CORIOLIS MASS FLOW METERS FOR GAS AND LIQUID MEASUREMENT

Michael Keilty (Presented by Hubbard Donald)

Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG

Introduction
A mass flowmeter is a system that provides a measurement of fluid flow in units of mass; pounds, tons. The Coriolis
flowmeter is a type of flowmeter which measures the mass of the fluid flow directly. Coriolis mass flowmeters were first
introduced more than 30 years ago. Global acceptance has spread across all industries where precision flow measurement is
needed. Today, installations number in the hundreds of thousands of measurement points including those in liquid
hydrocarbon and natural gas applications.
This paper will review the Coriolis mass flowmeter technology; describing the differences and similarities between Coriolis
flowmeters and electronic and mechanical meters and looking at some latest developments in Coriolis mass meter design and
operation.

Coriolis Flowmeter Principle of Operation

The Coriolis mass flowmeter is a multivariable device by design. It directly measures the mass of the flowing fluid, liquids
and gases. The meter indirectly measures liquid density and also the temperature of the containment tube. The mass flow and
density measurement can be used to calculate gross volume of liquids. The temperature can be used to approximate the
temperature of the fluid. The Coriolis flowmeter is bi-directional.

Direct Measurement of Mass Flow Rate

The Coriolis mass flowmeter is named after the French mathematician, Gaspar Gustave de Coriolis, who described the
apparent forces on a mass moving through a rotational plane. Coriolis flow meters operate on the principle of the Coriolis
Effect.
The first independent measurement in a Coriolis flow meter is the direct determination of mass flow rate. The Coriolis flow
sensor can be constructed of one or two intrinsically balanced metal tube(s) fixed at each end. The tube system (or sensor) is
oscillated by using a center mounted electro-mechanical system (exciter) that imparts a force to set the tube(s) in motion.
This motion is proportional to the applied excitation signal. A variable gain feedback circuit maintains the amplitude of the
tube oscillation at the minimum applied excitation current to set the tube(s) in motion. (Figure 1)

Figure 1. Coriolis Meter

A mass flow dependent Coriolis force occurs in the measurement system when a moving mass is subjected to an oscillation
which is perpendicular to the direction of flow. As a fluid passes through the flow sensor, the Coriolis force is created by the
oscillatory motion and transferred to the measurement tube(s) which then induces a change of motion. Two motion sensors
(electro-dynamic sensors) detect this change, essentially a twisting of the tube(s). Mass flow rate is determined by the phase
offset or difference between the inlet and outlet measurement signals derived at the electro-dynamic sensors. (Figure 2) As
the mass flow rate increases, the phase offset measured by the electro-dynamic sensors will increase proportionally. As the
mass flow rate decreases, the phase offset measured by the electro-dynamic sensors will decrease proportionally. There is no
phase offset when flow has stopped. During the calibration process, a calibration factor is determined and retained in the
memory of the flowmeter.
The resistance temperature device (RTD) mounted on the flow tube compensates for the increased or decreased flexibility of
the flow tube due to process fluid temperature changes. A second RTD may be installed on the sensor housing to compensate
for the environmental temperature impact on the sensor.
Unlike volumetric metering systems, no additional correction for temperature or density is required to achieve a direct
measurement of mass flow rate in a Coriolis flow meter.

Figure 2. Coriolis Effect

Measurement of the Liquid Density

The Coriolis flowmeter can also be used to measure the density of liquids. Flow tube(s) vibrate at a resonant frequency which
corresponds to the sensing tube(s) material and the density of the fluid in the tube(s). Feedback from the sensor electro-
dynamic sensors to the excitation current circuit permits the drive frequency to migrate to the resonant frequency. In process,
as the fluid density changes the resonant frequency changes. Consequently, the resonant frequency corresponds directly to
the liquid density in the sensor. To counter the effect on density due to a change in temperature, an RTD (resistance
temperature device) mounted on the flow tube measures the temperature of the flow tube. During the flow meter calibration
process, the resonant frequency of each sensor is determined on air and water. This becomes an important “thumbprint”,
unique to each sensor produced. Just as with vibrating element densitometers, the manufacturer’s methodology for factory
calibration and ability to define the meter’s response against traceable standards will ultimately determine the meter’s
performance in the field.
In general, liquids are considered incompressible. Vibrating devices are often used to indirectly measure the density of
liquids. However, the sensitivity of vibrating devices is generally not sufficient to provide an accurate density measurement
of gases. Additionally, gas density is directly influenced by pressure. Coriolis flowmeters are not commonly used to
determine the density of gas.

Pressure Effect
In general, Coriolis flowmeters with larger diameter tubes are affected by increasing pressures. The tubes get stiffer and resist
the Coriolis force created by the flowing mass. Commonly, the increased pressure causes a reduction in the measured value
compared the mass flow at lower pressure. Every Coriolis flowmeter design and size has a different flow pressure effect
specification. This correction is normally conducted only when the operating pressure is 100 psi greater than that of the
calibration pressure. To adjust the mass flow rate output of a Coriolis meter measuring at pressures other than calibration
pressure, a flow pressure effect correction must be applied.
In order to correct for the flow pressure effect in a Coriolis meter’s indicated mass flow rate, the following correction factor
should be applied to the indicated mass output.
 1
Fp = PEffect (Equation 1)
1+(( )(�PStatic – Pcalibration�)
100

where: Fp = Flow pressure effect compensation factor

P Effect = Pressure effect in percent psi
P Static = Measurement fluid static pressure in psi
P Calibration = Calibration static pressure in psi
* From AGA 11, Equation E 8.1

Gross Liquid Volume

Since the Coriolis flowmeter produces a direct measurement of mass flow rate and also measures the liquid density and
temperature, the gross liquid volumetric flow rate can also be computed.
Volume equals the mass divided by density. The Coriolis transmitter can be programmed to output in volume measurement
units. The Coriolis meter’s volumetric flow rate output is similar to that of other meters such as positive displacement and
turbine flow meters. It is necessary to take into account the accuracy of the mass flow measurement and the accuracy of the
density measurement when calculating the accuracy of the volume measurement.
The volumetric flow measurement of the Coriolis flowmeter can be influenced by operating conditions.

Standard Gas Volume

The density measurement accuracy of a Coriolis flowmeter does not meet the accuracies required for gas measurement.
Instead, the relative density or base density of the gas is entered into a flow computer as determined from either sampling
methods or on-line gas analysis.
The method for applying the gas physical property information required by AGA8 Gross Method 1, Gross Method 2, or
Detail Method into the flow computer is the same as that which is required by volumetric meters; i.e. Turbine, Orifice,
Rotary, and Ultrasonic. Coriolis technology uses the following calculations to output a highly accurate standard or normal
volumetric output.

SCF(gas) = (Mass/ρ b ) F p (Equation 2)

where: SCF ( gas) = Gas volume at T b and P b
Mass = Weight of gas (Coriolis output)
ρ b = Density at T b and P b
SCF(gas) = (Mass/(G r(Gas) ∗ ρ b(air) )) F p

and

ρ b = (P b * M r ) / (Z b * R * T b ) (Equation 3)
where: T b = Temperature at base conditions
P b = Pressure at base conditions
Z b = Compressibility at base conditions (T b and P b )
G r(Gas) = Real Gravity at T b and P b
R = Universal gas constant
M r = Molar Weight
F p = Flow pressure effect compensation factor

Coriolis Flow Sensor

Coriolis flowmeters differ dramatically from one manufacturer to another as far as design of the vibrating tubes including
tube shape and the way flow enters the meter. Dual or single, bent or straight, the designs all will have unique characteristic
benefits described by the manufacturer. Even though there are numerous design variations, Coriolis flowmeters offer many
advantages over other flow measurement technologies. Process influences that may damage other flowmeters will have
minimal effect on Coriolis flowmeters. Coriolis meters are not intended to meter multiphase fluids, specifically fluids that
are a mixture of gas and liquids, though air or gas slugs do not damage the meter.
Coriolis flowmeters have the advantage of a large turndown. However, the pressure drop across the meter should be known
in order to select the proper size sensor. Pressure drop should always be considered with any flow meter that is operating
near a fluid’s equilibrium vapor pressure so that the liquid does not cavitate or flash at the operating flow rate.

Coriolis Transmitter
Coriolis flow sensors are powered and require an associated electronic device that interprets the measurement signals and
provides an output. The flowmeter transmitter provides pulse, analog, or digital outputs; singularly or in combination. The
electronic transmitters may be directly attached to the body of the Coriolis sensor or remote with an interconnecting cable.
Advances in the electronic technology have reduced the size of the processing electronics. Some Coriolis flowmeters have a
lower power specification and a single digital communication output directly from the sensor wiring compartment. Some
newer Coriolis flowmeters can be powered directly from the analog 4-20 milliamp loop. These meters are typically used in
process and not intended for custody transfer where the pulses are commonly proved.

Whether in a separate housing or located on the meter, there is a processor within the electronics that is programmed to
provide the required output. The processor may be programmed with the meter’s calibration coefficients and also
programmed to output in the required units of measurement. Since there is no discrete mechanical action in the meter that
would produce a discrete pulse, the processor may be programmed to create the scaled pulses that are required for totalizing
and for proving. Electronic flowmeters are described as creating “manufactured pulses”.

Coriolis transmitter can also generate alarms triggered by faults or diagnostic levels. It can provide analog outputs used for
pump control. The transmitter can calculate net quantities and concentrations. The Coriolis meter is configurable and it is
common for the meter to have either basic password security or a form of physical security to limit access to authorized
personnel.

Applications
The Coriolis flowmeters are recognized in the American Petroleum Institute (API), Manual on Petroleum Measurement
Standards and the American Gas Association (AGA) Report Number 11. Several manufacturers’ Coriolis flowmeters have
been approved under type evaluation programs and found to comply with the national and international standards which
describe requirements for devices used in trade.
Applications where Coriolis flowmeters are used continue to expand in the petroleum industry. These applications include:
1. liquid separators, net oil
2. crude oil and condensate gathering
3. lease automated custody transfer (LACT)
4. liquid pipeline
5. refinery applications
6. railcar and truck loading
7. truck mounted
8. liquefied petroleum gas
9. ethanol receiving
10. viscosity measurement
11. natural gas; storage, transmission and distribution

Applications which are unique to Coriolis flowmeters are those which combine the power of mass flow measurement with
the online density measurement.
Custody transfer of liquid hydrocarbons is based on the volume. Although it is rare for custody transfer to take place based
on direct mass measurement in the liquid petroleum industry, other commodities used or produced in association with this
industry such as natural gas liquids and CO 2 are commonly measured on a mass or standard volume basis.

Installation Requirements
In general, the metering system design is similar to other traditional liquid flow metering installations. The user is advised to
follow the manufacturer’s installation recommendations in providing piping support for the meter.
The meter should be oriented such that the meter remains completely filled with liquid at all times during the operation of the
flowmeter and in a manner that air cannot be trapped inside the tube(s). Solids settlement, plugging or trapped condensate
can affect the meter’s performance. The alignment of the inlet and outlet flanges is critical to avoid piping stresses that may
affect the resonance of the tube(s) inside the meter.

Unlike meters with moving parts, the Coriolis meter can tolerate pipeline solids without damage to the meter however, a
strainer upstream of the meter is recommended to protect the meter prover and other system components. A backpressure
valve should be located downstream of the meter to avoid flashing and possible cavitation.

Coriolis meters do not require flow conditioning. The flow velocity through a Coriolis meter is generally higher because it is
sized to operate in the upper end of its performance range. Velocity should be considered for erosive liquids with high solids
content and also when considering piping limitations including pressure drop.

Proving access taps downstream of the meter facilitate proving of the meter and should be located as close to the Coriolis
sensor as possible in order to maintain the same pressure and temperature operating conditions. Consideration should be
given to the location of the meter electronics that generate the pulse output for portable provers so that the proving
connections and the transmitter are located in close proximity.

Proving
Proving the Coriolis flowmeter as a volumetric flowmeter follows the same procedures as when proving any other type of
flow meter. When the flowmeter is measuring in volume units the high-resolution pulse output is scaled such that it provides
the required level of pulses to the prover counter. The resultant meter factor determined for the Coriolis flowmeter is
typically entered into the flow computer.
Proving a Coriolis flowmeter that is metering in mass units, using a volumetric prover, requires the additional measurement
of density at the prover in order to determine a meter factor for the mass output. A densitometer is mounted on the prover for
this purpose. The densitometer should be proved prior to proving the Coriolis flowmeter. The reproducibility of the density
correction factor from proving to proving is directly reflected in the reproducibility of the Coriolis flowmeter factor. As
mentioned previously, when utilizing a Coriolis flowmeter on liquid hydrocarbons in custody transfer applications the
flowmeter is most often configured for volumetric measure and not mass.
As with proving any flowmeter, it is most important that the flow rate and density of the liquid remains stable throughout the
proving. This issue is often reflected in pulse or meter factor repeatability between proving runs. Due to the inability to
totally control pipeline operations during proving, it may be necessary to change to one of the acceptable averaging
techniques for repeatability calculations or to extend the number of runs.

Evolution and Advances

Early Coriolis flowmeters were of single tube design installed in bolted housing assemblies. They were required to be
mounted to massive support structures such as walls, I-beams or floors because they referenced the measurement signal from
the tube to the case. They used integrated circuit chips and analog circuitry. When the sensors evolved to balanced dual
tubes, the measuring chamber could then be installed directly in the line because the signal could then be referenced from one
tube to the other. Today’s flow sensors are welded assemblies, some with rated containment. Some sensor assemblies have
single tubes some flow sensors have straight tubes. One manufacturer has recently released a four tube Coriolis for high flow
rates in a compact design. Newer designs incorporate unique methods of construction to resolve tube signal stability.
Coriolis flow sensor design shapes continue to evolve for unique applications and to reduce manufacturer’s cost.
For many years, the pipe diameter size was limited. Today, manufacturers are providing both larger sizes Coriolis flow
sensors for petroleum pipeline transfer and ship bunkering applications as well as smaller flow sensors for very low flow
chemical addition such as for liquefied petroleum gas odorant applications
Today’s transmitters are digitally based with both conventional analog and pulse outputs but also with digital communication
output. Digital communication is now extending to Ethernet capability with remote connectivity. Even wireless
communication is offered in some applications. Loop powered Coriolis flowmeters have been recently introduced for some
applications.
Conclusion
Coriolis flowmeters are easily applied into liquid hydrocarbon and natural gas service. Coriolis technology affords users
multivariable measurement in a single device with high accuracy and long term reliability. The Coriolis flowmeter
technology continues to evolve both in design and functionality. Advances in the Coriolis flowmeter functionality broaden
the acceptance and into more liquid hydrocarbon applications. Recognition in industry standards such as those of the AGA,
API and type evaluation approvals bears proof of the acceptance of Coriolis flowmeters.

References:
American Gas Association Report No.11, Measurement of Natural Gas by Coriolis Meter, 2nd Revision 2013
American Petroleum Institute, Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards, Chapter 5 – Meters, Section 6 – Measurement
of Liquid Hydrocarbons by Coriolis Meters, First Edition October 2002