Coriolis flow meters for biotechnology

Tubes in the sensor vibrate, and the flow distorts their oscillation through the Coriolis force. Electronics derive the mass flow from the phase shift between inlet and outlet; the same oscillation yields the density and temperature of the medium.

Typical points: dosing nutrient media and substrates, feeding pH adjusters and antifoams into fermenters and bioreactors, and work on laboratory and pilot rigs. The media list and configurations are on this page.

The meter reports three base values: mass flow, density and temperature of the medium. The density window is 650–2000 kg/m³, which covers aqueous solutions and most fermentation media; derived values are calculated from these.

Medium composition and the supply of adjusters directly affect biomass growth and target product yield. Mass dosing helps hold the recipe: the meter measures mass, not volume, so changes in medium density do not distort the delivered dose.

Free gas in the medium reduces accuracy, so foaming processes need a dedicated metering design. Micro-flows call for small line sizes, and aggressive adjusters for resistant materials; we review those intersections from your datasheet.

For media at typical flows, L sensors DN08–DN25 in hygienic finish are used. Roughness Ra ≤ 0.8 µm and complete drainage rule out stagnant zones where the medium could linger.

Dosing acids and alkalis is a core duty for D sensors DN01–DN02 with flow from 0.1 kg/h. For aggressive media, resistant materials are selected — from 316L to Hastelloy and tantalum; the choice depends on concentration and temperature.

Antifoams are fed from the foam sensor signal; the flows are ultra-low — fractions of kg/h — so a Δ-shaped D-type DN01–DN02 sensor with minimal internal volume is used. The micro-pulse regime is settled at the selection stage.

Feeding glucose, lactose, amino acid and vitamin solutions is a typical scenario for these sensors. Dosing runs in mass units, so the concentration of the solution does not affect the delivered amount. Line parameters are confirmed via the datasheet.

Viscosity and solid matter do not interfere with direct mass measurement; for such media a straight-tube L sensor is chosen. The bend-free, dead-zone-free design simplifies cleaning between batches and reduces product losses.

Yes — the meters support all common CIP/SIP regimes: alkaline and acid cleaning and steam sterilisation. How it is implemented depends on the execution and options: high-temperature cycles use the split design, with the electronics remote from the sensor, and seals are selected for the cleaning agents. Typical industry SIP regimes run at 121–134 °C for 20–30 minutes; the actual schedule is set by the process.

Micro-dosing is covered by the Δ-shaped D sensor DN01–DN02: it measures from 0.1 kg/h with minimal internal volume. Nutrient media and the main fermenter streams are the L-type area. Both versions come with Tri-clamp and polishing.

Micro-flows are covered by D-01 (0.1–12 kg/h) and D-02 (up to 96 kg/h). For media and substrates there is the L range: L-08 from 1 to 1 200 kg/h, L-15 up to 3 600, L-25 up to 12 000. The size follows the working flow and viscosity.

Tri-clamp is the base option for sterile loops: quick-release clamps, sterilization as assembled, no threaded crevices. The range also includes GOST, ANSI and DIN flanges and threaded connections for non-sterile sections and transitions.

316L stainless steel is the starting point; for acids, alkalis and other aggressive media, tantalum, titanium, C4, duplex, 904L and Hastelloy C276/C4 are available. The choice is tied to the medium composition and working temperature — set these data out in the questionnaire.

Polishing of wetted parts: Ra ≤ 0.8 µm as the baseline, mirror finish down to Ra ≤ 0.4 µm and electropolishing on request. Even surfaces curb microbial adhesion and simplify treatment of the sterile loop.

Per the page tables, D sensors are rated up to 25 MPa and L versions up to 10 MPa. The temperature range is –50…+350 °C. The exact execution is confirmed at selection against the process data.

Accuracy depends on size: from ±0.1% to ±1.0% for liquids; the recommended biotechnology configurations state ±0.1–0.2%, with repeatability of ±0.05%. Every sensor is calibrated individually on a flow calibration rig.

Entry No. 98506-26 in the State Register means the meter type is approved and admitted as a measuring instrument, and its verification procedure is approved. Verified readings can feed plant reporting; the documents are published on this site.

Sending the meter away for verification is not mandatory: it can be checked on site with provers, or on a flow calibration rig with reference meters. The sensor stays in the line; the order is set by the approved procedure MP 98506-26.

Free gas in the stream is the factor that limits accuracy, so on foaming processes the metering section is designed around the gas content. The foam sensor and the antifoam feed loop work alongside the flow meter; the scheme is settled via the datasheet.

Replacing an imported meter is possible: the execution is selected to the existing mounting dimensions, and in many cases no welding is needed. We check dimensions and interfaces against what is on the line — including Micro Motion and Endress+Hauser; a nameplate photo or drawing is enough.

Straight runs are not mandatory: the sensor is installed without long stabilization lengths, which saves space on a fermenter skid. Unlike volumetric meters, a Coriolis sensor does not need them.

The position is chosen so that the sensor drains by itself and does not retain medium residues; it is turned with a slope in the right direction. Otherwise the orientation is free, and exact per-unit recommendations are given at the design stage.

The meter connects to the bioreactor control system via 4–20 mA with HART, RS-485 Modbus RTU or CAN. A frequency/pulse output up to 10 000 Hz serves counter inputs, and PROFIBUS PA is supplied as an option.

Flammable zones are covered by sensor-transmitter pairs. With ME100: transmitter Ex db ib IIC T6 Gb, sensor Ex ib IIC T6…T1 Gb. With ME200: transmitter Ex db ia IIC T6 Gb, sensor Ex ia IIC T6…T1 Ga; a dust-zone variant Ex ia tb IIIC T80 °C Db is also available.

Warranty: 18 months from delivery, or 12 months from installation if that ends sooner. The paperwork that arrives with the meter covers metrology and acceptance — type approval description, operating manual, verification procedure, EAEU (TR CU) certificates.

Commissioning supervision, startup, service and verification are performed in Russia, including visits to the customer's site. Verification equipment — compact provers and pipe prover units — is supplied by the company itself. All works are agreed for the specific facility.

Service is limited to verification: there are no moving or wearing parts in the sensor. Average service life is 20 years; mean time between failures is 100,000 hours, and no other scheduled procedures apply.

Describe the duty in the questionnaire or configurator: media, flow range, pressure, temperature, SIP and explosion protection requirements. Engineers will select the execution and send a quotation; price depends on size, materials, pressure and Ex execution. ---