Theoretical analysis and experimental study of Coriolis mass flow sensor sensitivity

The measuring tube is the core sensitive unit of the Coriolis mass flow sensor. Its design parameters directly influence natural frequency and sensitivity, such as shape and structure dimensions. In this study, we obtained under concentrated force the equivalent elastic coefficient of the measuring tube by adopting static analysis and calculating static deflection curves, including the respective U-shape, slightly curved, and straight tubes. We then obtained the resonant frequency from the second-order vibration equation. Additionally, the maximum sensitivity and position coordinates were obtained by calculating the torsional displacement curve of the measuring tube under the distribution of Coriolis force during a rated flow. Sensor models with different measuring tube shapes were designed by applying this theoretical analysis. Calibration tests for sensors were performed using a static gravimetric method. Theoretical analysis and test results show that the resonant frequency and sensitivity of the sensors calculated by applying static mechanical analysis and Coriolis distributing force align with the experimental results, thereby proving the validity of the theoretical method. Furthermore, the proposed method simultaneously obtained the relation curve of the measuring tube structure dimensions and natural frequency and sensitivity. It therefore provides theoretical evidence for the sensor design and detector installation position.