Steam metering is essential for accurately measuring steam consumption, optimizing energy efficiency, and reducing operational costs in industrial and commercial facilities. Emergent deploys inline vortex, turbine, and differential pressure flow meters matched to system pressure, temperature, and flow rate requirements.

Inline Vortex Flow Meters

Inline vortex shedding steam meters operate based on the vortex shedding principle — when a fluid flows past a bluff body (a non-streamlined obstruction), alternating vortices are shed downstream at a frequency proportional to flow velocity. These meters are commonly used to measure steam flow due to their accuracy, durability, and ability to handle high temperatures and pressures.

Applications in Steam Systems

• Central header steam measurement
• Main steam supply lines to buildings or production zones
• Boiler output measurement for efficiency verification
• Distribution line flow balance monitoring
• Steam trap performance monitoring (indirect, via flow balance)

Advantages

Limitations

Turbine Style Flow Meters

Turbine-style steam meters measure flow by using the kinetic energy of steam to rotate a multi-bladed turbine rotor positioned within the flow path. The rotational speed is directly proportional to the volumetric flow rate of the steam.

How It Works

1. Steam enters the meter and flows through the multi-bladed turbine rotor
2. The kinetic energy of the steam causes the turbine blades to rotate at a speed proportional to the steam's velocity
3. A magnetic pickup sensor or optical sensor detects the movement of the turbine blades
4. Each blade passing the sensor generates a pulse signal
5. The frequency of pulses is used to calculate volumetric flow rate
6. A flow computer converts volumetric flow to mass flow using temperature and pressure data

Advantages

Limitations

Key Applications