Coriolis Flow Meter: Installation and Maintenance Guide

A Coriolis flow meter is a one-in-all and versatile tool in measuring fluid flow rate, density, temperature, volumetric flow, and flow speed among loads of industries, including the pesticide industry, food industry, pharmaceutical industry, new material industry, chlor-alkali production, pigment printing and dyeing industry. 

Today, this guide for the micro motion Coriolis mass flow meter illustrates the tips on installation and maintenance for seamless measurement and durability.

How to install a Coriolis effect mass flow meter?

Taking the Coriolis effect as the working principle, the Coriolis effect mass flow sensor comes in several types, and each one should be mounted with a different approach to achieve optimal capability. Just take the following tips as references for the meter installation:

Troubleshooting common issues on the Coriolis flow meter

Dealing with various mass measurements, it's quite common that the Coriolis flow meters run into sorts of troubles. Here, this post lists the most common ones and walks through practical solutions to troubleshoot them with ease:

① The flow meter screen doesn't show up

Thing happens unexpectedly once you initiate the flow meter, only to find its screen doesn't turn on with the relevant configuration. In this case, the culprit may be the power supply that keeps turning off. Just check the power and make sure it functions properly.

② Volatile fluctuation in the measuring value

Sometimes the operators find that the measuring values provided by the Coriolis flow meter wave violently, making the measurement proceed improperly. At this moment, a careful check should be given on whether there is a strong vibration of the pipeline connected to the sensor.

If there is a strong vibration of the pipeline, it's recommended to add a support part to the pipeline or replace it with a soft pipeline for a stable connection and accurate measuring result.

③ No entering the measurement interface after powering on

Normally, once the Coriolis effect flow meter is turned on, it goes to the measurement interface automatically. However, the issue may occur that the screen is blank with no signal of activation. Do not worry, this can happen due to the non-connection with the sensor, and it can be fixed by checking the cable, then ensuring the connection is firm between the sensor.

④ Large zero drift issue

Zero drift, also known as zero-point drift or offset drift, refers to the gradual or undesired change in the zero reading or output of a measuring instrument, mass flow sensor, amplifier, or system over time, even when there is no input signal or load applied. This zero drift may be caused by the changes in temperature, pressure, or the properties of the measured fluids.

If the flow measurement device runs into the issue of a large zero drift, it's highly triggered by the stress of the sensor. At this moment, adjust the axis of the connection pipeline to make sure it is coaxial with the sensor interface.

If the zero point drift reappears after the calibration, go check for any environmental factors like temperature fluctuation, bubbles, or debris, and then eliminate the issue with effective practices.

⑤ Error in the measurement

When the operator finds an error in the measurement, the final culprits can go to support part of the Coriolis flow meter installation or no zero calibration. In this situation, it's highly recommended to equip support parts at both the inlet and outlet locations, or to directly initiate the zero calibration before the measurement.

⑥ Temperature effects on the mass flow meter

Temperature variation can trigger changes in the material properties of the sensor, which may result in inaccurate measurements or, in extreme cases, device failure. 

To handle the temperature on the Coriolis flow meter, the priority is to ensure the sensor is isolated or protected from extreme temperature fluctuation. Installing insulation around the mass flow meter helps maintain a stable temperature for a long lifespan and accurate readings.

How to maintain the Coriolis flow meter?

Daily maintenance is crucial in keeping the flow sensor in good condition, especially for precise measurement and durability. Below are some useful tips to maintain the Coriolis effect mass flow meter; each one is simple to operate, yet gives unexpected results.

Tip 1: Keep the flow calculator clean. Do not place the flow sensor in a dusty environment or expose it to sunshine. On top of that, a moist environment should be avoided in case the part of the flow sensor gets rusted.

Tip 2: Gently move the mass flow sensor since it is configured with sorts of intricate and nuanced parts, and any rough behaviour is discouraged.

Tip 3: Washing and sweeping the flow sensor is recommended after a long period of non-use for better performance and precise density, temperature, and mass flow readings. Regular cleaning is needed when it is used to measure high-viscosity fluid.

Tip 4: Perform calibration regularly. For the plants or industries demanding high accuracy, it's suggested to send the flow sensor to the national service of legal metrology for calibration.