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Vortex Flow Meter
RVL Series
DESCRIPTION
The RVL liquid flow meter uses vortex-shedding technology with
embedded piezoelectric pressure sensors. The meter has no moving
parts, and any potential for fluid contamination is eliminated by the
non-metallic corrosion-resistant body materials. The meter includes
a compact plug-in transmitter module with two-wire 4…20 mA or
three-wire pulse output. All electronics are housed in a corrosionresistant enclosure. Units can be recalibrated and reprogrammed in
the field.
APPLICATION
The RVL is perfect for aggressive or easily contaminated fluids.
• Ultra-pure water distribution
• RO/DI skids
• Cooling water
• Chemical injection
• Nonabrasive slurries
OPERATING PRINCIPLE
Operation of the RVL vortex flow meter is based on the vortex
shedding principle. As fluid moves around a strut, vortices (eddies)
are formed and move downstream. They form alternately, from
one side to the other, causing pressure fluctuations that are sensed
by a piezoelectric crystal in the sensor tube. The frequency of the
vortices is directly proportional to the flow rate.
FLOW
Small Strut
Shed Vortices
Transmitting Transducer
Receiving Transducer
CONSTRUCTION
The precision machined bodies provide quality end fittings, while
avoiding ionic contamination. There are no metallic wetted parts,
gaskets or elastomers in the meter. The body material selected is
homogeneous throughout the flow path.
OPTIONAL SOFTWARE
An optional software utility kit is available to configure the RVL
4…20 mA output. (The pulse output is not field configurable.) Part
number RVS220-954 contains a RS232 nine-pin cable, software
CD, TTL to RS232 converter and a board interface cable. The
program enables easy configuration of span, damping and units of
measurement.
VRX-DS-01586-EN-08 (April 2019)
Product Data Sheet
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Material Selection
MATERIAL SELECTION
When choosing the best flow meter for a process, review the concentration, operating temperatures and operating pressure of the fluid
being measured. In a thermoplastic piping system, choose the same material for the meter and the pipe wherever possible to maintain fluid
compatibility and aid in bonding the materials. The table below shows the compatibility of fluid types with thermoplastic materials.
Chemical PVC PVDF CPVC Polypropylene
Aluminum Hydroxide A A A A
Chlorine Water A B A D
Fuel Oils A B — A
Hydraulic Oil A A — D
Hydrochloric Acid 37% B A A C
Hydrochloric Acid 20% B A C A
Isopropyl Alcohol A — C A
Nitric Acid (Concentrated) B A D D
Phosphoric Acid (>40%) B B A A
Potassium Hydroxide A A A A
Propylene Glycol C — C A
Sulfuric Acid (10…75%) A A A A
A= Excellent B= Good C= Fair D= Severe effect
FLUID CONSIDERATIONS
In vortex flow meters, fluids with high viscosities tend to dampen the formation of vortices and reduce the effective range. Viscosities above
1 cSt raise the minimum readable flow rate, reducing rangeability. The effect is linear to viscosity. Particles and internal bubbles do not
usually affect vortex meters. In slurry services, PVDF models typically work very well. Slurries containing grit can wear down the bluff body
over a period of time and long fibers can catch and build up on the bluff, decreasing accuracy.
Liquids with specific gravities higher than 2.0 adversely affect the permissible amount and duration of over-flow range.
Reduction of Range Based on Viscosity
Viscosity Minimum Maximum Flow Range
1 cSt 1 12 12:1
2 cSt 2 12 6:1
3 cSt 3 12 4:1
4 cSt 4 12 3:1
5 cSt 5 12 2.4:1
6 cSt 6 12 2:1
Meters are calibrated with tap water at 1 cSt (32 SSU) at ambient temperature
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Fluids Liquids
Connections
Accuracy ±1% of full scale, 4…20 mA; ±2% of full scale, frequency pulse
Repeatability ±0.25% actual flow
Response Time 2 seconds minimum, step change in flow
Input Power 13…30V DC
Signal Output 4…20 mA or frequency pulse (source–sink driver; 1A source/1.5A sink; typical output resistance 10 Ω)
Enclosure NEMA 4X (IP 66)
Certifications CE: EN50082-1:1992
Butt or NPT thread
Wafer (mounted between flanges)
Page 2 April 2019
VRX-DS-01586-EN-08
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Pressure vs Temperature Ratings
NPT/Butt End Fittings
Maximum Fluid Temperature
203° F (95° C)* — 24 psig (1.6 bar) 40 psig (2.7 bar)
150° F (66° C) — 63 psig (4.3 bar) 130 psig (8.9 bar)
100° F (38° C) 93 psig (6.4 bar) 120 psig (8.3 bar) 150 psig (10.3 bar)
70° F (21° C) 150 psig (10.3 bar) 150 psig (10.3 bar) 150 psig (10.3 bar)
Wafer End Fittings
Maximum Fluid Temperature
203° F (95° C) — — 24 psig (1.6 bar) 40 psig (2.7 bar)
150° F (66° C) — 90 psig (6.2 bar) 100 psig (6.9 bar) 130 psig (8.9 bar)
100° F (38° C) 130 psig (8.9 bar) 130 psig (8.9 bar) 130 psig (8.9 bar) 150 psig (10.3 bar)
70° F (21° C) 150 psig (10.3 bar) 150 psig (10.3 bar) 150 psig (10.3 bar) 150 psig (10.3 bar)
FLOW RANGES
NPT/Butt End Fittings
Flow Ranges
Maximum Operating Pressure
PVC CPVC PVDF
*Reduces low ow rate on 1/4 in. (6 mm) meter
Maximum Operating Pressure
PVC PP CPVC PVDF
Wafer End Fittings
Meter Size Minimum Flow Maximum Flow Turndown Ratio
1/4 in. (6.3 mm) 0.6 gpm (2.3 lpm) 5 gpm (19 lpm) 8:1
1/2 in. (12.7 mm) 1.5 gpm (5.7 lpm) 15 gpm (56.8 lpm) 10:1
3/4 in. (19.1 mm) 2.5 gpm (9.5 lpm) 25 gpm (94.6 lpm) 10:1
1 in. (25.4 mm) 5.0 gpm (18.9 lpm) 50 gpm (189 lpm) 10:1
1-1/2 in. (38.1 mm) 10.0 gpm (37.9 lpm) 100 gpm (379 lpm) 10:1
2 in. (50.8 mm) 20.0 gpm (75.7 lpm) 200 gpm (757 lpm) 10:1
Meter Size Minimum Flow Maximum Flow Turndown Ratio
1/2 in. (12.7 mm) 1.5 gpm (5.7 lpm) 15 gpm (56.8 lpm) 10:1
3/4 in. (19.1 mm) 2.5 gpm (9.5 lpm) 25 gpm (94.6 lpm) 10:1
1 in. (25.4 mm) 5.0 gpm (18.9 lpm) 50 gpm (189 lpm) 10:1
1-1/2 in. (38.1 mm) 10.0 gpm (37.9 lpm) 100 gpm (379 lpm) 10:1
2 in. (50.8 mm) 20.0 gpm (75.7 lpm) 200 gpm (757 lpm) 10:1
3 in. (76.2 mm) 30.0 gpm (113.6 lpm) 300 gpm (1136 lpm) 10:1
VRX-DS-01586-EN-08
Page 3 April 2019