Abstract: A piezoelectric vortex flow meter for determining the rate of fluid flow through piping including a hermetically sealed bluff body having a vortex generating plate operably associated with a sensing plate. The vortex generating plate is positioned perpendicular to the fluid flow for creating a "vortex street". A pair of piezoelectric sensors are disposed in a pair of recesses formed in the interior of the sensing plate. Sensing surfaces are formed on each side of the sensing plate adjacent the piezoelectric sensors. The sensing surfaces are formed such that the side surfaces of the sensing plate are free from any discontinuities. The vortices created by the vortex generating plate exert a force on the sensing surfaces which transmit a signal porportional to the force exerted, to the piezoelectric sensors. The piezoelectric sensors transform the mechanical energy into electrical energy readily readable with an appropriate electrical circuit.

Abstract: A piezoelectric vortex flow meter for determining the rate of fluid flow through piping including a hermetically sealed bluff body having a vortex generating plate operably associated with a sensing plate. The vortex generating plate is positioned perpendicular to the fluid flow for creating a "vortex street". A pair of piezoelectric sensors are disposed in a pair of recesses formed in the interior of the sensing plate. Sensing surfaces are formed on each side of the sensing plate adjacent the piezoelectric sensors. The sensing surfaces are formed such that the side surfaces of the sensing plate are free from any discontinuities. The vortices created by the vortex generating plate exert a force on the sensing surfaces which transmit a signal proportional to the force exerted, to the piezoelectric sensors. The piezoelectric sensors transform the mechanical energy into electrical energy readily readable with an appropriate electrical circuit.