Measurement Capability
Measures volumetric flow for compatible liquids and supports steam, gas and other compressible-fluid applications with the appropriate electronics and compensation configuration.
Vortex CV-P Meter for Gas
Our CV-P Vortex meter employs the use of Piezoelectric crystals as sensors, mounted in the upper portion of the shedder bar out of the flow stream.
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The meter of choice for high pressure saturated and super-heated steam capable of measuring liquid, steam and gas
The Cadillac® Piezo Electric Vortex (CV-P) Meter is a rate and totalizing meter which is capable of measuring liquid, steam and gas. Due to its piezoelectric sensor technology it is particularly suitable for direct high pressure saturated and superheated steam measurement. In any high pressure saturated or superheated steam application, the Cadillac® Vortex meter is the number one technology choice due to Cadillac®’s accuracy, linearity, reliability and rangeability.
Like many other flow meters, the Cadillac® Vortex meter is a velocity measuring device which computes flow by multiplying the effective cross sectional area of the flow meter with the detected fluid velocity. The meter has no moving parts and consists of a rugged vortex strut with embedded piezoelectric crystals and an amplifier assembly. It detects velocity by measuring the frequency of the vortices, as the peel off the vortex strut of the flow meter. The frequency of these “Karman” vortices is directly proportional to the velocity of the moving fluid, whether this is a gas or liquid.
The Cadillac® Piezo Electric Vortex (CV-P) Meter – Mass flow compensation for super-heated steam.
For compressible fluids, such as superheated steam, an external pressure input (4-20 mADC) into the meter electronics is required to provide mass flow computation. Cadillac® Meter also offers a complete line of Pressure elements.
Cadillac Meter Technical Product Guide
Vortex CV-P Meter Technical Guide
Explore the Cadillac® CV-P Piezoelectric Vortex Meter, including its operating principle, liquid and steam flow ranges, mass-flow compensation, installation requirements, dimensions, electronics options and model-code guidance.
Product Overview
Cadillac® CV-P Piezoelectric Vortex Meter
The Cadillac® CV-P is a rate and totalizing vortex flow meter designed to measure liquids, saturated steam, superheated steam, natural gas, air and other compatible compressible fluids. Its rugged, full-bore design contains no moving parts, making it particularly suitable for demanding industrial steam and gas applications.
The meter determines flow velocity by measuring the frequency of Karman vortices generated as the process medium passes its shedder bar. Meter-specific calibration converts that vortex frequency into instantaneous flow rate and totalized flow.
Robust Construction
Combines a full-bore meter body, solid vortex shedder bar, hermetically sealed piezoelectric sensing elements and integral or remote electronics without mechanical moving parts.
Application sizing is essential
CV-P selection must be based on the process medium, pressure, temperature and expected minimum, normal and maximum flow rates. Nominal pipe size alone is not sufficient because low-flow performance depends on fluid velocity, density and Reynolds number.
Applications
Liquid, Steam and Gas Flow Measurement
The CV-P is particularly suited to direct steam measurement, including high-pressure saturated and superheated steam. Its vortex-shedding technology can also be applied to compatible liquids and gases when the meter is correctly sized and configured for the process conditions.
Steam Systems
Direct saturated and superheated steam measurement at boilers, distribution systems and individual points of use.
Compressible Fluids
Natural gas, air and other compatible compressible media using the appropriate temperature and pressure compensation arrangement.
Compatible Liquids
Water, condensate and non-conductive liquids for which magnetic flow meters may not provide a suitable measurement solution.
Energy Management
Flow and energy data for building automation, DCS, customer billing, internal cost allocation and central process monitoring.
Typical measurement locations
- Boiler-house steam output
- Campus and district distribution
- Plant and building points of use
- Natural-gas supply lines
- Central energy-management systems
Engineering review required
Fluid composition, density, pressure, temperature, flow range, vibration and available straight piping all affect suitability. Cadillac Meter should review every CV-P application before the meter size and configuration are finalized.
Operating Principle
How Vortex Shedding Measures Flow
The CV-P measures flow using the Karman vortex-shedding principle. As the process medium passes the meter’s shaped shedder bar, alternating vortices form downstream. The frequency at which these vortices are released is directly related to the velocity of the moving fluid.
Side-to-side stress created by the vortices is detected by pressure-sensitive piezoelectric crystals embedded within the shedder bar. The electronics count the resulting pulses and use the meter’s calibrated K-factor to calculate flow rate and totalized volume.
Vortices Form
Fluid passes the solid shedder bar and creates alternating low-pressure vortices on either side.
Crystals Detect Stress
Each vortex places a small sideways force on the shedder bar, compressing its embedded piezoelectric sensors.
Pulses Are Counted
The crystals produce electrical pulses whose frequency corresponds to vortex frequency and fluid velocity.
Flow Is Calculated
The calibrated K-factor converts pulse frequency into engineering units for rate, total and remote output signals.
Fundamental Relationship
Vortex frequency ∝ fluid velocity
The meter combines detected velocity with its effective internal flow area to determine volumetric flow.
No mechanical moving parts
Flow is detected electronically through stress on the shedder bar. There are no turbines, gears or rotating components within the process stream.
Compressible-Fluid Measurement
MASS Electronics and Flow Compensation
Volumetric flow alone does not fully describe the amount of steam or gas moving through a system because the density of a compressible fluid changes with temperature and pressure. The CV-P MASS option provides the additional measurement and calculation capability needed to determine compensated mass flow.
MASS electronics include an integral PT1000 temperature element within the shedder bar and internally programmed data for steam and ideal gases. The required pressure-input arrangement depends on the medium being measured.
Internal Compensation
Published product guidance states that the MASS electronics can calculate saturated-steam mass flow without an external pressure input.
Vortex flow + integral temperature + saturated-steam data
External Pressure Input
Superheated-steam mass-flow computation requires an external pressure signal in addition to vortex flow and temperature measurement.
Vortex flow + temperature + 4–20 mA pressure input
Pressure and Temperature Correction
Compensated gas measurement uses the vortex signal together with temperature measurement, an external pressure input and the applicable gas properties.
Vortex flow + temperature + pressure + gas data
MASS Option Inputs
- CV-P vortex-flow signal
- Integral PT1000 temperature element
- External 4–20 mA pressure input where required
- Programmed steam or ideal-gas data
Confirm the compensation architecture
The precise combination of meter electronics, pressure and temperature transmitters, engineering units and output signals must be confirmed for the selected medium and operating envelope.
Performance and Electronics
Published Performance and Output Options
The CV-P combines piezoelectric vortex sensing with configurable electronics for local indication, totalization and connection to remote monitoring or building-automation systems. Final performance depends on correct sizing, process conditions and installation quality.
| Parameter | Published Guidance |
|---|---|
| Liquid accuracy | ±0.75% of reading |
| Gas and steam accuracy | ±1.0% of reading |
| Rangeability | Typically approximately 20:1 or better when properly sized; actual turndown is application-dependent |
| Preliminary velocity limits | Typically up to 250 ft/s for gases and 33 ft/s for liquids |
| Published operating envelope | Vacuum to 2,100 psig and −40°F to 500°F |
| Flow outputs | Analog 4–20 mA and conditioned pulse outputs |
| Calibration | Meter-specific calibration with a NIST calibration certificate stated in the product literature |
Electronics and Diagnostic Features
Two-Line LCD
Displays flow rate and total simultaneously, together with available process and diagnostic information.
Automatic Tuning
Automatic or one-button tuning supports noise-immunity setup without extensive start-up adjustment.
Self-Diagnostics
Process-signal analysis supports equipment assessment, condition-based maintenance and adjustment.
Flexible Mounting
Available with integral or remote electronics and local indication, remote indication or blind housing configurations.
Confirm guaranteed performance before ordering
Legacy Cadillac Meter material contains differing liquid-accuracy and turndown statements. The figures above follow the most specific current product guidance. Guaranteed performance should be confirmed on the configured quotation, approved submittal and calibration documentation.
Preliminary Sizing
Saturated-Steam Flow Ranges
The following published ranges show the preliminary minimum and maximum saturated-steam flow capability for each meter size at selected operating pressures. Flow values are stated in pounds per hour.
On smaller screens, scroll horizontally to view the complete table.
| Meter Size | 5 psig | 10 psig | 20 psig | 50 psig | 100 psig | 150 psig |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5″ | 13–85 | 14–105 | 17–140 | 23–255 | 30–435 | 35–615 |
| 1″ | 30–260 | 35–325 | 40–440 | 55–790 | 70–1,355 | 80–1,915 |
| 1.5″ | 60–625 | 65–765 | 80–1,050 | 105–1,885 | 135–3,235 | 165–4,565 |
| 2″ | 100–1,020 | 110–1,265 | 130–1,740 | 175–3,120 | 230–5,360 | 270–7,565 |
| 3″ | 190–1,980 | 215–2,450 | 250–3,355 | 335–6,025 | 440–10,345 | 520–14,600 |
| 4″ | 335–3,450 | 370–4,260 | 435–5,860 | 580–10,500 | 765–18,050 | 905–25,490 |
| 6″ | 730–7,550 | 810–9,330 | 950–12,830 | 1,275–23,000 | 1,670–39,540 | 2,095–55,810 |
| 8″ | 1,565–13,500 | 1,740–16,880 | 2,040–22,940 | 2,730–41,160 | 3,580–70,700 | 4,255–99,790 |
| 10″ | 2,825–21,000 | 3,140–25,800 | 3,680–35,470 | 4,930–63,650 | 6,460–109,300 | 7,675–154,300 |
| 12″ | 4,050–30,000 | 4,500–37,000 | 5,270–50,800 | 7,060–91,150 | 9,250–156,550 | 10,990–221,000 |
Meter size may differ from pipe size
Steam systems frequently use a reduced meter body to improve low-flow performance and rangeability. Properly engineered reducer and expander sections are therefore an important part of selection.
Factory application check required
Submit the steam condition, pressure, temperature, minimum flow, normal flow, maximum flow, pipe schedule and available straight run before selecting a meter.
Preliminary Liquid Sizing
Water and Condensate Flow Ranges
These published ranges provide preliminary sizing guidance for water and condensate service. Water flow is stated in gallons per minute, while condensate flow is stated in pounds per hour.
| Meter Size |
Water Range gpm |
Condensate Range lb/hr |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5″ | 1.7–27 | 800–12,800 |
| 1″ | 3.5–82 | 1,730–39,640 |
| 1.5″ | 7–196 | 3,540–94,600 |
| 2″ | 12–325 | 5,875–156,720 |
| 3″ | 24–627 | 11,330–302,550 |
| 4″ | 41–1,095 | 19,775–528,065 |
| 6″ | 80–2,400 | Not published |
| 8″ | 187–4,290 | Not published |
| 10″ | 330–6,630 | Not published |
| 12″ | 475–9,500 | Not published |
Low-Flow Performance
The low end depends on whether the fluid has sufficient velocity, density and Reynolds number to generate vortices that can be detected reliably.
High-Flow Performance
At higher velocities, vortex amplitude and the electronics’ ability to distinguish individual vortices establish the practical upper measurement limit.
These are reference ranges, not final selections
Fluid properties, operating temperature, pressure, viscosity, vibration and installation quality can alter the usable measurement range. Cadillac Meter should verify every liquid application.
Installation Guidance
Straight Piping and Meter Placement
Stable, fully developed flow is essential for reliable vortex measurement. Published Cadillac Meter guidance calls for minimum upstream and downstream straight piping around the CV-P meter, including installations that use reducer or expander sections.
The meter must also be installed with its cast flow arrow aligned with the actual direction of process flow.
10D Minimum
Upstream straight pipe
CV-P Meter
→ FLOW
5D Minimum
Downstream straight pipe
D represents the nominal CV-P meter diameter, not necessarily the main process-pipe diameter.
| Installation Element | Published Guidance |
|---|---|
| Upstream straight run | Minimum 10 nominal meter diameters |
| Downstream straight run | Minimum 5 nominal meter diameters |
| Reducer or expander installation | Maintain at least 10D upstream and 5D downstream around the reduced meter section |
| Pressure tap or transmitter | The legacy compensation diagram places the pressure connection approximately 3.5D to 7.5D downstream; confirm the required location for the selected system |
Installation Considerations
Full Pipe for Liquids
Locate liquid-service meters where the pipe remains completely full and gas pockets cannot collect around the sensing section.
Manage Vibration
High vibration may require reduced electronic sensitivity and can compromise the meter’s ability to measure low flow reliably.
Steam-System Design
Provide suitable isolation, condensate management, pressure and temperature connections, drainage and personnel protection.
Minimum straight run does not cover every disturbance
Elbows, control valves, partially open valves, pumps, expanders, reducers and multiple out-of-plane disturbances can require additional engineering consideration. Confirm the final piping arrangement with Cadillac Meter before fabrication.
Dimensions and Construction
Flanged CV-P Meter Dimensions
The following legacy dimensions apply to published flanged CV-P configurations. Values A, B and C are stated in inches, while the Class 150 and Class 300 columns show approximate meter weight.
A = Face-to-face
B = Meter centerline to top reference
C = Meter internal diameter
On smaller screens, scroll horizontally to view the complete table.
| Meter Size |
A inches |
B inches |
C inches |
ANSI Class 150 weight |
ANSI Class 300 weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5″ | 5.12 | 7.52 | 0.50 | 10 lb | 10 lb |
| 1″ | 5.91 | 7.60 | 1.00 | 15 lb | 17 lb |
| 1.5″ | 5.91 | 7.87 | 1.50 | 19 lb | 21 lb |
| 2″ | 6.69 | 8.74 | 2.00 | 27 lb | 30 lb |
| 3″ | 7.87 | 9.41 | 3.00 | 45 lb | 53 lb |
| 4″ | 8.66 | 10.00 | 4.00 | 61 lb | 80 lb |
| 6″ | 10.63 | 10.75 | 6.00 | 81 lb | 121 lb |
| 8″ | 12.20 | 12.00 | 8.00 | 125 lb | 180 lb |
| 10″ | 14.57 | 13.43 | 10.00 | 200 lb | 275 lb |
| 12″ | 15.75 | 14.61 | 12.00 | 310 lb | 395 lb |
Published Body and Pressure-Class Options
Flanged Body
Published flanged configurations include ANSI Classes 150, 300, 600 and 900.
Wafer Body
A wafer-style body option is published for meter sizes from 0.5 inches through 4 inches.
Larger Sizes
The published model structure stops at 12 inches. Consult Cadillac Meter regarding availability and dimensions above 12 inches.
Do not fabricate piping from this reference table alone
Request a certified dimensional drawing for the selected meter size, body style, flange class, electronics configuration, orientation and approvals before fabrication or installation.
Configuration Guidance
CV-P Model-Code Structure
The published CV-P model structure identifies the meter series, pickup technology, nominal size, electronics, converter arrangement, body style, pressure class and approvals. Use it as a configuration guide rather than a complete ordering specification.
| Code Position | Code | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Series | CV | Cadillac Vortex flow meter |
| Pickup technology | P | Piezoelectric pickup technology |
| Meter size | A through J | A = 0.5″; B = 1″; C = 1.5″; D = 2″; E = 3″; F = 4″; G = 6″; H = 8″; I = 10″; J = 12″ |
| Electronics | S or M | S = standard electronics; M = MASS electronics with integral RTD |
| Converter | II or RC | II = integral converter with indicator/totalizer; RC = remote converter |
| Body style | W or F | W = wafer-style body from 0.5″ through 4″; F = flanged body |
| Pressure class | 150, 300, 600 or 900 | Published ANSI pressure-class designation |
| Approval | FM | FM approval designation where specified and available |
Remote Converter Codes
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CVC | Cadillac Vortex converter |
| P | Piezoelectric remote electronics |
| I | Indicator and totalizer |
| U | Universal mounting bracket |
| XXFT | Specified interconnecting-cable length |
| FM | FM approval designation where specified |
A model code does not replace a complete application specification
Confirm the process medium, wetted-material compatibility, meter size, body style, pressure class, electronics location, display, power, engineering units, output signals, cable length, compensation inputs, calibration and required approvals with Cadillac Meter.
Application and Ordering
Information Required to Select a CV-P Meter
Vortex meters must be selected from the complete operating envelope. Supplying accurate process, piping and electronics information allows Cadillac Meter to confirm suitability, select the correct meter size and configure the required measurement system.
Process Medium
- Liquid, steam or gas
- Fluid name and composition
- Saturated or superheated steam
- Density or specific-gravity data where relevant
Operating Conditions
- Minimum flow rate
- Normal flow rate
- Maximum flow rate
- Operating and design pressure
- Operating and design temperature
Piping Information
- Process-pipe size and schedule
- Required pressure class
- Pipe orientation
- Available straight piping
- Nearby valves, elbows and disturbances
Electronics and Outputs
- Standard or MASS electronics
- Integral or remote converter
- Local display requirements
- Pulse and 4–20 mA outputs
- Required engineering units and totalization
Compensation
- Volumetric or mass flow
- Pressure-transmitter input
- Temperature measurement
- Steam or gas compensation data
Documentation
- Required approvals
- Calibration documentation
- Certified dimensional drawings
- Project submittal requirements
Final engineering gate
Confirm chemical compatibility, pressure and temperature ratings, hazardous-area approvals, vibration, straight-run conditions, service access and certified dimensions before purchase or fabrication.
Start with the flow range—not the line size
Selecting a CV-P solely by matching the existing pipe diameter can produce poor low-flow performance. The correct meter may require a smaller body and engineered reducer and expander sections.
Application Diagram
CV-P and CMASS Natural-Gas Integration
This published application arrangement combines a CV-P vortex meter with Cadillac® CMASS wall-mounted electronics for compensated natural-gas measurement. The system uses volumetric flow, temperature and pressure inputs to calculate and transmit corrected flow information.
The diagram is a system concept rather than a project-specific installation drawing. Meter size, transmitter ranges, power, communications and piping details must be confirmed for the actual application.
System Components and Signals
CV-P Flow Input
The CV-P supplies the vortex-based volumetric flow signal to the CMASS electronics. The published arrangement shows the flow input loop-powered by CMASS.
Pressure and Temperature
Pressure and temperature transmitters provide two 4–20 mA inputs used with the flow signal to calculate compensated natural-gas flow.
CMASS Electronics
The wall-mounted CMASS unit receives the measurement inputs, performs the required compensation and provides local indication and totalization.
Automation Outputs
The published system shows isolated analog or pulse outputs and communication options for connection to a building-automation system.
Straight-pipe orientation
Following the flow direction shown in the diagram, the meter has 10 pipe diameters of upstream straight run and 5 pipe diameters downstream.
Published body availability
The application diagram states that wafer-style CV-P meters are available for line sizes from 0.5 inches through 4 inches. Confirm the required body and pressure class during selection.
Next Steps
Select the Correct CV-P Meter
Download the complete CV-P Technical Guide for a printable reference containing operating principles, performance data, flow-range tables, installation guidance, dimensions and model-code information.
For meter selection, send Cadillac Meter the process medium, pressure, temperature, minimum flow, normal flow, maximum flow, piping details and required outputs.
CV-P Engineering Support
Cadillac Meter can review the application, verify the usable flow range and configure the required meter body, electronics and compensation package.
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