, or web enabled interface allow for ease of use when commissioning the flowmeter. Electronics can be mounted directly to the flow tube, or remotely to allow for easier commissioning and monitoring. Digital communications and industry standard pulse and analog outputs provide management with vital data to reduce energy costs and achieve energy savings. Versatile vortex technology Vortex can measure a wide range of fluids including saturated and superheated steam, single phase liquids, and other gases with no physical change to the equipment. The no moving parts design provides long-term customer use with minimal maintenance. Check your flowmeter anywhere you have access to the internet (computer, smart phone, tablet) Flowmeter operation. Flowmeter health. Log data and download to a spreadsheet. All this without any special software loaded onto your web device.
spiraxsarco.com Did you know... The VLM10 is the first flowmeter with a built-in web interface, no additional software is required. Connect to the internet to configure, monitor, and log the flowmeter s data from your computer anywhere in the facility. 11
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