Thermal Mass vs Coriolis
Side by side comparison: how they work, where each fits, and which to choose.
Quick answer: Thermal mass meters measure gas mass flow cheaply with low pressure loss, but depend on gas composition; coriolis meters are composition independent and more accurate but cost more.
Thermal Mass vs Coriolis: Comparison Table
| Aspect | Thermal Mass | Coriolis |
|---|---|---|
| Fluids | Gases | Liquids and gases |
| Composition effect | Calibrated for a specific gas | Independent of composition |
| Pressure loss | Very low (insertion types) | Higher at gas velocities |
| Large ducts | Insertion probes available | Not practical |
| Accuracy | about ± 1 to 2 % of reading | about ± 0.35 to 0.5 % for gas |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
Choose Thermal Mass when
- Compressed air, biogas, flare and stack gas in large lines
Choose Coriolis when
- Natural gas custody, changing gas mixtures, high accuracy
Key Differences Explained
A thermal meter measures heat carried away from a heated sensor, which depends on mass flow and gas properties. If the gas mix changes, the reading shifts.
Coriolis measures mass directly, so composition does not matter, but low gas density gives small signals at low flow.
Related Glossary Terms
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Thermal Mass and Coriolis?
Thermal mass meters measure gas mass flow cheaply with low pressure loss, but depend on gas composition; coriolis meters are composition independent and more accurate but cost more.
Can a thermal meter measure liquids?
Generally no; it is designed for gases.
Does moisture affect thermal meters?
Yes, condensate on the sensor causes spikes.
Are both mass flow meters?
Yes, both give mass flow without pressure and temperature compensation.
Learn more on the blog
Coriolis flow meter uncertainty
A practical guide on instrumentationblog.in that goes deeper into this topic with field examples.
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