Coriolis Flow Meter Principles

The basic operation of Coriolis flow meters is based on the principles of motion mechanics. As fluid moves through a vibrating tube it is forced to accelerate as it moves toward the point of peak-amplitude vibration. Conversely, decelerating fluid moves away from the point of peak amplitude as it exits the tube. The result is a twisting reaction of the flow tube during flowing conditions as it traverses each vibration cycle.
 

Importance

A Coriolis meter is based on the principles of motion mechanics. When the process fluid enters the sensor, it is split. During operation, a drive coil stimulates the tubes to oscillate in opposition at the natural resonant frequency. As the tubes oscillate, the voltage generated from each pickoff creates a sine wave. This indicates the motion of one tube relative to the other. The time delay between the two sine waves is called Delta-T, which is directly proportional to the mass flow rate.
 

Range

Coriolis flow meters are extremely important in a multitude of flow-measurement applications. Offering a wide breadth of line sizes, flow measurement accuracy and turndown, these meters support many industries and can measure flow rates from a few grams/hour up to 120,000 lbs/minute. Coriolis meters have a wide, dynamic range due to the linear nature of the signal created while measuring flow.

Applications

Coriolis flow meters are used in a wide range of critical, challenging applications, in industries including oil and gas, water and wastewater, power, chemical, food and beverage, and life sciences.

 

Some common applications for Coriolis flow meters include:

 

• Applications with low to high flow rates

 

• Fiscal custody transfer

 

• Challenging liquid, gas and slurry applications