When to use a CODA™ Coriolis mass flow instrument

Alicat’s CODA-Series meters and CODA-Series controllers operate using Coriolis technology. In this article, we discuss CODA device capabilities and use cases.

What parameter do you need to measure and/or control?

CODA Coriolis meters and controllers can be used to:

• Measure/control true mass flow rate (gas or liquid)
• Measure/control mass flow rate (gas or liquid)
• Measure fluid density (liquid only)

What type of fluid are you flowing?

Coriolis meters can be materially compatible with a wide range of liquids and gases, including many aggressive fluids. CODA instruments are available with all-metal seals, allowing for increased chemical compatibility with process fluids. They also come with the option to have an IP67 rating.

Is your fluid composition unknown or changing?

Coriolis instruments provide accurate mass flow measurements even when fluid composition is unknown or changing. As long as the fluid is compatible with the instrument’s wetted materials, a change in the percent composition will not affect the measurement accuracy.

A limitation of many available Coriolis mass flow instruments, including the CODA-Series, is that they are only able to accurately measure single-phase flow. While multi-phase fluids will not damage the instruments, they may significantly lower measurement accuracy.

Flow rate, temperature, and pressure

Coriolis meters can operate over a wide range of conditions, including very high temperatures and pressures and ultra-low flow rates:

• Flow rates: Full scale operating ranges from 40 to 100,000 grams per hour
• Temperature: These devices operate between -30°C and 70°C
• Pressure: Up to 4000 PSIA
• Operating range: 
  • Meters: 0.02% to 100% of full scale (5000:1)
  • Controllers: 2% to 100% of full scale (50:1)

View the full specification sheets for CODA meters and controllers.

Response time

CODA Coriolis mass flow instruments have response times that are comparable with DP and MEMs technology, and are much faster than thermal bypass mass flow meters:

• Measurement response time: as fast as 100 ms
• Control response time: as fast as 500 ms

Vibration sensitivity

Coriolis mass flow instrument readings can be sensitive to external vibrations from nearby disruptions. For example, a generator switching on nearby may introduce consistent noise into the measurement or a box suddenly dropping on a test bench may cause a spike in the readings, which could take several seconds to recover from.

CODA instruments are specifically designed to be highly insensitive to external disturbances, without the need for a bulky mounting block. If the device is affected by a sudden interference like a physical bump, the measurement re-stabilizes in less than 400 ms. See the demonstration below.

Integration and maintenance

CODA instruments have a small form factor, making them viable for applications with tight or limited space. For example, several models of the CODA meter weigh no more than 1.5 lb (0.7 kg), and are just over 4.2 inches (107 mm) in the largest dimension. Additionally, straight runs of pipe are typically not required upstream or downstream of the instrument. This makes it easier to integrate Coriolis instruments into highly complex systems. These devices are also position insensitive and can be mounted in any orientation.

Additionally, CODA meters and controllers have no need for annual recalibration, lowering long term ownership costs.

CODA operating principle

To learn how these devices work, watch the video below or read this article explaining the Coriolis operating principle.