Coriolis mass flow meter technology

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How a Coriolis Mass Flow Meter Works

Coriolis mass flow meters measure the acceleration caused by the movement of mass toward (or away from) the center of rotation. This effect occurs when riding a merry-go-round, where movement toward the center causes one to have to "tilt" the spin to maintain balance. Related to a flow meter, the effect can be shown by flowing water through a loop of flexible hose that is swung back and forth in front of the body with two hands. As the water flows in and out of the hand, it creates opposing forces and causes the hose to twist. They account for approximately 21% of flow meters sold.

In a Coriolis mass flow meter, "wobble" is created by vibrating the tube in which the fluid flows. The amount of twist is proportional to the mass flow rate of the fluid flowing through the tube. Sensors and Coriolis mass flow meter transmitters are used to measure distortion and generate a linear flow signal.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The technology offers high accuracy, can handle hygienic applications, is approved for custody transfer, and offers high reliability and low maintenance costs. For fluids used to generate energy, mass flow is more important than volume. These include compressed and liquefied petroleum liquids and natural gas. The cost is high, especially for wire diameters above four inches. For "U" tube designs and high viscosity fluids, pressure drop may be considered.

How to use a Coriolis mass flow meter

Coriolis mass flow meters measure the mass flow of liquids such as water, acids, caustics, chemicals, and gases/vapors. Since mass flow is measured, the measurement is not affected by changes in fluid density. Be especially careful when measuring gas/steam flow using a Coriolis mass flow meter, as flow rates tend to be very low (accuracy decreases) over the flow range. Likewise, in gas/steam applications, a large pressure drop will occur across the flow meter and its associated piping.

This flow meter can be used with sanitary, cryogenic, relatively clean and corrosive liquids and gases/vapors in pipes smaller than 6-12 inches. General applications are found in the water, wastewater, mining, mineral processing, power, pulp and paper, petroleum, chemical and petrochemical industries. Materials of construction are generally limited to stainless steel and HastelloyC. A straight tube design can be used to measure some dirty and/or abrasive liquids.

Many applications for Coriolis mass flow meters are found in chemical processes where fluids may be corrosive and otherwise difficult to measure. Additionally, the relative insensitivity to density allows Coriolis mass flow meters to be used in applications where the physical properties of the fluid are unknown. These flow meters can also be used in chemical feed systems in most industries.

Industry used

The industries from highest to lowest are chemicals, oil and gas, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, pulp and paper, power, metals and mining, water and wastewater, followed by all others to a lesser extent.

Coriolis mass flow meter application considerations

If the pressure drop is acceptable, operate the Coriolis mass flow meter in the upper part of its flow range, as operating at low flow rates will reduce accuracy. Note that high viscosity fluids will increase the pressure drop across the flow meter. For liquid flow, make sure the flow meter is completely filled with liquid. Use extreme caution when measuring gas/steam flow with a Coriolis mass flow meter. Pay special attention to installation as pipe vibration can cause operational problems.

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