ANALYSIS OF SIGNALS FROM VORTEX FLOWMETERS

The vortex flowmeter is used to measure the flow of fluids especially where the requirements include wide rangeability and the use of flowme ters with no moving parts. It is common knowledge that process conditi ons affect the operation of a vortex flowmeter, and a customary approa ch is to introduce flow conditioners so that the measurement output fr om a vortex flowmeter conforms to specified standards. Some recent stu dies have shown how to apply signal analysis to the signal from vortex flowmeters to enhance performance, but the signal which has been typi cally analysed is the pulse train. In this paper, we advocate a new ap proach which involves detailed analysis of the unconditioned signal fr om the sensor prior to conventional signal conditioning. The results o btained from this approach open opportunities for the development of a lternative signal conditioners and transmitters which not only enhance the quality of the measurement output from a vortex flowmeter but als o make it possible to use the flowmeter for monitoring the condition o f the plant.