Flow Conditioner SignifiReduces Flow Meter Straight-Run Requirements

A breakthrough, patent-pending flat panel flow conditioner, Model VIP, has been introduced by the Vortab Company. This revolutionary flow conditioner maximizes flow meter performance with minimal pressure drop in a simple to install, lightweight thin panel.

The VIP blends the proven performance and superior low pressure drop of Vortab tab-type flow conditioning technology with the low cost and ease-of-installation of an insertion panel type flow conditioner solution. Vortab tab-type flow conditioning technology greatly reduces the pressure drop compared to alternative technologies such as tube bundles, screens and perforated plates. Minimizing pressure drop is a significant design consideration in flow conditioning for process engineers to minimize plant energy consumption and energy costs.

Many flow meter technologies, and particularly center-point types, require several diameters of straight pipe run to meet their meter’s accuracy specifications. The straight-run is necessary to provide a highly repeatable symmetrical and swirl-free flow profile to the flow sensor for accurate and repeatable flow measurement. Unfortunately, most process industry plants are rich with elbows, valves, tees and real estate limitations that make the flow meter’s required pipe straight-run configuration difficult to achieve.

The Model VIP Insertion Panel Flow Conditioner solves the pipe straight-run dilemma. A VIP installed in just 3 pipe diameters downstream from the flow disturbance and with the flow meter installed at just 3 pipe diameters downstream of the VIP neutralizes the flow disturbance and produces the symmetrical and swirl-free repeatable flow profile that ensures a flow meter installation meets its accuracy and repeatability specifications. The thin, lightweight panel design of VIP is easily installed between flanges or can be welded in place.