Coriolis mass flow/density sensor with a single straight measuring tube

A Coriolis mass flow/density sensor which can be installed in a pipe and through which a fluid to be measured flows during operation, comprising:

• a single straight measuring tube having an inlet end and an outlet end;
• an inlet plate fixed at the inlet end and surrounding the measuring tube;
• an outlet plate fixed at the outlet end and surrounding the measuring tube;
• a first support plate fixed to the inlet plate and the outlet plate and extending parallel to the measuring tube;
• a second support plate fixed to the inlet plate and the outlet plate and extending parallel to the measuring tube diametrically opposite the first support plate;
• a cantilever
• which is fixed to the measuring tube midway between the inlet end and the outlet end, and
• which during operation causes the measuring tube to vibrate either in a first fundamental flexural mode or in a second fundamental flexural mode having a higher frequency than the first fundamental flexural mode;
• a longitudinal bar located opposite the cantilever and fixed to the first and second support plates, said longitudinal bar acting as a counterbalance;
• an excitation arrangement
• which constantly excites the measuring tube in the second fundamental flexural mode, and
• which is disposed approximately midway between the inlet end and the outlet end;
• and
• a first sensor for detecting the motions of the measuring tube on an inlet side and a second sensor for detecting the motions of the measuring tube on an outlet side, the first sensor being located between the middle of the measuring tube and the inlet end and the second sensor being located between the middle of the measuring tube and the outlet end, the first and second sensors being located at the same distance from the middle of the measuring tube.