Evaluation of omega-shaped Coriolis mass flow meter for laminar flow

Measuring flow rate precisely in laminar flow has been a difficult task, especially when utilizing a Coriolis mass flow meter (CMFM) for low flow rate measurements. The meter often under reads the mass flow rate, making it less useful in these conditions. The dominant factor affecting the CMFM's performance in laminar regions is secondary flow, which overshadows the generated Coriolis force, leading to an under-reading of flow rate. Previous studies have indicated that tube curvature is the most significant parameter affecting secondary flow generation and the overall performance of the meter. An omega-shaped tube configuration featuring a continuous curvature has been identified as the optimal shape for maximizing a CMFM device’s performance in laminar flow. The purpose of the investigation is to study and compare the efficiency of various Omega tube designs that have undergone slight geometric alterations. Four different configurations were evaluated for maximum time lag by vibrating at their respective natural frequencies and keeping the sensor position along the centerline of the tube configuration.