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Analysis of common causes of inaccurate measurements by mass flow meters in the field
Time：
2026-04-22
Mass flow meters, with their advantages of high accuracy and direct measurement of mass flow rate, are widely used in industries such as petroleum, chemical, and food. However, inaccurate measurements often occur in field use, usually related to the following aspects:
I. Installation Issues
Improper installation is one of the main causes of measurement deviation. Mass flow meters are sensitive to mechanical stress. If the pipe flange is not properly aligned, the support is unstable, or there is excessive installation torque, additional stress will be generated in the sensor, affecting the vibration characteristics of the measuring tube and causing zero-point drift. Furthermore, when the installation location is close to the pump outlet, elbow, or regulating valve, fluid disturbance will also reduce measurement stability.
II. Changes in Fluid Conditions
When the fluid properties differ significantly from the calibration conditions, the error increases significantly. For example, when measuring two-phase flows containing gas or solids, bubbles or solid particles will absorb vibration energy, causing the actual vibration frequency of the measuring tube to deviate from the theoretical value. Low-temperature or high-viscosity fluids forming scale or crystals on the pipe wall will also change the vibration mass of the measuring tube, introducing systematic errors.
III. Zero-Point Drift
After a period of field use, the zero point may shift due to temperature changes, sensor aging, or deposits on the inner wall of the measuring tube. If zeroing is not performed promptly with an empty tube, the instrument will display a non-zero output even when there is no flow, with particularly pronounced errors in the low-range measurement section.
IV. Wiring and Grounding Interference
Damaged signal line shielding, loose terminals, or electromagnetic interference from high-voltage equipment such as frequency converters can introduce noise into the signal of the drive coil or detection sensor, causing fluctuating and unstable measurement values. Improper grounding can also cause common-mode interference, affecting the judgment of the signal processing circuit.
V. Selection and Parameter Setting
Failure to fully consider fluid corrosivity or operating pressure range during selection may cause the flowmeter to operate in a non-ideal range for extended periods. Inconsistent parameter settings, such as density coefficients or instrument coefficients, or improper small-signal cutoff threshold settings, can also cause measurement deviations.
To resolve inaccurate mass flow meter measurements, it is recommended to start with installation inspection, zero-point calibration, fluid condition confirmation, and electrical troubleshooting, eliminating possible factors one by one. Regular maintenance and on-site calibration are key to ensuring the long-term stability and reliability of instruments.
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