How does a Coriolis flowmeter measure gas flow?
A Coriolis flowmeter measures gas flow using the Coriolis effect. Here’s a concise explanation of how it works:
- Design: The meter consists of one or more vibrating tubes through which the gas flows.
- Tube vibration: The tubes are made to oscillate at their natural frequency.
- Coriolis effect: As gas flows through the vibrating tubes, it experiences a Coriolis force, which causes a phase shift in the tube’s vibration.
- Measurement: Sensors detect this phase shift between the inlet and outlet of the tube.
- Flow rate calculation: The phase shift is directly proportional to the mass flow rate of the gas. The meter’s electronics convert this information into a flow measurement.
- Density measurement: The frequency of tube vibration changes with the density of the gas, allowing the meter to measure density as well.
- Temperature compensation: Most Coriolis meters include temperature sensors to compensate for temperature effects on the measurements.
Coriolis flowmeters are valued for their accuracy and ability to measure mass flow directly, regardless of the gas’s pressure, temperature, or composition.