The tantalum version of the Optimass 7300 Coriolis mass flowmeter (photo, p.53) was launched to handle the highly aggressive and corrosive fluids found in the CPI (chemical process industries). The twin, bent-tube design of some Coriolis meters has made the use of tantalum expensive. This was due to the flange, flow splitter and measuring tubes all being made from tantalum. With the advent of the single, straight-tube design, the material looked more attractive due to the fact that only the measuring tube and raised face of the process flange needs to be made from tantalum. To overcome tensile-strength issues, this company uses tantalum Ta10W, which is made up of 10% tungsten and 90% tantalum. The manufacturer has found this to be an ideal material for use in the Optimass 7300, as tungsten provides the additional tensile strength required to handle the stresses associated with straight-tube technology. — Krohne, Inc., Peabody, Mass.