The ABB CoriolisMaster FCB400 is a compact Coriolis mass flowmeter platform consisting of the FCB430 and FCB450 models.
Coriolis technology measures mass flow directly from the interaction between the flowing medium and vibrating measuring tubes. In addition to mass flow, the instrument can provide volume flow, density and temperature measurements, allowing multiple process variables to be obtained from one measuring device.
One of the main design advantages of the FCB400 is its compact installation concept. ABB states that the meters can be installed without conventional upstream or downstream piping requirements, making them suitable for applications where installation space is limited. The larger internal tube diameter also helps reduce pressure loss compared with conventional designs.
The FCB400 platform incorporates ABB's SmartSensor concept, SensorApplicationMemory and VeriMass verification and diagnostic technology. The electronics can be replaced while preserving sensor application data, while on-board verification supports preventive maintenance and measurement-system monitoring.
Key Features
• Coriolis mass flow measurement for liquids and gases
• Direct mass flow measurement
• Simultaneous measurement of mass flow, volume flow, density and temperature
• Compact design for restricted installation spaces
• No conventional upstream or downstream piping requirements
• Low pressure drop
• Self-draining design
• SmartSensor all-digital architecture
• SensorApplicationMemory for application data security
• Up to five modular I/O modules
• HART communication
• PROFIBUS DP and PROFIBUS PA options
• Modbus RTU communication
• Standard Ethernet communication
• Profinet, Modbus TCP and Ethernet/IP options
• Ethernet-APL connectivity available
• Built-in web server for configuration and diagnostics
• VeriMass on-board verification and diagnostics
• Enhanced Coriolis Control option for challenging multiphase conditions
• Global explosion-protection approvals depending on configuration
• OIML R117 and MID approved configurations
• Wetted materials including 316L and Hastelloy C depending on configuration
Measuring Range and Accuracy
The FCB400 series is available in several nominal sizes:
• DN15 (1/2 in.): up to 8,000 kg/h
• DN25 (1 in.): up to 35,000 kg/h
• DN50 (2 in.): up to 90,000 kg/h
• DN80 (3 in.): up to 250,000 kg/h
• DN100 (4 in.): up to 520,000 kg/h
• DN150 (6 in.): up to 860,000 kg/h
For liquid measurement:
FCB430
• Mass and volume accuracy options: 0.4%, 0.25% or 0.2% of reading
• Density accuracy: 10 g/l
• Medium temperature: -50 to 160 °C
FCB450
• Mass accuracy options: 0.15% or 0.1% of reading
• Volume accuracy: 0.15% of reading
• Density accuracy options: 2, 1 or 0.4 g/l
• Medium temperature: -50 to 205 °C
These values are model/configuration dependent, so the complete order code should be checked before quoting a specific FCB400 configuration.
Suitable Applications
Chemical Processing
The FCB400 can measure mass flow, density and temperature in chemical processes where accurate material dosing, transfer and process monitoring are required. Its available wetted materials include 316L and Hastelloy C, depending on configuration.
Oil & Gas
Coriolis technology provides direct mass measurement and additional density information, making the FCB400 suitable for fluid transfer, process control and monitoring applications. ABB also provides explosion-protection configurations for hazardous-area installations.
Food & Beverage
ABB lists CoriolisMaster FCB430 and FCB450 among the flow measurement solutions used in food and beverage applications, including dairy processes and applications involving milk, cream and other process fluids.
Power and Energy
The FCB400 can be applied to process-fluid measurement where direct mass flow, density and temperature information are required.
Metals
ABB specifically lists the CoriolisMaster FCB400 for flow measurement applications in metal processing, including hot-rolling and cold-rolling operations.
Marine Fuel Measurement
CoriolisMaster technology can be used for marine fuel consumption measurement, providing direct mass flow together with density and temperature information. ABB states that CoriolisMaster meters can be used in harsh marine environments and can operate without conventional straight pipe sections.
Batching and Dosing
The direct mass-flow measurement principle makes the FCB400 suitable for applications where accurate material dosing and transfer are important.
Selection Notes
The FCB400 is a configurable series, so the model and complete order code should be confirmed before quotation.
The most important selection points are:
• FCB430 or FCB450
• Process medium
• Required mass-flow range
• Required density accuracy
• Required temperature range
• Nominal pipe size
• Wetted material
• Process connection
• Hazardous-area requirements
• Required communication protocol
• Required I/O configuration
• Metering or legal-metrology requirements
• Need for Enhanced Coriolis Control
• Installation space and pressure-drop requirements
For applications requiring higher accuracy, the FCB450 provides mass-flow accuracy options down to 0.1% of reading, while FCB430 provides options down to 0.2% of reading.
For legal metrology applications, ABB lists OIML R117 and MID-approved configurations, but the exact approval depends on the selected configuration and intended application.
For challenging multiphase fluids, ABB offers Enhanced Coriolis Control (ECC) as an option. This should be confirmed during selection rather than assumed to be included in every FCB400.
FAQ
What is the ABB CoriolisMaster FCB400?
The FCB400 is a compact Coriolis mass flowmeter series consisting of the FCB430 and FCB450 models.
What does the FCB400 measure?
It can measure mass flow, volume flow, density and temperature of liquids and gases.
What is the difference between FCB430 and FCB450?
FCB450 provides higher available accuracy and a wider specified medium-temperature range. FCB430 has liquid mass and volume accuracy options down to 0.2% of reading, while FCB450 provides mass accuracy options down to 0.1% of reading.
What is the maximum flow range?
Depending on nominal size, the FCB400 covers capacities up to 860,000 kg/h for DN150. The actual measuring range depends on the selected meter size and configuration.
What pipe sizes are available?
The current ABB specifications list DN15, DN25, DN50, DN80, DN100 and DN150.
Can the FCB400 measure gas?
Yes. ABB describes the CoriolisMaster family as suitable for accurate measurement of liquids and gases. The exact measuring range and accuracy must be checked for the selected medium and configuration.
Does the FCB400 require straight pipe sections?
ABB states that its compact Coriolis flowmeters can be installed without conventional upstream and downstream piping requirements. Actual installation should still follow the selected configuration's installation instructions.
What communication protocols are available?
Depending on configuration, options include HART, PROFIBUS DP/PA, Modbus RTU, Profinet, Modbus TCP, Ethernet/IP and Ethernet-APL.
Does the FCB400 support hazardous-area applications?
Yes. ABB lists ATEX, cFMus, NEPSI and other explosion-protection approvals depending on configuration.
Does the FCB400 provide density measurement?
Yes. Density is one of the additional process variables available from the Coriolis measurement system. FCB430 and FCB450 have different specified density accuracy options.
What materials are available for wetted parts?
ABB lists 1.4404 / 1.4435 (316L) and Hastelloy C as available wetted materials, depending on configuration.
Can the FCB400 be used for legal metrology?
Selected configurations are OIML R117 and MID approved. The exact certification must be confirmed for the ordered configuration and application.
