Coriolis Mass Flowmeter (abbreviated as CMF) is a high – precision flow instrument that directly measures the mass flow of fluids. It operates based on the principle of the Coriolis Effect. It can not only measure mass flow but also simultaneously obtain parameters such as density and temperature, and is widely used in fields such as petrochemical, food and medicine, and energy metering.
Working Principle
Coriolis Effect
When the fluid flows through the vibrating measuring tube, a Coriolis Force is generated, causing the measuring tube to undergo a slight deformation. By detecting this deformation, the mass flow of the fluid can be calculated.
- Measuring tube vibration: The electromagnetic drive makes the measuring tube vibrate at its natural frequency.
- Phase difference detection: When the fluid is flowing, the vibration phase difference between the inlet and the outlet is proportional to the mass flow.
- Density calculation: The vibration frequency of the measuring tube is related to the fluid density, enabling synchronous density calculation.
Main Features of Liquid Mass Flow Meter
| Characteristic | Description |
| Direct mass flow measurement | No need for temperature and pressure compensation, with high accuracy (±0.1% – ±0.5%). |
| Multi – parameter measurement | Can simultaneously output mass flow, density, temperature, volume flow, etc. |
| Wide range of applicable media | Liquids, gases, slurries, high – viscosity fluids (such as asphalt, chocolate). |
| No moving parts | Maintenance – free, with good long – term stability. |
| Bi – directional flow measurement | Supports forward and reverse flow detection. |
| High – pressure and high – temperature resistance | Some models can withstand a high pressure of 100MPa and a high temperature of 400℃. |
Typical Applications of Liquid Mass Flow Meter
(1) Petrochemical Industry
- Crude oil trade settlement (high – precision measurement).
- Ratio control of chemical raw materials (acids, alkalis, solvents).
(2) Food and Medicine Industry
- Measurement of high – viscosity fluids such as syrup, milk, and beer.
- Batch control in the pharmaceutical industry (complying with FDA/GMP requirements).
(3) Energy Industry
- Mass flow measurement of natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
- Measurement of boiler fuel oil.
(4) Other Industries
- High – viscosity media such as coatings, paints, and asphalt.
- Precision fluid research in laboratories.
Key Selection Parameters of Liquid Mass Flow Meter
| Parameter | Consideration Factor |
| Measuring medium | Liquid/gas/slurry, corrosiveness, viscosity. |
| Flow range | Minimum/maximum flow (range ratio is usually 20:1). |
| Accuracy requirement | Trade – grade (±0.1%) or process – grade (±0.5%). |
| Pressure rating | Conventional (PN16 – PN40), high – pressure (100MPa+). |
| Temperature range | – 200℃ – +400℃ (ultra – low temperature requires special design). |
| Installation method | Straight/elbow type, flange/thread/hoop connection. |
| Output signal | 4 – 20mA, HART, Modbus, PROFIBUS, etc. |
Why Choose a Coriolis Flow Meter?
Coriolis flow meters are versatile instruments used across many industries, capable of accurately measuring flows from just a few grams per hour up to 120,000 lbs per minute.
Key Advantages:
- Self-draining design – Ideal for hygienic and clean-in-place applications.
- Flexible installation – Works seamlessly for both gas and liquid flow measurement.
- No moving parts – Reduces wear and maintenance; installation does not require long inlet or outlet runs.
- Multi-parameter measurement – Measures mass flow, volume flow, density, and temperature simultaneously.
- Viscosity- and density-independent – Performance remains consistent regardless of fluid properties.
- High accuracy and repeatability – Ensures precise mass flow and density readings.
- Resilient to operating conditions – Unaffected by pressure, temperature, or viscosity changes.
- Bidirectional capability – Measures flow accurately in both forward and reverse directions.
- Customizable ranges – Measuring ranges can be optimized for specific flow rate and density requirements.
The SHLEES Coriolis mass flowmeter is a high – precision and multi – functional flow measurement solution, especially suitable for scenarios such as trade settlement, batch control, and high – viscosity media. Although the initial cost is relatively high, its long – term stability and maintenance – free characteristics make it irreplaceable in key processes.
FAQ: Coriolis Flow Meters
Q1: How accurate is a Coriolis mass flow meter?
Coriolis Liquid Mass Flow Meters are among the most accurate flow measurement technologies available. They are often used as a reference to validate other flow meters by comparing readings concurrently. Typical accuracy ranges from 0.1% to 0.5%, making them highly reliable for precise applications.
Q2: What is the difference between Coriolis and turbine flow meters?
Coriolis Liquid Mass Flow Meters measure mass flow directly, independent of fluid temperature or pressure. Turbine flow meters measure volumetric flow and require compensation for pressure and temperature variations.
Q3: What is the difference between a Coriolis meter and a magnetic flow meter?
Coriolis meters provide direct mass flow and density measurements, while magnetic flow meters measure volumetric flow only. This means Coriolis meters can handle applications requiring density monitoring, which mag meters cannot.
Q4: Coriolis vs. vortex flow meters – what’s the difference?
Both Coriolis and vortex flow meters are versatile and can measure liquids and gases. However, Coriolis meters offer a much higher turndown ratio (20:1 to 100:1), compared to vortex meters, which typically have a turndown ratio of up to 5:1. This makes Coriolis meters more flexible across a wide range of flow rates.
