Coriolis mass flow meters are a type of flow measurement device that has gained popularity in various industries due to their high accuracy and reliability. These meters use the principle of Coriolis force to measure the mass flow rate of fluids, such as liquids and gases. In this article, we will delve into the principle of Coriolis mass flow meters, their working mechanism, and the benefits they offer.

What is Coriolis Force?

Coriolis force is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the apparent deflection of moving objects on Earth. It is named after French mathematician Gaspard-Gustave Coriolis, who first described it in the early 19th century. Coriolis force is a result of the Earth’s rotation and is proportional to the velocity of the object, the latitude of its location, and the mass of the object. In the context of Coriolis mass flow meters, this force is used to measure the mass flow rate of fluids.

Working Principle of Coriolis Mass Flow Meters

Coriolis mass flow meters consist of a U-shaped tube that is vibrated at a specific frequency. When a fluid flows through the tube, it creates a Coriolis force that causes the tube to twist. The twist is proportional to the mass flow rate of the fluid. The meter measures the twist using sensors and calculates the mass flow rate based on the frequency of the vibration and the twist. The working principle of Coriolis mass flow meters can be broken down into three stages: vibration, Coriolis force generation, and measurement.

Vibration Stage

In the vibration stage, the U-shaped tube is vibrated at a specific frequency using an electromagnetic drive. The vibration creates a sinusoidal motion of the tube, which is essential for generating the Coriolis force. The frequency of the vibration is typically in the range of 100-200 Hz.

Coriolis Force Generation Stage

As the fluid flows through the vibrating tube, it creates a Coriolis force that causes the tube to twist. The twist is proportional to the mass flow rate of the fluid. The Coriolis force is generated due to the interaction between the fluid and the vibrating tube. The force is perpendicular to the direction of the fluid flow and the vibration.

Measurement Stage

In the measurement stage, the twist of the tube is measured using sensors. The sensors detect the phase shift between the vibration and the twist, which is proportional to the mass flow rate. The phase shift is then converted into a digital signal, which is processed by the meter’s electronics to calculate the mass flow rate.

Benefits of Coriolis Mass Flow Meters

Coriolis mass flow meters offer several benefits over other types of flow measurement devices. Some of the key benefits include:

High Accuracy: Coriolis mass flowmeter offer high accuracy, typically in the range of 0.1-0.5%. This is due to the direct measurement of the mass flow rate, which eliminates the need for conversion from volume to mass.
Reliability: Coriolis mass flow meters are highly reliable and require minimal maintenance. They have no moving parts, which reduces the risk of wear and tear.
Flexibility: Coriolis mass flow meters can be used to measure a wide range of fluids, including liquids and gases. They can also be used in various industries, such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and food processing.
Low Pressure Drop: Coriolis mass flow meters have a low pressure drop, which means they do not obstruct the fluid flow. This makes them suitable for use in applications where pressure drop is a concern.
Conclusion

In conclusion, Coriolis mass flow meters are a highly accurate and reliable type of flow measurement device. They use the principle of Coriolis force to measure the mass flow rate of fluids, which eliminates the need for conversion from volume to mass. The working mechanism of Coriolis mass flow meters involves vibration, Coriolis force generation, and measurement. These meters offer several benefits, including high accuracy, reliability, flexibility, and low pressure drop. As a result, they have become a popular choice in various industries, including oil and gas, chemical processing, and food processing.