Coriolis mass flow meter calibration for gas

Coriolis flow meter calibration for gas involves comparing the instrument’s mass flow output against a traceable reference standard under defined conditions. A UKAS-accredited certificate records the actual mass flow at each calibrated point and the associated measurement uncertainty. Because Coriolis instruments measure mass directly, calibration must account for the specific gas being measured, as the density and flow behaviour differ between gas types.

Coriolis meters measure mass flow by detecting the physical Coriolis force acting on gas in vibrating tubes. This direct mechanical measurement is independent of gas thermal properties, making Coriolis instruments accurate across a wider range of gases and conditions than thermal mass flow meters. However, Coriolis meters are generally larger and more expensive. Both types require UKAS calibration for regulated applications.

Many Coriolis meters are designed to measure both gas and liquid flows, though the same instrument is not typically used interchangeably for both in practice. If you need calibration for both gas and liquid applications on the same instrument, contact us and we will advise on whether a combined calibration or separate calibration certificates are appropriate for your quality management requirements.

For most regulated applications, annual calibration is standard. High-accuracy reference instruments used in calibration laboratories may be calibrated more frequently. The calibration interval should be set by your quality management system based on the criticality of the measurement, the instrument’s historical drift and the consequences of measurement error in your specific process.

In most cases, Coriolis instruments are sent to Labcal’s laboratory in Lymington for calibration, where we use our accredited flow reference standards. In-situ verification is not part of our standard service. If removing the instrument is operationally difficult, contact us and we will discuss options including planning calibration around scheduled maintenance downtime.