Are the specified straight lengths of pipe upstream and downstream of Vortex meters absolutely necessary? What would happen if due to space constraints they are shorter?
The straight length requirements are necessary to smoothen disturbances in the flow profile of the medium flowing through the meter. These disturbances are caused by elements like bends, valves, reducers, expanders, moisture separators, etc. near the meter. If the flow profile is disturbed, the performance of the meter would be degraded. The extent of degradation is not simple to estimate, as it is dependent on the operating conditions and the medium parameters like compressibility, density, viscosity, velocity, extent and type of disturbance and distance from the meter. The usage of flow straighteners would reduce upstream requirements to half of the specified length the minimum being 12 times the pipe diameter.
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