Method of spatial arrangement of measurement channels and sensors groups therein

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for measuring a channel and spatial arrangement of sensors in the channel, comprising the following steps: a) providing a predetermined target geometry of the channel, b) providing a target arrangement of sensor components assigned to the target geometry of the channel, which target arrangement comprises spatially determined position parameters and orientation parameters, c) at least partially measuring an actual geometry of the channel, d) checking whether at least one position parameter or orientation parameter of the target arrangement of the sensor components lies outside a permissible value range with respect to the actual geometry, if at least one position parameter or orientation parameter of the target arrangement lies outside the permissible value range with respect to the actual geometry in accordance with the check, the position parameters or orientation parameters of the target arrangement of the sensor components are re-determined with observance of permissible value tolerances and step d) is then repeated, e) arranging the sensor components in the channel in correspondence with the current target arrangement of the sensor components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject of this invention is a method for spatially arranging at least one sensor component in a measurement channel. The invention may also relate to a method for spatially arranging at least one sensor group comprising at least two sensor components in a measurement channel. Furthermore, the subject of this invention is a measurement channel for process fluids in process production equipment such as power plants, petrochemical plants, food processing equipment, etc., having a sleeve-shaped channel wall. The invention also relates to a regulating valve housing for a regulating valve in process production equipment. The invention may also relate to a regulating valve for regulating the flow of process fluids in process production equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In principle, the measurement channel for the process fluid used in process production equipment is known. This measurement channel is equipped with sensor components for determining one or more measurement parameters of the process fluid. These measurement parameters of the process fluid may be, for example, flow rate, density, density gradient, volumetric flow, mass flow, temperature, pressure, and especially dynamic or static pressure.

[0003] In known measurement channels, it is common for the sensor component to extend at least partially into the channel through which the process fluid flows. Such sensors can measure, for example, the pressure, temperature, or flow rate of the process medium. However, the protruding sensor component interferes with the flow of the process fluid and can cause uneven flow conditions, which adversely affect measurement accuracy. This is particularly problematic when the sensor component is configured to measure fluid kinematic parameters used to determine the process fluid. Fluid kinematic parameters refer to measurement parameters relating to the motion of the process fluid, such as velocity, volumetric flow, or mass flow.

[0004] Measurement channels with sensor components for measuring the fluid kinematics parameters of process fluids are described, for example, in EP0639776A1. In the measurement channel according to EP0639776A1, multiple ultrasonic sensors as active sensor components and perhaps a reflector as a passive sensor component are arranged in a straight cylindrical measurement channel to determine the process fluid velocity in relation to direction and orientation. In the measurement channel, the average process fluid velocity and / or process fluid flow rate can be determined based on the displacement-time difference of the sound waves, which are transmitted between sensors both in the flow direction and in the opposite direction. For a given process fluid, the propagation speed of the sound waves in a steady fluid is known. Sound waves moving with the process fluid have a correspondingly higher velocity, while sound waves moving in the opposite direction to the process fluid flow have a correspondingly lower velocity. According to EP0639776A1, for example, the average longitudinal velocity can be measured using a sensor group in the longitudinal direction of the channel. Furthermore, the velocity of the process fluid in the flow direction can be measured using a second sensor group whose sensor components are distributed circumferentially along the channel.

[0005] Precise measurement can be predicated on the accurate positioning of sensor components relative to the measurement channel. Special requirements are placed on the measurement channel, where multiple sensor components may not be paired or may be grouped into groups of more than three for sensor group cooperation. Generally, the sensor components of a sensor group are aligned with each other to facilitate their positioning relative to the measurement channel. The relative arrangement of the sensor components is absolutely necessary for the sensor group to function as specified.

[0006] As seen in EP0639776A1, a sensor component typically employs a long, cylindrical shape with a sensor working surface. According to EP0639776A1, the measurement channel can be machined with easily machinable holes that extend radially into the measurement channel at its center. The sensor component is axially inserted into these holes and protrudes into the channel, for example, like... Figure 4a As shown in Figure 4c, the protruding position or insertion depth of each sensor component and the rotation of the working surface relative to the longitudinal axis of the sensor—that is, the orientation of the sensor components—are painstakingly adjusted manually during installation to ensure that the sensor components are correctly oriented relative to each other. However, measurement inaccuracies arise due to the sensor components protruding into the channel.

[0007] Reliable flow measurements can be difficult to obtain when the flow channel where the measurement is to be performed is curved. For example, the measurement channel may form the inlet area of ​​a control valve. As in the patent application EP19179100.3, filed January 21, 2019, it has proven suitable for channel geometries with changes in flow direction caused by variations in channel curvature and / or channel cross-section to employ sensor sets acting in opposite directions in the circumferential direction. The sensor set may employ the same passive sensor component in the form of a reflector. To obtain good measurement results under complex channel geometries and the resulting difficult flow conditions, the housing of the measuring tube or control valve is typically machined with very precise tolerance requirements. Thus, control valves can be machined so precisely that the wall acts as a passive reflector-sensor component, for example. However, the conventional manufacturing and installation costs are extremely high. Typically, one or more reference surfaces are manufactured with high precision relative to each other. Assuming there are typically two or three flat and spatially perpendicular reference surfaces, the defined spatial geometry can be determined. Based on the spatial geometry, slots are formed for the active and / or passive sensor devices, or channels are further processed.

[0008] The high cost of this manufacturing method has so far hindered the development of precise measurements of process fluid parameters, especially in complex flow geometries, within the technology. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The objective of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, and in particular to provide a measurement channel or regulating valve and a method for manufacturing a corresponding device, which allows for highly accurate measurement of process fluid parameters, especially in the case of complex channel geometries, while at a low cost.

[0010] Therefore, a method for arranging at least one sensor component in a space within a measurement channel is specified, the method comprising the steps a)-e):

[0011] a) Provide a predetermined target geometry for the measurement channel. The target geometry of the measurement channel can be provided, for example, as a reference measurement value of the geometry of the measurement channel.

[0012] The target geometry of the measurement channel can be provided as a three-dimensional technical specification. For example, the target geometry of the measurement channel can be provided as a vector display and / or CAD (Computer-Aided Design) display, such as traditional file formats like DWG or STP. This provision may include reading data from volatile or non-volatile storage media such as CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray disc, hard disk, etc. The provision may include transmitting data via networks such as bus networks, wireless networks, the Internet, local area networks, etc. Typically, the target geometry of the measurement signal should be provided as a target model. The target geometry of the measurement channel may include data related to the shape and / or extension direction of the inner surface of the measurement channel or channel wall. The target geometry of the measurement channel or channel wall may include data related to the target extension range and / or target shape of the main body of the measurement channel or channel wall, such as the thickness of the outer surface of the channel and / or the wall forming the inner surface of the channel.

[0013] b) Provide a sensor component target arrangement with respect to the target geometry of the measurement channel, wherein the sensor component target arrangement includes spatially defined position parameters and orientation parameters.

[0014] The provision of the target geometry and / or sensor component target arrangement may include data transfer. The sensor component target arrangement may be provided as a three-dimensional technical specification. For example, the sensor component target arrangement may be provided as a vector display and / or CAD (computer-aided design) display, such as traditional file formats like dwg or stp. The provision may include reading data from volatile or non-volatile storage media such as CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray disc, hard disk, etc. The provision may include data transmission via networks such as bus networks, wireless networks, the Internet, local area networks, etc. Generally, the sensor component target arrangement should be provided as a target model. Position parameters may be parameters that define a position in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional coordinate system, such as a Cartesian coordinate system, corresponding to a spatial position. Orientation parameters may include, in particular, rotation angles relative to a reference point or axis of rotation in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional, preferably spatial coordinate system. Orientation parameters define spatial orientation. A target arrangement including spatially defined position parameters and spatially defined orientation parameters may define not only a predetermined spatial position where the sensor components should be arranged, but also a predetermined spatial orientation of the sensor components. The positional and / or orientation parameters corresponding to the target geometry associated with the measurement channel define the position or orientation related to the target geometry of the measurement channel. The sensor component target arrangement defined by the target geometry associated with the measurement channel thus defines the spatial position and spatial orientation of the sensor component relative to the target geometry of the measurement channel.

[0015] c) The actual geometry of the measurement channel should be measured at least in sections.

[0016] The actual geometry of a measurement channel can be measured at a single point along the channel. It can also be measured at multiple points along the channel. Furthermore, the actual geometry can be measured locally within a region of the channel's inner surface, such as a circular or cylindrical region. Local measurement of the channel's geometry can be performed by measuring multiple sections of the channel at close intervals, particularly a few micrometers or millimeters, and the local geometry is determined based on these measurements. Local measurement can also be performed using surface scanning. The actual geometry can be obtained, for example, tactilely using a measurement probe, i.e., a mechanical scanner. It can also be obtained optically using an optical scanning sensor. Finally, the actual geometry can be obtained acoustically, preferably through ultrasonic measurement of the channel.

[0017] d) Check whether at least one position parameter or orientation parameter of the sensor component target arrangement with respect to the actual geometry is outside the permissible value range, wherein if, according to the check, at least one position parameter or orientation parameter of the target arrangement is outside the permissible value range relative to the actual geometry, the position parameter or orientation parameter of the sensor component target arrangement is re-determined while complying with the permissible value range, and then step d) is repeated.

[0018] The permissible numerical range may be, for example, a permissible positional numerical range, which is particularly limited to the maximum permissible distance relative to the reference position.

[0019] The permissible numerical range may be, for example, an orientation permissible numerical range, which is particularly defined as the maximum permissible angular deviation relative to a reference vector. The permissible numerical range can be predetermined. The permissible numerical range can be determined relative to the actual geometry of the measuring channel. Obviously, the actual geometry of the measuring channel is usually at least partially or locally different from the target geometry of the measuring channel. For example, the measuring channel may be made as a casting, wherein the actual geometry of the measuring channel may have machining-determined deviations from the target geometry of the measuring channel. The actual geometry of the measuring channel may, for example, differ from the target geometry of the measuring channel in terms of size, shape, and / or surface condition. For example, the actual geometry of the measuring channel may have a smaller channel cross-section, locally different channel shape, locally different channel curvature, and / or locally different channel cross-section compared to the predetermined ideal target geometry of the measuring channel. The target arrangement of sensor components can be related to the actual geometry through a predetermined correlation between the actual geometry and the target geometry. Such correlations are well known to those skilled in the art. Such correlations are described, for example, in US2008 / 0188986A1. Re-determining at least one position parameter and / or orientation parameter of the target arrangement within the permissible numerical range can be done by determining the difference between the position parameter of the target location and the permissible numerical range with respect to the actual geometry. When differences exist, such as displacement differences and / or angular differences, parameters that differ from the permissible numerical range are modified by a specified displacement difference, or orientation parameters that differ from the permissible numerical range are modified by an angular difference. Step d) can be repeated multiple times if multiple position parameters and / or orientation parameters are outside the permissible numerical range relative to the actual geometry.

[0020] e) Arrange the sensor components in the measurement channel according to the current sensor component target layout.

[0021] Clearly, step e) is performed after step d). The current sensor component target arrangement corresponds to the sensor component target arrangement when its relative to the actual geometry is within permissible numerical ranges. This method particularly avoids placing, especially machining, fixing, and / or arranging, reference points at the measurement channel, especially at the casting. According to one embodiment, the method may specify providing a reflecting plane at the measurement channel, wherein the inner surface of the measurement channel, in addition to the reflecting plane, is provided as an unmachined casting and / or the measurement channel may be provided without a reference surface other than the reflecting plane.

[0022] Using the method of this invention, sensor components can be arranged with high precision within measurement channels with relatively inaccurate machining, i.e., spatial positioning and orientation, to ensure high measurement accuracy of process fluid parameters. For example, the measurement channel can be machined with millimeter-level tolerances, while still ensuring micrometer-level sensor component arrangement tolerances. The arrangement of sensor components may include forming sensor component receptacles within the measurement channel based on the actual geometry of the measurement channel and / or the target arrangement of the sensor components. For example, etching, drilling, and / or milling can be performed according to the actual geometry and the target arrangement of the sensor components within the allowable numerical range to create receptacles for the sensor components, so that the sensor components can be subsequently installed within the receptacles according to their target arrangement.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the measuring channel and / or the regulating valve housing are cast.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, which can be considered an improvement on the above method, a method is provided for spatially arranging at least one sensor group comprising at least two sensor components within a measurement channel. This method particularly avoids the placement, fabrication, fixing, and / or arrangement of reference points on the measurement channel, especially on a casting. The sensor group is a set of multiple cooperating active and / or passive sensor components. Active sensor components can transmit and / or receive sensor signals for determining process fluid parameters. Active sensor components can be referred to in this context as sensor-transmitter components or sensor-receiver components. Active sensor components capable of receiving and transmitting sensor signals can be referred to as sensor transceiver components. Passive sensor components can direct or deflect, especially reflect, focus, etc., sensor signals to measure process fluid parameters. Passive sensor components can, for example, be sensor signal lenses or sensor signal reflectors. Passive reflector-sensor components can be implemented in the form of a wall portion (mirror or reflecting plane) on the inner side of the measurement channel. Mirrors can be milled and / or polished. A sensor group comprising two sensor components, such as one active sensor component and one passive sensor component, or two active sensor components, can be referred to as a sensor pair. A sensor group may include three, four, or more sensor components. Preferably, the sensor group consists of three, four, or five sensor components. The sensor group includes at least one active sensor component and at least another active or passive sensor component. The sensor group may include two or more active sensor components. The sensor group may include at least one active sensor component and multiple passive sensor components. According to a preferred embodiment, the sensor group includes two active sensor components and two passive sensor components, one of which is a reflective plane.

[0025] A method for spatially arranging at least one sensor group includes the following steps a)-d):

[0026] a) Provide the predetermined target geometry for the measurement channel.

[0027] b) Provide a sensor group target arrangement with respect to the target geometry of the measurement channel, wherein the sensor group target arrangement includes spatially determined position parameters and orientation parameters with respect to multiple active and / or passive sensor components.

[0028] Preferably, for at least two sensor components in a sensor group, spatially determined position parameters and spatially determined orientation parameters are provided for the first sensor component; spatially determined position parameters and spatially determined orientation parameters are also provided for the second sensor component. For a sensor group comprising three or more sensor components, spatially determined position parameters and orientation parameters can be provided for each of the at least three sensor components. For a sensor group comprising two or more sensor components, predetermined position parameters and orientation parameters can be provided for each individual sensor component.

[0029] c) Detect the actual geometry of the measurement channel at least in sections.

[0030] The actual geometry of the measurement channel can be measured at multiple locations or in multiple segments. The actual geometry of the measurement channel can be measured along one or more segments. The actual geometry of the measurement channel can be determined along its entire spatial extension. The actual geometry of the measurement channel can be measured over its entire inner surface.

[0031] d) Check that at least one position parameter or at least one orientation parameter of the sensor group-target arrangement, i.e., in particular, the parameter of the sensor component target arrangement of one of the sensor components is outside the permissible value range with respect to the actual geometry of the measurement channel, wherein, assuming that the position parameter or orientation parameter of the sensor group-target arrangement is outside the permissible value range with respect to the actual geometry, the position parameter or orientation parameter of the sensor group-target arrangement is re-determined while complying with the permissible value range; and wherein at least another position parameter and / or orientation parameter of the sensor group-target arrangement is re-determined according to at least one predetermined arrangement criterion, and then step d) is repeated.

[0032] Arrangement criteria can be, for example, a predetermined relative arrangement of at least two or more, such as exactly two, three, or four sensor components relative to or opposite one sensor component. Arrangement criteria can be, for example, based on a calculated sensor signal optical path of an active sensor component. For instance, the sensor signal optical path or sensor signal route can be calculated based on the focusing, deflection, orientation, and especially reflection of a predetermined passive sensor component, and serve as an arrangement criterion for arranging, positioning, and orienting all sensor components within permissible numerical ranges (i.e., practically correct) according to the predetermined sensor signal path. For example, an arrangement criterion can relate to both active and passive sensor components and pertain to the sensor signal optical path, originating from the active sensor component and modified by the passive sensor component. An arrangement criterion can, for example, relate to the sensor signal optical path from the working surface of one active or passive sensor component to, or within permissible tolerances, the center of another sensor component. An arrangement criterion can be defined according to reflection rules, for example, based on the fact that for a passive reflector sensor component, the sensor signal path entry angle relative to the normal to the working surface of the passive reflector-sensor component should be equal to the exit angle relative to the normal to the working surface. According to the arrangement criteria, there are exactly two sensor components with aligned working surface normals. The check in step d) may consider one or more arrangement criteria. Step d) may be repeated until the position and orientation parameters of at least one, at least two, at least three or more, or all of the sensor components are within permissible ranges and correspond to at least one or more arrangement criteria.

[0033] According to one embodiment, a primary arrangement criterion can be defined as a predetermined orientation of an active sensor component, particularly one active sensor component in each sensor pair or group of sensors. In particular, a primary arrangement criterion can be defined as the orientation of the active sensor component in the form of a space vector. It is preferable that secondary arrangement criteria are defined such that the position parameters of the active sensor components are at least partially, for example, redefined only in certain orientation directions. The primary arrangement criterion can at least partially enforce the sensor signal optical path.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, the secondary arrangement criteria are defined based on predetermined fixed arrangement parameters, particularly position and orientation parameters, of the passive sensor components, especially the reflecting plane, where the arrangement criteria may be defined as a spatial reference plane. The secondary arrangement criteria can serve as the basis for determining the optical path entry angle and optical path exit angle relative to a corresponding reference plane passing through a working surface and its reference plane-working surface normal, especially by means of reflection rules.

[0035] Clearly, the permissible numerical ranges for various sensor components can be defined differently. For example, a first sensor component can be assigned a first permissible numerical range, a second sensor component can be assigned a second permissible numerical range, and so on. The first permissible numerical range of a sensor component can be reliably defined by parameters of the permissible position and / or orientation of the respective sensor component relative to the actual geometry of the measurement channel. Arrangement criteria can involve at least two sensor components in a sensor group or multiple sensor components in a sensor group.

[0036] e) Arrange the sensor components of the sensor group within the measurement channel according to the current sensor group-target arrangement. The sensor group-target arrangement is defined in particular by a multiple sensor component-target arrangement, especially by a sensor component-target arrangement of at least two, three, or at least four sensor components, and preferably by a sensor component-target arrangement of all the sensor components of the sensor group.

[0037] One embodiment of the method includes providing, in particular, a curved measurement channel and positioning the measurement channel in a fixed position, wherein the measurement channel is continuously positioned in a fixed position at least during steps c), d), and / or e), particularly during steps c) to e). By providing and maintaining the measurement channel in a fixed position, in step c) (measuring the actual geometry of the measurement channel) and / or in step d) (checking the target arrangement of at least one sensor component relative to the actual geometry and perhaps adjusting the target arrangement of the sensor component with respect to the actual geometry according to permissible numerical ranges and / or perhaps predetermined arrangement criteria to obtain an updated target arrangement of the sensor component), and / or in step e) (arranging the sensor component according to the current target arrangement of the sensor component), it is unexpectedly possible to achieve very accurate positioning of the sensor component or a sensor group comprising multiple sensor components, almost independent of the manufacturing tolerances of the measurement channel. In particular, the method can be accelerated overall by reducing the required cost through precise and fixed positioning of the measurement channel. When the measurement channel is held in a fixed position, particularly continuously, the actual geometry of the measurement channel can be accurately determined according to multiple measurement steps performed separately in time, without having to obtain too many measurement points for these time-separated measurement steps. For example, the measurement channel can be held in a fixed position, particularly continuously, in a measuring and manufacturing tool, which is equipped not only with a measuring tool for measuring the actual geometry of the measurement channel according to step c), but also with a tool for arranging sensor components within the measurement channel, and perhaps with a drill and milling cutter for manufacturing a cavity for accommodating the sensor components in the same tool.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the method, step c) may include scanning the actual geometry of the measurement channel in an optical and / or mechanical manner. For example, step c) may include scanning the actual geometry of the measurement channel using one or more mechanical scanning elements.

[0039] According to an improved version of the method, step c) may include detecting positional and / or orientation parameters of a mirror or reflective plane formed as a segment of the inner side of the channel, wherein the reflective plane serves as a passive sensor component. The positional and / or orientation parameters of the reflective plane may be considered as secondary arrangement criteria for determining at least one positional and / or orientation parameter of at least one passive sensor component or at least one active sensor component.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the method, step e) may include at least one accommodating groove for the at least one sensor component or a plurality of sensor components, preferably exactly one accommodating groove for exactly one sensor component or a certain number of accommodating grooves, accommodating grooves for the same specified number of sensor components, especially by etching, drilling and / or milling, wherein, in particular, a accommodating groove having an axial stop for at least one sensor component is formed.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the method, step d) may include redetermining the position parameters of the first sensor component based on translational movement of the first sensor component in the axial direction, and / or redetermining the orientation parameters of the first sensor component based on the position parameters of the first sensor component relative to the sensor component or by rotation of the position parameters.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the method, step d) may include redetermining a first position parameter of the sensor component based on a translational movement along the axial direction of the sensor component, particularly in the direction of the normal to the working surface. In particular, a predetermined axial target distance of the working surface of the sensor component relative to the inner surface of the measuring channel may be considered. The predetermined axial target distance of the working surface of the sensor component relative to the inner surface of the measuring channel may be defined as an allowable range. For example, the allowable range may be ±0.4 mm or a smaller range. For example, the allowable range may be ±0.2 mm or a smaller width. For example, the allowable range may have a width of ±0.1 mm or ±0.05 mm. The allowable range may, for example, be defined as a distance of at least 0.2 mm, at least 0.1 mm, or at least 0.01 mm relative to the inner surface of the measuring channel. The allowable range may be defined as a distance of at most 2 mm, particularly at most 1 mm, and preferably at most 0.5 mm relative to the inner surface of the measuring channel. For example, the allowable range may be defined as a distance of 0.2 mm to 1 mm relative to the inner surface of the measuring channel. For example, the permissible numerical range can be limited to a range of values ​​less than half or a quarter of the casting manufacturing tolerances according to ISO 8062, especially according to casting tolerance grades CT8, CT9, CT10, CT11, CT12 or CT13.

[0043] According to an improvement of the method, the first sensor component can be predetermined to be a passive sensor component. The other sensor component is preferably a reflector, especially an ultrasonic reflector. According to one embodiment of the method, the first position parameters and / or orientation parameters of the first sensor component are redefined based on optical path arrangement criteria, particularly based on the optical path from the center of the working surface of the other sensor component to the center of the first working surface of the first sensor component and / or based on a predetermined axial target distance of one of the first working surfaces of the first sensor component relative to the inner surface of the measuring channel.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the method, step d) may include re-determining another position parameter of another sensor component based on axial translational movement of the other sensor component and / or re-determining another orientation parameter based on rotational movement of the other sensor component relative to or with respect to the position parameter of the other sensor component. Preferably, the other sensor component may be a transmitter and / or a receiver, particularly an ultrasonic transmitter, ultrasonic receiver, or ultrasonic transducer.

[0045] The redetering of another position parameter and / or orientation parameter of another sensor component based on a predetermined axial target distance of another working surface of another sensor component relative to the inner side of another channel of the measurement channel can be determined as described above regarding the redetering of the first position parameter of the first sensor component relative to the inner side of the channel.

[0046] The redetering of other positional and / or orientation parameters of another sensor component can be achieved by translating another, particularly passive, sensor component laterally to the normal of the working surface of the other sensor component, such that the optical path from the active sensor component to the second passive sensor component intersects the center of the working surface of the second sensor component. The redetering of the positional and / or orientation parameters of the other sensor component based on the optical path can be performed such that the orientation parameters are redetermined so that the optical path entry angle from the first sensor component relative to the normal of the working surface corresponds equally to the optical path exit angle relative to the normal of the working surface, and lies in the same optical path plane, such that the sensor signal light, after being redirected by the second sensor component, intersects the third sensor component, particularly at the center. The redetering of other positional and / or orientation parameters of the other sensor component can include one or more of the redetering methods described herein. If the redetering of other positional and / or orientation parameters based on a predetermined allowable range and / or one or more arrangement criteria comprises a number of methods, then these methods are preferably performed sequentially during multiple executions of method step d).

[0047] According to an improved version of this method, the other sensor component can be an active sensor component.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the method, no sensor component, and in particular, none of the sensor components, extends through the inner surface of the measurement channel. In a preferred embodiment of the method, the at least one sensor component or the plurality of sensor components are arranged within the channel wall of the measurement channel. Arranging the sensor component within the channel wall means that the entire sensor component, or at least its working surface, is entirely located within a spatial portion defined by the main body or radial thickness of the channel wall of the measurement channel. Because the sensor component, especially its working surface, is entirely located outside the inner surface of the measurement channel through which the process fluid flows, it is ensured that the sensor component does not interfere with the process fluid, and the measurement accuracy is not affected by the flow of the process fluid. Alternatively or additionally, a passive sensor component may be configured as part of the inner surface of the measurement channel, particularly as a reflective plane.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the method, the inspection according to step d) is performed in a first inspection phase with respect to at least one passive sensor component, and then in a second inspection phase, the inspection according to step d) is performed with respect to at least one active sensor component, wherein in the second inspection phase, the inspection according to step d) is performed first with respect to a first active sensor component of at least two active sensor components and then with respect to a second active sensor component of at least two active sensor components.

[0050] This invention also relates to a measurement channel for process fluids in process production equipment such as power plants, petrochemical plants, and food processing equipment, having a sleeve-shaped channel wall and including at least one active sensor component installed within the channel wall for determining measurement parameters of the process fluid, such as flow rate, density, and mass flow. In the context of this application, the measurement parameters of the process fluid are also referred to as process fluid parameters. According to the invention, the channel wall is constructed as a casting and / or has manufacturing tolerances of ±1 mm or more, particularly ±2 or more. In one embodiment, the channel wall can be manufactured as a casting and has a surface roughness of RZ63-250. The channel wall can be constructed as a casting and has casting manufacturing tolerances according to ISO 8062, particularly casting tolerance grades CT8, CT9, CT10, CT11, CT12, or CT13. The manufacture of the control valve housing and / or measurement channel as a casting is particularly economical. The at least one active sensor component is arranged on the channel wall with a positional tolerance of ±0.5 mm, especially ±0.2 mm or lower. Alternatively, the at least one active sensor component is arranged on the channel wall with a positional tolerance smaller than the casting manufacturing tolerance of the measuring channel, especially less than half or a quarter of it. "Less than" means smaller or narrower, i.e., more precise tolerance. This description may particularly relate to the length dimension of the casting manufacturing tolerance. For example, the length dimension of the casting manufacturing tolerance for a measuring channel with a nominal inner diameter of 50 mm is 2 mm in the case of casting tolerance grade CT9. Therefore, a sensor component with a more precise tolerance of <2 mm, especially <1 mm (i.e., <±0.5 mm), preferably <0.5 mm (i.e., <±0.25 mm) should be arranged.

[0051] The nominal inner diameter of the measuring channel can be at least 5 cm, at least 10 cm, at least 30 cm, or greater. Casting manufacturing tolerances can be selected based on the nominal inner diameter of the measuring channel, and especially based on the casting tolerance grade, preferably based on the casting tolerance grade CT9.

[0052] In particular, the active sensor component is arranged in such a way that the end face and preferably the working surface of the active sensor component are arranged at a predetermined distance of 0.0 mm to 2.0 mm, especially 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm, relative to the inner side of the measurement channel, where the end face and especially the working surface of the active sensor component does not protrude into the inner cavity of the process fluid channel.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the measurement channel of the present invention, the measurement channel includes at least one sensor group of cooperating sensor components, wherein the sensor group includes the at least one active sensor component and at least another active or passive sensor component. The active sensor component has an active working surface. The other sensor component has another active or passive working surface. The other working surface and the active working surface are arranged opposite each other with an angular tolerance of ±1% or less. In particular, the at least one sensor group includes another active sensor component and at least another passive sensor component, wherein all the other working surfaces, the active working surface of the other active sensor component, and the passive working surface of the other passive sensor component are arranged opposite each other with an angular tolerance of ±2° or less, especially ±1° or less, relative to the active working surface. In particular, all sensor components of the sensor group are arranged on the channel wall with a positional tolerance of ±0.5 mm or less, especially ±0.2 mm or less. Alternatively, all sensor components of the sensor group are arranged on the channel wall with a positional tolerance less than, especially less than half or a quarter of the manufacturing tolerance of the measurement channel casting. "Less than" refers to a smaller or narrower tolerance, i.e., a more precise tolerance. This specification is particularly relevant to the length dimensions of casting manufacturing tolerances.

[0054] In particular, the passive sensor component is arranged in such a way that the end face, preferably the working surface, such as the reflective surface, of the passive sensor component is arranged relative to the inner side of the measurement channel at a predetermined distance of 0.0 mm to 2.0 mm, especially 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm, wherein the end face, especially the working surface, of the passive sensor component does not protrude into the inner cavity of the process fluid channel.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the measurement channel has at least one second sensor group with cooperating sensor components, wherein the second sensor group includes at least one second active sensor component and at least another second active or passive sensor component. The first sensor group is arranged relative to the second sensor group with a positional tolerance of ±0.5 mm or less, especially ±0.2 mm or less. Alternatively, the first sensor group is arranged relative to the second sensor group with a positional tolerance less than, especially less than half or a quarter of the manufacturing tolerance of the measurement channel casting. In particular, the passive sensor components of the first sensor group are the same as those of the second sensor group. Preferably, the first and second sensor groups include at least the same passive sensor component. If the sensor components of the first and second sensor groups in the measurement channel are arranged according to the method of the invention, the arrangement can be designed such that the arrangement of the commonly used passive sensor components is predetermined and, particularly after determining that the target arrangement of the same sensor component is within the permissible numerical range with respect to the measurement channel, is excluded from re-determination at a later or further execution of step d). Sensor groups having the same passive sensor component may be referred to as mutually overlapping sensor groups. Because of the use of overlapping sensor groups, it is possible to obtain very accurate process fluid parameters, especially when the first sensor group measures in the direction of the process fluid flow and when the second sensor group measures in the direction opposite to the flow direction.

[0056] The description of positional tolerances may particularly relate to the length dimensions of casting manufacturing tolerances. For example, the length dimension of a casting manufacturing tolerance for a measuring channel with a nominal inner diameter of 200 mm may be 4 mm in the case of casting tolerance grade CT10. Therefore, the sensor groups are arranged relative to each other with more precise tolerances of <4 mm, especially <2 mm (i.e., <±1 mmn), and preferably <1 mm (i.e., <±0.5 mm).

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment of the measurement channel, the active sensor component is a transmitter and / or receiver, particularly an ultrasonic transmitter, ultrasonic receiver, or ultrasonic transducer.

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment, the passive sensor component is a reflector, especially an ultrasonic reflector.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment, the sensor component is an ultrasonic sensor component.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the channel wall of the measurement channel defines an inner surface facing the process fluid and includes a sensor reservoir, preferably cylindrical, extending radially through the channel wall, in which a sensor component is disposed. The sensor component may have an active or passive working surface. The working surface is preferably completely disposed outside the inner surface of the channel. In particular, the working surface is radially disposed completely radially outside the inner surface of the channel. In other words, the working surface is completely disposed in the region of the sensor reservoir through the solid material of the channel wall. According to a preferred embodiment, the channel wall of the measurement channel defines an inner surface facing the process fluid and includes a passive sensor component with a passive working surface, which is formed as part of the inner surface of the channel, particularly a reflective plane.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, the measurement channel of the present invention is manufactured using the method of the present invention. In particular, the method for manufacturing the inventive measurement channel according to the present invention is performed. Preferably, the inventive method can be performed to manufacture the inventive measurement channel.

[0062] The present invention also relates to a regulating valve housing for a regulating valve used in process production equipment such as power plants, petrochemical equipment, food processing equipment, etc., including a process fluid inlet, a process fluid outlet, and a closable valve seat disposed between the process fluid inlet and the process fluid outlet, wherein the regulating valve housing is configured at least partially as a measuring channel.

[0063] According to a preferred embodiment of the control valve housing, the measuring channel is arranged at the process fluid inlet and / or process fluid outlet.

[0064] The present invention also relates to a regulating valve for regulating the flow of process fluids in process production equipment such as power plants, petrochemical equipment, food processing equipment, etc., including a regulating valve housing that at least partially serves as a measuring channel and a movable valve component for closing the valve seat.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the control valve includes a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric actuator for actuating valve components and / or electronic devices for controlling the adjustment and / or regulating of the actuator.

[0066] Preferably, the regulating and / or adjusting electronics act on the actuator based on process fluid parameters measured by at least one sensor element and / or at least one sensor group. Preferably, the control and / or adjusting electronics are adapted to be connected to at least one sensor element and / or at least one sensor group in a signal-transmitting manner. The control and / or adjusting electronics are preferably designed to cause corresponding regulating signals to interact with the process fluid parameters measured by means of the sensor element and / or sensor group at the actuator.

[0067] Generally, in methods for arranging sensor components or sensor groups, salient points (actual geometry of the measurement channel), especially within curved measurement channels, should be measured based on a target model (measurement channel - target geometry and sensor component or sensor group - target arrangement). Based on the actual geometry of the measurement channel, the sensor group - target arrangement is then recalculated and determined relative to the actual geometry of the measurement channel. The reorientation and repositioning of this sensor component arrangement or sensor group arrangement influences each other. This process is repeated until the orientation and position of the sensor component arrangement or sensor group arrangement relative to the actual geometry of the measurement channel are within predetermined tolerances. This method, in particular, abandons the placement, especially machining, fixing, and / or arrangement of reference points on the measurement channel, especially on the casting. Attached Figure Description

[0068] Other performance characteristics, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0069] Figure 1 The target geometry of the control valve of the present invention is shown, the control valve having the measurement channel of the present invention and a sensor group arranged therein according to the target arrangement;

[0070] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the target arrangement of the first and second sensor groups;

[0071] Figure 3 The target arrangement shows the passive sensor components relative to the target geometry of the measurement channel;

[0072] Figure 4a Showing according to Figure 3 The target geometry of the sensor component relative to the actual geometry of the measurement channel;

[0073] Figure 4b Showing according to Figure 3 The redefined target arrangement of passive sensor components in relation to the actual geometry of the measurement channel;

[0074] Figure 5a Showing according to Figure 3 The target geometry of the sensor component, which corresponds to... Figure 4b Rearrangement and consideration of layout standards related to the actual channel geometry;

[0075] Figure 5b and Figure 5c The following is shown in the case of considering the layout standard. Figure 3 Another rearrangement of the sensor components;

[0076] Figure 6 The basis for the rearrangement is shown. Figure 3A schematic diagram of a sensor assembly consisting of one sensor component and another sensor component;

[0077] Figure 7a The sensor components, whose target arrangement is within the allowable numerical range relative to the actual geometry of the measurement channel, are shown; and

[0078] Figure 7b and Figure 7c The sensor component is shown with its actual geometry outside the permissible numerical range for the measurement channel.

[0079] List of reference numerals

[0080] 1 Measurement Channel

[0081] 3. Channel wall

[0082] 4. Inner side of the channel, inner contour

[0083] 4 I Actual outline

[0084] 4 S Target outline

[0085] 6. Sensor components

[0086] 8,9 Another sensor component

[0087] 32 Paired stop surfaces

[0088] 33. Outer surface

[0089] 36 sump

[0090] 50 First Sensor Group

[0091] 51 First Active Sensor Component

[0092] 53,57 Passive sensor components

[0093] 59 Another active sensor component

[0094] 61 Working face

[0095] 62 shoulder

[0096] 64 Leading edge

[0097] 70 Second sensor group

[0098] 71 Second passive sensor component

[0099] 73,75 Passive sensor components

[0100] 79. The second active sensor component

[0101] 100 Control valve housing

[0102] 103 Process fluid inlet

[0103] 105 Process fluid outlet

[0104] 107 Valve seat

[0105] 109 Valve Components

[0106] 111 Actuator

[0107] 200 Control Valve

[0108] T distance

[0109] M center curve

[0110] N Working surface normal

[0111] P 50 ,P 70 ,P A ,P E Sensor signal path

[0112] R radial

[0113] α, ε: entrance angle and exit angle

[0114] β E Angle of incidence

[0115] β A Angle of departure

[0116] Δs Translation distance

[0117] Δt axial distance Detailed Implementation

[0118] In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the same or similar parts for ease of reading.

[0119] The measuring channel of the present invention is generally referred to as reference numeral 1. The regulating valve housing of the present invention is generally referred to as reference numeral 100. The subscript "I" generally represents the actual geometry, while the subscript "S" generally represents the target geometry.

[0120] Figure 1 The target geometry of the valve body 100 is shown. The valve body has a flow direction indicated by arrows, where, in the flow direction, a process fluid inlet 103 is formed sequentially within the regulating valve housing 100, followed by a closeable valve seat 107, and then a process fluid outlet 105. Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the measuring channel 1 is located at the process fluid inlet 103 of the regulating valve housing 100. The movable valve member 109 for closing the valve seat 107 and the actuator 111 for actuating the valve member 109 are shown in dashed lines. The control electronics and / or adjustment electronics for adjusting the actuator are not shown in detail.

[0121] The valve body 100 provides a cross-sectional area through which the process fluid can flow. For example... Figure 1 As schematically shown, the cross-section of the channel can vary in shape, cross-sectional size, cross-sectional shape, and orientation from the process fluid inlet 103 to the valve seat 107. A channel cross-section that varies in various ways between the process fluid inlet 103 and the process fluid outlet 105, or in other words, the effective closable cross-section 107, can be referred to as a channel cross-section with a complex geometry.

[0122] The valve body 100 and the integrally formed measuring channel 1 have a channel wall 3. The thickness of the channel wall 3 can vary locally, i.e., it is not the same thickness at different locations along the channel orientation in the flow direction and / or circumferentially. The channel orientation can be defined relative to the centerline M. The thickness of the channel wall can be defined radially R relative to the centerline M. The inner surface 4 or profile of the measuring channel through which the process fluid flows preferably has a continuously rounded design, wherein the rounding can be different, in other words, it can have different radii of curvature depending on the location.

[0123] exist Figure 1 The inner contour 4 of channel 1 is shown in the diagram according to the ideal target geometry. Because of casting tolerances, for example, the actual geometry of the inner contour of channel 1 can differ significantly from the target geometry. This is described in detail below. The channel wall can be constructed as a casting and has casting manufacturing tolerances according to ISO 8062 (preferably ISO 8062-3:2008-09), particularly manufacturing tolerance grade CT9, casting tolerance grade CT10, casting tolerance grade CT11, casting tolerance grade CT12, or casting tolerance grade CT13.

[0124]

[0125] Figure 1 Sensor group 50 is also shown, which includes four sensor components 51, 53, 57, and 59. Sensor group 50 includes a first active sensor component 51, for example, which can be designed as an ultrasonic transmitter, and another first active sensor component 59, for example, which can be designed as an ultrasonic receiver. The first sensor group 50 includes two passive sensor components 53 and 55, which can be designed as ultrasonic reflectors, for example.

[0126] Figure 1The sensor signal path P of the first sensor group 50 is shown by a dashed line. 50 The sensor signal path symbolizes the path taken by the ultrasonic sensor measurement signal from the first active sensor component 51 to another active sensor component 59, where the signal path P 50 The passive sensor components 53 and 57 are deflected by reflection. For example, the sensor signal path P 50 For example, it can be based on Figure 1 The schematic diagram extends clockwise around channel 1. Sensor signal path P 50 The active sensor component 51 can extend, or alternatively, in the direction of the process fluid flow from the first active sensor component 51 to another active sensor component 59.

[0127] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of two sensor groups 50 and 70 is shown, which can be arranged within a measurement channel not shown in detail for better illustration. The sensor signal P of the first sensor group 50... 50 The trend is as described above.

[0128] Sensor signal path P of the second sensor group 70 70 The signal path P relative to the first sensor group 50 is available. 50 It extends in the opposite direction. For example, the sensor signal path P of the second sensor group 70. 70 The active sensor element 71 can extend counterclockwise from the circumference of the channel to another active sensor element 79 of the second sensor group 70. Here, the sensor signal of the second sensor group 70 can be reflected by the two passive sensor elements 75, 73. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor signal path P of the second sensor group 17... 70 Two additional active sensor components 79 of the second sensor group 70 can be accessed from the second active sensor component 71 in a measurement channel (not shown in detail) in the opposite direction to the flow direction of the process fluid.

[0129] Clearly, the active sensor components 51, 59, 71, and 79 of a sensor group can be configured as transmitters and receivers in pairs, or as transducers. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the two sensor groups 50 and 70 can have the same passive sensor component, which is referred to herein by reference numerals 57 and 75. The first sensor group 50 and the second sensor group 70 share a single sensor signal reflector 57 / 75, thus allowing for better correlation and / or comparison of the measurement results from the two sensor groups. In particular, the same sensor signal reflector is implemented in the form of a reflective plane, which is part of the inner surface 4 of the measurement channel 3.

[0130] Figure 3The ideal measurement channel target geometry is shown, along with the sensor components therein, which are referred to as 6 for simplicity, according to the target arrangement. Clearly, sensor component 6 represents, for example, any passive sensor component 53, 57, 73, or 75, wherein the adjustment steps described below can also be used to define the target geometry of active sensor components 51, 59, 71, or 79.

[0131] Figure 3 The ideal target state is shown, and the sensor component 6 is arranged in relation to the geometry of the target channel according to the target state. The arrangement of the remaining sensor components is also shown (schematic and labeled with reference numerals 8 and 9).

[0132] The target arrangement of sensor component 6 is defined by the spatial position of the sensor component. The spatial position of sensor component 6 can be determined, for example, according to an X / Y / Z Cartesian coordinate system. The spatial orientation of sensor component 6 can be defined by the orientation of the working surface normal N relative to coordinate vectors X, Y, and / or Z. The target arrangement of sensor component 6 can ideally be located in the middle of an acceptable numerical range and ideally oriented about one or more arrangement criteria. Obviously, other mathematical models can also be used to determine the arrangement, i.e., position and orientation, such as in cylindrical coordinate systems, spherical coordinate systems, etc.

[0133] For example, sensor component 6 is positioned according to the target arrangement of sensor components with respect to the permissible numerical range, such that a flat working surface 61 formed on the end side of the cylindrical sensor component 6 is arranged within the channel wall 3 at an axial distance tsoll from the inner contour 4 of the measuring channel 1. The incident sensor signal path PE intersects the concentric center of the working surface 61 through which the normal N passes. The inlet angle α and the outlet angle α are the same relative to the working surface normal N. The subsequent signal curve P... A It intersects with the center of the signal curve of another sensor component 8.

[0134] The sensor component 6 is generally constructed as a rotationally symmetric cylinder with a flat sensor working surface or end face 61. The concentric center of the sensor intersects the working surface normal N spatially perpendicular to the working surface 61. The cylinder of the sensor component 6 is constructed with rotational symmetry relative to the working surface normal N. To accurately position the sensor component axially along its working surface normal N, a protrusion, such as a protrusion or shoulder 62, can be provided that protrudes laterally in the radial direction of the working surface normal N. This protrusion is preferably located on the axial end of the sensor component opposite to the working surface 61. The shoulder 62 of the sensor component 6 can be designed to abut against a mating stop surface 32 of the channel wall 3 on the outer side 33 opposite to the inner contour 4 of the channel wall. Within the channel wall 3, a groove 36, complementary to the cylindrical design of the sensor component 6, can be provided; the groove may be drilled or milled, for example. Other shapes of the sensor component and the groove are conceivable.

[0135] When the arrangement of sensor component 6 relative to the actual geometry is outside the allowable range and / or does not meet one or more arrangement criteria, the arrangement of sensor component 6 can be redefined.

[0136] For example, the re-determination of the sensor component arrangement can be performed while taking into account permissible value ranges. When, for example, the position parameter of sensor component 6 does not conform to the permissible value range, the difference between the position parameter and the permissible value range or optimal value can be determined within the permissible value range, and the target position parameter of sensor component 6 is re-determined based on this difference. This re-determination of the target arrangement of sensor components based on the position parameters can be referred to as target position value offset.

[0137] When the target arrangement of sensor component 6 deviates angularly from the permissible value range, for example, when the normal N of sensor component 6 tilts, swings, and / or skews relative to the permissible value range, the orientation parameters of sensor component 6 can be re-determined. To re-determine the orientation parameters of the sensor component, for example, the difference between the normal N perpendicular to the working surface 61 and the permissible value range can be determined, and the normal vector N can be re-determined based on the difference.

[0138] The permissible numerical range can be defined by one or more arrangement criteria. An arrangement criterion represents a set of target settings for the target arrangement of a sensor component relative to at least one other sensor component. For example, as an arrangement criterion, the normal of the working surface of one sensor component can be set to pass through the center of the working surface of another sensor component.

[0139] As an arrangement standard, particularly concerning passive sensor components with regard to reflection, it can be specified that a sensor signal optical path is provided from at least one other sensor component 8 to at least another different sensor component 9, wherein the sensor signal path undergoes reflection at the reflective sensor working surface 61 of the sensor component 6. According to an arrangement standard, the sensor input path P relative to the normal N of the working surface... E Sensor signal path entry angle α or β E It should be equal to the sensor signal output path P A The exit angle α or β relative to the working surface normal N A .

[0140] Figure 4a The sensor component 6 is shown relative to the measured channel profile 4. I The actual geometry and channel profile 4 S The target geometry is related to the determined sensor component target arrangement. In the drawn example, the actual contour 4 I Unlike target contour 4 S Actual outline 4I Regarding the outward displacement of the channel center M in the radial direction R, this could, for example, stem from a large tolerance in the casting manufacturing method of measuring channel 1.

[0141] Because the actual outline 4 I Unlike target contour 4 S Therefore, the sensor component 6 is positioned to protrude into the process fluid guiding channel. The leading edge 64 of the sensor component 6 is about the channel profile 4. I A protrusion 64 forms the intrusion channel. If the process fluid flows through channel 1, the fluid is deflected by the protrusion 64, which may form eddies. These eddies adversely affect fluid performance and may distort measurements taken by means of sensor component 6.

[0142] Based on the known actual geometry of the measurement channel, such as the inner contour 4 of the channel, the permissible numerical range can be defined, specifying which positional distance should be relative to the inner contour 4. I The end face 61 is arranged, especially the front edge 41. Relative to this predetermined allowable range, the known inner contour 4 of the channel can be used as a reference. I The actual geometry of the end face 61 is used to determine the position deviation Δt. Based on the position deviation Δt, the target position and subsequent target arrangement of the sensor component 6 can then be redefined so that it falls within the allowable value range.

[0143] Actual geometry detection can be performed, for example, according to the following plan.

[0144] The actual geometry can be detected locally at or near the expected location based on the target arrangement of sensor component 6. For example, the actual geometry can be measured partially at the target location of the groove 36 within the channel wall 3, set according to the target arrangement of sensor component 6. If the groove 36 is provided in the form of a hole, it is preferably cylindrical in design and formed rotationally symmetrical about the normal N. Based on the predetermined target geometry, the inner contour 4 can be determined by calculation. S The through curve of the channel. Along the through curve, multiple locations can be measured using a measuring scanner. For example, a mechanical measuring scanner can scan three points of the actual geometry of the channel wall 3 at the inner contour 4.

[0145] The location of the measurement points can be determined by calculating three points based on the target geometry of the inner contour 4s. These three points can be offset from each other by 10° along the penetration curve around the normal N. From these three measurement points, the deepest of the three scanning points, i.e., the outermost radially R of channel 1, can be determined in relation to the axial direction of the normal N. Further measurements can be performed around the deepest point on the penetration curve (the circumferential line of the target borehole), specifically offset by +5° and -5° relative to the deepest point based on estimates of the normal. Based on three measurements offset by 5° each around the deepest point, the deepest point associated with the normal N can then be determined again with higher accuracy. From here, two more points offset by another 5° angle (±2.5°) along the penetration curve can be measured. This method can be improved with iteratively increasing angular accuracy multiple times. Obviously, for iterative accuracy improvement, other methods of narrowing the angle range can be used instead of halving the angle as exemplified here. Obviously, other iterative approximation methods familiar to those skilled in the art can also be used within the scope of this invention. The deepest point can be determined by using three points that are staggered along the through curve at increasingly smaller angles. This process can be repeated until a predetermined tolerance is reached between the deepest and second-deepest points. The inner contour of the actual geometry is used as a reference. I At the deepest point, the distance (position difference) Δt of the end face 61 of sensor component 6 relative to the permissible numerical range is determined. Such measurement and (re)determination of position can be performed for passive or active sensor components. The method of the present invention may include measurement and / or (re)determination of one or more passive sensor components and / or one or more active sensor components.

[0146] Figure 4b The passage 1 in the inlet region 103 of the control valve housing 100 is shown. Within the measuring passage 1, the inner contour 4 is determined according to the actual geometry or a predetermined target geometry. I Alternatively, 4s is shown, and the redefined sensor component 6 target arrangement is shown with position correction Δt moving parallel to the axis of the normal N.

[0147] Figure 5a A portion of the measurement channel 11 with sensor component 6 is shown, where the target arrangement undergoes a redefinition, as shown below. Figure 4b As shown. Because it moves parallel to the axis of the normal N, the incident signal path P E The center of sensor component 6, which is not crossed by the normal N, is not intersected, especially the center of the circle. Therefore, the signal path reflected by sensor component 6 at working surface 61 is relative to the target signal path (see...). Figure 3 The signal path P extends parallel to each other and does not intersect with another sensor component 8, but rather misses it. E P AThe actual point of impact is shifted laterally to the sensor normal N by a translational distance Δs.

[0148] Figure 5b This shows the actual geometry of the measurement channel 11 and the redefined position of the sensor component 6, which is arranged according to the standard. Figure 4a and Figure 4b As shown, according to this arrangement standard, signal path P E P A The intersection of the normal N and the working surface 61 of the sensor component 6 should be centered. Therefore, the position of the sensor component is redefined by setting the translational movement of the sensor component 6 based on the translation difference Δs. Target incident angle β E and the exit angle β A It has been determined that these relate to the centers of other sensor components 8 and 9. Because of the misalignment of Δs, the target incident angle β... E Greater than the target launch angle β A Subsequently, based on the configuration standard that the incident and exit angles should be of the same size, the orientation of sensor component 6 was redefined, such that the normal forms the angle bisectors of the redefined entrance and exit angles ε. Figure 5c The redefined arrangement of sensor components 6 is shown in the figure.

[0149] Figure 5c The diagram illustrates the results of multiple re-arrangements, specifically the actual geometry of sensor component 6 relative to the measurement channel and its positioning and orientation according to arrangement criteria. Assuming a re-arrangement of sensor component 6, it is possible to re-check whether the corresponding arrangement criteria of the re-arranged sensor component 6 are within a predetermined allowable range. According to the allowable range, the working side 61 of sensor component 6 should be sufficiently far from the inner contour 4 according to the actual geometry. If necessary, the arrangement of sensor component 6 related to the arrangement criteria can also be re-determined when further re-determining the position of sensor component 6 with respect to the allowable range. If it is determined that the actual arrangement of the sensor component sufficiently coincides with the allowable range and / or arrangement requirements, the measurement channel, along with the sensor component 6 housed therein, can be processed.

[0150] Figure 6The diagram illustrates the redetering of the arrangement of one or more other sensor components 8, 9 immediately following the redetering of the arrangement of sensor component 6. The redetering of the arrangement of other sensor components 8 is preferably performed within permissible numerical ranges and / or according to arrangement criteria set as the destination and corresponding to the aforementioned arrangement criteria. Another other sensor component 9 may undergo a corresponding redetering of its target arrangement. The theoretical redetering of the target arrangement of one or more sensor components, or the redetering of the arrangement parameters of a sensor group comprising multiple sensor components (such as sensors 6, 8, and 9), can be repeatedly performed in multiple successive steps and perhaps multiple repetitive stages.

[0151] Figure 7a The sensor component 6 is shown within the channel wall 3 of the measurement channel, arranged with respect to the permissible numerical range. The entire sensor component 6, including the end working surface 61, is offset outwardly into the channel wall 3 with respect to the inner side 4 of the channel. Due to the arrangement of the sensor component 6 as shown in FIG. 7A, the flow of process fluid within the measurement channel 11 is undisturbed.

[0152] Figure 7b The misaligned sensor component 6' is shown. Its working surface 61 extends through the contour 4 of the flow channel and protrudes into the measurement channel 1. Interfering flow phenomena may occur on the protruding edge 64' of the misaligned sensor component 6', which may significantly affect measurement accuracy.

[0153] Figure 7c Another sensor component 6” is shown, located outside the permissible value range. The incorrectly positioned sensor component 6” is recessed relative to the profile 40 along the axis of its normal N, causing the signal path P to... A P E The theoretical optical path intersects with the channel wall 3, thus interrupting the actual optical path. Measurement cannot be performed in the event of incorrect positioning of the sensor component 6. Therefore, the permissible numerical range is also determined by the maximum distance between the working surface of the sensor component and the contour 4 of the geometry of the measurement channel 1.

[0154] The implementation of the method of the present invention may include providing a sensor group target arrangement corresponding to the target geometry of the measurement channel 1. The sensor group target arrangement may include spatially determined position and orientation parameters with respect to the sensor components: for example, the orientation parameters of the first active sensor component 59 may be predetermined based on two coordinate points in a Cartesian coordinate system, wherein the position parameters of the first active sensor component 59 may be at least partially predetermined, and the first active sensor component 59 is located on a straight line along the orientation passing through the two coordinate points. Based on two other pairs of coordinate points in the same coordinate system, the current target position and orientation parameters may be provided by two passive sensor components 53 and 57 of the sensor group.

[0155] In particular, the regulating valve housing with the measuring channel can be kept in a fixed position such that the adjusting direction of the regulating valve housing (the direction of translational movement of the valve component 109, see...) Figure 1 The first axis of the Cartesian coordinate system, such as the Y-axis, corresponds to the theoretical target arrangement parameters of at least one sensor group 50, 70. Alternatively or additionally, the control valve housing with the measurement channel can be held in position such that the valve body axis (passing through the center of the process fluid inlet 103 and / or the process fluid outlet 105) is arranged with respect to the second axis of the Cartesian coordinate system, such as the X-axis, of the theoretical target arrangement parameters of at least one sensor group 50, 70.

[0156] In this embodiment of the method of the present invention, it can first be checked whether the target arrangement of the first passive sensor component 53 is within the allowable numerical range relative to the actual geometry of the measurement channel 1. For this purpose, the target position parameters and target orientation parameters of the sensor component 53 along the current axis can be correlated as described above. Figure 4a The actual geometry of the measurement channel at the target position of sensor component 53 is determined using, for example, a mechanical measurement scanner. Based on the target data of the target arrangement of sensor component 53, the target arrangement of sensor component 53 can be re-determined according to an arrangement criterion such as the target distance of the working surface 61 of sensor component 53 relative to the inner side surface 4 of the channel.

[0157] Subsequently, the actual geometry of the next passive sensor component 57 at its target position can be measured using, for example, a mechanical measuring scanner. In this process example, it is assumed that the next passive sensor component 57 is composed of a reflective plane or mirror, which is machined as a flat, flat portion of the inner surface 4 of the channel. The reflective plane can be made, for example, by milling and / or polishing a portion of the channel wall 3 on the inner surface 4 of the channel. In this embodiment, the actual arrangement parameters of the sensor component 57 are immediately obtained when the actual geometry of the inner surface 4 of the channel is measured. This becomes an arrangement standard that cannot be redefined in this process flow. Conversely, other positional and / or orientation parameters are determined considering the actual arrangement parameters of the sensor component 57, provided that these other arrangement parameters do not fall within their respective permissible ranges. According to an alternative process, it is also conceivable that, in this method, the (re)determination of the sensor component arrangement parameters is considered once for other methods based on the actual arrangement parameters that must be guaranteed.

[0158] Regarding the actual arrangement parameters of sensor component 57, in the current embodiment, the orientation parameters and possibly position parameters of the first passive sensor component 53 are subsequently checked according to predetermined arrangement criteria. If one or more arrangement criteria, such as reflection rules, are not within permissible ranges when considering the actual arrangement parameters of another sensor component 57, the target arrangement parameters of sensor component 53 are re-determined based on said arrangement criteria, perhaps at least partially (and sometimes again).

[0159] In this process example, after the actual arrangement parameters of sensor component 57 are detected and the target arrangement parameters of sensor component 53 are redefined in any order, the target position parameters of the first active sensor component 59 and the second active sensor component 51 are checked according to the optical path and may be redefined along the optical path. The target orientation parameters of the second active sensor component 51 can also be redefined here.

[0160] The features disclosed in the above description and drawings are meaningful not only individually but also in any combination for implementing the invention in different designs.

Claims

1. A method for arranging at least one sensor group (50, 70) in space within a measurement channel (1), said at least one sensor group (50, 70) comprising at least two sensor components, the method comprising the following steps: a) Provide the predetermined target geometry of the measurement channel (1), b) Providing a sensor group target arrangement corresponding to the target geometry of the measurement channel (1), wherein, The target arrangement of the sensor group includes spatially defined position and orientation parameters for the sensor components. c) Detect the actual geometry of the measurement channel (1) at least in sections. d) Check whether at least one position parameter or orientation parameter of the sensor group target arrangement is outside the permissible value range relative to the actual geometry, wherein if, according to the check, at least one position parameter or orientation parameter of the sensor group target arrangement is outside the permissible value range relative to the actual geometry, then the position parameter or orientation parameter of the sensor group target arrangement is redefined while complying with the permissible value tolerance, and wherein, according to at least one predetermined arrangement criterion, at least another position parameter and / or orientation parameter of the sensor group target arrangement is redefined and step d) is subsequently repeated. e) The sensor components of the sensor group (50, 70) are arranged in the measurement channel (1) in accordance with the current target arrangement of the sensor group.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising providing a measurement channel (1) and maintaining the measurement channel (1) in a fixed position.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Step c) includes optical scanning and / or mechanical scanning of the actual geometry of the measurement channel (1).

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Step c) includes: detecting the positional and / or orientation parameters of the reflective plane that forms part of the inner side surface (4) of the channel.

5. The method according to claim 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that, Step e) includes: creating at least one cavity (36) for at least one sensor component by etching, drilling and / or milling.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The trough (36) is configured to have an axial stop for the at least one sensor component.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step d) includes: redetermining the first position parameter based on the axial translational movement of one of the sensor components.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first orientation parameter is redefined based on the rotation of the first sensor component with respect to the position parameter of the first sensor component.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first position parameter and / or orientation parameter of the first sensor component are re-determined based on the optical path from the center of the working surface of the other sensor component to the second working surface of the other sensor component and / or based on the predetermined axial target distance of the first working surface of the first sensor component relative to the inner side surface (4) of the measuring channel (1).

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first sensor component is a passive sensor component.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step d) includes: redetermining another position parameter based on the axial translational movement of another sensor component.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The other sensor component is an active sensor component.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein, No sensor component passes through the inner side (4) of the measurement channel (1), and / or therein, The sensor component is arranged within the channel wall (3) of the measurement channel (1), and / or wherein the passive sensor component is designed as part of the inner side (4) of the measurement channel (1).

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The inspection according to step d) is performed in the first inspection phase with respect to at least one passive sensor component, and then in the second inspection phase with respect to at least one active sensor component, wherein, in the second inspection phase, the inspection according to step d) is first performed with respect to the first active sensor component of at least two active sensor components, and then with respect to the second active sensor component of at least two active sensor components.

15. The method of claim 2, further comprising providing a curved measuring channel (1) and holding the measuring channel (1) in a fixed position.

16. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The measurement channel (1) is kept in a fixed position at least during steps c) to e).

17. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Consider the predetermined axial target distance of the working surface (61) of the sensor component relative to the inner side surface (4) of the measurement channel (1).

18. A measuring channel (1) for process fluid in a process production apparatus, the measuring channel (1) being manufactured according to the method of claim 1, the measuring channel (1) having a sleeve-shaped channel wall (3), the measuring channel (1) comprising: At least one active sensor component is installed within the channel wall (3) for determining the measurement parameters of the process fluid, characterized in that the channel wall (3) is constructed as a casting and / or has a manufacturing tolerance of ±1 mm or greater, and the at least one active sensor component is arranged on the channel wall (3) with a positional tolerance of less than ±0.5 mm and / or with a positional tolerance of less than the casting manufacturing tolerance of the measurement channel.

19. The measurement channel (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The measurement channel (1) has at least one sensor group of cooperating sensor components, wherein the sensor group includes the at least one active sensor component and at least another active or passive sensor component, wherein the active sensor component has an active working surface, and wherein the other sensor component has another working surface, an active working surface or a passive working surface, and wherein the other working surface and the active working surface are arranged opposite each other with an angular tolerance of ±1° or less, wherein the at least one sensor group includes another active sensor component and at least another passive sensor component, wherein all the other working surfaces are arranged relative to the active working surface with an angular tolerance of ±2° or less, and wherein all sensor components of the sensor group are arranged on the channel wall (3) with a positional tolerance of less than ±0.5 mm and / or with a positional tolerance of less than the casting manufacturing tolerance of the measurement channel (1).

20. The measurement channel (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that, The measurement channel (1) has at least one second sensor group of cooperating sensor components, wherein the second sensor group includes at least one second active sensor component and at least one second other active sensor component or passive sensor component, wherein the first sensor group is arranged relative to the second sensor group with a positional tolerance of ±0.5 mm or less and / or with a positional tolerance less than the casting manufacturing tolerance of the measurement channel (1).

21. The measurement channel (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The active sensor component is a transmitter and / or a receiver.

22. The measurement channel (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that, The passive sensor component is a reflector.

23. The measurement channel (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that, The sensor component is an ultrasonic sensor component.

24. The measurement channel (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The channel wall (3) defines an inner side (4) of the channel facing the process fluid, wherein the passive sensor component has a passive working surface formed as part of the inner side (4) of the channel, and / or wherein the measurement channel (1) includes a sensor reservoir (36), wherein the sensor component is arranged in the sensor reservoir (36), and wherein the sensor component has an active or passive working surface (61) that is completely arranged outside the inner side (4) of the channel.

25. The measurement channel (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The process equipment mentioned includes power plants, petrochemical equipment, and food processing equipment.

26. The measurement channel (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The measured parameters are flow velocity, density, and mass flow.

27. The measurement channel (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that, Its characteristics are, The channel wall (3) is formed as a casting and / or has a manufacturing tolerance of ±2 mm or greater.

28. The measurement channel (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The at least one active sensor component is arranged on the channel wall (3) with a positional tolerance of less than ±0.2 mm.

29. The measurement channel (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that, All other working surfaces are arranged relative to the active working surface with an angular tolerance of ±1° or less.

30. The measurement channel (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that, All sensor components of the sensor group (50, 70) are arranged on the channel wall (3) with a positional tolerance of less than ±0.2 mm.

31. The measurement channel (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that, The first sensor group is arranged relative to the second sensor group with a positional tolerance of ±0.2 mm or less.

32. The measurement channel (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that, in, The passive sensor component (57) of the first sensor group and the passive sensor component (75) of the second sensor group are the same.

33. The measurement channel (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that, The active sensor component is an ultrasonic transmitter, an ultrasonic receiver, or an ultrasonic transducer.

34. The measurement channel (1) according to claim 22, characterized in that, The passive sensor component is an ultrasonic reflector.

35. The measurement channel (1) according to claim 24, characterized in that, The measurement channel (1) includes a cylindrical sensor reservoir (36) that passes through the channel wall (3).

36. A regulating valve housing (100) for a regulating valve (200) in a process production equipment, the regulating valve housing (100) comprising a process fluid inlet (103), a process fluid outlet (105), and a closable valve seat (107) disposed between the process fluid inlet (103) and the process fluid outlet (105), wherein, The regulating valve housing (100) is at least partially configured in the form of a measuring channel (1) according to any one of claims 18 to 35.

37. The regulating valve housing (100) according to claim 36, wherein, The measurement channel (1) is arranged at the process fluid inlet (103) and / or the process fluid outlet (105).

38. The regulating valve housing (100) according to claim 36, characterized in that, The process equipment mentioned includes power plants, petrochemical equipment, and food processing equipment.

39. A regulating valve (200) for regulating the flow of process fluid in a process production equipment, the regulating valve (200) comprising a regulating valve housing (100) according to claim 36 and a movable valve member (109) for closing the valve seat (107).

40. The regulating valve (200) according to claim 39, the regulating valve (200) further comprising a pneumatic, hydraulic or electric actuator (111) for actuating the valve component (109) and / or regulating and / or control electronics for controlling the actuator (111).

41. The regulating valve (200) according to claim 39, characterized in that, The process equipment mentioned includes power plants, petrochemical equipment, and food processing equipment.

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