Technical Paper

Coriolis Mass Meters

Mass Meters for
Liquid Measurement
Issue/Rev. 0.0 (4/05) Bulletin TP0M004
The Most Trusted Name In Measurement
Introduction
Coriolis mass meters were introduced to industry in the
early 1980s and have gained wide acceptance as accurate
and reliable flow measuring devices. Today Coriolis meters
are recognized as one of the more significant, estimated
shipments of > 100,000 units in 2005, and fastest growing
of the new technology flowmeter types. Several factors
have contributed to the growth and acceptance of Coriolis
meters. A major factor contributing to their popularity is the
basic means by which Coriolis meters measure fluid flow.
Coriolis meters measure mass flow directly. By directly
measuring fluid mass, Coriolis meters eliminate the need
to compensate for pressure and temperature thereby re-
ducing the potential for measurement error. The result is
improved accuracy. Multivariable measuring capability fur-
ther enhances the versatility of a Coriolis flowmeter. In
addition to measuring mass flow, fluid density and tem-
perature are also measured and transmitted. Coriolis meters
use the primary measurements of fluid mass and density
to determine and output volumetric flow rate. With accu-
rate measurement, application versatility and no moving
parts to wear as attributes, Coriolis meters have gained
acceptance as viable meter type for liquid hydrocarbon
custody transfer. Confirming this trend is the October
2002 Measurement Standards Publication by the Ameri-
can Petroleum Institute for Measurement of Liquid Hydro-
carbons by Coriolis Meters. The following discussion
seeks to enhance the readers understanding of Coriolis
technology and general considerations for applying Corio-
lis meters for the measurement of liquid flow.
Flowmeter Description
A Coriolis meter consists of two primary components: a
mechanical sensor and an electronic transmitter. The flow
element, referred to as the sensor, mounts directly in the
process piping. The transmitter can be directly mounted to
the sensor or remotely located and connected to the sen-
sor by a multi-conductor cable
The flow sensor is a mechanical assembly consisting of
flow tube(s), flow splitter (if required), electromagnetic drive
system, RTD(s), sensing coils, support structure, case
and process connections. The primary function of the
sensor is to react and measure the Coriolis force gener-
ated by the mass flow of fluid through the oscillating flow
tube(s).
Coriolis meter sensors are available in a variety of geomet-
ric configurations and sizes. A general summary of capa-
bilities follows:
Sizes from 1/12" to 12"
Maximum flow rates to > 80,000 lb/min
Pressure ratings to 12,000 psi*
Process temperature capability to 800 F*
*Standard maximum pressure and temperature ratings
range from 800 psi to 1500 psi and 275 F to 400 F. The
extreme ranges noted are available as options.
Sensor and other parts comprising the pressure containing
structures are designed and constructed of materials suit-
able for the service conditions for which the meter is rated.
The transmitter is a system of electronics consisting of
power supply, microprocessor(s), signal processing and
communication components housed in an enclosure that
can be integral to the sensor or remotely mounted.
Transmitter configurations, like sensors, will vary by manu-
facturer. Typical transmitter features include:
Operate on AC or DC input power
Analog output signals
Frequency output signals
Control/status output
Digital communications
Zero/remote zero contact
Output damping
Low flow cut-off
Totals and inventories
Self diagnostics
Loop tests
Local display and interface
Coriolis meter sensors are traditionally designed to be
intrinsically safe devices suitable for installation in Class I,
Div. 1, or less hazardous locations. The transmitter is
typically configured as an associated intrinsically safe
device with protection provided by an explosion proof en-
closure. Several manufacturers supply transmitters in
panel mount versions.
Issue/Rev. 0.0 (4/05) Page 2 TP0M004
Operating Principle
Two phenomena are required to generate a Coriolis force
a rotation and a mass moving toward and away from the
axis of rotation. In Coriolis meters, the rotation is created
in an oscillatory manner through vibration of a flow conduit,
or multiple conduits. Figure 1 illustrates an element of
fluid moving through a tube that rotates about a fixed axis
perpendicular to the centerline of the tube.
The inlet and outlet of the flow tube(s) are anchored while
the tube is vibrated at a midway point. The tube vibration
is produced by means of an electromagnetic drive system
consisting of a coil and magnet. Located upstream and
downstream of the drive system are sensors used to mea-
sure the Coriolis response.
The operation of a Coriolis mass flowmeter is explained by
the application of Newtons second law, F = M A (Force =
Mass X Acceleration). The vibrating tube exerts a force on
the flowing fluid, and in response, the flowing fluid exerts a
Coriolis force (F
c
) on the tube. The fluid flowing toward the
middle of the flow tube opposes the motion of the tube,
while the fluid flowing away from the middle assists in the
motion of the tube. Because the flow tube is elastic, the
tube walls deform in response to this Coriolis force.
Under no-flow conditions, the flow signals generated up-
stream and downstream of the drive system are in phase,
as shown in Figure 2.
When the flowing fluid and the tube movement generate
Coriolis forces, a deflection occurs in equal magnitude,
upstream and downstream, but in opposite direction. The
magnitude of this deflection is directly proportional to the
mass flow rate through the sensor and is shown in
Figure 3.
As flow rate increases, the deflection magnitude increases,
and as flow rate decreases the deflection magnitude de-
creases. This tube deflection is evidenced by a phase
difference or shift between the upstream and downstream
pick-off signals.
Several methods are used to measure the Coriolis deflec-
tion. The most commonly applied technique is the mea-
surement of the phase difference between upstream and
downstream pick-off coils. Since phase difference occurs
in time, measures of the time difference between the two
signals produce a delta time value that is proportional to
mass flow rate. An alternative method involves the direct
measurement of Coriolis deflection. This direct measure-
ment of the tube deflection resulting from F
c
is accom-
plished by continuous measurement of the upstream and
downstream signals and subtracting the outlet from the
inlet signal. The result is a continuous sinusoidal signal of
Coriolis deflection magnitude. Digital signal processing
techniques, such as synchronous demodulation, calculate
and provide a continuous positive signal of mass flow.
Figure 4 illustrates Coriolis response signals.
Density Measurement
In addition to mass flow, Coriolis meters measure fluid
density. Density measurement is made simultaneously
of mass flow measurement. Fluid density is determined
by measuring the frequency of flow tube vibration. Density
measurement is based on the physics of a spring and
mass system. The frequency of oscillation of a spring and
mass assembly, with the spring anchored at one end and
a mass suspended on the other, is a function of the char-
acteristics of the spring and the amount of mass attached.
See Figure 5. Using a spring of known characteristics, a
change in the attached mass will cause proportional change
in the frequency of oscillation of the spring-mass system.
When calibrated to determine its spring constant using a
Figure 2
Figure 1
Figure 3
Figure 4
Issue/Rev. 0.0 (4/05) TP0M004 Page 3
known mass, the amount of an unknown mass attached to
the end of the spring can be determined by measuring the
change in the natural frequency of oscillation of the spring
from its calibrated condition.
The example of a spring-mass system can be applied to a
Coriolis meter. In a Coriolis meter, the flow tube acts as
the vibrating spring assembly with the mass inside the
tube, rather than attached to the end of the spring. The
tube is excited to vibrate at its natural frequency as shown
in Figure 5. The natural frequency of the tube will change
as a result of changes in the amount of mass contained in
the tube(s). Measuring the frequency of oscillation of the
tube provides a direct mass measurement of the volume
of fluid contained in the tube. This mass per unit volume is
the density of the fluid.
To accomplish accurate density measurement Coriolis
meter electronics and sensor are calibrated using fluids of
differing density. Known fluid density value(s) and mea-
sured frequency response(s) are used to characterize the
Coriolis sensor. Measured liquid density is provided as a
transmitter output with selectable units of measure.
High performance Coriolis meters can provide density mea-
surement accuracy to 0.0005 g/cc.
Volume Measurement
Volume measurement is provided by a Coriolis flowmeter
using mass flow rate (M) and measured density () to
calculate volumetric flow rate (q).
q = M/
Volumetric flow rate uncertainty is the combined error of
the mass flow rate and density measurement.
Performance
Coriolis meter accuracy is a function of the mass flow rate
through the sensor and is independent of fluid characteris-
tics, i.e. density, composition, viscosity, temperature and
pressure. Error limits are provided by the manufacturer for
flow rates from 100% of maximum sensor rating to a small
percentage of this flow rate. Because of the linear nature
of the signal developed, Coriolis meters have a wide dy-
namic range. Typical turndown ratios are on the order of
25:1, and good accuracy ( 0.5%) over 100:1 dynamic
flow range can be achieved in some applications.
Coriolis meter specifications typically state probable error,
or accuracy, as a percentage of flow rate plus the zero
stability value:
% Error = [base error, %
(zero stability/flow rate) x 100]
The actual meter base error value is determined from
laboratory calibration and includes the effects of laboratory
uncertainty, linearity, hysteresis and repeatability.
The zero stability value establishes the limits within which
the meter zero may vary during operation and is constant
over the operating range assuming all other parameters,
e.g. temperature, pressure, pipeline stress, are fixed. Zero
stability can be expressed as value in flow rate units or as
a percentage of upper range limit. Specified zero stability
performance is achieved when the Coriolis meter is in-
stalled and zeroed at operating conditions. Process
temperature, pressure and/or environmental temperature
changes will affect Coriolis meter zero stability. Limits for
changes in these installed conditions may be given which,
when exceeded, will require re-zeroing of the meter. Zero
stability has the greatest effect on flow measurement ac-
curacy at the lowest flow rate.
Figure 6 describes an example of actual Coriolis meter
performance vs. error specification vs. flow rate.
Pressure drop, or loss, across the Coriolis meter sensor is
a key factor in flowmeter selection. Sensor geometry,
fluid characteristics and flow rate determine the perma-
nent pressure loss across the meter. Coriolis meter sen-
sor designs are proprietary and vary by size. Manufac-
tures publish pressure drop curves and often provide siz-
ing aids to assist in pressure drop determination for a
specific application.
Coriolis meter turndown is described by the ratio of the
acceptable maximum flow rate to the acceptable mini-
mum flow rate. Turndown ratio is application specific and
dependent on flow conditions, allowable pressure drop
across the meter and allowable measurement error.
Factory Calibration
Coriolis meters, as a general practice, are factory cali-
brated on gravimetric flow stands that are traceable to a
national standard. Water is normally used as the calibra-
tion fluid. During calibration water flows through the Corio-
lis meter and is collected in a tank on a weigh scale. The
Coriolis meter mass indication is compared to the scale
indication, corrected for buoyancy effect. A repeatable
calibration factor for the flow range of the meter is estab-
Figure 5
Figure 6
Issue/Rev. 0.0 (4/05) Page 4 TP0M004
lished. The calibration factor is used to output the mea-
sured mass flow rate in appropriate engineering units.
Figure 7 shows a typical gravimetric calibration set up.
A separate density calibration is also performed at the
factory. Standard Coriolis meter density calibrations are
performed using air and water. Actual calibration involves
measurement of Coriolis meter tube frequency when the
meter is full of calibration fluid. Density calibration factors
are determined for each calibration fluid and are unique to
the sensor. The Coriolis meter transmitter interprets the
relationship between calibration factors to determine mea-
sured fluid density in the field.
Installation
A Coriolis meter sensor can be installed in any orientation
if the tube(s) remain completely full of liquid at all times.
Two-phase flow conditions can adversely affect perfor-
mance. Although Coriolis meters provide accurate mea-
surement when there is a small volume of entrained gas,
optimal performance is achieved by eliminating gas in the
liquid stream. Gas slugs should be avoided. If the volume
of gas or duration of the slug condition is too great, the
power required to drive the flow tube(s) will not be suffi-
cient and will result in a fault condition. In the worst case,
the flow tube(s) will stop vibrating. No measurement oc-
curs while the meter flow tube(s) are stalled.
Meter installation should follow good piping practices. Pip-
ing connections should be correctly aligned to minimize
compressive, tensile and torsional stresses placed on the
sensor.
Pipe supports should be installed to provide sufficient
support of the process piping up and downstream of the
sensor. Supports should support the process piping, not
the sensor.
A downstream shut off valve is required to ensure the
ability to obtain zero flow at process conditions - tempera-
ture and pressure equilibrium. Note that control valves
may not provide a tight seal. In this situation an additional
positive shutoff valve is recommended.
A bypass loop may be desirable in certain applications.
Ensure that the bypass valves do not leak, as leakage
through the valves will not be measured.
In general Coriolis meters are not sensitive to piping distur-
bances and do not require upstream or downstream straight
pipe run.
Pumps are a potential source of vibration that could inter-
fere with meter measurement and should be isolated by
distance or mechanical means if practical. Meter zeroing
with the pump running is recommended to minimize the
potential for measurement error.
Installations of multiple sensors in close proximity of one
another could result in cross-talk and induce measure-
ment error. In these circumstances care should be taken
to provide piping support to enhance noise isolation for
each meter location.
For applications having entrained solids, installation of a
self-draining sensor mounted in a vertical orientation is
recommended.
Maintenance
Coriolis meters have no moving parts and require very little
maintenance. With no moving parts to wear measurement
performance does not degrade with use.
A Coriolis meters non-intrusive flow element allows gas or
solids to pass through the meter without causing damage.
Periodic check of flowmeter zero and drive power will
serve as an indication of the condition of the sensor over
time.
If application conditions afford the potential for coating, a
zero offset, if the coating is not uniform, or increase in
drive power may be observed. Under these conditions
cleaning the flow meter tube(s) and re-zeroing is recom-
mended.
The Coriolis meter transmitter typically provides self-diag-
nostic capability to assist with inspection and trouble shoot-
ing activities. Transmitter LED(s), display interface and/or
PC based applications are often provided by manufactur-
ers to simplify commissioning, start-up, check out and
related fieldwork.
Proving
Field proving of Coriolis meters is readily accomplished
using established methods and equipment. Proper meter
installation and facility for establishing an initial zero point
adjustment under stable process conditions are critical
factors for successful in situ calibration. Other consider-
ations include collection of sufficient product to match the
resolution of the meter being calibrated and meter re-
sponse time.
Coriolis meter transmitters can be configured to output
pulses in either mass or volume units.
Coriolis meters measuring volume can be field proven
using Conventional Pipe, Small Volume and Volumetric
Tank Provers.
Field proving with a SVP is best accomplished under
stable flow conditions and with minimum transmitter time
constant and output damping settings. If flow conditions
Figure 7
Issue/Rev. 0.0 (4/05) TP0M004 Page 5
are variable, then determination of flow meter repeatability
using the Average Meter Factor method should be evalu-
ated.
Direct Mass Proving can be accomplished using Gravi-
metric, Mass Master Meter and Inferred Mass Proving
standard practices.
The reader is directed to APIs Manual of Petroleum Mea-
surement Standards and specifically, Chapter 5, Section 6
Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons by Coriolis Meters
for a complete and thorough treatise of guidelines for field
proving.
Applications
Coriolis meters are widely used in the Petroleum industry
in applications ranging from oil well stimulation to the cus-
tody transfer of asphalt.
Initial use of Coriolis meters tended toward severe or diffi-
cult applications that could not be effectively addressed
with conventional flowmeter technology. As Coriolis meter
installations increased so has user experience and accep-
tance. The rate of adoption of Coriolis meters by the
Petroleum industry is expected to increase. Factors con-
tributing to this trend are:
Direct mass measurement can be used to measure
practically anything, e.g. non- conductive fluids, slurries
etc.
Accuracy and turndown accurate measurement over a
wide dynamic range
No moving parts in the flow stream - long service life and
reduced maintenance costs
Multivariable measurement mass, density, volume
and temperature
Replacement of mechanical meters
A partial listing of Petroleum industry applications follows:
Production
Stimulation
CO
2
injection
Net oil determination
Lease automatic custody transfer systems
Transportation
Ship, barge, and rail loading and unloading
Pipeline friction reducer injection
Gathering crude tank trucks
Leak detection
LNG, LPG, NGL
Refining
Pipeline
Catalytic crackers
Material balance
Lube oils and gas blending
Refined Product Distribution
Ship, barge and rail loading and unloading
Pipeline
Truck marketing terminals
Conclusion
Direct mass measurement has the potential to improve
liquid flow measurement accuracy. Simultaneous mass
flow, density, temperature and volume flow measurement
enhance application knowledge and flowmeter versatility.
Coriolis meters have no moving parts to wear out. Overall
lower cost of ownership, enhanced performance and re-
duced maintenance are driving the increased use of Corio-
lis meters for liquid measurement in the Petroleum indus-
try.
Coriolis meters are a new flowmeter technology. As user
experience and acceptance of mass meters extend use to
custody transfer applications, adaptation of established
field proving practice and calibration methods are areas of
ongoing evolution of the state-of-the art of liquid measure-
ment by Coriolis meters.
Reference Documents
1.Anderson, D., Mass Meters for Liquid Measurement,
paper prepared for International School of Hydrocarbon
Measurement, 1997.
2.Apple, C., Proving Coriolis Flowmeters, paper prepared
for International School of Hydrocarbon Measurement,
1997.
3.Smith Meter, Inc., Considerations When Applying the
Coriolis Mass Flowmeter in Custody Transfer Applica-
tions, 1993.
4.Spitzer, D.W., Flow Measurement, Practical Guides for
Measurement and Control, pp 221-247, 1991.
5.Smith, S.J., Mass Meters for Liquid Measurement,
paper prepared for International School of Hydrocarbon
Measurement, 1999.
6.Baker, R.C., Flow Measurement Handbook, pp 391-
424, 2000
7.American Petroleum Institute Manual of Petroleum Mea-
surement Standards Draft Standard, Measurement of
Single-phase, Intermediate and Finishing Hydrocarbon
Fluids by Coriolis Meters, November 2000.
8.American Petroleum Institute Manual of Petroleum Mea-
surement Standards, Chapter 5 Metering Section 6
Measurement of Liquid Hydrocarbons by Coriolis
Meters, October 2002.
9.American Petroleum Institute Manual of Petroleum Mea-
surement Standards, Chapter 12 Calculation of Petro-
leum Quantities Section 2 Calculation of Petroleum
Quantities Using Dynamic Measurement Methods and
Volumetric Correction Factors, October 1998
10.American Gas Association, Engineering Technical Note
on Coriolis Flow Measurement for Natural Gas Applica-
tions, December 2001
11.Ducker Research Company, Inc., The World Market
for Flowmeters, February 2003
Printed in U.S.A. 4/05 FMC Measurement Solutions. All rights reserved. TP0M004 Issue/Rev. 0.0 (4/05)
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specifications are currently in effect. Otherwise, the manufacturer assumes no responsibility for the use of specifications which may have been changed and are
no longer in effect.
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