Vortex method of flow measurement: history and line of development

This paper is devoted to the vortex method of flow measurement. Flowmeters based on the use of the phenomenon of vortex shedding after the bluff body, play an important role in global flow measurement business. The article presents information about the history of the vortex flow measurement since observations of Leonardo da Vinci in the XV century until the establishment of the first commercial vortex flowmeter in 1967. The physical fundamentals of the vortex formation phenomenon and principle of operation the vortex meter on the example of the ultrasound transducer flowmeter are described. The problems which researchers had faced in the design process flowmeters were systematized on the basis of scientific literature analysis. The authors evaluated the results of research in this area, and considered the possibility of applying these results to improve the metrological characteristics of the vortex sonic flowmeters. Researches on application of statistical and algorithmic techniques of information processing in flowmeter survey are marked as the perspective directions.