Coriolis flow meters for LPG refueling

Boiling distorts any flow measurement, so an LPG station relies on a combination: a well-designed module plus the right measurement principle. A gas separator upstream and a differential valve downstream keep liquid in the measuring tubes, while the mass channel counts kilograms — it does not need to know what the bubbles and density are doing.

The kilogram is the only value that reconciles both ends of the balance: product arrives in tonnes, and mass does not change with temperature or blend composition. The litre is a floating unit, so every conversion must be tied to the actual density and temperature of the product.

The meter measures mass, density and product temperature and passes them to the dispenser controller. Litre conversion happens in the controller — using the actual density recorded during the fill, not table values. That is what keeps the receipt fair in both winter and summer.

For standard LPG lines (up to 1.6 MPa) the base configuration with a U-shaped sensor covers typical post flow rates. If the project includes high-pressure sections, the P execution (up to 45 MPa) is added. We select by flow rate, pressure and module layout.

Rule of thumb: a 50 l/min post at 0.5–0.58 kg/l density equals ≈1.5–1.7 t/h. The typical choice is DN15 (up to 3,600 kg/h) with margin; for high-speed posts and parallel lines — DN25 (up to 12,000 kg/h).

No. The meter does not rely on blend certificates: mass is measured physically and density is determined live, whatever grade is flowing — winter, summer or a blend. No seasonal switching and no lookup tables.

Short two-phase episodes distort the measurement — that is why the module is designed to separate gas upstream and to keep the downstream line pressurised with liquid. With a stable liquid plug the meter delivers its rated ±0.1…0.15% by mass; we recommend not cutting corners on the gas separator.

Downstream of the gas separator, upstream of the differential valve and shut-off valves: pump supply → filter → gas separator → Mass-EXPERT → differential valve → solenoid valve → nozzle. This position keeps a stable liquid phase throughout the measurement cycle.

No. The meter computes mass, volumetric flow, density and temperature itself and outputs them digitally (Modbus, pulse, HART). Converting to the required temperature and generating the receipt is the dispenser controller's job — no separate flow computer is required.

It maintains overpressure inside the measuring tubes, keeping propane-butane liquid even on a hot day or during rapid changes at the nozzle. Without it, boiling zones can appear right inside the measuring channel.

PTFE seals are standard, PEEK is used for high-load points. Measuring tubes are 316L stainless steel; for specific impurities we select materials based on the questionnaire — this is settled at the specification stage.

Typical LPG lines run at up to 1.6 MPa (16 bar) and the meters are rated with margin. For high-pressure sections (discharge lines, transfer) the P execution is available with a working pressure of up to 45 MPa.

The electronics (ME100/ME200 transmitters) operate from −60 to +70 °C, housing rated IP66/IP67. That covers open-air LPG stations, including northern regions.

Propane-butane is heavier than air: on a leak it accumulates at the bottom of the dispenser body, near the foundation and in pits. The metering unit must therefore be Ex-rated — ours carries the dual marking Ex db ib / db ia IIC T6 Gb, certified to TR CU 012/2011.

Yes. The meter fits existing modules and dispensers: the execution is selected by flow, pressure and connections, and adapters are made when needed. Retrofit history is worked out individually — send photos and a piping diagram of the unit.

In many cases no welding is required: dimensions and process connections are matched from the drawing and nameplate of the installed meter (Micro Motion, Endress+Hauser and others). Interface settings are replicated as well, so the dispenser controller does not need reconfiguration.

A standard post needs one meter in the delivery line, downstream of the gas separator. If the dispenser has two independent delivery lines (a double-sided post) — one meter per line; truck-loading units get a dedicated metering point when required. We agree the layout at the design stage.

For liquid LPG the mass channel accuracy is ±0.1% to ±0.15% by execution and size. That is the level at which Coriolis meters are admitted for commercial metering of liquefied gases — clearly tighter than what a typical LPG dispenser requires.

Retail posts normally do not route vapour back in an organised way — vapour is handled by the station system. If the project includes a vapour return line, it is covered by a separate meter and the controller computes the net balance of liquid minus vapour.

A coarse filter in the line covers mechanical impurities (see the diagram). The meter itself is inherently wear-free: there are no moving parts in the measuring channel, so impurities do not erode accuracy the way they do in blade or piston meters.

Yes — that is what the compact sensors are for: slim body, installation without straight runs, and a remote transmitter option to move the electronics out of a tight compartment. This is a standard layout for modern LPG dispensers.

RS-485 (Modbus RTU) carries mass, density, temperature, volume and accumulated totals; frequency/pulse output and 4–20 mA (HART) are also available. Up to 32 devices can share one RS-485 line — convenient for multi-post stations and station automation.

The measuring channel is a pair of smooth tubes excited electromagnetically. There are no blades, pistons or rubbing pairs — hence no accuracy degradation from wear. Service life is 20 years / 100,000 hours, and maintenance boils down to external inspection and verification.

Warranty is 18 months from delivery or 12 months from installation, whichever expires first. The same warranty covers pre-assembled metering units when supplied as a complete skid.

Yes. Verification follows MP 98506-26 — on a proving rig or on site with reference standards, without shipping the meter away. Service and commissioning are available across Russia, including remote regions.

The meter with its passport and operation manual, a verification certificate, the full document set for the approved measuring instrument type, and accessories as ordered (cables, adapters). For module manufacturers — dimensional drawings for integration.

Yes — we assemble metering units for a specific site: sensor, transmitter, cabling and, when needed, a gas separator and valve manifold. The unit arrives tested, with a passport and settings matched to your controller.

Yes — send your post parameters (flow rate, number of fills, current meter) and an engineer will prepare an assessment: where kilograms are being lost and how to return them to the balance. The assessment is free and without obligation.

The flow rate (how many tonnes per hour must be transferred), discharge pressure and product viscosity. Large flows get a matching DN and, where required, the P execution; standard solutions for loading terminals have been proven at bulk plants and transfer depots.

Send us: flow rate (l/min or kg/h), line pressure, connection type, interface (Modbus/pulse), and site conditions. An engineer will select the execution and size and prepare a quotation with price and lead time — usually within one business day.