Ultrasonic vs. Coriolis Meters: Which Makes Sense For My Application?

Flow meters are indispensable tools in drinking and wastewater treatment applications, enabling precise control and monitoring of critical processes. They are commonly used for tasks such as accurately measuring chemicals during dosing, regulating pump inputs and outputs, monitoring flow rates in distribution or treatment systems, and tracking water loss to enhance system efficiency and identify potential leaks. These applications often require a balance between precision, durability, and cost-effectiveness, making the selection of the appropriate flow meter a key decision for water utilities and industrial operators.

Among the available technologies, Coriolis meters are renowned for their exceptional accuracy, often within +/-0.1% to 0.2%, and their ability to measure mass flow directly, independent of temperature, pressure, or fluid density variations. These capabilities make them a preferred choice in demanding applications such as oil and gas processing and high-stakes chemical metering. However, the advanced features of Coriolis meters come with significant trade-offs, including higher upfront costs, maintenance requirements, and limitations in measuring low flow rates—an essential consideration for water treatment facilities where low flows are common.