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Multidisciplinary Journal Epistemology of the Sciences
Volume 3, Issue 1, 2026, January–March
DOI: https://doi.org/10.71112/gp286b38
CORIOLIS-BASED CALIBRATION BENCHE FOR 2” AND 4” FLOW METERS:
EVIDENCE FROM CARTAGENA’S PETROCHEMICAL SECTOR ON DYNAMIC
CAPABILITIES, RELIABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
BANCO DE CALIBRACIÓN BASADOS EN CORIOLIS PARA MEDIDORES DE 2” Y
4”: EVIDENCIA DEL SECTOR PETROQUÍMICO DE CARTAGENA SOBRE
CAPACIDADES DINÁMICAS, CONFIABILIDAD Y SOSTENIBILIDAD
Javier Alfonso Mendoza Betin
Ferney Jose Arias Caseres
Brahayan Camilo Sierra García
Colombia
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Coriolis-based calibration benche for 2” and 4” flow meters: evidence from
Cartagena’s petrochemical sector on dynamic capabilities, reliability and
sustainability
Banco de calibración basados en Coriolis para medidores de 2” y 4”: evidencia
del sector petroquímico de Cartagena sobre capacidades dinámicas,
confiabilidad y sostenibilidad
Javier Alfonso Mendoza Betin
1
j.mendozabetin@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8355-8581
UNINI Mexico
Colombia
Ferney Jose Arias Caseres
ferney.arias@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9775-9906
Fundación Universitaria Tecnológico
Comfenalco
Colombia
Brahayan Camilo Sierra García
brahayansierra@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3819-8134
Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia
Colombia
ABSTRACT
This study evaluates the acceptance of an in-house calibration bench for 2” and 4” meters
based on Coriolis technology in Cartagena’s petrochemical sector. A sequential mixed-methods
design combined a survey (n=135) with semi-structured interviews (n=5). Partial Least
Squares–SEM tested five drivers—perceived reliability, cost reduction, calibration time
1
Correspondencia: j.mendozabetin@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.71112/gp286b38
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efficiency, traceability/compliance, and environmental sustainability—on acceptance. The model
showed strong explanatory and predictive power (R² = 83.11%; Q² = 0.499), good fit (GOF =
0.706; SRMR = 0.061; NFI = 0.804), and significant paths. Qualitative findings corroborated
demand for accredited certificates, price transparency, volume discounts, rapid reporting, and
post-service support. Results indicate that Coriolis-based benches outperform traditional
volumetric/gravimetric systems on efficiency, sustainability, and legitimacy, positioning the
Colombian Caribbean as a regional reference in metrological modernization. The study also
contributes a novel lens to Dynamic Capabilities by framing metrological infrastructures as
strategic assets that reconfigure resources, reduce uncertainty, and enhance competitiveness
across regulated industrial contexts.
Keywords: dynamic capabilities; coriolis flow meters; calibration bench; PLS-SEM;
petrochemical sector
RESUMEN
Este estudio evalúa la aceptación de un banco de calibración propio para medidores de 2” y 4”
basado en tecnología Coriolis en el sector petroquímico de Cartagena. Se empleó un diseño
mixto secuencial que combinó una encuesta (n=135) con entrevistas semiestructuradas (n=5).
Mediante PLS-SEM se probaron cinco impulsores—confiabilidad percibida, reducción de
costos, eficiencia en tiempos de calibración, trazabilidad/cumplimiento y sostenibilidad
ambiental—sobre la aceptación. El modelo mostró alta capacidad explicativa y predictiva (R² =
83.11%; Q² = 0.499), buen ajuste (GOF = 0.706; SRMR = 0.061; NFI = 0.804) y rutas
significativas. Los hallazgos cualitativos corroboraron demanda por certificados acreditados,
transparencia de precios, descuentos por volumen, informes rápidos y soporte postservicio. Los
resultados indican que los bancos basados en Coriolis superan a los sistemas
volumétricos/gravimétricos en eficiencia, sostenibilidad y legitimidad, posicionando al Caribe
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colombiano como referente regional en modernización metrológica. El estudio aporta además
una perspectiva novedosa a las Capacidades Dinámicas al concebir las infraestructuras
metrológicas como activos estratégicos que reconfiguran recursos, reducen la incertidumbre y
fortalecen la competitividad en contextos regulados.
Palabras clave: capacidades dinámicas; medidores Coriolis; banco de calibración; PLS-SEM;
sector petroquímico
Received: November 25, 2025 | Accepted: January 1, 2026 | Published: January 2, 2026
INTRODUCTION
The measurement of water flow has long been recognized as a cornerstone in the
effective management of water resources, as it ensures both the reliability of measurements
and the sustainability of service provision. In developing regions, particularly Latin America,
limitations in infrastructure and technological adoption have constrained the modernization of
water supply and sewerage systems. These gaps not only undermine tariff transparency but
also hinder operational efficiency, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative metrological
solutions (Costa et al., 2020).
Recent advances in flow metrology have highlighted the relevance of Coriolis technology
as a disruptive alternative to traditional volumetric and gravimetric calibration methods. Unlike
conventional systems, Coriolis-based solutions provide higher levels of accuracy, reduced
sensitivity to flow disturbances, and robust performance under dynamic conditions (Kenbar et
al., 2021; Mills, 2020). In this sense, the adoption of calibration benches employing Coriolis
meters represents a strategic response to the technical and institutional challenges faced by
emerging economies.
Within the Colombian Caribbean, the design and construction of an in-house calibration
bench for 2” and 4” large water meters constitutes a pioneering achievement. This
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infrastructure, developed by the Metrology Laboratory of Aguas de Cartagena S.A. E.S.P., not
only incorporates advanced instrumentation for pressure and temperature monitoring but also
leverages Coriolis meters as master standards. Its implementation marks a shift away from the
dependence on large volumetric tanks, enabling continuous operation, substantial reductions in
water consumption, and improved safety for personnel.
The novelty of this initiative lies not only in its technical configuration but also in its
organizational implications. By aligning with international standards such as ISO 4064-1:2014,
ISO/IEC 17025, and ISO/IEC 17020, the bench integrates rigorous metrological practices with
broader strategic imperatives of sustainability and competitiveness. As documented in
international studies (Furuichi et al., 2022; Wright & Mickan, 2016), the validation of Coriolis
technology as a transfer standard underscores its suitability for cross-sectoral adoption,
extending beyond the water industry to applications in petroleum, natural gas, and hydrogen
(American Petroleum Institute, 2020; Kang et al., 2022).
From a research standpoint, the evaluation of this calibration bench addresses a critical
knowledge gap. Despite international evidence of Coriolis meters’ reliability, no systematic
studies had previously examined their adoption in Colombia’s petrochemical sector, a domain
where measurement accuracy directly impacts operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
This study therefore provides both theoretical and empirical insights into how metrological
innovation is perceived and valued within a strategically important industry.
Accordingly, this article pursues a dual objective: first, to analyze the perceptions and
acceptance levels of professionals in Cartagena’s petrochemical sector regarding the adoption
of the Coriolis-based calibration bench; and second, to assess its technical, economic, and
environmental pertinence. By integrating a sequential mixed-methods design, combining
structural equation modeling with qualitative interviews, the research offers a comprehensive
perspective on the interplay between measurement reliability, regulatory compliance,
sustainability, and organizational innovation. In doing so, it not only validates the novelty of the
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proposed calibration infrastructure but also positions it as a replicable model for other emerging
economies seeking to modernize their metrological systems. Finally, it also adds a novel
perspective to the Theory of Dynamic Capabilities.
Theoretical framework
Flow metrology constitutes an essential pillar in the modern management of water
resources. Its role is not only to guarantee the reliability of measurements but also to ensure
tariff transparency and the sustainability of public services. In the case of Latin America, where
potable water and sewerage infrastructure face technological limitations, the adoption of
innovative calibration benche is a strategic necessity (Costa et al., 2020).
The in-house design of a calibration bench based on Coriolis technology and the Master
Meter contrast method in the Colombian Caribbean region marks a milestone, as it breaks with
the dependence on traditional volumetric or gravimetric comparison methods. Moreover, it
aligns with international standards of metrological quality and global trends in digitalization and
sustainability (Furuichi et al., 2022).
Principles of operation of Coriolis flow meters
The operating principle of Coriolis flow meters is based on the detection of inertial forces
produced when a moving fluid passes through a vibrating tube. This interaction generates a
deflection proportional to the mass flow, allowing flow measurement with an accuracy greater
than 0.1% (Mills, 2020).
Compared to volumetric, ultrasonic, or electromagnetic meters, Coriolis meters offer
notable advantages: lower sensitivity to asymmetric flow profiles, immunity to changes in
viscosity, and greater stability under dynamic conditions (Kenbar et al., 2021). These features
make them ideal for compact calibration benches in industrial or urban environments.
Metrological traceability and uncertainty estimation
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The relevance of a calibration bench depends on the traceability of its results. Standards
such as the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (JCGM, 2008) and Icontec
(2017) establish rigorous methodologies for estimating calibration uncertainties. These
guidelines are complemented by ISO 4064-1 International Organization for Standardization
(2014), which defines metrological requirements for water meters, and by ISO/IEC 17025 and
17020, which regulate the technical competence and impartiality of laboratories and inspection
bodies.
International studies, such as those by Wright and Mickan (2016) at PTB and by the
National Institute of Standards and Technology (2016), have consolidated the use of Coriolis as
transfer standards, achieving combined uncertainties below 0.15%. These validations have
been fundamental for expanding their adoption across different sectors.
International experiences with benches using Coriolis meters
The adoption of Coriolis meters in calibration benches is not exclusive to the water
sector. In the oil industry, the API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards recommends
their use due to their direct traceability and immunity to adverse flow conditions (American
Petroleum Institute, 2020). Likewise, the International Organization for Standardization (2020)
supports their application in the measurement of natural gas in closed conduits.
Furuichi et al. (2022) documented the validity of Coriolis meters in large-scale water flow
key comparisons, confirming their usefulness up to diameters of DN100 or 2”. Kang et al.
(2022), in turn, demonstrated their relevance in hydrogen stations, where they operate under
high pressures and temperaturas.
Calibration bench for 2” and 4” large water meters
The calibration bench for 2” and 4” large water meters was designed and built by the staff
of the Metrology Laboratory of Aguas de Cartagena S.A. E.S.P., with the support of a metal-
mechanical supplier. This system includes a set of hydraulic components and advanced
instrumentation for pressure and temperature measurement, as well as the incorporation of two
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Coriolis meters as reference standards. Its operation is carried out under a dynamic scheme, in
which the comparison of the meters under test is performed using the Master Meter method, in
accordance with the Guía para la Expresión de la Incertidumbre de Medida (GUM, JCGM 100-
2008), GTC 214-2017 and CENAM (2008), which establish the criteria for a rigorous estimation
of uncertainty in calibration processes. Likewise, the design and operation of the bench are
based on the guidelines of ISO 4064-1-2014, which specifies the metrological requirements for
water meters, including tests with continuous flow standards.
The main novelty and innovation of this development is that it is the first bench of its kind
in the Colombian Caribbean region, the second implemented by a public utility company for
water supply and sewerage in Colombia, and the fourth in Latin America.
Technical and Operational Innovations
The in-house designed bench based on Coriolis comparison introduces disruptive
innovations compared to traditional systems. Among these are:
• Reduction of more than 90% in water consumption.
• Elimination of large metallic volumetric tanks.
• Continuous operation with multiple flow points.
• Greater safety for personnel.
Druzhkov et al. (2025) validated its stability in CO₂ measurement, highlighting the ability
of Coriolis meters to adapt to complex fluids. Frahm et al. (2025) confirmed their accuracy in
international comparisons, with uncertainties as low as 0.01%. These advances consolidate
their role as a metrological reference in modern benches.
Comparisons with traditional methods
Gravimetric or volumetric benches, although they have been the standard for decades,
present limitations: high water consumption, large physical space requirements, vulnerability to
errors due to evaporation, and high investment costs (≈ USD $750,000). In contrast, the bench
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based on the comparison method using Coriolis meters represents a more economical (≈ USD
$50,000), efficient, and sustainable alternative consistent with (Mills, 2021).
Moreover, studies such as those by Sawada et al. (2019) on turbulence in flow lines and
Nguyen et al. (2021) on cryogenic measurement demonstrate that Coriolis technology maintains
consistency even under extreme conditions, where other methods fail.
Relevance in the water supply and sewerage sector
In the Latin American context, where technological innovation often arrives belatedly, the
in-house design of this bench in Colombia represents a pioneering advancement. The
specialized literature (Li et al., 2022; Zhang et al., 2020) agrees that the modernization of water
metrology is key for urban sustainability and tariff transparency.
This project not only strengthens the company’s competitiveness but also positions the
Caribbean region as a benchmark in innovation applied to public services, aligned with
digitalization and global best practices.
Relevance of calibration benches using Coriolis meters
The literature review confirms that calibration benches based on Coriolis technology
constitute a disruptive innovation in flow metrology. Their technical, economic, and social
relevance is clear: they reduce costs, optimize space, and guarantee reliable results with
international traceability. In this way, the company is consolidated as a pioneer in the
modernization of water management in Colombia and Latin America.
Knowledge gap
Although international literature has documented the relevance of using Coriolis meters in
calibration benches for applications in sectors such as petroleum, natural gas, or hydrogen
(American Petroleum Institute, 2020; Furuichi et al., 2022; Kang et al., 2022), in Colombia —and
particularly in the Caribbean region— there are no systematic studies evaluating the adoption of
calibration benches based on Coriolis technology by the petrochemical sector.
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The lack of local evidence generates uncertainty regarding the acceptance, applicability,
and economic benefits that this type of metrological infrastructure could offer in strategic
industrial processes, where measurement reliability is critical for operational efficiency, safety,
and sustainability.
Research hypothesis
H1: The petrochemical sector in Cartagena perceives the calibration bench with Coriolis
meters as a more reliable alternative compared to traditional volumetric or gravimetric methods.
H2: The adoption of the calibration bench would reduce operating costs associated with
meter calibration in the petrochemical sector.
H3: The calibration bench increases efficiency in calibration times compared to traditional
methods.
H4: The petrochemical sector positively values the international traceability and
regulatory compliance derived from the use of Coriolis as transfer standards.
H5: Environmental sustainability (reduction in water consumption and lower carbon
footprint) is a determining factor in the acceptance of the calibration bench.
Research objective
General: To evaluate the perception and level of acceptance of the petrochemical sector
in Cartagena regarding the use of the 2” and 4” calibration bench based on Coriolis meters as
an alternative to traditional methods, identifying its technical, economic, and environmental
relevance in flow measurement processes.
Specific:
1. Analyze the sector’s perception regarding the reliability and accuracy of the
calibration bench.
2. Determine the potential economic benefits of its adoption.
3. Measure the sector’s assessment of efficiency in calibration times.
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4. Explore the importance assigned to metrological traceability and international
regulatory compliance.
5. Evaluate the relevance of environmental factors in the decision of technological
adoption.
METHODOLOGY
Research Design
The study adopts a non-experimental design and applies a sequential mixed-methods
approach (Quant → Qual) with both exploratory and explanatory–descriptive orientations. The
research was carried out over a three-month period (August–November 2025) within a cross-
sectional framework, scheduled for implementation during the fourth quarter of 2025.
From the quantitative perspective, the study examines the relationship between the
dependent variables—Perceived reliability, Reduction of operational costs, Calibration time
efficiency, Valuation of traceability and regulatory compliance, and Environmental sustainability
impact—and the independent variable, defined as the Availability of a calibration bench for 2”
and 4” macrometers based on Coriolis meters. For this purpose, a structured instrument was
administered to a representative sample of employees working in the areas of quality, process
engineering, and reliability management within petrochemical companies located in Cartagena
de Indias, Colombia.
The subsequent qualitative phase was designed to provide an in-depth understanding of
how industry professionals themselves interpret and contextualize the quantitative findings, thus
offering a more holistic and comprehensive perspective of the phenomenon under study.
Population and Sample
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• Target population: Professionals from the petrochemical sector of Cartagena de
Indias working in quality assurance, process management, and reliability
engineering.
• Quantitative sample: A total of 135 professionals were selected through purposive
non-probability sampling, based on three main criteria: (a) at least four years of
professional experience, (b) holding a formal leadership role within their organization,
and (c) voluntary willingness to participate in the study.
• Qualitative sample: Five (5) participants were intentionally selected from the
quantitative pool, meeting the same criteria, in order to provide more nuanced
insights into the results.
Data Collection Techniques and Instruments
Quantitative Component
An ad hoc structured questionnaire consisting of 30 Likert-scale items (1–5) was
developed to evaluate the six dimensions corresponding to the dependent and independent
variables. The instrument’s design was informed by the contributions of prior research in
metrology, flow measurement, and organizational innovation (Costa et al., 2020; Mendoza
Betin, 2019a; Mills, 2020; Kenbar et al., 2021; Wright & Mickan, 2016).
The construction process followed four sequential phases:
1. Initial design
o Review of relevant literature and adaptation of validated scales from previous
studies.
o Formulation of items consistent with the study’s objectives and hypotheses.
2. Content validity
o Expert evaluation by three specialists (one with PhDs in Metrology and two with a
Master’s in Coriolis-based methods), following the guidelines of Hernández-Nieto
(2011) and Lynn (1986).
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o Based on their feedback, four items per dimension were refined, and one item
from each variable was removed.
3. Pilot testing and adjustments
o Piloting with 15 professionals from the petrochemical sector (outside the final
sample), consistent with the recommendations of Hair et al. (2010).
o Revisions were made to improve clarity, reduce technical jargon, and adjust item
length and format. Three items were rewritten.
4. Final administration
o The survey was distributed online between August and November 2025 to the
135 participants, including the 15 members of the pilot test.
o The effective response rate was 98%, yielding 118 valid questionnaires.
Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach’s alpha, yielding an overall coefficient
of 0.94, with sub-dimensions ranging from 0.86 to 0.93, demonstrating high reliability.
For data analysis, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied, following the
methodological recommendations of Lloret-Segura et al. (2014), MacCallum et al. (1999), and
Preacher & MacCallum (2003).
Qualitative Component
• To complement the quantitative results, five semi-structured interviews were
conducted with selected participants.
• Each interview lasted between 60 and 90 minutes, was audio-recorded, and later
transcribed verbatim.
• Thematic coding and analysis enabled the researchers to identify the participants’
perceptions, contextual interpretations, and critical reflections on the adoption of Coriolis-based
calibration benches in the petrochemical sector.
• This qualitative phase allowed the construction of a more nuanced and integrated
understanding of the phenomenon.
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RESULTS
The findings of this research, viewed from a positive perspective, are derived from a
rigorous analysis of the data collected in accordance with the methodology previously
established. Through the use of structural equation modeling, the proposed hypotheses were
examined, revealing meaningful patterns, interconnections, and effects among the studied
variables. This section presents a comprehensive overview of the results, including the
development of predictive models, the evaluation of model fit indicators, and the estimation of
key parameters. Collectively, these aspects offer a precise and well-rounded understanding of
the factors analyzed and their significance within the studied context.
The contrast analysis, designed to assess the influence of the dependent variables —
perceived reliability, operational cost reduction, calibration time efficiency, valuation of
traceability and regulatory compliance, and environmental sustainability impact— on the
independent variable (availability of a calibration bench for 2” and 4” macrometers based on
Coriolis meters), was carried out using SPSS and PLS software, both widely recognized as
appropriate tools for exploratory research. In line with Cohen (1998), the ƒ² index for the five
variables showed a strong relationship with the coefficient of determination (R²), which reached
83.11%. This result underlines a high level of dependence and significance among the variables
considered.
Table 1
The Effects of Dependent Variables on the Independent Variable
Variables
Effects ƒ2
Perceived reliability
0.341
Reduction of operational costs
0.335
Calibration time efficiency
0.331
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Valuation of traceability and regulatory
compliance
0.338
Environmental sustainability impact
0.317
Availability of a calibration bench for 2”
and 4” macrometers
0.322
Note: Based on proprietary measurements analyzed using SPSS and PLS (2025)
When assessing the structural equation model (SEM) using the PLS approach, Q² values
must exceed zero in order to confirm the presence of an endogenous latent variable. As shown
in Figure 1, the Q² value achieved was 0.499, well above the required threshold. This outcome
strengthens and validates the model’s predictive ability.
Figure 1
Predictive model
Note: Prepared based on calculations in SPSS and PLS (2025)
The Goodness-of-Fit index (GOF) was employed to assess the extent to which the model
accurately reflects and represents the empirical data. This indicator ranges from 0 to 1, with
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conventional benchmarks indicating that 0.10 corresponds to a weak fit, 0.25 to a moderate fit,
and 0.36 to a strong fit. The results of the evaluation showed that the model is parsimonious
and consistent with the observed data. The GOF value was obtained by calculating the
geometric mean between the average communality —also known as the Average Variance
Extracted (AVE)— and the mean of the R² values, thereby reinforcing the evidence supporting
the model’s overall validity.
Table 2
Computation of the Goodness-of-Fit (GOF) Index
Constructs
R2
Perceived reliability
Reduction of operational costs
Calibration time efficiency
Valuation of traceability and
regulatory compliance
Environmental sustainability impact
Availability of a calibration bench for
2” and 4” macrometers
0.7470
Average Values
0.7470
AVE * R2
GOF = √AVE * R2
Note: Based on proprietary measurements analyzed using SPSS and PLS (2025)
The Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR), calculated from the difference
between the observed correlations and the estimated covariance matrices, produced a value of
0.061. As this is within the acceptable limit (SRMR ≤ 0.09), the model can be considered to
exhibit a satisfactory fit. In addition, the Chi-square statistic was 1914.079, and the Normed Fit
Index (NFI) reached 0.804, both of which indicate that the measurement model is appropriate.
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Table 3
Model estimators
Model estimators
SRMR
d_ULS
d_G1
d_G2
Chi-Square
NFI
0.061
1.640
0.932
0.783
1.914.079
0.804
Note: Based on proprietary measurements analyzed using SPSS and PLS (2025)
Finally, Table 4 displays the correlation coefficients of the latent variables, allowing the
inference of a strong relationship between the exogenous latent constructs and the endogenous
observed variables.
Table 4
Correlation of latent and observable variables
Variables
PR
ROC
CTE
VTC
ESI
ACB
Perceived reliability
1.000
Reduction of operational costs
0.269
1.000
Calibration time efficiency
0.283
0.275
1.000
Valuation of traceability and
regulatory compliance
0.279
0.273
0.291
1.000
Environmental sustainability
impact
0.281
0.310
0.292
0.290
1.000
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Note: Based on proprietary measurements analyzed using SPSS and PLS (2025)
The assessment of the measurement model confirmed its adequacy as a confirmatory
framework, indicating that all proposed hypotheses achieved statistical significance and were
therefore supported. The findings of this research show that the examined factors had a positive
influence on shaping the notion of broad acceptance by the petrochemical sector in Cartagena
(Colombia) regarding the implementation of the 2” and 4” calibration bench based on Coriolis
meters as an alternative to traditional methods. This highlights its technical, economic, and
environmental relevance in flow measurement processes and strengthens its theoretical
foundation. However, the degree to which these results can be generalized will depend on
future studies employing comparable methodological approaches.
Qualitative Component
Interviews were conducted with five employees from five different companies in the
petrochemical sector of Cartagena. For reasons of data protection and corporate confidentiality,
the participants requested that their names and specific positions not be disclosed in the
research results.
Main Findings:
• Acceptance of the method: All participants agreed on calibrating the 2” and 4” meters
used in their operations at the Macros Laboratory’s calibration bench, employing the
Master Meter method with Coriolis meters, mainly due to the sustainability practices it
promotes.
• Prior knowledge: Respondents indicated familiarity with the Coriolis method and valued
its incorporation in a regional calibration bench, which generates confidence in
traceability and result quality.
Availability of a calibration
bench for 2” and 4”
macrometers
0.282
0.295
0.286
0.270
0.272
1.000
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• Interest in costs: They expressed interest in knowing the calibration prices, the
possibility of volume-based discounts, and the applicable billing schemes for recurring
contracts.
• Certification and compliance: One of the main concerns was to confirm whether the
tests carried out would include an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited certificate, which they
consider indispensable for both internal acceptance and external audits.
• Expected added value: They emphasized the importance of the bench also providing
detailed technical reports, agile response times, and post-service support, as these
factors influence their contracting decisions.
• Strategic factors: Some participants highlighted that, beyond technical benefits, the
bench could enhance their companies’ social and environmental responsibility image
before regulators and international clients, since it contributes to reducing water
consumption and carbon footprint.
• Recommendations: They suggested exploring framework agreements for annual or
semi-annual calibration, ensuring priority availability and better economic conditions.
DISCUSSION
The findings of this study confirm that calibration benches based on Coriolis technology
represent not only a technical advancement but also an organizational innovation within the
Latin American context. The strong explanatory power of the structural model (R² = 83.11%)
reveals that the adoption of this infrastructure in the petrochemical sector is strongly associated
with perceptions of reliability, efficiency, and sustainability. These results are consistent with
previous empirical work in the Colombian Caribbean that highlighted the relevance of dynamic
capabilities as enablers of resilience, innovation, and organizational learning (Mendoza Betin,
2018; Mendoza-Betin, 2021a,b). Just as dynamic capabilities have proven critical in sectors
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such as water utilities and creative industries (Mendoza Betin, 2019a; Mendoza Betin, 2025b,c),
the implementation of Coriolis-based calibration benche can be interpreted as a tangible
manifestation of these capabilities, where technology adoption translates into competitive
advantage and legitimacy in regulated environments. This perspective also connects with
insights from other sectors, where dynamic capabilities have been shown to shape innovation
and adaptability in highly competitive environments, such as the contemporary music industry
(Mendoza Betín, 2025).
In addition, the qualitative evidence emphasizes that decision-makers in the
petrochemical sector do not limit their assessment to technical performance but also consider
issues of cost, accreditation, and environmental impact as decisive in shaping acceptance. This
aligns with prior research that linked process innovation, knowledge transfer, and corporate
entrepreneurship to long-term performance in domestic public water supply and sewerage utility
companies (Mendoza-Betin, 2019b; Mendoza Betin et al., 2020; Mendoza-Betin, 2021b).
Furthermore, the emphasis placed by participants on traceability and sustainability
highlights how technical innovations in metrology are increasingly evaluated through their social
and environmental contributions. This perspective aligns with findings in emerging market
contexts, where the integration of traditional and digital strategies has been shown to enhance
legitimacy and strengthen stakeholder trust (Mendoza Betin, 2025d). In both cases, whether
through marketing approaches or metrological innovations, organizations embed broader values
of responsibility, transparency, and long-term resilience into their operational frameworks,
thereby positioning themselves more competitively in dynamic environments.
At the same time, these results resonate with broader findings that identify organizational
culture as a key driver of social innovation and market positioning in emerging economies. As
demonstrated in empirical evidence from the Colombian Caribbean, organizations that cultivate
cultural practices aligned with innovation and responsibility are better positioned to integrate
sustainability into their strategic agenda (Mendoza Betin, 2025a). By embedding these values
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within organizational routines, companies transform technical infrastructures into strategic
assets that not only ensure compliance with international standards but also strengthen
legitimacy and competitiveness in both local and global markets.
Taken together, the results suggest that the calibration bench does not merely fill a
technical gap but also responds to institutional pressures and market demands, consolidating
the role of the Caribbean region as a reference point for metrological modernization.
Theoretical contributions
This study contributes to the literature on flow metrology and organizational innovation by
demonstrating that the adoption of Coriolis-based calibration benches can be understood as a
concrete form of dynamic capability deployment (Mendoza Betin, 2018; 2019a). The results
show how firms in regulated sectors such as petrochemicals adapt by incorporating
technologies that simultaneously improve efficiency, reduce uncertainty, and enhance
sustainability. This reinforces the idea that metrological infrastructure should not be examined
solely from a technical perspective, but also as part of an organization’s capability to reconfigure
resources and processes in response to institutional and environmental pressures (Mendoza
Betin, 2021a; 2025b,c).
Moreover, the integration of quantitative modeling and qualitative insights aligns with
previous findings on knowledge transfer, process innovation in Colombian utilities and Process
Management in Water and Sewerage Companies in Panamá (Mendoza-Betin, 2021b; 2022),
extending them to the petrochemical sector. The study demonstrates that the acceptance of
Coriolis benches is not only driven by measurement accuracy but also by legitimacy factors,
such as compliance with ISO/IEC standards and the perceived alignment with international best
practices. In this sense, the research bridges metrology with management studies, supporting
the argument that technical infrastructures can serve as strategic vehicles for social innovation
and resilience (Mendoza Betin, 2025a; Mendoza-Betin et al., 2024).
Practical implications
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From a managerial perspective, the findings highlight that the implementation of Coriolis-
based calibration benches offers clear economic and operational benefits: lower costs, reduced
water consumption, smaller physical space requirements, and accredited traceability. For
petrochemical firms, this translates into improved decision-making capacity, reduced risks
during audits, and stronger positioning in global supply chains. These insights resonate with
prior evidence from corporate entrepreneurship and excellence programs in Acuacar, which
showed that innovative practices foster competitive differentiation and stakeholder trust
(Mendoza Betin et al., 2020).
Another important contribution is that in 2025, a total of 133 meters were replaced (from
February to August) due to improper sizing, which resulted in the recovery of more than 100,000
m³. This aligns with the project mentioned in Mendoza Betin et al. (2024).
The study also underscores the importance of adopting client-centered practices, as
qualitative interviews revealed that users value not only the technical accuracy of the bench but
also the provision of certificates, tailored contracts, and responsive post-service support. This
supports the claim that organizational culture and hybrid leadership approaches are pivotal for
embedding innovation in service delivery (Mendoza Betin, 2025e). By aligning sustainability
goals with business imperatives, the calibration bench offers a replicable model for utilities and
industrial firms in Latin America.
Limitations and future research
While the study offers robust empirical evidence, its scope is limited to a sample of
professionals from Cartagena’s petrochemical sector, which restricts the generalizability of
findings. As argued in previous research on resilience and knowledge transfer (Mendoza-Betin,
2021a,b), context-specific dynamics may influence the acceptance and effectiveness of
innovation. Therefore, broader studies across different regions and industries are necessary to
validate and extend these results.
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Future research should also explore the long-term impacts of Coriolis-based calibration
benches, particularly in terms of sustainability outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory
compliance over time. Comparative studies with other sectors, such as water utilities, hydrogen,
or natural gas —where international literature already recognizes the role of Coriolis technology
(API, 2020; Furuichi et al., 2022; Kang et al., 2022)— would provide additional insights into
cross-sectoral transferability. Finally, integrating perspectives from marketing and digital
strategies (Mendoza Betín, 2025d) could shed light on how firms communicate and legitimize
the adoption of metrological innovations in competitive and environmentally sensitive markets.
CONCLUSIONS
This research provides compelling evidence that the design and implementation of a
Coriolis-based calibration bench for 2” and 4” large water meters constitutes both a
technological breakthrough and an organizational innovation in the Latin American context.
Unlike traditional volumetric or gravimetric systems, the proposed bench reduces costs,
optimizes resources, and delivers internationally traceable results with unprecedented efficiency
and sustainability. The explanatory strength of the quantitative model (R² = 83.11%), reinforced
by qualitative insights, confirms that reliability, accreditation, and environmental responsibility
are decisive factors driving acceptance in Cartagena’s petrochemical sector.
The novelty of this study lies in its empirical validation of an in-house calibration
infrastructure that not only challenges decades of dependence on conventional methods but
also positions the Colombian Caribbean as a pioneer in metrological modernization. By
demonstrating that Coriolis meters can serve as reliable transfer standards in industrial
applications, this research bridges the gap between flow metrology and organizational
management, showing how technical infrastructures evolve into strategic assets. Ultimately, the
calibration bench emerges as a replicable model for emerging economies, offering a pathway
where measurement excellence, sustainability, and competitiveness converge.
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Declaration of conflict of interest
The researchers declare that there is no conflict of interest related to this research.
Author contribution statement
The authors: conceptualization, formal data analysis, investigation, methodology, project
administration, resources, software, supervision, validation, visualization, writing – original draft,
review and editing.
Statement on the use of Artificial Intelligence
The authors declare that Artificial Intelligence was used as a support tool for this article,
and that this tool in no way replaced the intellectual task or process. The authors expressly state
and acknowledge that this work is the result of their own intellectual effort and has not been
published on any electronic artificial intelligence platform.
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