Vortex Flowmeters VY series

Yokogawa's Vortex Flowmeters VY Series is developed with two key technologies, the digital technology and inherited unique structure from YEWFLO series.
Digital technology is utilized to enable remote maintenance and self-diagnosis, to easily check the health of your equipment at any time. The unique structure provides robustness and long-term stable measurement.
VY series supports various standards such as SIL2, local Ex proof.
It has various calculation functions such as temperature pressure compensation and energy calculation.
VY series contributes to the efficient and planned operation of the customer plant.

 

About OpreX

OpreX is the comprehensive brand for Yokogawa’s industrial automation (IA) and control business and stands for excellence in the related technology and solutions. It consists of categories and families under each category. This product belongs to the OpreX Field Instruments family that is aligned under the OpreX Measurement category.

Details

VY Series Overview

Digitalization

Supporting Efficient and Planned Plant Operations
In a plant where a large number of equipment is in operation, efficient and systematic maintenance activities are required according to the equipment condition.
The VY series equip with complete device self-diagnosis function including the shedder bar and sensor elements by further advanced the digitalization of internal signals. This improves reliability, including for safety instrumentation loops (complies with SIL2). The remote maintenance function allows easily checking the health of the equipment from the computer in the instrument room without the need to go to the site. Yokogawa's vortex flowmeter has been well-established as maintenance-free. With enhanced self-diagnosis and remote maintenance functions, it realize condition-based maintenance of the vortex flowmeter.

 

Inheritance

Stable Measurement and High Maintainability
The VY series inherits the reliable and proven detection structure unique to the YEWFLO series.
It is the only removable vortex shedder bar with two flow sensors and one built-in temperature sensor. This structure brings robustness, long-term stability, short face-to-face length, and shortened upstream straight pipe length.
Even if maintenance is required, eg. due to process upset, there is no need to remove the entire flowmeter from the pipe. Partial cleaning and replacement of the vortex shedder bar is possible. In addition, by performing digital signal processing with a unique structure equipped with two sensor elements, pipe vibration is eliminated effectively.
Since the unique detection structure and face-to-face length are compatible with the previous YEWFLO series, VY series can be installed in the same place without additional work for piping.

General Type

This type is the basic type of the VY series.
This model can measure the flow rate of liquids, gas and steam. We have a lineup of sizes up to 400 mm. The process temperature range is from -40 ℃ to +250 ℃, and the process pressure range is up to ASME Class900. The material of the wetted part is made of stainless steel or nickel alloy. It also complies with wide regulations such as explosion protection and SIL2.
The analog input function (HART7, when analog input specification is selected) is used to support the calculation function* such as mass flow rate and energy flow rate of liquid, gas and steam.
The VY series used digital technology to achieve self-diagnosis and remote maintenance.
*: It has a built-in saturated, and superheated steam table

[Common Specification]

Model VY □ □ □ (Integral Flowmeter, Remote Sensor), VY4A (Remote Transmitter)
Measurement Fluid Liquid, Gas, Saturated Steam, Superheated Steam
(Avoid multiphase flow and sticky or corrosive fluids)
Communication and Input/Output HART 7 communication, 4 to 20 mA DC, Pulse / Status output, Analog input
Explosion Protected Type IECEx Ex db / Ex ia, ATEX Ex db / Ex ia, FM Ex db / Ex ia, FMc Ex db / Ex ia, Japan Ex db, NEPSI Ex db / Ex ia, Korea Ex db / Ex ia
Conformity Standards EMC, PED, EU RoHS, CE marking, NACE, Functional Safety (SIL2), NAMUR (NE21 / NE107), Marine Certificate (ABS, DNV)

[Specific Specification of General Type]

Type of Body General Type
Type of Shedder Bar General Type, Long Neck Type
Accuracy ±0.75 % of reading (liquid), ±1 % of reading (gas, steam)
Process Temperature -40 °C to 250 °C
Max Process Pressure ASME Class 900, EN PN40, JIS 40K
Ambient Temperature -40 ( / -50 ) °C to 85 °C
Connection Size Wafer From 15 to 100 mm
Flange From 15 to 400 mm
Degree of Protection IP66 / IP67

Refer to the General Specification sheet located under the Downloads tab for detailed specifications.

Built-in Temperature Sensor Type

This type is a flowmeter with a built-in temperature sensor (Pt1000) in the shedder bar (vortex generator), and can measure the process fluid temperature at the same time.
Size is from 25 mm to 300 mm. It can be combined with the High Temperature Type and Reduced Bore Type. It covers a wide range of fluid measurement.
The measured temperature can be used for temperature compensation. In addition, combination with analog input signal (eg. pressure...) supports more accurate flow measurement.

[Specific Specification of Built-in Temperature Sensor Type]

Type of Body General Type
[Combinationable Body] Reduced Bore Type (1 or 2 size reduction)
Type of Shedder Bar General Type with Temperature Sensor, Long Neck Type with Temperature Sensor
[Combinationable Shedder bar] Hight Temperature Type with Temperature Sensor
Accuracy ±0.75 % of reading (liquid), ±1 % of reading (gas, steam)
Process Temperature -40 °C to 250 °C
Max Process Pressure ASME Class 900, EN PN40, JIS 40K
Ambient Temperature -40 ( / -50 ) °C to 85 °C
Connection Size Wafer From 25 to 100 mm
Flange From 25 to 300 mm
Degree of Protection IP66 / IP67

Refer to the General Specification sheet located under the Downloads tab for detailed specifications.

High Temperature / Cryogenic Type

These types use materials and sensors required for high temperature / cryogenic environment.
Size of High temperature type is from 25 mm to 400 mm, it can be measured high temperature fluid up to +450 ℃ (up to +400 ℃ with a built-in temperature sensor type).
Size of Cryogenic type is from 15 mm to 100 mm, it can be measured cryogenic temperature fluid up to -196 ℃.
It is possible to select either type as an integral type or remote type.

[Specific Specification of High Temperature Type]

Type of Body General Type
[Combinationable Body] Reduced Bore Type (1 or 2 size reduction)
Type of Shedder Bar High Temperature Type
High Temperature Type with Temperature Sensor
Accuracy ±0.75 % of reading (liquid), ±1 % of reading (gas, steam)
Process Temperature -40 °C to 450 °C
Max Process Pressure ASME Class 900, EN PN40, JIS 40K
Ambient Temperature -40 ( / -50 ) °C to 85 °C
Connection Size Wafer From 25 to 100 mm
Flange From 25 to 400 mm
Degree of Protection IP66 / IP67

[Specific Specification of Cryogenic Type]

Type of Body General Type
[Combinationable Body] Reduced Bore Type (1 or 2 size reduction)
Type of Shedder Bar Cryogenic Type
Accuracy ±0.75 % of reading (liquid), ±1 % of reading (gas, steam)
Process Temperature -196 °C to 250 °C
Max Process Pressure ASME Class 900, EN PN40, JIS 40K
Ambient Temperature -40 °C to 85 °C
Connection Size Wafer From 15 to 100 mm
Flange From 15 to 100 mm
Degree of Protection IP66 / IP67

Refer to the General Specification sheet located under the Downloads tab for detailed specifications.

Reduced Bore Type (1 or 2 Size Reduction)

This type has a structure in which both the upstream and downstream sides of the sensor are integrated with the reducer (reduced pipe and expansion pipe). It is suitable for easy replacement of lines with large flow rate fluctuation depending on the season.
There are two types of reduced bore type, one size reduction and two size reduction, and the size is up to 200 mm with flange type. It can be combined with built-in temperature sensor type and high temperature / cryogenic type, and can be used for a wide range of fluid measurements.

[Specific Specification of Reduced Bore Type (1 or 2 Size Reduction)]

Type of Body Reduced Bore Type (1 or 2 size reduction)
Type of Shedder Bar General Type
[Combinationable Shedder bar] General Type with Temperature Sensor, High Temperature Type
High Temperature Type with Temperature Sensor, Cryogenic Type
Accuracy ±1.0 % of reading (liquid), ±1.5 % of reading (gas, steam)
Process Temperature -40 °C to 250 °C
Max Process Pressure ASME Class 300, JIS 20K
Ambient Temperature -40 ( / -50 ) °C to 85 °C
Connection Size
Flange 1 size reduction: 25 to 200 mm
2 size reduction: 40 to 200 mm
Degree of Protection IP66 / IP67

Refer to the General Specification sheet located under the Downloads tab for detailed specifications.

High Pressure Type

This type is one size reduction type that has a flange pressure rating with ASME Class 1500. The sturdy structure enables stable measurement even in the harsh environment of high pressure.
Size is from 25 mm to 150 mm in combination with general type sensor.

[Specific Specification of High Pressure Type]

Type of Body High Pressure Reduced Bore Type ( 1 size reduction)
Type of Shedder Bar General Type
Accuracy ±0.75 % of reading (liquid), ±1 % of reading (gas, steam)
Process Temperature -40 °C to 250 °C
Max Process Pressure ASME Class 1500
Ambient Temperature -40 ( / -50 ) °C to 85 °C
Connection Size
Flange 25 to 150 mm
Degree of Protection IP66 / IP67

Refer to the General Specification sheet located under the Downloads tab for detailed specifications.

Dual-Sensor Type

This type is dual-sensor (welded) type that has a flange pressure rating with up to ASME Class 900. The structure of these two units connected in series is the best choice for applications requiring high reliability.
Size is from 15 mm to 200 mm in combination with several type sensor.

[Specific Specification of Dual-Sensor Type]

Type of Body Dual-Sensor (Welded) General Type
Type of Shedder Bar* General Type, Long Neck Type
[Combinationable Shedder bar] General Type with temperature sensor, Long Neck Type with temperature sensor, High Temperature Type, High Temperature Type with temperature sensor, Cryogenic Type
Accuracy ±0.75 % of reading (liquid), ±1 % of reading (gas, steam)
Process Temperature -196 °C to 450 °C
Max Process Pressure ASME Class 900
Ambient Temperature -40 ( / -50 ) °C to 85 °C
Connection Size
Flange 15 to 200 mm
Degree of Protection IP66 / IP67

* Type of shedder bar is same as upstream and downstream
* Refer to the General Specification sheet located under the Downloads tab for detailed specifications.

Total Insight - Overview-

From Sensing to Sensemaking

Total Insight is the product concept to support customers every phase of the product lifecycle. VY series has developed based on Total Insight concept.
Yokogawa reviewed the overall lifecycle related to operations and costs, and formulated a design concept with the aim of solving the problems at hand. And aim to reduce operating costs throughout that life cycle.

  • Simplified Selection : Reduce engineering hours and procurement costs
  • Smart Assist : Reduction of operation start-up time
  • Process Guard : Increase operational efficiency and reduce errors
  • Expert Solution : Improving maintenance work efficiency

Total Insight - Simplified Selection -

Total Insight Simplified Selection logo

Truly Universal Lineup

Model Selection Is Easy

  • Provides specification selection tools including sizing

 

  • A wide flow range up to size 400 mm is available. And the Reduced Bore Type can be supported by two sizes down.

 

  • The face to face lengths are the same as those of the previous YEWFLO series, so it can be used for a long time.

 

Supports a Wide Range of Standards

  • Functional Safety IEC 61508 compliant Safety Integrity Level SIL2
  • Explosion protection: IECEx, ATEX, FM, FMc, Japan, Taiwan, UAE
  • General Safety, EMC, PED, EURoHS, CE Mark, CRN, ABS / DNV ship's classification
  • Industry standards: NAMUR NE21 , NE107, NACE materials

 

Built-in Abundant Calculation Function

  • Calculates volume, mass and energy flow rates using temperature / pressure / density from the built-in tenperature sensor or current input
  • Calculates mass and energy of saturated / superheated steam using the built-in steam table

 

Total Insight - Smart Assist -

Total Insight Smart Assist logo

Vibration-Resistant and Stable Flow Measurement

Realizes Stable Measurements

  • Yokogawa's unique structure which are integrated the sensor and the shedder bar, captures vortex signals with the entire shedder bar
  • Provides stable measurement even with short straight pipe lengths, regardless of the installation orientation

 

Accurately Captures Flow Signals

  • Unique structure with two sensor elements cancels piping vibration noise
  • Mature and proprietary digital signal processing technology (SSP*) eliminates noise and extracts vortex signals only
  • Alarm outputs possible false outputs due to piping vibration

 

* SSP: Yokogawa's proprietary signal processing that removes noise extracts vortex signals from two sensor elements.

 

Ready to Use Right After Installation

  • Parameters are factory-set before shipment
  • Automatic adjustment function of SSP makes field adjustment omitted
  • Verification tools including Waveform monitoring facilitate post-installation condition checks

Total Insight - Process Guard -

Total Insight Process Guard logo

Advanced Self-Diagnostics and Remote Maintenance

Ready to Diagnose All Function Blocks

  • All functional blocks are self-diagnosed in compliance with the requirements of the SIL2 standard for functional safety
  • Easily identifies where device maintenance is required

Self Diagnostics
Image Zoom

 

Confirms Device Health From Remote Locations Such as Instrument Room

  • Wizard style remote maintenance with FSA130 Verification Tool
  • Check vortex signal waveforms from the instrument room without bringing an oscilloscope to the site

 

* Click here for details on the FSA130 Magnetic Flowmeter / Vortex Flowmeter Verification Tool

 

Supports Condition-Based Maintenance

  • FSA130 Verification tool can predict sensor status

Total Insight - Expert Solution -

Total Insight Expert Solution logo

Smart Device Maintenance

Easy to Identify Process-Side or Device-Side Abnormality

  • Process diagnostics detect piping vibration and fluid fluctuations
  • Self-diagnostic function monitors device health

 

Unique Shedder Bar Structure

  • Yokogawa's unique shedder bar structure is known for its robustness and long-term stability
  • The shedder bar can be removed for cleaning or replacement in case of unforeseen circumstances

 

Reduced Downtime

  • The parameters of the transmitter can be backed up to the sensor and it is easy to restore when replacing the transmitter

Technical Information - Measurement Principle -

Vortex Flow Meters - Principle of Operation

Vortex Flow Meters use the Von Karman Effect to measure the rate of flow of a fluid or gas.

What Is the Von Karman Effect?

Early in the 20th century, a Hungarian-American mathematician and physicist, Theodore von Karman, discovered that a fluid or gas flowing perpendicularly pass a bluff body would generate alternating vortices on both sides of the body. The path of these vortices is called the von Karman vortex street.

What is the Von Karman Effect?

Von Karman found that if the frequency of these vortices was measured, that the frequency is proportional to the flow velocity that is generating the vortices. This frequency is called the Karmen Vortex Frequency. The relationship of the frequency and the flow velocity can be mathematically expressed with the following formula:

Von Karman Effect Formula 01

From the equation, we can see that the frequency is proportional to the velocity. If we can measure the frequency (f), know the Strouhal number (St), know the shedder bar width (d); we can solve for v (velocity).

Von Karman Effect Formula 02

 

How Do We Measure the Frequency of the Vortices?

As vortices form and pass the shedder bar (the bluff body), they create a low pressure as compared to the rest of the fluid. This low pressure produces a differential pressure (dp) across the shedder bar. The high pressure side of the dp exerts stress on the shedder bar in the direction of the low pressure. As the location of the low pressure side alternates due to the vortices switching from side-to-side, the change in direction of the exerted force causes the shedder bar to oscillate. This oscillation is equal to the Karmen Vortex Frequency.

How do we measure the frequency of the vortices?

There are several methods in the marketplace to measure the oscillation. Diaphragms or capacitance sensors are two of the more common; but, the best method is the use of Piezo-electric crystal sensors. These sensors, when compressed, produce an electric signal that can be sent to the Flow meter's electronics. Now that the Karmen Vortex Frequency is measured (and we know the St and d), the flow meter electronics can do simple calculations to determine volumetric flow through the pipe.

What Are the Advantages of Using Vortex Flow Meters?

  • High Accuracy
    The accuracy of the vortex flow meter is ±1% (pulse output) of the indicated value for both liquids and gases and is higher compared to orifice flow meters. For liquids, an accuracy of ±0.75% is available depending on the fluid type and their conditions.
  • Wide Rangeability
    Rangeability is defined as the ratio of maximum value to minimum value of the measurable range. It is broad rangeability the allows vortex flow meters to operate in processes where the measuring point may fluctuate greatly.
  • Output Is Proportional to Flow Rate
    Since the output is directly proportional to the flow rate (flow velocity), no square root calculation is needed, while orifice flow meters require square root calculations.
  • No Zero-point Fluctuation
    Since frequency is output from the sensor, zero-point shift does not occur.
  • Minimal Pressure Loss
    Since only the vortex shedder is placed in the pipe of the vortex flow meter, the fluid pressure loss due to the small restriction in the flow piping is small compared with flow meter a having an orifice plate.

Combining Noise Reduction and Spectral Signal Processing (SSP) to provide an accurate and stable measurement.

 

Technical Information - Sensing Technology -

Signal Processing (SSP: Spectral Signal Processing)

VY series's SSP Function Provides Enhanced Vibration Immunity and Advanced Diagnostics

VY series is a maintenance-free flowmeter. It has a circuit for analyzing the frequency of detected signal and allows only vortex frequency to pass through the segmented band-pass-filter, thereby accurately identifying and eliminating noise. The Spectral Signal Processing (SSP) function of VY series only outputs the appropriate vortex frequencies, even under fluctuating flow rate conditions.

Signal Processing (SSP: Spectral Signal Processing)

 

Noise Reduction

Noise Reduction

Noise caused by strong piping vibration may affect the accuracy of the vortex frequency detection. The two piezoelectric elements installed in the VY series are of a polarized structure, so they do not detect vibration in the flow or vertical directions. The noise in the lift direction vibration is reduced by adjusting the outputs of the piezoelectric elements.

Technical Information - Straight Pipe Length -

Straight Pipe Length According to Installation Situation

Vortex flowmeters generally affect flow measurement accuracy when the flow velocity distribution in the pipe is biased.
Necessary straight pipe length and main points are shown along with typical installation examples.

Straight Pipe

Secure at least 10D upstream and 5D downstream.

Straight Pipe

 

Reducer Pipe

Secure at least 5D upstream and 5D downstream.

Reducer Pipe

 

Expander Pipe

Secure at least 10D upstream and 5D downstream.

Expander Pipe

 

Single Bent Pipe

Secure at least 10D upstream and 5D downstream.

Single Bent Pipe

 

Double Bent Pipe in the Same Plane

Secure at least 10D upstream and 5D downstream.

Double Bent Pipe in the Same Plane

 

Double Bent Pipe in Another Plane

Secure at least 20D upstream and 5D downstream.

Double Bent Pipe in Another Plane

 

Valve Position and Straight Pipe Length

Install the valve on the downstream side of the flowmeter. The upstream straight pipe length dependent on the element located on the upstream such as reducer/expander, bent and etc., refer to description as above. Keep 5D or more for downstream straight pipe length.
In case the valve has to be installed on the upstream of the flowmeter, ensure the upstream straight pipe length to be 20D or more, and the downstream straight pipe length be 5D or more.

Valve Position and Straight Pipe Length

Technical Information - Mounting Attitude -

If the pipe is always filled with fluid, the mounting direction does not matter whether it is horizontal, vertical or inclined.
However, in the case of horizontal and inclined, be sure to install the terminal box or converter above the piping position in order to avoid flooding.

Horizontal Piping

Mounting Attitude - Horizontal piping 1

Mounting Attitude - Horizontal piping 2

 

Vertical Piping

Mounting Attitude - Vertical Piping Left                  Mounting Attitude - Vertical Piping Right

 

Inclined Piping

Mounting Attitude - Inclined Piping Left                  Mounting Attitude - Inclined Piping Right

Resources

It converts pressure changes caused by the Karman vortex generated by a vortex shedder bar into an electrical signal. The vortex flowmeter uses that electrical signal to convert the Karman vortex into a flow rate and output it. ...
When an obstacle called a vortex shedder bar is placed in the flow, vortices are regularly generated alternately on both sides of the vortex shedder bar due to the viscous effect of the fluid. These vortices are called "Karman vortex street"...
JIS Z 8766 "Methods of Flow Measurement by Vortex Flowmeters" lists the following points as features 1) The frequency output is proportional to the flow rate. 2) The Karman vortex oscillation phenomenon of the fluid is utilized, and basica...
Catalogs, general specifications, instruction manuals, structural drawings, and technical information are available.
The vortex shedder bar that detects vortex signals can be removed from the body unit. This allows maintenance such as cleaning the inside of the flowmeter and ensures stable operation over the long term. The signal sensing structure consists of two s...
Zero adjustment is not required. In principle, the zero point of a vortex flowmeter is the state in which no Karman vortex is generated by the vortex shedder bar (i.e., the piezoelectric sensor does not detect the vortex frequency). The Vortex Flowme...
Basically, no adjustment is required after installation. The VY series operates in auto-adjustment mode immediately after power-on using the SSP function of digital signal processing technology. Manual adjustment can be used to avoid the effects of l...
Option specification: /A provides with interchangeable lightning protectors. In this case, the maximum power supply voltage is limited to 30 V DC.
The orientation of the transmitter case or sensor terminal case can be changed every 90 degrees (4 directions). If the flowmeter is non-explosionproof product, work can be performed in the site. If the flowmeter is explosion-proof product, work must ...
Although the operation of the vortex flowmeter is not a problem, Upside-down installation is not recommended except in situations where the transmitter is sufficiently waterproof.
Most flowmeters cannot accurately measure flow unless the inside of the sensor is filled with fluid. Although a bottom-to-top flow is preferable for installation, if it is unavoidable to install in a top-to-bottom flow location, be sure to take care ...
When the cable entry is facing upward, care must be taken to prevent rainwater and other elements from penetrating the cable entry. Therefore, when installing in vertical piping outdoors, etc., it is recommended that the cable entry face down or hori...
In the case of vortex flowmeters, swirling flow and uneven distribution of flow velocity in the piping can affect the measurement. These can be caused by upstream piping conditions, valves, pumps, misaligned joints, protruding weld burrs, or other ob...
If each element of the installation examples listed in GS is combined, add the required straight pipe lengths for each element. For details, please read GS 01F07A00-01JA.
Measurement accuracy cannot be specified because it depends on the measurement conditions. Please keep the required straight pipe length to use with measurement accuracy.
The vortex flowmeter should be installed upstream of the valve to prevent the influence of swirling flow caused by the valve. If the vortex flowmeter is installed downstream of the valve, the straight pipe length should be at least 20D upstream and 5...
Saturated vapor pressure is the pressure indicated by vapor that has reached condensed phase thermodynamic equilibrium at that temperature. Liquids can cause cavitation (bubble generation) depending on temperature and pressure conditions. This can in...
Available up to ASME Class 1500 for standard specification, and Available up to ASME Class 2500 for TOKUCHU specification. Please contact our sales person.
The analog input function enables measurement following changes in pressure in addition to temperature. At that time, the measured value of an external pressure transmitter must be taken in. By doing so, it is possible to follow changes in temperatur...
If an alarm for a built-in temperature sensor occurs, an alarm number is displayed on the display unit. And also self-diagnosis function can be performed using the Verification Tool. For details, refer to IM 01F07A02-01JA.
Size 400 mm with built-in temperature sensor is TOKUCHU specification. Please contact our sales person.
The required straight pipe length of the reduced bore type is the same as that of the general type (same connection size). It will not be shortened. For details, refer to GS 01F07A00-01EN.
One size reduction (body type: -1, -4) is about 15% larger, and two size reduction (body type: -2) is about 28% larger.
It varies depending on the fluid, but the maximum is around 40:1 (general type).
Parts for digitalYEWFLO can be ordered. Please contact our sales person.
Can be ordered as standard specifications. Hastelloy C is listed on the GS as a nickel alloy as a generic name. Please refer to GS01F07A00-01 EN.
If digitalYEWFLO sizing data exists, it can be used to size the VY series. Please contact our sales person.
Article
Overview:

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Videos

Overview:

The self-diagnostic and remote maintenance functions support Condition Based Maintenance, which performs efficient and planned maintenance. Inherited YEWFLO's sensing structure brings robustness and long term stability.

Overview:

Our experts review the theory behind flow measurement technologies. Discuss common flow application challenges and evaluate the different technologies when selecting a flow meter. They also give examples of best installation practices for successful measurements.

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