YOKOGAWA DY Vortex Flowmeter

YOKOGAWA DY Vortex Flowmeter

Introduction

The YOKOGAWA DY Vortex Flowmeter, part of the renowned digitalYEWFLO series, represents over two decades of evolutionary refinement in vortex flow measurement technology. With more than 450,000 units installed worldwide across diverse industrial applications, the DY series has established itself as a benchmark for reliability, accuracy, and durability in flow measurement. Built upon field-proven sensor and body assemblies, these instruments integrate Yokogawa’s proprietary digital signal processing technology to deliver stable, precise measurements even under the most demanding process conditions.

Core Technology: SSP (Spectral Signal Processing)

At the heart of every YOKOGAWA DY vortex flowmeter lies the innovative SSP (Spectral Signal Processing) technology—a Yokogawa original development for digital signal processing–. Unlike conventional vortex flowmeters that struggle with noise interference in challenging environments, SSP analyzes the detected frequency spectrum and allows only genuine vortex frequencies to pass through a segmented band-pass filter-. This intelligent filtering accurately identifies and eliminates noise, ensuring that only appropriate vortex frequencies are output—even under fluctuating flow rate conditions-. The result is exceptional measurement stability and reliability that sets the digitalYEWFLO apart from conventional vortex meters-.

Comprehensive Model Lineup

The YOKOGAWA DY series offers an extensive range of nominal sizes to accommodate virtually any piping configuration. The lineup includes models DY015 (15 mm / ½ inch), DY025 (25 mm / 1 inch), DY040 (40 mm / 1½ inch), DY050 (50 mm / 2 inch), DY080 (80 mm / 3 inch), DY100 (100 mm / 4 inch), DY150 (150 mm / 6 inch), DY200 (200 mm / 8 inch), DY250 (250 mm / 10 inch), DY300 (300 mm / 12 inch), and DY400 (400 mm / 16 inch—available as a special-order product)-1-. This broad selection ensures that process engineers can find the ideal fit for pipelines ranging from small-bore chemical injection lines to large-scale utility distribution systems.

Key Specifications

Measured Fluids

The YOKOGAWA DY vortex flowmeter is designed to measure liquid, gas, and steam flow rates with outstanding accuracy. The instrument is suitable for saturated steam, superheated steam, and a wide variety of process liquids and gases. Users should avoid multiphase flow and sticky or adhesive fluids to ensure optimal performance

Accuracy

The DY series delivers industry-leading accuracy: ±0.75% of reading for liquid applications (dependent on Reynolds number) and ±1.0% of reading for gas and steam measurements (dependent on flow velocity)-. This level of precision is verified through factory calibration using actual water flow testing facilities before shipment-.

Process Temperature Range

Standard configuration supports process temperatures from -29°C to 260°C-2. For more demanding applications, optional versions extend this range significantly: the High Process Temperature version (/HT) accommodates temperatures up to +450°C, while the Cryogenic version (/LT) enables measurements down to -196°C-.

Process Pressure

The pressure rating is determined by the selected flange standard, with options available from ANSI Class 150 through Class 1500, as well as EN 1092-1 compatible flanges.

Output Signals

The DY series provides flexible output configurations including 4-20 mA DC analog output (2-wire system) and transistor contact output (open collector, 3-wire system) capable of pulse, alarm, or status signals. Communication protocol options include HART 7 / HART 5, BRAIN, and FOUNDATION Fieldbus.

Understanding the Model Code: DY025-FBLBA1-4N/KS28

To appreciate the flexibility of the YOKOGAWA DY series, let us examine a complete model code: DY025-FBLBA1-4N/KS28.

This designation breaks down as follows:

This particular configuration—DY025-FBLBA1-4N/KS28—represents a 25 mm vortex flowmeter with FOUNDATION Fieldbus communication, stainless steel wetted parts, ANSI Class 150 flanged connections, and factory-configured application parameters. The remote type configuration (indicated by “N”) allows the converter to be mounted separately from the flowmeter body, which is particularly advantageous in high-temperature or space-constrained installations-.

Additional Model Examples

The modular suffix-code system enables precise specification for diverse application requirements. Consider these variations:

DY040-FBLBA1-4N/KS28/SCT – A 40 mm model with the same base configuration, plus an optional stainless steel tag plate (SCT) and final product certification

DY050-FBLBA1-4N/KS28 – A 50 mm (2 inch) unit with FOUNDATION Fieldbus communication and ANSI Class 150 flanges-

DY080-FBLBA4-4N/KS28 – An 80 mm model featuring ANSI Class 600 flanges (BA4) for higher pressure applications-

DY100-FBLBA1-4N/KS28 – A 100 mm (4 inch) flowmeter with identical communication and material specifications

DY150 and DY200 models are available for larger pipeline applications, with the same comprehensive suffix-code options for communication, materials, and connections-

For applications requiring reduced bore configurations, Yokogawa offers /R1 (one size down) and /R2 (two sizes down) options, enabling accurate measurement at lower flow rates without the expense of installing dedicated meter runs-2. The Multi-variable Type (/MV) incorporates a built-in Pt 1000 Ω temperature sensor within the vortex shedder bar, enabling direct mass flow calculation for saturated steam and other applications-.

Durability and Reliability

The YOKOGAWA DY vortex flowmeter features a simple, robust design with no moving parts—a key factor in its exceptional durability and long service life. The all-welded or bolted construction options provide leak-free operation and resistance to harsh process conditions. With no moving components to wear or replace, maintenance requirements are minimal, contributing to lower total cost of ownership over the instrument’s operational life-.

Installation and Operation

Installation is straightforward, requiring only two upstream and downstream piping connections. The sensor detects vortex frequency and outputs zero frequency at zero flow, eliminating the need for zero-point adjustment. This feature simplifies commissioning and reduces setup time significantly.

For remote type configurations (indicated by the “N” suffix as seen in DY025-FBLBA1-4N/KS28), the signal cable length can extend up to 30 meters–, providing flexibility in locating the converter away from the measurement point—particularly valuable in high-temperature or hazardous area installations.