Process fluid passes through a single straight tube, which is surrounded by a dry reference tube. This patented Micro Motion design allows the reference tube to flex in opposition to the flow tube. As the flow tube moves, the reference tube will adjust its vibration to match the flow tube.

Because of the reference tube's ability to mirror the movement of the flow tube, the system is fully balanced similar to the balanced nature of dual parallel flow tubes. The case transition brackets attach both the flow and reference tubes to the case, providing a well-isolated vibration system. A balanced system means that the mass flow measurement will remain accurate even under changing densities of process fluid, external vibration and mounting stresses. 

A drive coil, located at the center of the reference tube, energizes both the flow and reference tubes causing them to oscillate in opposition to one another. While the tube is moving upward, the reference tube is traveling downward and then vice versa. The drive coil is comprised of a coil assembly fixed to the reference tube and a magnet fixed to the flow tube.