Hot steam flow meter

Cập nhật lần cuối ngày 16/06/2023 lúc 02:28 chiều

Hot steam flow meters, specially designed, provide high-precision measurement of hot steam flow rates. They are a product line that offers various types, capable of withstanding high temperatures and pressures. If you are seeking flow meter devices suitable for your hot steam system, this article will provide you with valuable information related to hot steam flow meters.

Understanding Hot Steam Flow Meters

The hot steam flow meter is a specialized type of flow meter designed to accurately measure the flow rate of hot steam. It can also be used to measure the flow rate of compressed air, water, and other fluids.
Due to its special design for measuring hot steam flow, this device can operate under high temperature and pressure conditions.

Depending on the type, hot steam flow meters employ different operating principles to measure the flow rate of hot steam, and the measured values are displayed on an electronic screen.

Additionally, the meter is equipped with signal wiring ports, allowing it to be connected to a central control computer system for monitoring system parameters directly at the control center.

Based on the operating principle of the device, the flow meter can be divided into different types, such as those using differential pressure measurement methods, those using rotor speed evaluation methods, and those using vortex generation methods.

Among them, the vortex type hot steam flow meter, also known as the vortex type, is the most commonly used type for hot steam systems in Vietnam.

Features of Hot Steam Flow Meters

Derived from the unique working conditions, the components in direct contact with the working fluid (specifically hot steam) must withstand higher pressures and temperatures from the fluid.
Some features of hot steam flow meters include:

• High-precision measurement of hot steam flow: The device is constructed with special sensors that apply measurement principles suitable for the characteristics of hot steam. This enables accurate measurement of hot steam flow rates passing through the flow meter.
• High durability: To measure the flow rate of hot steam inside pipelines, certain parts of the flow meter must directly withstand the high temperatures and pressures of the hot steam. These meter components are made from materials capable of withstanding high temperatures and pressures.
• Flexibility: Most hot steam flow meters can be used for various types of fluids, including compressed air, water, and some chemicals. To switch between measuring the flow rates of different fluids, the device parameters can be adjusted accordingly.
• Integration of multiple features in one device: In addition to flow rate measurement, these devices also provide the ability to measure pressure and temperature of the working fluid inside the system through the integration of special sensors.

Technical Specifications of Hot Steam Flow Meters

To assess whether a hot steam flow meter is suitable for application within their systems, the product’s technical specifications provide useful information that helps customers preliminarily determine its compatibility with their systems.
As the products are imported from various manufacturers, there is a wide range of types available, and the technical specifications depend greatly on the type of flow meter.

Below are the basic technical specifications compiled from commonly used hot steam flow meters in Vietnam:

• Flow meter size: From DN20 to DN600 (larger sizes need to be ordered in advance)
• Operating temperature range: Up to 450℃
• Optional working pressure levels: 15 bar, 20 bar, 25 bar, etc.
• Material options: Stainless steel 304, stainless steel 316
• Flow measurement range: 6 ~ 40 m³/h, 8 ~ 50 m³/h, 50 ~ 500 m³/h, etc.
• Measurement accuracy: 0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, etc.
• Operating power supply: 12V, 24V/AC; 220V/DC, etc.
• Output signal: Analog 4 ~ 20 mA
• Applied fluid: Saturated steam, compressed air, liquid, etc.
• Flow meter types: Vortex type, turbine type, differential pressure type
• Origin: China, Taiwan, Germany, South Korea, etc.
• Warranty policy: 12 or 18 months (depending on the product).

Understanding Industrial Hot Steam

Hot steam is one of the commonly used fluids in the industry, serving various roles depending on specific application systems. Hot steam is characterized by high pressure and temperature, which poses potential risks to human safety and the integrity of equipment within the system.
This demands the need for monitoring and controlling the operation of hot steam within the system.

How is hot steam generated in the industry?

Hot steam is formed by boiling water at high temperatures. Normally, water vaporizes into steam at 100℃ under atmospheric conditions. However, under high pressure conditions, water can vaporize at higher temperatures.
There are various methods to generate hot steam, but in industrial settings, hot steam generation must meet specific requirements such as producing a large and continuous amount of steam, operating at high temperature and pressure, minimizing moisture content, and maximizing fuel efficiency.

To meet these requirements for industrial steam generation, boilers are constructed.

They operate by absorbing heat energy from the combustion of coal, oil, natural gas, or by using electricity to generate heat. The heat energy is then transferred to water at high pressure. When the water reaches a certain temperature threshold, hot steam is obtained with high temperature and pressure.

The Role of Hot Steam in Industry

Hot steam exists in a gaseous state, which gives it some common properties of gases such as low density, low specific gravity, high flexibility, compressibility, and expansibility. In addition to these characteristics, hot steam also possesses distinct properties, including:

• High pressure and temperature: Generated by boiling water under high pressure conditions, hot steam typically has very high temperature and pressure levels.
• Heat transfer capability: Hot steam has better heat transfer rate compared to regular gases due to its ability to move and transmit heat more easily.
• High mobility: Hot steam can move to any position within the pipeline system to perform functions such as power transmission or heat transfer.
• Non-toxicity: Despite its high temperature, hot steam is formed from water, making it safe.

With these special properties, hot steam is applied in various industrial systems, including:

• Application in drying systems or heating systems
• Application in sterilization processes
• Application in the production and processing of food items
• Application in industrial production, including chemical manufacturing, paper production, particleboard production, etc.

Why is the Use of Hot Steam Flow Meters Necessary?

By combining the features of hot steam flow meters, the characteristics of hot steam, technical requirements, and safety requirements for the application system, the use of hot steam flow meters becomes mandatory. Moreover, they bring various benefits, including:

• Ensuring efficient system operation: The supply and regulation of hot steam systems need to be designed and operated efficiently to ensure stable and safe operation. Using hot steam flow meters helps measure and control the flow of hot steam, ensuring efficient system operation.
• Measuring performance: Measuring the amount of hot steam produced and consumed in the production process helps evaluate performance and optimize production processes.
• Detecting malfunctions: The devices can help detect system malfunctions early, preventing hazardous situations and allowing for timely repairs.
• Ensuring safety: With the monitoring function of hot steam flow and pressure, they contribute to ensuring safety in production and operation processes.

Therefore, the use of hot steam flow meters is essential in the industry to ensure efficient operation, safety, and cost savings.

Classification of Hot Steam Flow Meters

Various principles are applied to measure the flow rate of hot steam, and these methods have been studied for application in different types of hot steam flow meters. Let’s explore these flow meter types in more detail to determine the most suitable choice for your system.

Differential Pressure Hot Steam Flow Meter

The differential pressure hot steam flow meter relies on the pressure difference at two points of the flow when passing through the meter body. It combines with a signal processing unit to analyze the flow rate value of hot steam flowing through the pipeline.
Differential pressure flow meters used for hot steam employ different designs of meter bodies with special configurations to create pressure differential areas within the flow.

Some special constructions of meter bodies include the use of thin metal plates to change the flow cross-section, thereby creating pressure differential zones. They may also use tapered pipes or a conical component placed inside the meter body to generate pressure differences.

This type of flow meter is suitable for systems with medium to high flow velocities.

Vortex Hot Steam Flow Meter

Vortex flow meters, also known as swirl flow meters, are devices used to measure flow rates by generating vortices within the flow stream. They measure the frequency of vortex generation and utilize preloaded algorithms and devices to determine the working flow rate of the system.
These meters are highly regarded for their accuracy in measurement and do not require high maintenance. The meter body is entirely made of stainless steel, allowing them to be suitable for nearly all industrial hot steam systems.

Currently, vortex flow meters are widely applied in Vietnam for measuring the flow rate of hot steam in various industries.

Practical Applications of Hot Steam Flow Meters

Hot steam flow meters are designed to measure the flow rate of hot steam. Therefore, they are necessary for systems that utilize hot steam in production processes. In some cases, the use of these devices is mandatory to ensure safety requirements and system control capability.
Some practical applications of hot steam flow meters include:

• Measuring the flow rate of steam in boiler systems: Used to measure the flow rate of steam in boiler systems. This helps improve operational efficiency and reduce operating costs.
• Measuring the flow rate of liquids and gases in manufacturing and processing: Measuring the flow rate of liquids or gases in manufacturing and processing processes. This helps improve product quality and increase production efficiency.
• Measuring the flow rate of steam in hot steam distribution systems: Measuring the flow rate of steam in hot steam distribution systems. This helps minimize pressure loss and enhance the operational efficiency of the system.
• Measuring the flow rate of steam in power plants: These devices are used to measure the flow rate of hot steam and control the turbine operation in thermal power plants. Measuring the flow rate of hot steam ensures system safety and allows for reasonable adjustments based on the evaluation of system performance.

Considerations for Installation of Hot Steam Flow Meters

Hot steam flow meters currently available are predominantly electronic flow meters that integrate multiple modern features and offer precise measurements. However, the installation and usage of these devices require high standards due to their susceptibility to factors such as flow turbulence, system oscillation, and environmental humidity.
To ensure the durability and highest measurement accuracy of the device, the following points should be considered during the installation process:

Selecting the installation location: The device should be installed in a location that meets the specific application requirements. This includes choosing a position along the pipeline where there are no swirls or bends. Additionally, it is important to avoid installing the device in areas with electromagnetic interference or strong vibrations.

Choosing an appropriate meter for working conditions and the nature of hot steam: It is necessary to use the correct type of hot steam flow meter for a specific application. Each type has different measurement methods and unique characteristics, so it is essential to select the appropriate meter to ensure measurement accuracy.

Performing pre-installation measurement and testing: Before installation, it is important to perform measurement and testing procedures to ensure the accuracy of the hot steam flow meter. These procedures may include pressure measurement, temperature measurement, and flow rate measurement of the pipe.

Accurate installation: The installation of hot steam flow meters should be performed according to the correct procedures to ensure measurement accuracy. It is necessary to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use specialized calibration devices to ensure the accuracy of the installation.

Instructions for Connecting Signal Wires of Hot Steam Flow Meters

Unlike mechanical flow meters that simply need to be installed in the pipeline system and rely on the pressure of the fluid or the force of the flow to operate, hot steam flow meters, especially electronic ones, require proper wiring for them to function efficiently and utilize all the features they offer. This includes connecting power supply wires to the meter and also establishing signal wires from the meter to the monitoring computer system.
Depending on the model of the flow meter, different types of connectors are designed. However, here are the general steps for connecting signal wires of hot steam flow meters that you can refer to for your own device:

Step 1: Identify signal plug connectors.
Before starting the connection, you need to identify the signal plug connectors on your hot steam flow meter. These are usually labeled as (+) and (-) or corresponding numbers for signal channels. It is also advisable to check the device’s instruction manual for precise information on its signal plug connectors.

Step 2: Prepare signal wires.
You need to prepare signal wires to connect the hot steam flow meter to the system. These wires typically have plugs or connectors that allow you to connect them to the signal plug connectors on the flow meter.

Step 3: Connect the signal wires.
After preparing the signal wires, you can begin connecting them to the signal plug connectors on the hot steam flow meter. Ensure that you are connecting the wires to the correct connectors corresponding to the device’s signal channels and in the correct polarity (+) and (-) orientation.

Step 4: Check the connection.
After completing the signal wire connections, you need to perform a check to ensure everything is functioning correctly. This may involve verifying if the signal is being transmitted to the flow meter or performing a calibration test of the flow meter with a known flow rate to ensure its accuracy. Note that this instruction is a general guide and should not replace the specific instruction manual provided by each device.

High-Quality Hot Steam Flow Meters at VIVA

Flow meters are essential and critical devices in industrial systems. VIVA company provides reliable flow meters for measuring the flow of liquids and steam, designed to meet accurate and efficient measurement needs.
Our products are imported from reputable manufacturers, incorporating advanced technology and designed to ensure accuracy and durability. VIVA’s flow meters are applied in industries such as food and beverage, chemicals, water treatment, power generation, oil and gas, and many other industries.

In addition to product quality, VIVA offers professional after-sales services to ensure customer satisfaction. You can confidently choose hot steam flow meters at VIVA to guarantee efficiency and reliability for your system.

With a commitment to quality, reliability, and excellent service, VIVA’s hot steam flow meters are the perfect choice for businesses and factories in managing and controlling steam flow in production processes.

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