Coriolis flow meters for LNG refueling

The measurement relies on the Coriolis effect: the sensor tubes vibrate and the flow of cryogenic liquid shifts their oscillation phase. The phase shift is proportional to the mass passing through the sensor per unit of time: the meter outputs kilograms directly, independent of the density, composition and boil-off of the product.

On the supply line — between the cryogenic line and the refueling hose. If the dispenser returns vapour, a second meter is installed on the BOG return line. Both meters transmit flow rate and totalizer to the dispenser controller.

LNG is stored and dispensed at about −162 °C. The cryogenic L execution is rated for −196…+150 °C — covering the temperature of LNG with margin, including the cool-down of the line when refueling starts.

LNG density changes constantly: light fractions evaporate first, the composition “weathers”, and boil-off puts bubbles into the flow. A litre is therefore an unreliable trading unit, while a kilogram does not depend on density or temperature — that is why mass measurement has become the standard for LNG.

A simple scheme needs a single meter on the supply line. If the dispenser returns vapour to the station tank, a second meter is installed on the BOG line — this is how the net refueling mass is calculated (differential metering).

Boil-off gas is the part of LNG that evaporates due to heat ingress. During loading and refueling it flows through a dedicated line and can also be measured by mass; in a differential scheme the net delivered product equals the mass of the liquid phase minus the mass of boil-off and returned gas.

The dispenser controller subtracts the reading of the BOG-line meter from the reading of the supply-line meter. The customer pays for the net mass left in the tank, and the station balance reconciles without blind spots.

Boil-off distorts the measurement of any liquid, so the metering section is designed to keep gas content minimal, while boil-off gas goes through a dedicated line and is measured by the second meter. This is standard practice for cryogenic metering units.

Yes. The measuring tubes are cryo-treated and rated for cyclic thermal loads; PTFE and PEEK seals stay tight at −196…+150 °C. This is a normal operating regime of cryo station dispensers: cool-down, holding cold, refueling.

Measuring tubes are cryo-treated 316L stainless steel (it keeps its ductility at −196 °C); seals are PTFE (standard) and PEEK (high-load). The materials are rated for liquid methane service; components undergo cyclic thermal-shock testing.

The sensor body can be vacuum-jacketed: this reduces heat ingress to the cryogenic medium and prevents frost formation. The inner cavity is filled with an inert gas and sealed — moisture and condensate cannot get inside.

The L execution range includes DN08, DN25, DN40, DN50 and DN80. DN25 fits the supply line of a typical dispenser, DN08 covers the vapour return, DN40/DN50 serve high-speed posts and road tankers. The Δ-type sensor is available only in DN25.

No. Coriolis measurement needs no flow conditioners: the meter is installed directly into the cryogenic line, which matters in the compact piping of a dispenser.

The separate design is standard for cryogenics: the electronics sit outside the cold zone and avoid thermal shocks, while the sensor remains on the cryogenic pipe. This simplifies both maintenance and verification.

The ME100 transmitter is marked Ex db ib IIC T6 Gb, the ME200 — Ex db ia IIC T6 Gb, with a dust variant Ex ia tb IIIC T80 °C Db. The sensor is connected by an intrinsically safe circuit. The IIC marking covers group IIA and IIB gases, which include methane.

Through standard interfaces: RS-485 (Modbus RTU), pulse or frequency output, 4–20 mA with HART, CAN. The controller receives flow rate and totalizer from each meter; the register map is provided for integration.

The lower limit of reliable measurement is set by the transitional flow rate Qtr of the size: below it, the error grows. The size is selected so that the meter stays within its working range during most of the refueling; DN08 covers small lines and vapour return.

For cryogenic liquids in the L execution the stated error is ±0.5%; across the liquid range — from ±0.1% to ±1.0% depending on size. Every meter is calibrated individually on a flow rig.

Yes. Mass-EXPERT is entered in the State Register of Measuring Instruments under No. 98506-26; the L execution and its working temperature range down to −196 °C are within the approved type.

Per procedure MP 98506-26: on a reference flow rig or on site, using reference meters or a prover — without shipping the instrument away.

Compatibility is checked by mounting and connection dimensions — on cryogenic lines primarily flanges and fittings. If the site uses Micro Motion or Endress+Hauser meters, replacement is possible, and in many cases it is done without welding.

Send us the parameters: flow and minimum dose, pressure, temperature, the number of lines (supply and vapour return), connection type and interface requirements. We will select the L-execution sensor and transmitter and prepare a quotation.

Transmitters operate from 19.2–28.8 V DC, with power consumption up to 20 W. The cable route for remote posts is selected per the project.

Yes. The stainless steel housing provides IP66/IP67 protection, and the transmitter operating conditions cover ambient temperatures from −60 to +70 °C (per the type description) — from Siberia and Yakutia to southern regions.

The meter has no moving or wearing parts — no routine maintenance is assigned. Average service life is 20 years, mean time between failures — 100,000 hours; the unit runs without scheduled shutdowns.

Warranty is 18 months from delivery or 12 months from installation, whichever expires first. Documentation travels with the meter: type description, operating manual, verification procedure.

Yes. The company is a Russian manufacturer based in Ufa: installation supervision, commissioning, service and verification are performed in Russia. The meter does not depend on imported supplies or logistics.

The mass flow meter with its passport and operating manual. Mating flanges with fasteners and gaskets are available as an option; the scope is confirmed against the dispenser project.

Yes, based on Mass-EXPERT the company builds metering units for a specific site — with meters on the supply and vapour-return lines, valves and installation per the project.

The L execution is rated for −196…+150 °C and covers LNG (−162 °C) with margin. The D execution is built for extreme media — liquid helium and hydrogen (down to −255 °C); the L execution is sufficient for LNG refueling.