Despite the wide variety of flow meters available on the market, Coriolis mass flow meters remain among the most expensive. Yet, many engineers insist on using them—why is that?
Among various flow measurement technologies, Coriolis flow meters stand out for their ability to directly measure mass flow and density. Whether it’s precise chemical dosing, crude oil transfer, or beverage filling control, they deliver exceptional performance.
This article will explain—based on performance, reliability, and long-term cost-effectiveness—why the higher price of Coriolis flow meters is fully justified.
A Coriolis mass flow meter is a high-precision instrument that measures the mass flow of fluids directly, rather than volumetric flow. Based on the principle of Coriolis force, it can accurately measure the mass flow, density, and temperature of liquids, slurries, and even certain gases. It is regarded as one of the most accurate and reliable flow meters in industrial applications today.
At the heart of the Coriolis mass flow meter are one or more vibrating measurement tubes (typically U-shaped or straight). As the fluid flows through these tubes, the device induces a slight vibration perpendicular to the direction of flow using an electromagnetic drive.
When fluid passes through the vibrating tube, the following effects occur:
At the inlet side: the fluid resists the tube’s motion, generating a rearward force.
At the outlet side: the fluid assists the motion, creating a forward force.
The difference in these forces generates a twisting torque, known as the Coriolis force. Sensors detect the resulting phase shift or time delay, which is used to calculate the fluid’s mass flow rate.
| Component | Function Description |
| Flow Measurement Tube | Directly contacts fluid and vibrates to sense Coriolis force. |
| Driver (Actuator) | Provides periodic vibration to keep the tube oscillating. |
| Sensor | Detects slight phase shifts or displacement caused by fluid movement. |
| Transmitter | Processes and amplifies signals, outputs standard protocols (e.g., 4-20mA, Modbus, HART). |
| Housing/Interface | Ensures stable installation and environmental protection on industrial sites. |
✅ High Accuracy
Achieves up to ±0.1% accuracy or better, significantly higher than traditional electromagnetic, vortex, or volumetric flow meters.
✅ Direct Mass Flow Measurement
No need for temperature or pressure conversion, minimizing errors caused by density variation.
✅ Multi-Parameter Output
Measures not only mass flow but also density and temperature, enabling versatile applications.
✅ High Stability
Insensitive to viscosity changes and flow disturbances; maintains consistent performance with minimal recalibration.
✅ Excellent Adaptability
Ideal for high-viscosity fluids, corrosive media, slurries, and gas-liquid mixtures.
| Industry | Application Description |
| Petrochemical | Accurate measurement of crude oil, chemical solvents, and other high-value fluids. |
| Food & Beverage | Precision control in dosing milk, beer, syrups, etc. |
| Pharmaceutical | High-accuracy batch blending and quality control. |
| Energy | Mass measurement for LNG, biofuels, and fueling systems. |
| Water Treatment | Precise monitoring of chemical dosing and sludge treatment. |
In industrial flow measurement, different types of flow meters serve different operating conditions. As a high-end instrument, the Coriolis mass flow meter is frequently compared to electromagnetic, vortex, turbine, and ultrasonic flow meters. Below is a comprehensive comparison:
| Flow Meter Type | Measurement Principle |
| Coriolis | Measures mass flow directly via Coriolis force induced by fluid in vibrating tubes. |
| Electromagnetic | Based on Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction; calculates volumetric flow. |
| Vortex | Measures vortex frequency generated by fluid passing a bluff body; calculates flow rate. |
| Turbine | Measures the rotation speed of a blade driven by fluid; calculates volumetric flow. |
| Ultrasonic | Uses the time or frequency difference of ultrasonic waves to calculate volumetric flow. |
| Parameter | Coriolis | Electromagnetic | Vortex | Turbine | Ultrasonic |
| Measurement Type | ✔ Mass Flow ✔ Density ✔ Temperature |
✘ Mass ✔ Volume |
✘ Mass ✔ Volume |
✘ Mass ✔ Volume |
✘ Mass ✔ Volume |
| Accuracy | ±0.1% or better | ±0.3% ~ ±0.5% | ±0.5% ~ ±1.0% | ±0.5% ~ ±1.5% | ±0.2% ~ ±1.0% |
| Applicable Media | Liquids, slurries, gases | Only conductive liquids | Gases, clean low-viscosity liquids | Clean liquids | Liquids, gases (non-bubbly) |
| Density Measurement | ✔ Supported | ✘ Not supported | ✘ Not supported | ✘ Not supported | ✘ Not supported |
| Straight Pipe Requirement | Minimal | 10D upstream / 5D downstream | 15D / 5D | 20D / 5D | 10D / 10D |
| Viscosity Sensitivity | Not sensitive | Not sensitive | Slightly sensitive | Highly sensitive | Slightly sensitive |
| Maintenance Effort | Very low | Low | Medium | High (wear-prone parts) | Low |
| Industry | Coriolis | Electromagnetic | Vortex | Turbine | Ultrasonic |
| Petrochemical | ✔ Precise dosing, refining control | ✔ Conductive liquid measurement | ✔ Steam measurement | ✘ Unstable at high viscosity | ✔ Pipeline monitoring |
| Food/Pharma | ✔ High-precision batching, CIP control | ✔ Syrups, slurries | ✘ Sensitive to vibration | ✘ Not suitable | ✔ Clean-in-place validation |
| Water Treatment | ✔ Chemical dosing | ✔ Mainstream type for water systems | ✘ Low accuracy | ✘ Affected by impurities | ✔ Large-pipe, non-intrusive |
| Gas/Air Systems | ✔ Mass + density real-time measurement | ✘ Not applicable | ✔ Suitable for steam, air | ✔ Good for small pipe gas flow | ✔ Gas flow monitoring |
| Renewable Energy | ✔ Multi-variable control optimization | ✘ Not applicable | ✘ Inaccurate | ✘ Clogging risk | ✔ Non-intrusive pipe measurement |
| Selection Criteria | Recommended Flow Meter Type |
| High-precision mass flow measurement | ✅ Coriolis Mass Flow Meter |
| Volumetric flow of conductive liquids | ✅ Electromagnetic Flow Meter |
| Steam or compressed air measurement | ✅ Vortex Flow Meter |
| Low-cost, clean liquids, budget-sensitive | ✅ Turbine Flow Meter |
| Large diameter, non-intrusive installation | ✅ Ultrasonic Flow Meter (clamp-on or inline) |
| Multi-parameter output (density, temp, concentration) | ✅ Coriolis Mass Flow Meter |
| Fluids with solids, slurry, gas-liquid mixtures | ✅ Coriolis or Electromagnetic Flow Meter |
Because Coriolis meters directly measure mass flow, their accuracy is unaffected by changes in density, temperature, or flow profile. They remain highly stable even under high-pressure, high-temperature, or corrosive conditions, reducing operational risks caused by inaccurate data.
Unlike traditional meters that require frequent recalibration, Coriolis meters maintain long-term accuracy thanks to their advanced sensors and signal processing. This reduces maintenance costs and improves the continuity and safety of production.
In chemical, oil, and gas sectors, accurate measurement affects not only product quality but also safety and environmental compliance. Coriolis meters enable real-time monitoring of media flow, helping prevent accidents and downtime.
In highly regulated environments, Coriolis meters can operate under strict sanitary standards and offer precise ingredient control in every batch, ensuring product consistency and safety.
In clean energy and wastewater treatment, precise flow data is essential for energy savings and environmental monitoring. Coriolis meters enable intelligent management and sustainable operations.
High R&D investment: From core sensors to smart algorithms, Coriolis meters require significant innovation efforts.
Advanced manufacturing: Tight quality control, high-grade materials, and precision engineering contribute to higher costs but also ensure long-term performance.
Though expensive upfront, Coriolis meters offer low maintenance, long calibration cycles, and reliable accuracy, reducing total operational costs. This makes them a smart long-term investment for companies prioritizing quality, safety, and efficiency.
With unrivaled measurement accuracy, multi-parameter capabilities, and exceptional adaptability, the Coriolis mass flow meter has become the premium choice for industrial flow monitoring and control.
For companies pursuing efficiency, safety, and quality assurance, the Coriolis meter isn’t just an instrument—it’s a strategic investment in long-term operational excellence.
Q1: What’s the difference between a mass flow meter and a volumetric flow meter?
A1: Mass flow meters measure the actual mass of fluid passing through the meter, which is unaffected by pressure or temperature. Volumetric meters only measure volume, which can vary with temperature or pressure.
Q2: Can Coriolis meters measure gas?
A2: Yes, Coriolis meters can accurately measure gases like natural gas, CO₂, and hydrogen, but proper pressure and flow conditions are required for stability.
Q3: What is the maintenance frequency?
A3: Coriolis meters have no moving parts and typically require minimal maintenance—only regular cleaning and recalibration as needed.
Q4: Is it possible to use Coriolis meters in hygienic environments?
A4: Yes. Hygienic-grade Coriolis meters with 3A/FDA certification are ideal for food, dairy, and pharmaceutical applications.
