Electromagnetic vs Coriolis Flow Meters: Which Is More Accurate?

Choosing between electromagnetic flow meters (EMF) and Coriolis mass flow meters often hinges on accuracy requirements and operational conditions. While both excel in industrial measurement, their performance varies significantly across temperature, pressure, and fluid types. Let’s dissect their differences through real-world application lenses.

Accuracy Showdown: Key Factors Compared

1. Fluid Compatibility & Measurement Range

Electromagnetic Meters: Achieve ±0.5% accuracy for conductive liquids (e.g., water, acids). Ideal for large pipe diameters like those in water treatment plants.

Coriolis Meters: Deliver ±0.1% accuracy for both liquids and gases, even with non-conductive fluids (e.g., oils, LNG). Used in oil & gas custody transfer where precision is critical.

2. Temperature & Pressure Tolerance

EMF: Operates at -40°C to 180°C. RB Flowmeters' EM-Series handles up to 40 bar pressure, suitable for HVAC and chemical processing.

Coriolis: Withstands -240°C to 350°C. Models like the RB CorioMaster endure 400 bar, perfect for cryogenics or high-pressure steam.

3. Application Scenarios

Scenario                       Electromagnetic                                                  Coriolis

Slurries & Abrasives ✅ Excellent (no moving parts)             ⚠️ Limited (tube erosion risk)

High-Viscosity Fluids ⚠️ Accuracy drops above 10,000 cP    ✅ Unaffected by viscosity

Batching Operations ✅ Cost-effective for water-based fluids ✅ Preferred for fuel/pharma mass measurement

When to Choose Which? 

Electromagnetic: 

Opt for conductive fluids, budget-conscious projects, or large-diameter pipes. 

RB Flowmeters’ RBHFM-Series offers 0.25% repeatability with minimal maintenance.

 Coriolis: 

Essential for non-conductive fluids, mass-based billing, or extreme temperatures. 

The CorioMaster provides 0.05% accuracy with built-in density measurement. 

Expert Tip According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), regular calibration improves long-term accuracy by up to 30%. 

RB Flowmeters’ on-site calibration services ensure compliance with ISO 9001 standards.

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