Applying Coriolis Flow Meters

Examples of  Coriolis Mass Flow Meters
Rheonik

Coriolis mass flow meters are widely used throughout the process measurement and control field. Their basic operating principle, combined with modern sensor and signal processing technology, provide a list of potential application advantages.

• Directly measure mass flow based on the principle of measurement.
• No "moving" parts (except the slightly vibrating sensor tubes).
• Coriolis sensors have the ability to measure flow of non-conductive fluids.
• Measure the mass flow rate with high accuracy.
• Instruments can be applied across a wide usable measurement range.
• Deliver density measurement based on oscillating frequency.
• Not materially impacted by fluid viscosity or density.
• Coriolis flow meters also do not need lengthy straight pipe sections upstream or downstream of the sensing unit.

Selection and Installation Recommendations

Some considerations for product selection and installation of Coriolis mass flow meters:

• Rapid temperature changes within the measured medium can impact measurement accuracy.
• Wide ranges of connection types are available, specify the best match for your system.
• Select sensor tube construction material to accommodate media characteristics.
• For liquid measurement, the sensor tube will extend downward from a horizontal pipe run. 
• As with most industrial products, there may be restrictions on where the device may be used. For example, not for use in aircraft. Assure that your application conforms with the intended usage of the instrument.
• Install at least one tight shutoff valve adjacent to the instrument for purposes of zeroing. Isolation valves for inlet and outlet are preferred.
• Follow manufacturer recommendations for pipe supports, if required, at inlet and outlet sides of the unit
• Avoid installation at locations with high levels of vibration or strong electrical fields.
• Locate the sensor unit at the lowest practical level in the piping system. This helps avoid collection of gas bubbles in the sensor tubes.
• Sensor tubes need to be completely filled with subject medium to obtain accurate measurement.
• Avoid the use of flexible connections and reducers at the unit connection points, unless in accordance with specific manufacturer guidelines.

The Coriolis flow meters of different manufacturers may have some particular recommendations, all of which should be followed to insure the best available performance, safety, and longevity of the unit.

Share your process instrumentation challenges and requirements with process measurement specialists, combining your process knowledge and expertise with their product application experience to develop effective solutions.

Range of Coriolis Mass Flow Meters - Rheonik from Hile Controls of Alabama, Inc.

New Laser Level Transmitter for Industrial Process Control

ABB has released the new Model LLT 100 Laser Level Transmitter, which provides continuous non-contact level measurement for process automation and inventory management across a broad range of industrial applications.

The new transmitter provides reliable level measurement of solids or liquids, even clear liquids. The laser ranging technology is packaged with features required by industrial applications. Currently, three variants include housings for general industrial applications, as well as another for high pressure and one for hygienic installation.

The video provides a clear overview of the benefits that accrue from selecting this technology for your next project. More information is available from application specialists, with whom you should share your requirements and challenges to develop effective solutions.

FAQs For Industrial Uninterruptible Power Systems

Industrial UPS
Powerbilt Line
ABB Cyberex

As the usage of computer and electronic based systems continues to expand, the deployment of Uninterruptible Power Systems (UPS) finds its way into more and more facilities. This trend is unlikely to taper off during the professional career of anybody alive at the present, so I thought it useful to share a well crafted piece that purports to answer the most frequently asked questions about industrial UPS. The piece is produced by ABB - Cyberex, a manufacturer of industrial UPS gear, and it does a superb job of providing concise, understandable explanations of the basic considerations for UPS selection.

• Description which defines an industrial UPS
• Considerations for battery sizing
• Battery technologies and how they may impact various applications
• An explanation of pulse width modulation (PWM)
• Types of circuit protection to be employed with UPS
• Sizing a UPS and the CBEMA curve (that's Computer Business Equipment Manufacturer's Association)
• Single phase vs. three phase UPS

Take a few minutes and browse the document. There is something new and useful in it for everyone. Share your UPS project plans and challenges with a product application specialist, combining your facility and project knowledge with their product and technology expertise to develop effective solutions.

Industrial Uninterruptible Power System FAQs from Hile Controls of Alabama, Inc.

Signal Conditioner Functions in Process Measurement and Control

Signal conditioner packaged in
DIN rail mount casing
Eurotherm - Action Instruments

Signal conditioners encompass a broad range of devices that perform a range of functions on the signal at their input terminals. They can be extremely useful for enabling sensing and control devices that would otherwise have incompatible signal specifications to work together. The number of available variants is extensive, covering almost every conceivable input and output combination.

Action Instruments, a Eurotherm brand, manufactures a range of I/O signal conditioning products for industrial process measurement and control. They identify six major functions of signal conditioners, and I provide them here, almost verbatim, from one of their useful technical articles.

• Isolation: A ground loop can occur if more than one ground connection is made to a single control signal. Because grounds are seldom at the same potential, an unwanted current will be generated and interfere with the control signal. Signal isolators break the ground loop current path and maintain the integrity of the measurement.
• Signal Conversion: Industrial applications use a wide array of sensors to measure temperature, flow, length, speed, frequency, etc. These signals may then need to be converted into a form usable by the instrumentation to which they are connected. Any sensor signal (thermocouple, RTD, DC voltage, DC current, AC voltage, frequency, resistance, etc.) can be converted to any standard process signal.
• Noise Filtering: Isolators incorporate low pass filters that eliminate high frequency EMI/RFI and unwanted signals from power lines, generators and motors.
• Linearization: Many sensors output a signal that is not linearly related to the engineering value being measured. For example, a thermocouple used to measure temperature has a nonlinear millivolt output. A thermocouple input signal isolator translates this to a standard, robust linear signal such as 4 to 20mA.
• Limit Alarms: Limit alarm units take in a process signal and compare it to one or more setpoints. They then provide an output signal, usually a relay contact, when the signal crosses the setpoint.
• Math: Isolators that can perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square root, and averaging.

There are a number of considerations when selecting I/O signal conditioners. Share your process signal requirements and challenges with knowledgeable specialists. Combining your process knowledge with their product application expertise will deliver effective solutions.

I/O Signal Conditioning Products - Eurotherm Action Instruments from Hile Controls of Alabama, Inc.