Quick answer
A Coriolis meter measures mass flow and can also provide density information, making it useful where mass is the control quantity or density varies. A magnetic meter measures volumetric flow of electrically conductive liquids with an unobstructed bore. Product conductivity, bubbles, required quantity and installation conditions decide the route.
Side-by-side comparison
| Decision factor | Coriolis mass flowmeter | Magnetic flowmeter |
|---|---|---|
| Measured quantity | Mass flow; density may also be available | Volumetric flow |
| Product requirement | Broad liquid range; two-phase flow still problematic | Liquid must meet conductivity requirement |
| Internal path | Curved or straight tubes depending design | Typically full-bore lined measuring tube |
| Density changes | Mass result is not inferred from fixed density | Mass requires separate controlled density conversion |
| Pressure loss | Depends on tube geometry and size | Often low with correctly sized full bore |
| Bubbles | Can disrupt measurement and repeatability | Air can reduce effective filled pipe and accuracy |
| Cleaning | Assess tube geometry, drainability and materials | Assess liner, electrodes, drainability and velocity |
| Cost and size | Often higher cost and weight | Can be economical for suitable conductive liquids |
Decision checks
- Declared quantity is mass or volume
- Minimum product conductivity
- Density and temperature variation
- Entrained air and foam risk
- Minimum and maximum flow rate
- Pressure drop and supply system
- Wetted materials, cleaning and drainability
How to prove the choice
Use the production formulation at temperature extremes and include start-up, supply-level change and bubbles. Compare meter zero stability, repeatability, cut-off and cleaning recovery with the intended valve and nozzle.
Relevant specialist route
View the solutionautomaticfillingmachines.co.ukAutomatic Filling Machines
Automatic filling systems selected by measurement principle, product and container.
Selection note: Do not select from a comparison table alone. Test representative product and packaging against a written acceptance plan.