Coriolis Mass Flowmeters

Coriolis Mass Flowmeters

Coriolis mass flowmeters measure mass flow directly by monitoring the dynamic response of one or more vibrating measuring tubes. As fluid passes through the oscillating tube(s), inertial forces create a measurable phase shift that is proportional to mass flow. Because the measurement is based on mass rather than volume, it remains stable when pressure and temperature change density, and it is broadly applicable to both liquids and gases.

In addition to mass flow, density can be derived from the tube’s oscillation frequency and the instrument can report process temperature for thermal compensation. With these primary variables available simultaneously, secondary values can be calculated for control and quality purposes, including volume flow, solids content, and concentration or reference-density scales (for example °Brix, °API, °Plato). This multivariable output set is valuable wherever a single installation must support both process control and product verification.

Key benefits include high measuring accuracy, a principle that is largely independent of the physical fluid properties and the flow profile, and reduced installation constraints because dedicated inlet/outlet straight runs are not required in the same way as many velocity-based technologies. These characteristics support repeatable measurement across wide operating ranges and contribute to strong long-term performance in applications where drift, zero stability, and traceability are critical.

Typical applications include chemical and petrochemical feeds, batching and blending skids, additive dosing, and loading/unloading measurement for fuels and crude products. In hygienic and life-sciences processes, the ability to measure low flows with high resolution while trending density for concentration control supports consistent product quality. The technology is used across fluids ranging from solvents and cleaning agents to viscous foods and liquefied gases.

Selection and engineering considerations focus on sizing for the required turndown and allowable pressure drop, choosing wetted materials compatible with corrosion and cleaning regimes, and managing installation influences such as external vibration and entrained gas. Where process conditions vary, leveraging density and temperature outputs can reduce uncertainty in downstream calculations and improve observability without adding additional primary sensors.

Field Instruments & Controls, Inc. an exclusive authorized representative of sales and service for Endress+Hauser.