A new study by IMS Research forecasts Coriolis flowmeters to overtake differential-pressure flowmeters as the largest flowmeter market in 2014, having replaced magnetic flowmeters as the second largest market in 2012.
These findings and other analysis of the flowmeter market are available from the 2nd edition of IMS Research’s World Flowmeter report.
“Its not surprising, nor earth-shattering news, to see growth for mechanical flowmeters slowing and an ongoing shift to Coriolis and ultrasonic products,” said Research Director and report author Paul Everett, in a prepared statement. “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.”
IMS Research says manufacturers of Coriolis flowmeters are adding design features and functionality. The main areas for advanced technological differentiation are through the inclusion of remote diagnostics and the ability to measure greater line sizes.
“Coriolis is a much better solution for the smaller pipe sizes,” Everett said. “You then have an area between four inches and eight inches 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 eight inches), while ultrasonic vendors are pushing below eight inches. Ultimately, this will provide end-users with more choice, which will drive down flowmeter prices.”
Everett said 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. He also stated that 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.
