Thermal Mass Flow Meter vs Coriolis Mass Flow Meter: A Professional Comparison for Industrial Gas Applications

Mass flow measurement plays a critical role in industrial processes across oil & gas, chemical, energy, and environmental sectors. Among the most common technologies for gas mass flow measurement are the Thermal Mass Flow Meter and the Coriolis Flow Meter.

Although both offer direct mass flow readings and eliminate the need for pressure and temperature compensation, they differ significantly in working principle, cost, accuracy, and application suitability.

This article provides a detailed comparison to help engineers and plant operators choose the right instrument for their specific needs.
 

Measurement Principles

Thermal Mass Flow Meter

Thermal mass flow meters operate based on the principle of convective heat transfer. A heated sensor is exposed to the gas flow, and the amount of heat carried away is proportional to the gas’s mass flow rate. These meters are widely used for dry, clean gas applications.

For details on thermal technology, see our article: How Thermal Mass Flow Meters Work

Coriolis Flow Meter

Coriolis flow meters measure mass flow by vibrating a flow tube and detecting changes in vibration caused by the Coriolis effect as fluid moves through the sensor. This method offers high accuracy and is applicable for both liquids and gases.

Comparative Table

Application Suitability

When to Use Thermal Mass Flow Meters

Thermal mass flow meters are ideal for:

• Compressed air systems

• Biogas and landfill gas measurement

• Natural gas monitoring

• HVAC and environmental systems

• Flare and vent gas applications

Their non-intrusive design, cost-efficiency, and ability to handle low flow rates make them especially suitable for continuous gas monitoring.

When to Use Coriolis Flow Meters

Coriolis flow meters are recommended when:

• High accuracy is required

• Both liquids and gases must be measured

• Multi-parameter measurement (mass flow, density, temperature) is needed

• You are dealing with custody transfer, fuel injection, or batching processes

Despite the higher cost, Coriolis meters provide excellent precision and versatility, making them a preferred choice in critical applications.
 

Key Considerations for Selection

• Budget Constraints: Thermal mass meters are generally more affordable.

• Fluid Type: Thermal is suitable for gases only; Coriolis can measure both.

• Accuracy Requirements: Choose Coriolis for precision-critical processes.

• Pipe Size and Installation: Thermal meters (especially insertion type) require less space and can often be installed without shutting down the process.

• Maintenance Environment: Thermal meters are better for clean environments, while Coriolis meters may require more maintenance depending on the media.

Need help selecting a flow meter? Contact our Technical Support Team or view our Flow Meter Selection Guide.

Conclusion

Both thermal mass flow meters and Coriolis flow meters provide reliable mass flow measurements, but they are tailored to different use cases.

• Thermal mass flow meters are best suited for gas-only applications where cost-efficiency and low maintenance are priorities.

• Coriolis flow meters offer superior accuracy and broader versatility, particularly in liquid or high-value gas applications.

Understanding your specific process requirements—such as accuracy, installation constraints, media type, and budget—will ensure that you choose the optimal technology for your operation.
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can thermal mass flow meters measure liquids?
No. Thermal mass flow meters are designed exclusively for gas measurement.

Q2: Which meter is more accurate?
Coriolis meters generally provide higher accuracy (±0.1–0.5%) compared to thermal meters (±1–2%).

Q3: Are thermal meters suitable for wet or dirty gases?
Thermal meters work best in clean, dry gas streams. For dirty or moist gas, protective coatings or purge options may be required.

Q4: Do these meters require temperature or pressure compensation?
No. Both technologies measure true mass flow, eliminating the need for external compensation.

Q5: Which is easier to install?
Thermal mass meters—especially insertion types—are easier and less invasive to install compared to inline Coriolis meters.