U — U-Shaped Sensor Type | Mass-EXPERT

Overview

U-shaped sensor type

The U-shaped design is one of the most common and proven Coriolis flow meter sensor types. Two measuring tubes bent in the shape of the letter "U" oscillate in antiphase, generating a Coriolis force proportional to the mass flow rate. This configuration provides an optimal balance of sensitivity, compactness and reliability.

DN03–DN250

Nominal diameter range

up to 100:1

Turndown ratio

DN03+

Flanged / threaded / sanitary

Advantages

Why the U-shaped type is the choice of the majority

The U-shaped design combines decades of proven practice with advanced engineering solutions, delivering unmatched reliability and measurement accuracy.

Optimal geometry

The U-shaped tube geometry creates the maximum Coriolis phase shift at minimum length, providing high sensitivity in a compact housing, including operation at low flow rates.

Uniform stress distribution

The smooth tube bends eliminate stress concentrators, increasing the fatigue strength and service life of the sensor — up to 20 years. Stable tube geometry ensures good repeatability from instrument to instrument.

Wide turndown ratio

The turndown ratio is up to 100:1, allowing both minimum and maximum flow rates to be measured with a single instrument.

Connection flexibility

Flanged (GOST, ANSI, DIN), threaded and sanitary (Tri-Clamp) connections for DN03 and above. Integration into any piping system is possible.

Media versatility

Effective for liquids of any viscosity, gases, cryogenic media, suspensions, slurries and multiphase flows. A wide range of tube materials (316L, high-Ni 316L, 904L, titanium, C4 steel, Hastelloy, duplex, tantalum — per the Mass-EXPERT material range).

Low sensitivity to interference

The symmetrical design with two tubes oscillating in antiphase effectively suppresses external vibrations and ensures stable readings.

Sensor types

Other measuring tube types

Mass-EXPERT offers several measuring tube configurations, each optimized for specific operating conditions

U V K W L Δ (Delta)

The U-shaped type is the basic and most versatile configuration. Other types are optimized for specific tasks (ultra-high pressure, cryogenics, aggressive media, etc.).

Examples

U-shaped Mass-EXPERT sensors

Appearance of Mass-EXPERT flow meters with U-shaped measuring tubes of various sizes

Mass-EXPERT U-shaped sensors — model range

Mass-EXPERT-200 — U-shaped sensor (DN200, maximum flow rate 1,080,000 kg/h)

Mass-EXPERT-015 — U-shaped sensor (DN15, maximum flow rate 3,600 kg/h)

Remote design: Mass-EXPERT sensor and ME100 transmitter

Mass-EXPERT U-shaped sensor

Measuring unit with Mass-EXPERT on a test bench

Mass-EXPERT meters in process equipment

U-shaped sensor with local display

U-shaped sensor with remote transmitter

Mass-EXPERT sensor and ME200 transmitter

Mass-EXPERT U-shaped sensor

Remote design with external ME100 transmitter

Mass-EXPERT U-shaped sensor — threaded connection

Mass-EXPERT U-shaped sensor — flanged connection

Mass-EXPERT U-shaped sensor with local display

Technical specifications

Parameters of U-shaped sensors

Technical specifications of Mass-EXPERT flow meters with U-shaped measuring tubes

Parameter	Value
Measuring tube type	U — U-shaped
Nominal diameter (DN)	from 3 to 250
Turndown ratio	up to 100:1
Number of tubes	2 (two parallel)
Configuration	Two U-shaped tubes oscillating in antiphase
Connection types	Flanged (GOST, ANSI, DIN), threaded, sanitary (Tri-Clamp)
Minimum DN for flanged connections	DN03 and above
Measuring tube material	Stainless steel AISI 316L (standard); high-Ni 316L, 904L, titanium, C4 steel, Hastelloy, duplex, tantalum (optional — per the Mass-EXPERT material range)
Operating oscillation frequency	from 80 to 800 Hz (depending on DN)
Working medium temperature	from −196 to +350 °C (depending on the design)
Maximum working pressure	up to 10 MPa (DN03–DN50); up to 6.3 MPa (DN80); up to 4 MPa (DN100–DN250) — design T; for designs P/PK — per the operation manual tables (96 MPa — only 003..PK)
Output signals	4–20 mA (HART), RS-485 (Modbus RTU), CAN, pulse, frequency
Explosion protection	Ex db ib IIC T6 Gb; Ex db ia IIC T6 Gb; Ex ia tb IIIC T80 °C Db
Protection rating	IP66, IP67

Type comparison

Sensor configuration comparison

U-shaped type — a universal solution for most industrial tasks

Parameter	U	V	K	W	L	Δ (Delta)
Nominal diameter (DN)	DN03–DN250	DN08–DN50	DN02–DN25	DN08–DN100	DN08–DN50	DN01/DN02/DN25
Unique feature	• versatility: most media and industries • cryogenic and high-pressure versions	• face-to-face replacement without rework	• ultra-high pressure (PK series) • H₂-embrittlement-resistant materials	• self-draining + CIP/SIP • large line sizes (up to DN100)	• minimal hydraulic resistance • abrasives, slurries and viscous products	• micro-dosing from fractions of kg/h • exceptional mechanical stability
Straight pipe runs required	No	No	No	No	No	No
Low flow rates and micro-dosing	from DN03	from DN08	from DN02	from DN08	from DN08	fractions of kg/h (from DN01)
Sensitivity	High	High	High	Medium	Medium	Very high
Compactness	Medium	High	Medium	High	Medium	Medium
Aggressive media	Good	Good	Good	Good	Excellent	Good
Drainage and dead zones	Standard	Standard	Standard	Full (self-draining)	Full (straight tubes)	Standard
Vibration and pulsation resistance	High	High	High	High	Standard	Maximum
Hygienic cleaning (CIP/SIP)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Sanitary connections	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Recommendation	Universal solution for most tasks	Direct replacement of installed equipment	High and ultra-high pressure (H₂, He, N₂)	Self-draining design	Viscous, abrasive, aggressive and hygienic media	Micro-flow (DN01/DN02), also DN25