Guide to Selecting Coriolis Mass Flow Meters for Industry Use

Flow measurement has long presented challenges across industries, with traditional devices often falling short in accuracy, maintenance requirements, and adaptability. Among the array of solutions, one technology stands out for its precision and versatility: the Coriolis mass flow meter.

The operating principle, while sophisticated, can be understood through basic physics. These meters utilize the Coriolis effect - an inertial force observed in rotating reference frames. When fluid flows through vibrating tubes, the resulting Coriolis force induces measurable tube deflection proportional to mass flow rate.

1. Tube Excitation: Internal drivers vibrate measurement tubes near their natural frequency for optimal sensitivity.
2. Fluid Dynamics: Moving fluid generates Coriolis forces dependent on mass flow rate, velocity, and vibration frequency.
3. Deflection: These forces create minute tube twisting, with direction indicating flow orientation.
4. Measurement: Precision sensors (electromagnetic or optical) detect deflection magnitude.
5. Data Processing: Signals convert to digital outputs showing mass flow, density, and temperature parameters.

• Support Structure: Provides stable mounting for the vibration system
• Measurement Tubes: Typically U-shaped or curved dual tubes where fluid interaction occurs
• Position Sensors: Detect nanometer-level tube displacements
• Drive Mechanism: Maintains resonant vibration for consistent operation
• Transmitter: Processes sensor data into readable measurements

Coriolis technology offers compelling benefits across industries:

• Universal Application: Handles liquids, gases, conductive/non-conductive fluids, and varying viscosities
• Multivariable Output: Simultaneously measures mass flow, density, and temperature
• Operational Efficiency: Requires minimal maintenance with no moving parts
• Certified Safety: Complies with ATEX, CSA, and IECEx standards for hazardous areas
• Unmatched Accuracy: Delivers 0.1-0.5% precision across measurement ranges
• Installation Flexibility: Eliminates straight-pipe requirements common to other technologies

When specifying Coriolis meters, consider these factors:

• Fluid characteristics (corrosivity, viscosity, phase)
• Required flow range and turndown ratio
• Process temperature and pressure conditions
• Material compatibility (wetted parts)
• Output requirements (analog, digital, protocols)
• Certification needs (sanitary, explosion-proof)

This technology serves critical measurement needs in:

• Oil & Gas: Custody transfer of crude, LNG, and refined products
• Chemical Processing: Precise batching of reactive compounds
• Food Production: Hygienic measurement of dairy, beverages, and edible oils
• Pharmaceuticals: Accurate dosing in sterile manufacturing
• Utilities: Water/wastewater flow monitoring

The market offers several established providers:

• Micro Motion (Emerson): Industry pioneer with extensive application experience
• Endress+Hauser: Known for high-accuracy devices across industries
• Yokogawa: Specializes in process automation integration
• Siemens: Offers comprehensive flow measurement solutions

Coriolis mass flow meters represent a significant advancement in flow measurement technology, providing reliable data for process optimization, quality control, and regulatory compliance across diverse industries. Their ability to directly measure mass flow eliminates the need for temperature and pressure compensation required by volumetric devices, delivering superior accuracy in demanding applications.