Coriolis Mass Flowmeters

Coriolis Mass Flowmeters

Coriolis mass flowmeters are inline instruments that directly measure mass flow while simultaneously providing density and temperature (and, depending on configuration, viscosity). Capturing these primary variables at the point of measurement supports tighter material accountability, improves quality assurance, and reduces reliance on external compensation or inferred properties.

The measuring principle uses one or more flow tubes driven into controlled oscillation. As fluid moves through the oscillating tube, inertial forces impose a twist that appears as a phase shift between sensors; that phase difference is proportional to mass flow. Tube oscillation frequency is used to determine density, and a temperature measurement compensates thermal influences and can be provided as an output signal.

Because the measurement is based on inertia rather than flow profile, Coriolis meters deliver high accuracy and repeatability across a broad operating envelope. Typical performance is about ±0.1% of rate, with tighter uncertainty available via premium calibration options; inlet/outlet straight runs are generally not required. Primary variables can also be used to calculate derived values such as volume flow, solids content, concentration, and industry-specific density units (for example, °Brix or °API).

Coriolis technology is applied across life sciences, chemical and petrochemical processing, oil and gas, food and beverage, and custody transfer services. It measures a wide range of fluids - from cleaning agents and solvents to fuels, crude oil, viscous products (e.g., sauces or pastes), gases, and liquefied gases - making it well suited for batching, blending, loading/unloading, and high-value transfers where consistency and traceability are critical.

Selection typically balances pressure drop, line size, and mechanical/installation constraints against required uncertainty, diagnostics, and verification strategy. Challenging conditions such as entrained gas, flashing, or multiphase behavior should be evaluated early because they can affect signal stability and density interpretation. Material compatibility and hygienic design needs are often decisive, especially where corrosion resistance, cleanability, or product changeover time drives lifecycle cost.

George E. Booth Co., an exclusive authorized representative of sales and service for Endress+Hauser.