Turbine Flow Meter vs. Vortex Flow Meter

Working Principle‌

Turbine: Fluid rotates a turbine, with speed proportional to flow rate (like a fan speedometer).

Vortex: Based on Kármán vortex street, fluid creates vortices past a bluff body, with frequency related to flow rate.

Suitable Media‌

Turbine: Only clean, low-viscosity liquids (e.g., water, diesel).

Vortex: Can measure liquids, gases, steam; handles high temperature/pressure and particulate matter.

Accuracy & Maintenance‌

Turbine: High accuracy (±0.5%~1%) but requires regular lubrication/cleaning.

Vortex: Slightly lower accuracy (±1%~2%), low maintenance, no moving parts.

Installation & Cost‌

Turbine: Requires horizontal installation, high straight-pipe needs, low initial cost but higher maintenance.

Vortex: Flexible installation, vibration-resistant, lower long-term cost.

Which is more accurate?‌

Turbine flow meters (±0.5%~1%) are more accurate than vortex (±1%~2%), but note:

Turbine is sensitive to fluid viscosity/temperature and needs clean media.

Vortex is more versatile for dirty fluids but may be affected by pipe vibrations.

Choose turbine for high-precision, clean media; choose vortex for complex conditions or low maintenance.