Agenda

Coriolis Flow Meter Theory of Operation

Bunkering
Marine Fuel Management
Viscosity
Questions

Coriolis Flowmeter Technology

Direct mass measurement is insensitive to fluid properties
such as:
22 C (40F) Change
Temperature
1027L
1000L
Pressure
Density
The same amount of fluid (1 Tonne)
looks like 2.7% (~$18) difference with
volumetric measurement

$54,000 difference on a
3000 Tonne bunker

1 Tonne
$654

1 Tonne.
$654

Bunkers sold on mass but measured by inferred

volume
2

Source: Bunkerworld, April 28th

Theory of Operation

The Coriolis effect is an inertia force.

In 1835, Gustave-Gaspard de Coriolis showed that this inertia
force must be taken into consideration if the simple Newtons Law
of Motion of bodies are to be used in a rotating frame of reference.

Gasparde de Coriolis

Coriolis Effect: The original path is deflected

westward by the rotation of the planet

Typical Components of a Coriolis Meter

Theory of Operation Mass Flow

In a Coriolis meter, the inertial force is provided by
vibrating the flow tubes. The tube twist or angle of
deflection from the vibration plane is measured
and converted into a mass flow measurement.

Micro Motion Confidential

Page 5

Theory of Operation Mass Flow

Process fluid enters the sensor and flow is split with half the flow
through each tube. The sensor flow tubes are vibrated in opposition to
each other by energizing a drive coil. Tubes are oscillated at their
natural frequency.

Magnet and coil assemblies, called pick-offs, are mounted on the flow
tubes. As each coil moves through the uniform magnetic field of the
adjacent magnet it creates a voltage in the form of a sine wave.

Micro Motion Confidential

Page 6

Theory of Operation Mass Flow

During a no flow condition, there is no Coriolis effect and the sine waves
are in phase with each other.
When fluid is moving through the sensor's tubes, Coriolis forces are
induced causing the flow tubes to twist in opposition to each other. The
time difference between the sine waves is measured and is called Delta-T
which is directly proportional to the mass flow rate.

Theory of Operation Mass Flow

The Flow Calibration Factor consists of 10 characters, including

two decimal points.
The first five digits are the flow calibration factor. This calibration
factor, multiplied by a given Delta-T, yields mass flow rate in
grams/sec.
The last three digits are a temperature coefficient for the sensor tube
material. This coefficient compensates for the effect of temperature

Three per
wire 100C).
platinum RTD measures tube
on tube rigidity (% change in rigidity
temperature on inlet side of sensor

Accurate to +/- 1.0oC

Available as additional process variable

Applies to liquid and

gas, and is linear
throughout the entire
range of the meter

RTD

Micro Motion Confidential

Page 8

Theory of Operation - Density

Theory of Operation -Temperature

Coriolis Multi-Variable Capability

Three process variables measured independently
Direct Mass
Flow

On-Line
Density

Temperature

Coriolis Technology
Multi-Variable Measurement Capability

Density-dependant variables are also available as either;

Standard Curves (Brix, API, HFCS, etc)
Customer-specific Curves (% Mass, % Volume, Alcohol, etc)

Degrees API
Degrees Baume
Degrees Brix
Degrees Plato

Mass Flow

Density

Temperature

% Solids
% Mass
% Black Liquor
Concentration

Specific Gravity
Alcohol
% HFCS
SCFM

Volume Flow
Specific
Gravity
Temperature

% Solids
By Volume
% Solids
By Mass
Mass Flow

Net Solids

Theory of Operation - Volume

Volumetric Flow is a calculated variable.
Volume Flow

Mass Flow
Density

Volume can be referenced to standard

temperature using the temperature input.
Coriolis meters are preferred for volume
measurements.

Low pressure drop

Wide turndown
High accuracy
High degree of linearity

Coriolis Sensor Geometries

All Geometries are not created equal
Design trade-offs are made for such things as;

Flow sensitivity & turndown

Density accuracy
Fluid S.G. range (gas/liquid)
Materials of construction
Temperature effects
Drainability and Cleanability
Pressure limits

Why Coriolis Volume Measurement

Coriolis meters are unaffected by flow

profiles, and provide higher turndown
Orifice plate, Vortex
Flow conditioner
than a typical velocity-based
volumetric
or Turbine
meters
42 D

No straight run

6D

No Reynolds # Limits
No parts to wear out
Limits leak points/fugitive emissions
Lower life cycle costs
Low installed costs

Marine Industry Applications

Fuel Bunkering
Engine Fuel Control
Fuel Viscosity
Navy Supply
Platform

Pleasure Cruise
Cargo Ship

Benefits of a 1% Measurement Improvement

Bunker fuel represents 50-70% of total ship operating expense

Example: Large container ship-7,750 TEU
Summer 2010 $455/tn*200tn/day*200 days operating = $18.2M
Winter 2011 bunkers $655tn*200tn/day*300 days operating = $39.3M
Next summer ????

What does a 1% measurement improvement mean to you?

Last summer $182K potential savings
Now $393K potential savings
Reduced billing discrepancies

The technology is here today that can benefit suppliers, barge

operators and shipping companies