The KOBOLD DVZ is a compact inline vortex flow meter and switch that measures low-viscosity, water-like liquids from 0.13 to 26 GPM with no moving parts in the measuring path. Built on the vortex-shedding principle, the DVZ pairs a fiberglass-reinforced PPS sensor housing with nickel-plated brass or 316 stainless steel fittings in ¼" to 1" NPT and G¼ to G1 sizes, fixed or rotatable. Output options are available as a simple adjustable switch, frequency, or 4-20 mA analog signals and now include the new U-PACE compact electronics with a color TFT display, two configurable outputs, simultaneous flow and temperature measurement, batching functions, and IO-Link communication. Applications include monitoring the flow of low-viscosity liquids and measuring aggressive, high-purity, or salty solutions in systems where reliability and low cost are priorities.
How the DVZ Vortex Flow Meter Works
The DVZ measures flow by vortex shedding: a bluff body in the flow path generates alternating low-pressure vortices whose frequency is directly proportional to flow rate. A sensitive pressure sensor detects the vortex pattern and converts it into a scaled flow signal, with no mechanical measuring components to wear.
Because nothing rotates or slides in the flow stream, the meter is virtually maintenance-free when the medium is free of deposits and fibers. Accuracy is ±2.5% of full scale with ±1% repeatability and roughly one-second response to flow changes greater than 10%.
Output Options: Switching, Frequency, Analog, and U-PACE
The DVZ is offered with four output families: adjustable switching outputs (SPDT relay or 24 VDC PNP, set from 10% to 90% of full scale in 10% steps), frequency outputs (500 Hz or user-specified 50–1000 Hz at full scale), 3-wire 4-20 mA analog outputs with M12 or DIN plug connection, and the U-PACE compact electronics.
Switch versions indicate status with a DUO-LED, and the 4-20 mA L443 version accepts the optional AUF-3000 plug-on display for local indication. This spread lets one meter family cover simple flow alarms, pulse-counting into a PLC, and continuous analog monitoring.
U-PACE Electronics with IO-Link and Temperature Measurement
The U-PACE option (order code C3T0) adds a 1.4" color TFT display, rotatable in 90° steps and configurable for multiple parameters, plus two outputs the user can configure as 4-20 mA or 0-20 mA analog, 0-10 V or 2-10 V voltage, switching, pulse, frequency, alarm, or IO-Link communication. Setup is handled through an intuitive menu with four optical touch keys.
U-PACE versions measure temperature in addition to flow using a digital sensor with accuracy of ≤±3.6°F (flow above 0.66 ft/s), providing both process values from a single installation point. A grand and resettable, partial totalizer and a batching function with external start/stop control input are built in, supporting dosing and fill applications.
The IO-Link interface (specification V1.1, COM3 bit rate, 1.1 ms minimum cycle time) gives controllers direct access to process data, diagnostics, and device configuration. This is designed to simplify integration into digitally networked and Industry 4.0-style automation systems. U-PACE electronics carry CSA approval for ordinary locations (cCSAus) and international IECEE certification according to the CB Scheme.
Materials, Pressure, and Temperature Ratings
Wetted parts are a fiberglass-reinforced PPS sensor housing, PVDF sensing diaphragm, PPS or oxide ceramic bluff body, NBR, EPDM, or FKM seals, and nickel-plated brass or 316 stainless steel fittings, with IP65 protection. This materials make the DVZ suitable for the aggressive, high-purity, and salty solutions listed among its applications.
Maximum pressure is 145 PSIG with fixed fittings on DVZ-1/DVZ-2 versions, 290 PSIG with rotatable fittings, and 290 PSIG on reinforced DVZ-3/DVZ-4 designs, with a maximum pressure drop of 3.6 PSI at 100% rated flow. Media temperature range is 32 to 176°F; ambient range is 14 to 140°F.
Installation and Application Guidelines
The DVZ installs in any orientation with flow in the direction of the arrow and requires a straight pipe run of 10 pipe diameters upstream and 2 downstream per the datasheet. Higher-flow models require minimum backpressure (7.3 to 13.1 PSI depending on model) above 80% of full scale to prevent cavitation.
The meter handles media up to 2–7 cSt viscosity depending on measuring range and is not suitable for abrasive media or media containing large amounts of fibers. For fiber-prone systems, installing an upstream filter such as the KOBOLD MFR magnetic filter is recommended. Typical duty includes cooling circuits, rinse water, and chemical feed lines within these limits.
Important Notice: Transitioning to U.S. Manufacturing
Due to the ongoing implementation of EU Directive 2020/2184 that restricts brass materials, product availability is subject to change at any time. We are actively reshoring production of our brass flowmeter models to U.S. facilities to ensure continued supply. Not all products can/will be reshored. During this transition, stock availability may fluctuate between the time of quotation and purchase order placement. We appreciate your patience as we work to establish our domestic supply chain and remain committed to providing you with the same high-quality products made closer to home.
Common Questions about DVZ - Vortex Flow Meter and Switch
The DVZ family spans eleven measuring ranges from 0.13-1.2 GPM up to 2.7-26 GPM (0.5-4.5 up to 10-100 LPM), referenced to water. Each range pairs with specific connection sizes from 1/4 in. to 1 in. NPT or G1/4 to G1, in fixed or rotatable versions. Fixed connection versions are also available in reinforced designs for higher pressures.
Four families: switching outputs (SPDT relay or PNP 24 VDC, adjustable 10-90% of full scale), frequency outputs (500 Hz standard or 50-1000 Hz user-specified), 3-wire 4-20 mA analog outputs with M12 or DIN connection, and U-PACE compact electronics with two fully configurable outputs and a TFT display.
U-PACE is the DVZ's advanced electronics package: a 1.4 in. color TFT display digitally rotatable in 90-degree steps, four optical touch keys, two outputs configurable as analog, switching, pulse, frequency, alarm, or IO-Link, plus grand and resettable totalizers, a batching function with external control input, and diagnostic functions.
Yes. U-PACE (C3T0) versions include IO-Link V1.1 with COM3 bit rate, 1.1 ms minimum cycle time, and support for cable lengths up to 65.6 ft (20 m). Device description files (IODDs) are available through the IODDfinder database for master configuration.
U-PACE versions measure both. An integrated digital temperature sensor provides readings with accuracy within plus/minus 3.6 F at flow velocities above 0.66 ft/s, and temperature is available on the display, the configurable outputs, and the IO-Link process data alongside flow and volume values.
The DVZ is designed for low-viscosity, water-like liquids, including aggressive, high-purity, or salty solutions, with media viscosity limits of 2-7 cSt depending on measuring range. It is not suitable for abrasive media or media containing large amounts of fibers or particles.
Maximum pressure is 145 PSIG with fixed fittings (DVZ-1/-2), 290 PSIG with rotatable fittings, and 290 PSIG for reinforced DVZ-3/-4 designs. The media temperature range is 32-176 F and the ambient range is 14-140 F, with a maximum pressure drop of 3.6 PSI at rated flow.
U-PACE electronics are CSA approved for ordinary locations (cCSAus) and hold international IECEE certification according to the CB Scheme. Under the CSA marking, the meter is certified for indoor installation and requires a suitable external power supply; ceramic bluff body versions (DVZ-2/-4) are not available with CSA marking.
The vortex measuring principle has no moving parts, so the DVZ is virtually maintenance-free when the medium does not cause deposits or contain fibers. If cleaning is needed, the sensor can be rinsed with a suitable liquid; an upstream filter such as the MFR magnetic filter helps prevent problems.