Coriolis flow meters for pharmaceuticals

The meter measures mass via the Coriolis effect: flow passes through vibrating tubes and the mass flow shifts the phase of the oscillation between the inlet and the outlet sections. The phase shift is directly proportional to the mass that has passed through the sensor.

Core duties: dosing active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), measuring purified water and WFI, feeding solvents and buffer solutions, and controlling formulation doses. Typical media and recommended configurations are collected on this page.

Along with flow — the density and temperature of the medium, from which derived values are calculated. The density range is 650–2000 kg/m³. Density and temperature help monitor the state of solutions and formulation mixes.

Volumetric meters — electromagnetic, ultrasonic — measure volume, so getting mass requires correctors and density data. A Coriolis sensor delivers mass directly: the result does not depend on density fluctuations and does not need straight pipe runs.

The main one is free gas: bubbles degrade liquid measurement accuracy, so lines with gas evolution are engineered separately. Cost grows with line size, and high pressures or aggressive media need special executions.

Yes — straight-tube L sensors DN08–DN15 are stated for API and excipient dosing on this page. For micro-doses there is the D-type DN01–DN02. Mass measurement is not affected by the viscosity of the substance.

Purified water and WFI are handled by L sensors DN25–DN40, including main distribution lines. Hygienic connections, polishing and complete drainage let the meter sit in a circuit that is regularly treated with cleaning and sterilizing media.

Ethanol, isopropanol, acetone and methanol are listed on this page as typical media, and accurate dosing cuts losses of expensive reagents. For flammable solvents an explosion-proof execution is selected, and the sensor material follows the medium composition.

Phosphate buffers, saline, glycerine, suspensions and emulsions are working media for this range. Mass measurement needs no corrections for density and viscosity swings, which matters for heterogeneous compositions. The regime and flow rate are matched via the datasheet.

A straight-tube L sensor is designed for high-viscosity substances; neither viscosity nor the tendency to crystallize affects accuracy. If the medium solidifies at a process stop, an isothermal jacket is used — option 19S.

CIP/SIP compatibility is built into the design: a straight tube with no dead zones drains completely, and the stainless-steel housing is rated IP66/IP67 for washdown and wet environments. Ra ≤ 0.8 µm finishing eases cleaning; cycle parameters are set by the production technology.

Typical flows are covered by the straight-tube L-type DN08–DN50: complete drainage, minimal hydraulic resistance. For small quantities, the D-type DN01–DN02 measures from 0.1 kg/h. Both versions come in hygienic finish.

Per this page, the L range: DN08 up to 1 200 kg/h, DN15 up to 3 600, DN25 up to 12 000, DN40 up to 27 000, DN50 up to 39 000. Micro-flows: D-01 (0.1–12 kg/h) and D-02 (up to 96 kg/h). We size from the working flow with range headroom.

Hygienic connections Tri-clamp, SMS and DIN 11851 are supplied for pharmaceutical lines — quick-release, no special tools. The range also includes GOST, ANSI and DIN flanges and threaded connections. Type and mounting dimensions are fixed at selection.

Tubes are made of 316L stainless steel; for aggressive media Hastelloy C276/C4, duplex, 904L, titanium, tantalum and C4 are available. The material follows the medium composition and temperature — attach a fluid analysis to your datasheet.

The standard for wetted surfaces is mirror polishing Ra ≤ 0.8 µm; for critical media Ra ≤ 0.4 µm and electropolishing are available. A smooth surface eases CIP/SIP cleaning and reduces the adhesion of microorganisms.

Start with the questionnaire or the online configurator: medium, flow rate, pressure, temperature, connection, and whether explosion protection is needed. Engineers will review the data and come back with a selection and a quotation. Price depends on size, material, pressure and Ex execution.

For liquids, from ±0.1% to ±1.0% depending on size; the pharmaceutical configurations state ±0.1–0.2%. Accuracy is confirmed by individual calibration: every sensor runs through a flow calibration rig at the factory.

The meter is entered in the State Register of Measuring Instruments under No. 98506-26, so its readings are verifiable under the approved procedure and a plant can include it in its metrological system. The metrological documents are published on this site.

Verification can be done without taking the meter off the line: on site with provers, or on a flow calibration rig with reference meters. The procedure is approved — MP 98506-26; proving equipment, including compact provers, is supplied by the company itself.

It is the ratio of maximum to minimum flow within which the rated accuracy is held. A range up to 100:1 lets one line dose both large and small amounts without losing accuracy at reduced flow rates.

Replacement is possible where the process and mounting dimensions match; we select the execution to suit them — in many cases no welding is required. Compatibility with the installed meter, including Micro Motion and Endress+Hauser, is confirmed against a piping drawing or a photo of the nameplate.

Straight runs are not required — that is what sets a Coriolis sensor apart from turbine, vortex and ultrasonic meters. Line layout gets simpler, and replacement on existing piping does not drag a pipework redesign behind it.

There are no rigid orientation rules: the sensor takes the position that suits the piping. For viscous and fouling products it is turned so that the medium drains out fully and does not linger inside. Basics are in the manual; point recommendations come from the design team.

Signals run via 4–20 mA with HART, RS-485 Modbus RTU and CAN; the frequency/pulse output reaches 0–10 000 Hz. PROFIBUS PA comes as an option, depending on the execution. DCS and MES integration is routine for these interfaces.

Ratings come in sensor–transmitter pairs. With ME100: sensor Ex ib IIC T6…T1 Gb, transmitter Ex db ib IIC T6 Gb. With ME200: sensor Ex ia IIC T6…T1 Ga, transmitter Ex db ia IIC T6 Gb plus dust protection Ex ia tb IIIC T80 °C Db.

Delivery documents: type approval description, operating manual, verification procedure, EAEU (TR CU) certificates, and Expert Conclusion No. 299 confirming compliance with the Common Customs Union requirements. This set is requested when the meter is commissioned. Warranty runs 18 months from delivery or 12 months from installation, whichever comes first.

Metrological documents from the delivery set and instrument functions help validation: electronic logs, protection of settings from changes, and measurement traceability. These form an evidence base for integration into validated systems. The exact document list is confirmed before delivery.

Service and metrology are provided in Russia: commissioning supervision, startup, service and verification. All stages are handled locally; requests come by phone or through the website form.

There are no moving parts or wear items, so routine maintenance is not required. The service life is stated as 20 years on average, with a mean time between failures of 100,000 hours; scheduled work comes down to verification. ---