Installation of mass flowmeters

March 2002 Flow Measurement & Control

For trouble-free operation of Coriolis mass flowmeters, there are a number of important considerations to bear in mind when planning the installation of these instruments.

Here are the more important installation considerations:

The meters can be installed horizontally, in an upward sloping pipeline or vertically. (Heavily vibrating environments are to be avoided.)

When connecting piping to the instrument's flanges, ensure that:

* Mating flange faces to be parallel to each other.

* Ensure that they are in axial alignment.

* Flange spacing = mounting length ±2 mm.

* The use of reducers is allowed, although extreme pipe size reductions should be avoided as this could result in cavitation and gassing.

Long drops downstream the meter

Avoid long vertical drops after the meter, as these could cause siphoning and result in measurement errors. Any drops of over 3 m should include the installation of an air valve.

Pulsating pumps:

Install meter at least four times the insertion length downstream from the pump.

The addition of other fittings (valves, sight glasses, etc)

* These are not allowed between meter and clamping (danger of vibration).

* The closest they may be mounted, is a distance equal to the length of the meter, from either end of the meter.

* To enable a good zero to be performed, it is recommended that a shut-off valve be installed downstream of the flowmeter. A second valve is recommended if the pump is switched off to prevent back flow. The measuring tube must be completely filled with the process liquid.

* Installing a bypass line will allow zero adjustment to be carried out without having to stop the flow. This is useful when it would be inconvenient or expensive to stop the flow.

Clamping of the meter

* Allows the use of flexible pipe or hoses.

* Is recommended if excessive vibration cannot be avoided.

* Is recommended when measuring low flow rates.

Gordon Duff, Krohne,

011 315 2685

[email protected]

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