Product Handbook 2026 - Volume 1

Flowmetering Vortex flowmeters 3

Water flowrates

m3 / hr

GPM

Size

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

80 mm 3" 150 mm 6" 200 mm 8" 300 mm 12" 400 mm 16" 600 mm 24"

5.2

157

20.6

618

20.4

614

81.3

2 437

35.4

1 062

142.0

4 270

Nominal pipe size

79.2

2 337

317.0

9 501

125.0

3 753

501.0

15 043

284.0

8 537

1 138.0

34 144

Sizing considerations

Straight run piping requirements

Upstream

Downstream

One 90 ° elbow before the flowmeter

10 D

5 D

Two 90 ° elbows before the flowmeter

15 D

5 D

3.6 9

Two 90 ° elbows out of plane before the flowmeter

25 D

5 D

Piping conditions

Reduction before the flowmeter

10 D

5 D

Expansion before the flowmeter

20 D

5 D

Partially open valve 5 D D = Internal diameter of the pipe - If there is not a sufficient straight run of pipe, a flow rectifier may be used to reduce the above diameter measurements. Consult your local Spirax Sarco representative or the factory for your specific application. 25 D

Maximum

9 m/s

(30 ft /s)

Liquid

Minimum

0.3 m/s

(1 ft /s)

Maximum

90 m/s

(300 ft /s)

Velocity range

6.1

5

Gas or steam

density ( ) kg m 3

density ( ) lb ft 3

Minimum

Other installation considerations: - Mounting position

The VIM20 may be installed in vertical, horizontal, or angled pipe sections. The flowmeter is attached perpendicular to the axis of the pipe and should not be mounted 'upside-down' (with its top section hanging below the pipe mount). For liquid service, the fluid must completely fill the pipe. - Site selection The flow measurement location should be selected to minimize turbulence and swirl. The extent of these flow disturbances depends upon the piping configuration. Valves, elbows, pumps, and other piping components may add disturbances to the flow. - Hot-tap compatibility With the removable or permanent retractor assembly the VIM20 is ‘hot-tappable’ and can be installed and removed without shutting down the process. An isolation valve with a pipe mounting kit is used to isolate the flowmeter from the process.

Accessories

Removable Retractor For models without a permanent retractor, one removable retractor must be used if the process pressure is >3.4 bar g (50 psi g).

Removable retractor Extended length removable retractor – For use with extended length probes

Removable retractor options

How to order example: 1 off Spirax Sarco VIM20 - Removable retractor.

TI-P339-07 CMGT Issue 4

Page 9 of 11

VIM20 Vortex Insertion Flowmeter

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