High-Precision Mass Flow and Density Measurement for Challenging Industrial Processes

Introduction to Yokogawa ROTAMASS

Yokogawa's ROTAMASS series represents a forefront of Coriolis mass flow and density measurement technology, engineered to deliver exceptional accuracy for liquids and gases across diverse industrial applications. As part of Yokogawa's OpreX Field Instruments family, these devices integrate the "Total Insight" concept, providing comprehensive support throughout the product lifecycle—from installation and operation to long-term maintenance. The ROTAMASS series is designed to handle demanding conditions, including high-pressure environments, corrosive media, and stringent sanitary requirements, making it a versatile solution for sectors such as oil and gas, chemical processing, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals. By combining direct measurements of mass flow, density, and temperature with advanced diagnostics, ROTAMASS enables users to derive critical parameters like concentration, viscosity, and energy content, supporting both process efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Core Technology and Measurement Principles

ROTAMASS flow meters operate on the Coriolis effect, where fluid flowing through oscillating tubes experiences inertial forces that proportionally deflect the tubes. This deflection is measured to calculate mass flow directly, eliminating the need for external corrections related to temperature, pressure, or fluid composition. Key innovations in the series include high-accuracy digital signal processing for stable measurements, specialized sensor isolation systems to minimize external vibration interference, and flexible tube designs (e.g., U-tube or straight-tube) tailored to specific media characteristics. The meters can measure a wide range of fluids, from clean gases to high-viscosity liquids, slurries, and abrasive multiphase flows, with temperature resilience from -200°C to +350°C. Advanced models also support Ethernet-APL connectivity, enabling seamless integration into modern digital automation architectures.

Product Variants and Key Features

The ROTAMASS TI (Total Insight) series offers two primary transmitter options: the Essentialvariant for routine applications requiring cost-effectiveness and simplicity, and the Ultimatevariant for advanced functionalities like dynamic viscosity compensation or energy-value calculations for gases. Common features across the series include:

• High Precision: Accuracy levels up to ±0.1% for mass flow and ±0.5 kg/m³ for density under reference conditions.

• Robust Design: Compatibility with EN, ANSI, or JIS flanges, and materials like stainless steel or Hastelloy for corrosive media.

• Smart Diagnostics: Built-in health checks and self-monitoring to alert users to issues like tube coating or process deviations.

• Output Flexibility: Configurable analog (4–20 mA), pulse, and digital outputs (HART, IO-Link, or Fieldbus).

  These features ensure reliability in critical applications such as chemical injection, LNG custody transfer, or hygienic processes in biopharmaceuticals.

Industrial Applications and Use Cases

ROTAMASS meters are deployed globally for their adaptability and precision. In oil and gas, they monitor compressed gases, hydraulic fluids, and hydrocarbon flows under high pressure, while in chemical plants, they track solvent dosing or reactor feed concentrations. For food and beveragesectors, sanitary designs with automatic cleaning capabilities (CIP/SIP) support tasks like juice concentration measurement or carbonation control. Additional applications include:

• Energy: Heating value calculation for natural gas or biomass fuels.

• Water Treatment: Chemical additive dosing for wastewater purification.

• Mining: Slurry flow monitoring in mineral processing.

  The series’ ability to handle diverse media—from liquefied gases to asphalt—makes it a preferred choice for engineers prioritizing measurement consistency and minimal lifecycle maintenance.

Advantages Over Competing Technologies

Compared to alternative flow meters (e.g., vortex or magnetic types), ROTAMASS devices provide direct mass flow measurement without requiring additional pressure or temperature sensors. Their immunity to flow profile changes reduces the need for straight piping sections, simplifying installation. Furthermore, Yokogawa’s focus on Total Insight enables predictive maintenance through continuous performance monitoring, lowering total cost of ownership. Compliance with international standards (ATEX, IECEx, SIL) ensures safety in hazardous areas, while modular designs allow easy upgrades or expansions.

Conclusion: Enabling Smarter Process Management

Yokogawa’s ROTAMASS series combines precision engineering with digital innovation to address evolving industrial demands. By delivering reliable data for process optimization and safety, these meters help industries achieve higher efficiency and sustainability. As automation evolves, features like Ethernet-APL and embedded diagnostics will further solidify ROTAMASS’s role in the future of industrial instrumentation.

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