Revenues from sales of vortex flowmeters will increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4 percent through 2010 to reach $240 million, up from $176 million in 2005, according to a study by Flow Research (www.flowresearch.com). The study, titled The World Market for Vortex Flowmeters, 3rd Edition, attributes the rising demand to technological improvements and efforts to develop standards for the use of vortex flowmeters in custody-transfer applications.
The American Petroleum Institute (API, www.api.org) is currently working on standards for vortex flowmeters in both liquid and gas custody-transfer applications. Meanwhile, Flow Research says the vortex segment has seen major product enhancements over the past five years, including the implementation of software and electronics, such as digital signal processing, for vibration control. Other manufacturers have introduced reducer vortex flowmeters, which have a reduced diameter in the center of the pipe, simplifying installation and improving the ability of vortex flowmeters to accurately measure fluids at low flowrates. The growing availability of multivariable vortex flowmeters is also helping boost sales, with more manufacturers entering the market, according to Flow Research.
