Set-up for success
Firstly, you have to be able to pass the fluid through the tube. This is why you will always be asked to discuss the following points:
- Pressure
- Viscosity
- Density
Knowing these three fluid parameters allows you to calculate (www.fluidat.com) the performance envelope that exists. This is something that is critical in instrumentation to ensure that you size a sensor correctly to achieve optimum performance following installation.
Once the above conditions have been considered and a sensor has been found to meet the requirements of both the fluid and the application you have only the conditions surrounding the sensor that can affect the quality of the readings generated.
All Coriolis instrument reading can be susceptible to external influence from vibration; this is why metering at low and ultra-low flow rates is such a challenging design process. If the environment around the application produces a vibration similar to that of the instrument it can cause false and inconsistent readings. Alongside external vibration issues it is possible to create ‘cross-talk’ where Coriolis instruments mounted next to each other incorrectly can cause interference.
Using mass blocks, considering your environment and allowing for physical functions of instruments in the design process will ensure you can achieve maximum performance.
It is important to discuss these limitations because they exist, however having seen Coriolis instruments on helicopters, at the bottom of the ocean and in submarines it just proves that due care and attention will mitigate low and ultra-low flow liquid metering challenges.
Check out our blog about the Coriolis flow meters available in the market and its size.