Yokogawa Electric Corporation of Japan developed the world's first vortex flowmeter in 1979, and over the past thirty years, Yokogawa vortex flowmeters have surpassed 300,000 units in global sales. Due to their long-term stability and high precision, they have helped customers achieve significant progress in productivity. To adapt to the ever-changing market demands, Yokogawa has developed products such as high-temperature, low-temperature, dual-sensor, reduced-diameter, and fieldbus communication vortex flowmeters. Recently, Yokogawa's vortex flowmeters have been well applied in steam flow measurement, making significant contributions to customers' energy-saving activities. Yokogawa will continue to develop new products to meet customer and market needs.

Yokogawa’s vortex flow meters—especially the VY and digitalYEWFLO series—pack a punch when it comes to precision and reliability. Here are the standout features that make them favorites in industrial flow measurement:

High Accuracy: ±0.75% for liquids and ±1.0% for gas and steam.

Wide Operating Range: Handles temperatures from cryogenic levels up to 450°C and pressures up to ASME Class 1500.

Spectral Signal Processing (SSP): Breaks down vortex signals into spectral components to filter out noise and improve measurement stability.

Adaptive Noise Suppression (ANS): Dynamically adjusts to pipe vibrations and process noise for a clearer signal.

Dual Piezoelectric Sensors: Installed in a single shedder bar, 180° out of phase, to cancel out noise and enhance accuracy.

Built-in Diagnostics: Includes self-checks, obstruction (de-clogging) alarms, and remote verification tools.

Low Flow Capability: Reduced bore types with built-in reducers/expanders allow stable readings even at low flow rates.

Digital Communication: Supports HART, FOUNDATION Fieldbus, and Modbus protocols for seamless integration.
 

Frequently Asked Questions: Yokogawa Vortex Flow Meters

1. What is a vortex flow meter and how does it work? 

It measures flow by detecting the vortices shed by a bluff body (shedder bar) placed in the flow stream. The frequency of these vortices is proportional to the flow velocity.

2. What fluids can it measure? 

Yokogawa vortex meters handle liquids, gases, saturated steam, and superheated steam—but not multiphase or sticky fluids.

3. What’s the difference between digitalYEWFLO and VY series? 

The VY series is the latest evolution, offering broader temperature/pressure ranges, enhanced diagnostics, and Spectral Signal Processing (SSP). The digitalYEWFLO is a proven workhorse with Adaptive Noise Suppression (ANS) and built-in temperature sensor options.

4. Can it measure low flow rates? 

Yes—Reduced Bore types are available to improve sensitivity and accuracy at low flow conditions.

5. What communication protocols are supported? 

Both series support HART, with the VY series also offering FOUNDATION Fieldbus and Modbus.

6. Is it SIL certified? 

Yes, both series are available with SIL 2/3 certification, making them suitable for safety instrumented systems.

7. How does it handle noise and vibration? 

Through dual piezoelectric sensors and advanced DSP (SSP/ANS), Yokogawa meters filter out pipe vibration and process noise for stable readings.

8. What’s the installation orientation? 

They can be installed horizontally or vertically, depending on the fluid and application. Proper orientation ensures accurate vortex shedding.

9. Are there built-in diagnostics? 

Yes—diagnostics include sensor health, clogging detection, flow noise alerts, and remote verification tools.

10. What’s the maintenance like? 

Minimal. With no moving parts and robust construction, they’re designed for long-term stability and low maintenance.