Bright future predicted for Coriolis flowmeter technology
05 October 2011
IMS Research forecasts coriolis flowmeters to overtake differential pressure flowmeters as the largest flowmeter market by 2014, replacing magnetic flowmeters as the second largest market by 2012. Manufacturers of coriolis flowmeters strive to find added value in their design and functionality. The main areas for advanced technological differentiation are through the inclusion of remote diagnostics and the ability to measure greater line sizes.
Research director and report author Paul Everett comments: “It's not surprising, nor earth shattering news, to see growth for mechanical flowmeters slowing and an ongoing shift to coriolis and ultrasonic products. For me, the more interesting trend is the distinct difference in market growth and size between EMEA, the Americas and Asia. Asia was found to be the smallest region for coriolis flowmeters in 2010. However, it is forecast to surpass the Americas in 2013 and perhaps more surprising, EMEA in 2014 to become the largest market.
“Coriolis is a much better solution for the smaller pipe sizes. You then have an area between 4in and 8in where there is a trade-off in pressure drop and rangeability of a coriolis flowmeter and the accuracy of an ultrasonic. It’s clear that manufacturers of coriolis flowmeters are pushing the envelope higher (above 8in), while ultrasonic vendors are pushing below 8in. Ultimately, this will provide end-users with more choice, which will drive down flowmeter prices.
“End-users are looking beyond the upfront cost of purchasing new technologies, and have begun to assess the overall return on investment that they offer. Additionally, legislation requiring the continual inspection of flow devices will increase the need for remote diagnostic capabilities, which are more prevalent in advanced flow measurement technologies, like coriolis and ultrasonic.”
Analysis of the flowmeter market is available from the 2nd edition of IMS Research’s recently released World Flowmeter report.
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