Coriolis meters for CaCO3 measurement: the right answer to a tough challenge

Keeping cool under pressure: How Coriolis flowmeters help unlock battery performance

In the race to build better batteries, extreme testing is a necessary challenge. But how do you ensure reliable results when conditions push cooling systems – and your instrumentation – to their limits? One answer lies in a flow measurement technology rooted in physics: ABB’s CoriolisMaster.

The science of battery aging

Modern battery systems are marvels of chemical engineering – but they’re also prone to a very human problem: aging. Over time, energy storage capacity and power output degrade.

This process is affected by many variables, some as unpredictable as the end-user’s driving behavior, others as testable as the thermal stress a battery experiences.

To replicate real-world conditions in the lab, batteries are subjected to grueling thermal cycles using powerful cooling compressors. These systems circulate cooling liquid through the battery packs at temperatures ranging from -40°C to +100°C. In this high-stakes simulation, consistency is everything.

And consistency depends on knowing your coolant concentration precisely and in real time.

Precision in harsh environments

To capture trustworthy data, test engineers rely on precise and stable measurement tools – even when vibration, pressure swings, or aggressive cooling agents are involved. Here, ABB’s CoriolisMaster FCB430/450 meters shine.

These Coriolis flowmeters, equipped with a specially programmed concentration table for coolant fluids, provide accurate real-time data on coolant concentration. This ensures that tests are not only reproducible, but also meaningful.

The sensor’s ability to directly measure mass flow, density, temperature, and concentration – without the need for pressure or temperature compensation – makes it a reliable partner in demanding R&D environments.

How it works: Newton at the heart of measurement

At the core of the CoriolisMaster’s functionality lies Newton’s second law: force equals mass times acceleration. In Coriolis meters, oscillating tubes filled with fluid generate a measurable twist when mass flow is present.

That twist tells us everything we need to know, without being affected by gravity.

No long straight pipe runs are required before or after the meter. No moving parts. No extra sensors. Just a compact, robust design delivering dependable data.

A coolant meter with an engineer’s mindset

ABB’s CoriolisMaster isn’t just accurate – it’s engineered for the reality of field conditions:

Double-tube design resists vibration and handles entrained gas with ease.
Low power consumption and stainless-steel build support long-term reliability.
Modular I/O with options like Modbus and dual pulse outputs offer flexibility during integration.

If things go wrong, diagnostics, verification, and built-in error messaging make troubleshooting straightforward, even through glass with capacitive buttons and intuitive menus.

Smarter measurement with Enhanced Coriolis Control (ECC)

What makes the CoriolisMaster even more compelling for battery cooling applications is Enhanced Coriolis Control (ECC) – ABB’s predictive algorithm system that keeps the meter’s oscillation frequency at its sweet spot.

This adaptive technology allows for:

Faster density measurement (1 second vs. traditional 20 seconds)
Stable readings even under gas bubble injection
Reduced energy consumption during operation

In test benches where rapid thermal swings and flow fluctuations are common, ECC delivers peace of mind and better data.

Maintenance Made Easy

Keeping your equipment running shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle. With ABB’s SensorApplicationMemory, all critical data stays with the sensor, ensuring seamless electronics replacement and fast commissioning.

Plus, guided verification, pass/fail diagnostics, and checklists via QR code streamline support.

Longer calibration intervals and condition-based maintenance mean fewer interruptions and lower total cost of ownership.

Conclusion: Ready for the real world

Whether you're cycling batteries in a lab or operating cooling systems in the field, measurement accuracy matters.

In battery testing, even small variations in coolant concentration can skew data or reduce test repeatability. With ABB’s CoriolisMaster, you get high-precision measurement without operational headaches.

Because when you're pushing the boundaries of what batteries can do, your instrumentation needs to be one step ahead.