In the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, accurate measurement of alcohol (ethanol) has always been a pain point. Especially
for high-concentration alcohol (99.8%~99.9%), traditional vortex or electromagnetic flow meters are often ineffective due to its low
viscosity and non-conductive properties.
Today, we received an urgent consultation from a customer requesting the selection of a suitable Coriolis mass flow meter for a
3-inch pipeline. This is a very typical application scenario, and we will use it as an example to break down the selection logic.
Customer's Original Operating Conditions (High Concentration Alcohol)
Fluid Medium: Alcohol (Ethanol)
Concentration: 99.8% ~ 99.9%
Pipe Diameter: 3" ANSI 150
Flow Range: 80 ~ 120 m³/h
Density: 0.791 kg/L
Viscosity: 0.99 ~ 1.3 cP
Temperature: 27°C ~ 40°C
Output Requirements: 4-20mA, integrated transmitter
Technical Challenges Analysis
High Purity: 99.9% alcohol has extremely low conductivity, ruling out electromagnetic flow meters.
High Flow Rate: The maximum instantaneous flow rate reaches 120 m³/h, placing extremely high demands on the flow meter's
diameter and pressure loss.
CIXIFM Selection Recommendation
Based on the customer's 3-inch pipeline and flow rate requirement of 80-120 m³/h, our technicians, after calculation, provide
the following recommendation:
Recommended Model: CIXIFM Coriolis Series DN80 Coriolis Mass Flow Meter
Selection Rationale:
Diameter Matching: The customer's pipeline is 3 inches (DN80), and our sensor is directly compatible with this specification,
eliminating the need for reducers, making installation convenient and without additional pressure loss.
Measuring Range Coverage: This model perfectly covers a range of 80-120 m³/h for alcohol media. It is generally recommended
that the maximum flow rate not exceed 80% of the upper limit of the range to ensure accuracy, which is fully met in this case.
Accuracy Guarantee: For low-viscosity alcohol (0.99 cP), Coriolis directly measures mass flow rate, unaffected by viscosity changes,
with an accuracy of ±0.1%~0.2%.
Material Compatibility: The measuring tube is made of 316L stainless steel, completely resistant to alcohol corrosion.
Signal Output: Standard 4-20mA, supports 110-220V wide power supply, meeting the customer's on-site power distribution
requirements; the integrated transmitter (compact type) saves installation space.
Technical Feedback: According to calculations, at a peak flow rate of 120 m³/h, the pressure loss generated by this flow meter
is only about 0.5. The pressure of the bar is well within the allowable range of the ANSI 150 flange pressure rating and does
not affect the operating efficiency of the upstream pump.
Summary: Why is Coriolis the optimal solution for alcohol metering?
For alcohol, a "clean, low-viscosity, non-conductive" liquid, Coriolis flow meters can simultaneously output mass flow rate,
density, and temperature, and can also calculate concentration in real time, helping customers monitor alcohol evaporation
(an alert is issued when it drops from 99.8% to 99.5%).
If you also have specific requirements regarding the selection or quotation of Coriolis flowmeters, please feel free to contact Winny :
Email:[email protected]
whatsapp:008618049841995
hotline
(86)021-57632436