Overcoming pump limitations with a Coriolis meter-pump system
In non-pressurized systems, various types of pumps can be used to induce liquid movement or flow. However, many of these pumps have limitations in both batch and continuous processes.
- Gravity pumps must be located below the fluid source and are typically not automated, limiting process configurability and ease of use.
- Peristaltic pumps induce pulsating flow, reducing repeatability. This can be problematic in certain dosing applications such as dye and flavor dosing where smooth flow is required to ensure consistency of final products.
- Syringe pumps are limited to small batches, and it is impractical to use them in continuous processes as the syringes must be regularly switched out.
These limitations can be mitigated by using a gear pump with a Coriolis mass flow meter.
How does a Coriolis meter-pump system work?
The meter-pump setup works as follows:
- The Coriolis meter sends an analog valve drive signal to the pump, which directs the pump to change its speed.
- The bypass valve smooths out the flow below the pump’s typical minimal flow rate, effectively widening the operating range of the pump.
- The fluid flowing through the bypass valves isn’t measured and is recirculated back into the system upstream of the pump.
Benefits of the meter-pump system for flow control in non-pressurized systems
This setup overcomes pump limitations expressed above and provides additional benefits to improve flow control in non-pressurized systems.
- Built to fit into any setup – The meter-pump system does not depend on pressurized liquid or gravity to create flow, so it can be built to fit into any space.
- Smooth, precise flow at low flow rates – The meter communicates with the gear pump, smoothing out flow control at flow rates below the normal control range of the gear pump. Coriolis meters are accurate down to 0.02% of full scale.
- Automated control with no need for a PLC – Communicate with the meter using RS-232, RS-485, Modbus RTU, EtherCAT, or EtherNet/IP. Coriolis meters additionally have built in PLCs, so there is no need for a complex system setup that requires a PLC.
- Totalizer and alarm functionality – Meters are equipped with totalizers to record flow over time. Users can also set alarms to automatically shut off the pump when the fluid supply has run dry.
Use a CODA Coriolis meter in conjunction with a gear pump to easily automate processes and create smooth flows across a wide operating range. CODA meters can also be adapted to work with peristaltic or syringe pumps if necessary.
Common applications
Food flavoring: A Coriolis meter-pump system provides high-precision control in batch and continuous food flavoring processes. The system pulls precise amounts of the liquid precursor from an unpressurized container into a vaporizing process. The vapor then interacts with a carrier gas like Argon and is sent into the final coating process.
Pharmaceutical cleaning agents: Cleaning agents for pharmaceutical processes can be very expensive and must be flowed in precise amounts to meet cleanliness standards. A Coriolis meter-pump system can be used to flow exact amounts of cleaning agents through the system, meeting regulatory standards and minimizing waste.
Dyes and fragrances for consumer products: Producing consumer products such as laundry detergent and hand soaps requires precise flow control of highly concentrated dyes and fragrances, with solution to concentrate ratios as high as 10,000:1. The meter-pump system efficiently pulls these unpressurized dyes and fragrances into the solution.