Detecting the orientation of a vibrating meter and compensating measurements based on the detected orientation

Abstract

A meter electronics system (20) for detecting an orientation and compensating a measurement based on the detected orientation is provided. The meter electronics system (20) includes a processing system (402) and an interface (401) configured to be communicatively coupled to a sensor assembly (10). The processing system (402) is configured to detect the orientation of the sensor assembly (10) based on one or more sensor signals provided by the sensor assembly (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described below relate to measurements taken by a vibrating meter, and more particularly, to detecting the orientation of the vibrating meter and compensating the measurements based on the detected orientation. Background Art

[0002] Vibrating meters, such as Coriolis mass flow meters, liquid densitometers, gas densitometers, fluid viscometers, gas / liquid specific gravity meters, gas / liquid relative density meters, and gas molecular weight meters, are generally known and used to measure fluid properties. Typically, a vibrating meter includes a sensor assembly and meter electronics. The material within the sensor assembly can be flowing or stationary. The vibrating meter can be used to measure the mass flow rate, density, or other properties of the material within the sensor assembly.

[0003] The vibrating meter can be oriented in different directions. For example, if the sensor assembly has two curved conduits containing material, the curved conduits can have a tube-up orientation, a tube-down orientation, or a flag orientation. Additionally, the vibrating meter can be calibrated in one orientation and installed at the customer site in a different orientation. For example, the vibrating meter can be calibrated in a tube-up orientation and installed at the customer site in a flag orientation.

[0004] However, due to changes in material density due to pressure (i.e., head pressure may cause a material density increase) and other effects on the vibration characteristics of the vibrating meter (e.g., mode shapes of rotating elements) caused by the relative direction of gravity, the orientation of the sensor assembly may affect the measurement results of the vibrating meter. For example, a density measurement made by a sensor assembly in a tube-down orientation may be greater than a density measurement made by the same sensor assembly in a tube-up orientation. Therefore, there is a need to detect the orientation of the vibrating meter and compensate the measurement results of the vibrating meter based on the detected orientation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A metrology electronics system for detecting orientation and compensating measurements based on the detected orientation is provided. According to an embodiment, the metrology electronics system includes a processing system and an interface configured to be communicatively coupled to a sensor assembly. The processing system is configured to detect the orientation of the sensor assembly based on one or more sensor signals provided by the sensor assembly.

[0006] A vibrating meter for detecting orientation and compensating measurements based on the detected orientation is provided. According to an embodiment, the vibrating meter includes a sensor assembly and meter electronics communicatively coupled to the sensor assembly. The meter electronics is configured to detect the orientation of the sensor assembly based on one or more sensor signals provided by the sensor assembly.

[0007] A method for detecting the orientation of a vibrating meter and compensating measurements based on the detected orientation is provided. According to an embodiment, the method includes receiving one or more sensor signals from a sensor assembly and detecting the orientation of the sensor assembly based on the one or more sensor signals provided by the sensor assembly.

[0008] All aspects

[0009] According to one aspect, metrology electronics (20) for detecting orientation and compensating measurements based on the detected orientation includes an interface (401) configured to communicatively couple to a sensor assembly (10) and a processing system (402) configured to detect the orientation of the sensor assembly (10) based on one or more sensor signals provided by the sensor assembly (10).

[0010] Preferably, the processing system (402) is configured to detect the orientation of the sensor assembly (10) based on one or more sensor signals, including: the processing system (402) is configured to detect the orientation based on a time period of one or more vibration patterns of the sensor assembly (10) observed in the sensor signals of the one or more sensor signals provided by the sensor assembly (10).

[0011] Preferably, the meter electronics (20) being configured to detect the orientation based on a time period of the one or more vibration patterns includes the meter electronics (20) being configured to detect the orientation based on density values ​​determined from at least two of the one or more vibration patterns.

[0012] Preferably, the processing system (402) is further configured to compensate the measurements based on the detected orientation of the sensor assembly (10).

[0013] Preferably, the processing system (402) is further configured to compensate the measurement results based on the detected orientation of the sensor assembly (10), including: the processing system (402) is further configured to compensate the measurement results based on the relationship between the detected orientation of the sensor assembly (10) and a reference orientation of the sensor assembly (10).

[0014] Preferably, the reference orientation is a calibration orientation.

[0015] Preferably, the detected orientation of the sensor assembly (10) is one of a tube-down orientation (500A), a tube-up orientation (500B), and a flag orientation (500C).

[0016] According to one aspect, a vibrating meter (5) for detecting orientation and compensating measurements based on the detected orientation includes a sensor assembly (10) and meter electronics (20) communicatively coupled to the sensor assembly (10). The meter electronics (20) is configured to detect the orientation of the sensor assembly (10) based on one or more sensor signals provided by the sensor assembly (10).

[0017] Preferably, the meter electronics (20) being configured to detect the orientation of the sensor assembly (10) based on the one or more sensor signals includes the meter electronics (20) being configured to detect the orientation based on a time period of one or more vibration patterns of the sensor assembly (10) observed in one of the one or more sensor signals provided by the sensor assembly (10).

[0018] Preferably, the meter electronics (20) being configured to detect the orientation based on a time period of the one or more vibration patterns includes the meter electronics (20) being configured to detect the orientation based on density values ​​determined from at least two of the one or more vibration patterns.

[0019] Preferably, the meter electronics (20) is further configured to compensate the measurement based on the detected orientation of the sensor assembly (10).

[0020] Preferably, the meter electronics (20) is further configured to compensate the measurement result based on the detected orientation of the sensor assembly (10), including: the meter electronics (20) is further configured to compensate the measurement result based on the relationship of the detected orientation of the sensor assembly (10) to a reference orientation of the sensor assembly (10).

[0021] Preferably, the reference orientation is a calibration orientation.

[0022] Preferably, the detected orientation of the sensor assembly (10) is one of a tube-down orientation (500A), a tube-up orientation (500B), and a flag orientation (500C).

[0023] According to one aspect, a method for detecting an orientation of a vibrating meter and compensating measurements based on the detected orientation includes receiving one or more sensor signals from a sensor assembly and detecting the orientation of the sensor assembly based on the one or more sensor signals provided by the sensor assembly.

[0024] Preferably, detecting the orientation of the sensor assembly based on the one or more sensor signals comprises detecting the orientation based on a time period of one or more vibration patterns of the sensor assembly as observed in one of the one or more sensor signals provided by the sensor assembly.

[0025] Preferably, detecting the orientation based on a time period of the one or more vibration patterns includes detecting the orientation based on a density value determined from at least two vibration patterns of the one or more vibration patterns.

[0026] Preferably, the method further comprises compensating the measurements based on the detected orientation of the sensor assembly.

[0027] Preferably, compensating the measurement result based on the detected orientation of the sensor assembly comprises compensating the measurement result based on a relationship of the detected orientation of the sensor assembly to a reference orientation of the sensor assembly.

[0028] Preferably, the reference orientation is a calibration orientation.

[0029] Preferably, the detected orientation of the sensor assembly is one of a tube-down orientation, a tube-up orientation, and a flag orientation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Like reference numerals represent like elements throughout the drawings.It should be understood that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0031] Figure 1 A vibrating meter 5 is shown for detecting orientation and compensating measurements based on the detected orientation.

[0032] Figure 2 A block diagram of a vibrating meter 5 is shown, including a block representation of meter electronics 20 .

[0033] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A catheter cable diagram is shown for illustrating the vibration modes of a catheter such as catheters 130, 130' described above.

[0034] Figure 4 Meter electronics 20 are shown for detecting the orientation of a vibrating meter and compensating measurements based on the detected orientation.

[0035] Figures 5A to 5C Different exemplary orientations of the vibrating meter 5 are shown.

[0036] Figure 6 A frequency spectrum graph 600 of a vibrating meter is shown.

[0037] Figure 7 A calibration graph 700 illustrating detection of a vibrating meter's orientation is shown.

[0038] Figure 7A A detailed view of a portion of calibration graph 700 is shown.

[0039] Figure 8 A method 800 of detecting the orientation of a vibrating meter is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Figures 1 to 8 And the following description depicts specific examples to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode of implementation of detecting orientation and correcting measurement results based on the detected orientation. For the purpose of teaching the principles of the invention, some conventional aspects have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art will understand that variations from these examples fall within the scope of this specification. Those skilled in the art will understand that the features described below can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of detecting orientation and correcting measurement results based on the orientation. Therefore, the embodiments described below are not limited to the specific examples described below, but are limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

[0041] Figure 1 A vibrating meter 5 is shown for detecting orientation and compensating measurements based on the detected orientation. Figure 1 As shown, the vibrating meter 5 includes a sensor assembly 10 and meter electronics 20. The sensor assembly 10 is responsive to the mass flow rate and density of the process material. The meter electronics 20 is connected to the sensor assembly 10 via leads 100 to provide density, mass flow rate, and temperature information, as well as other information, through a port 26.

[0042] The sensor assembly 10 includes a pair of manifolds 150 and 150', flanges 103 and 103' having flange necks 110 and 110', a pair of parallel conduits 130 and 130', a driver 180, a resistance temperature detector (RTD) 190, and a pair of pickoff sensors 170l and 170r. Conduits 130 and 130' have two substantially straight inlet branches 131 and 131' and outlet branches 134 and 134' that converge toward each other at conduit mounting blocks 120 and 120'. Conduits 130 and 130' bend at two symmetrical locations along their lengths and are substantially parallel throughout their lengths. Struts 140 and 140' define axes W and W' about which each conduit 130 and 130' oscillates. The branches 131 , 131 ′ and 134 , 134 ′ of the conduits 130 , 130 ′ are fixedly attached to the conduit mounting blocks 120 and 120 ′, and these blocks are in turn fixedly attached to the manifolds 150 and 150 ′. This provides a continuous closed material path through the sensor assembly 10 .

[0043] When flanges 103 and 103' having holes 102 and 102' are connected to a process line (not shown) carrying the process material being measured via inlet end 104 and outlet end 104', the material enters the meter's inlet end 104 through orifice 101 in flange 103 and is directed through manifold 150 to conduit mounting block 120 having surface 121. Within manifold 150, the material is separated and conveyed through conduits 130, 130'. Upon exiting conduits 130, 130', the process material is recombined into a single stream within block 120' having surface 121' and manifold 150' and thereafter conveyed to outlet end 104' connected to a process line (not shown) via flange 103' having hole 102'.

[0044] The conduits 130, 130' are selected and appropriately mounted to the conduit mounting blocks 120, 120' so as to have substantially the same mass distribution, moment of inertia, and Young's modulus about the bending axes W--W and W'--W', respectively. These bending axes pass through the struts 140, 140'. Because the Young's modulus of the conduit varies with temperature, and this variation affects the calculation of flow and density, an RTD 190 is mounted to the conduit 130' to continuously measure the temperature of the conduit 130'. The temperature of the conduit 130' and therefore the voltage appearing across the RTD 190 for a given current passing through the RTD 190 are governed by the temperature of the material passing through the conduit 130'. The temperature-dependent voltage appearing across the RTD 190 is used by the meter electronics 20 in a known manner to compensate for changes in the elastic modulus of the conduits 130, 130' due to any changes in the conduit temperature. The RTD 190 is connected to the meter electronics 20 via leads 195.

[0045] Both conduits 130, 130' are driven by a driver 180 about their respective bending axes W and W' in opposite directions and in what is referred to as the first out-of-phase bending mode of the flow meter. The driver 180 may include any of a number of well-known arrangements, such as a magnet mounted to conduit 130' and an opposing coil mounted to conduit 130, through which an alternating current is passed to cause both conduits 130, 130' to vibrate. A suitable drive signal 185 is applied to the driver 180 via leads by the meter electronics 20.

[0046] Meter electronics 20 receives the RTD temperature signal on lead 195, as well as sensor signal 165 present on lead 100, which carries left and right sensor signals 165l and 165r, respectively. Meter electronics 20 generates drive signal 185, which appears on leads to driver 180 and causes conduits 130 and 130' to vibrate. Meter electronics 20 processes left and right sensor signals 165l and 165r, along with RTD signal 195, to calculate the mass flow rate and density of the material passing through sensor assembly 10. This information, along with other information, is applied by meter electronics 20 as a signal on path 26. A more detailed discussion of meter electronics 20 follows.

[0047] Figure 2 1 shows a block diagram of a vibrating meter 5 including a block diagram representation of meter electronics 20. Figure 2 As shown, meter electronics 20 is communicatively coupled to sensor assembly 10. As previously described with reference to Figure 1 As depicted, the sensor assembly 10 includes left and right pickoff sensors 1701 and 170 r , a driver 180 , and a temperature sensor 190 , which are communicatively coupled to the meter electronics 20 through a communication channel 112 via a set of leads 100 .

[0048] Meter electronics 20 provides a drive signal 185 via leads 100. More specifically, meter electronics 20 provides drive signal 185 to driver 180 in sensor assembly 10. Furthermore, sensor signals 165, including left sensor signal 165l and right sensor signal 165r, are provided by sensor assembly 10. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, sensor signals 165 are provided by left pickoff sensor 170l and right pickoff sensor 170r in sensor assembly 10. As can be appreciated, sensor signals 165 are provided to meter electronics 20 via communication channels 112, respectively.

[0049] The meter electronics 20 includes a processor 210 that is communicatively coupled to one or more signal processors 220 and one or more memories 230. The processor 210 is also communicatively coupled to the user interface 30. The processor 210 is communicatively coupled to the host computer via a communication port on port 26 and receives power via a power port 250. The processor 210 can be a microprocessor, but any suitable processor can be used. For example, the processor 210 can include sub-processors such as a multi-core processor, serial communication ports, peripheral interfaces (e.g., a serial peripheral interface), on-chip memory, I / O ports, etc. In these and other embodiments, the processor 210 is configured to perform operations on received and processed signals, such as digitized signals.

[0050] The processor 210 may receive digitized sensor signals from one or more signal processors 220. The processor 210 is also configured to provide information such as phase difference, properties of the fluid in the sensor assembly 10, and the like. The processor 210 may provide this information to a host computer via a communication port. The processor 210 may also be configured to communicate with one or more memories 230 to receive information and / or store information in the one or more memories 230. For example, the processor 210 may receive calibration factors and / or a sensor assembly zero point (e.g., a phase difference when zero flow occurs) from the one or more memories 230. Each of the calibration factors and / or sensor assembly zero points may be associated with the flow meter 5 and / or the sensor assembly 10, respectively. The processor 210 may use the calibration factors to process the digitized sensor signals received from the one or more signal processors 220.

[0051] The one or more signal processors 220 are shown as including a coder / decoder (CODEC) 222 and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 226. The one or more signal processors 220 can condition analog signals, digitize conditioned analog signals, and / or provide digitized signals. The CODEC 222 is configured to receive sensor signals 165 from the left pickup sensor 1701 and the right pickup sensor 170r. The CODEC 222 is also configured to provide a drive signal 185 to the driver 180. In alternative embodiments, more or fewer signal processors may be employed.

[0052] As shown, the sensor signal 165 is provided to the CODEC 222 via the signal conditioner 240. The drive signal 185 is provided to the driver 180 via the signal conditioner 240. Although the signal conditioner 240 is shown as a single block, the signal conditioner 240 may include signal conditioning components, such as two or more operational amplifiers, filters such as low-pass filters, voltage-to-current amplifiers, etc. For example, the sensor signal 165 may be amplified by a first amplifier, and the drive signal 185 may be amplified by a voltage-to-current amplifier. Amplification can ensure that the amplitude of the sensor signal 165 is close to the full scale range of the CODEC 222.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more memories 230 include a read-only memory (ROM) 232, a random access memory (RAM) 234, and a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) 236. However, in alternative embodiments, the one or more memories 230 may include more or fewer memories. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more memories 230 may include different types of memories (e.g., volatile memory, non-volatile memory, etc.). For example, different types of non-volatile memories such as, for example, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) may be used in place of the FRAM 236. The one or more memories 230 may be storage devices configured to store processing data, such as drive signals or sensor signals, mass flow rate or density measurements, etc.

[0054] The mass flow rate measurement can be generated according to the following formula

[0055]

[0056] The Δt term includes an operationally derived (i.e., measured) time delay value, for example, where the time delay is due to the Coriolis effect related to the mass flow rate through the vibrating flow meter 5, the time delay value includes the time delay between pick-off sensor signals. As the flowing material flows through the vibrating flow meter 5, the measured Δt term ultimately determines the mass flow rate of the flowing material. The Δt0 term includes the time delay / phase difference at the zero flow calibration constant. The Δt0 term is typically determined at the factory and programmed into the vibrating flow meter 5. The time delay / phase difference Δt0 term at zero flow will not change, even if flow conditions change. The mass flow rate of the flowing material flowing through the flow meter is determined by multiplying the measured time delay (or phase difference / frequency) by a flow calibration factor FCF. The flow calibration factor FCF is proportional to the physical stiffness of the flow meter.

[0057] With respect to density, the resonant frequency at which each conduit 130, 130' will vibrate can be a function of the square root of the spring constant of the conduit 130, 130' divided by the total mass of the conduit 130, 130' containing the material. The total mass of the conduit 130, 130' containing the material can be the mass of the conduit 130, 130' plus the mass of the material within the conduit 130, 130'. The mass of the material within the conduit 130, 130' is proportional to the material's density. Therefore, the density of the material can be proportional to the square of the period of oscillation of the conduit 130, 130' containing the material multiplied by the spring constant of the conduit 130, 130'. Therefore, by determining the period of oscillation of the conduit 130, 130' and appropriately scaling the result, an accurate measurement of the density of the material contained by the conduit 130, 130' can be achieved. Meter electronics 20 can use sensor signal 165 and / or drive signal 185 to determine the period or resonant frequency. Conduits 130, 130' can oscillate in more than one vibration mode.

[0058] Vibration Mode

[0059] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A conduit cable diagram is shown for illustrating the vibration modes of a conduit such as conduits 130, 130' described above. Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the conduit is depicted by cable 310. Cable 310 has a U-shape to reflect the U-shaped conduit, which may include a left conduit and a right conduit. Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the cables 310 include a left stationary cable 312a and a right stationary cable 312b. Figure 3A and Figure 3B Also shown are bending axes W—W, W′—W′, which are juxtaposed with the vibration nodes of the cable 310. Figure 3A , the cables 310 also include a left first order bending mode cable 314a and a right first order bending mode cable 314b. Also shown are a left second order bending mode cable 316a and a right second order bending mode cable 316b. Figure 3B , the cable 310 includes a left first-order torsional mode 318a and a right first-order torsional mode 318b.

[0060] The arrows indicate that the left first-order bending mode cable 314a and the right first-order bending mode cable 314b are 180 degrees out of phase. That is, they move in opposite directions. This can be beneficial in various ways, such as reducing vibrations in a vibrating meter caused by unbalanced displacement of the conduit. The left first-order bending mode cable 314a and the right first-order bending mode cable 314b are also shown as having a single node juxtaposed with the bending axes W-W and W'-W'. The arrows also indicate that the left second-order bending mode cable 316a and the right second-order bending mode cable 316b are 180 degrees out of phase with each other. However, the left second-order bending mode cable 316a and the right second-order bending mode cable 316b have two vibration nodes and are therefore referred to as "second-order." The natural frequencies of the left second-order bending mode cable 316a and the right second-order bending mode cable 316b can be higher than the natural frequencies of the left first-order bending mode cable 314a and the right first-order bending mode cable 314b. The left and right first order torsional modes 318a, 318b are shown as having asymmetric displacements along their respective lengths relative to the left and right stationary cables 312a, 312b. The arrows illustrate that the left and right first order torsional modes 318a, 318b are out of phase with each other.

[0061] The vibration modes shown by cable 310 are shown as separate, but can be superimposed on the conduit modeled by cable 310. That is, the conduit modeled by cable 310 can have multiple vibration modes. For example, the left conduit in the conduits can have a first-order bending mode, a second-order bending mode, and a torsional mode. Thus, the conduit can have a first-order out-of-phase bending mode, a second-order out-of-phase bending mode, and a first-order torsional mode. The conduit can have additional modes, such as higher-order bending modes (e.g., third-order, fourth-order, fifth-order, etc.), in-phase bending modes, and higher-order torsional modes (e.g., second-order, third-order, fourth-order, etc.).

[0062] As previously described, a vibration mode can have a shape, an amplitude, and a natural frequency. The shape of the vibration mode can be detected by comparing sensor signals, such as sensor signal 165, with each other. The phase difference between the sensor signal provided by left pickoff sensor 170l and the sensor signal provided by right pickoff sensor signal 170r can indicate torsional mode excitation caused by Coriolis forces due to flow through the vibrating meter when the tube vibrates in a bending mode or other mode, and this phase difference can be proportional to the phase difference between conduits 130, 130'. The amplitude of the vibration mode can be proportional to the amplitude of sensor signal 165.

[0063] The frequencies of the vibration modes can be determined based on the sensor signal 165 and / or the drive signal 185. More specifically, because each vibration mode has a natural mode frequency, the sensor signal 165 can have components corresponding to the vibration modes of the conduits 130, 130'. Therefore, filtering can be used to separate the components to determine the frequency of each component. The frequency of each component corresponds to the frequency of the vibration mode. The frequencies of the vibration modes can be individually referred to as mode frequencies. That is, the mode frequencies are the natural frequencies of the vibration modes, each of which corresponds to a component in the sensor signal 165 and / or the drive signal 185.

[0064] The vibration modes can have a relationship. For example, the relationship between two vibration modes - referred to herein as a mode relationship - can be based on the phase, amplitude, and frequency of the two vibration modes. In one example, the mode relationship can be the difference between the frequency of the left second-order bending mode cable 316a and the right second-order bending mode cable 316b and the frequency of the left first-order bending mode cable 314a and the right first-order bending mode cable 314b. The mode relationship can be quantified as a mode difference. For example, the mode relationship can be the difference between the time period of the left second-order bending mode cable 316a and the right second-order bending mode cable 316b relative to the time period of the left first-order bending mode cable 314a and the right first-order bending mode cable 314b.

[0065] Metrology electronics for orientation detection

[0066] Figure 4 1 shows meter electronics 20 for detecting the orientation of a vibrating meter and compensating the measurement results based on the detected orientation. Figure 4 As shown, meter electronics 20 includes an interface 401 and a processing system 402. Meter electronics 20 receives a vibration response, such as from sensor assembly 10. Meter electronics 20 processes the vibration response to obtain flow characteristics of the flowing material through sensor assembly 10.

[0067] Interface 401 can be used from Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sensor signal 165 is received by one of the pickup sensors 1701, 170r shown in FIG. The interface 401 may perform any necessary or desired signal conditioning, such as any manner of formatting, amplification, buffering, etc. Alternatively, some or all of the signal conditioning may be performed in the processing system 402. In addition, the interface 401 may enable communication between the meter electronics 20 and an external device. The interface 401 may enable any manner of electronic, optical, or wireless communication. The interface 401 may provide information based on the vibration response. The interface 401 may be coupled to a digitizer such as Figure 2The CODEC 222 is shown coupled, wherein the sensor signal comprises an analog sensor signal. The digitizer samples and digitizes the analog sensor signal and generates a digitized sensor signal.

[0068] The processing system 402 operates the meter electronics 20 and processes the flow measurements from the sensor assembly 10. The processing system 402 executes one or more processing routines and thereby processes the flow measurements to produce one or more flow characteristics. The processing system 402 is communicatively coupled to the interface 401 and is configured to receive information from the interface 401.

[0069] Processing system 402 may include a general-purpose computer, a microprocessor system, a logic circuit, or some other general-purpose or custom processing device. Additionally or alternatively, processing system 402 may be distributed among multiple processing devices. Processing system 402 may also include any manner of integrated or independent electronic storage media, such as storage system 404.

[0070] The storage system 404 can store flow meter parameters and data, software routines, constant values, and variable values. In one embodiment, the storage system 404 includes routines executed by the processing system 402, such as the operating routine 410 and the compensation routine 420 for the vibration meter 5. The storage system can also store statistical values, such as standard deviations, confidence intervals, etc.

[0071] Compensation routine 420 can compensate measurements, such as mass flow rate measurements, for the orientation of the vibrating meter. For example, as described in greater detail below, compensation routine 420 can detect the orientation of a sensor assembly, such as sensor assembly 10 described above, of the vibrating meter based on one or more sensor signals provided by sensor assembly 10. Compensation routine 420 can compensate measurements, such as mass flow rate measurements, based on a relationship between the detected orientation of the sensor assembly and a reference orientation of the sensor assembly. The reference orientation can be a calibration orientation.

[0072] Therefore, the storage system 404 may also store calibration information 430. Figure 4 As shown, calibration information 430 includes calibration orientation 432 and calibration signal 434. Calibration orientation 432 can be a value from a list of orientations, such as tube-up orientation, tube-down orientation, or flag orientation. Calibration orientation 432 can be detected from calibration signal 434, input by a user, automatically detected by an accelerometer, etc. Calibration orientation 432 is associated with calibration signal 434.

[0073] The calibration signal 434 may be measured and stored during calibration of the vibrating meter 5. The calibration signal 434 may be a time-domain sampling of the sensor signal 165, a spectral signal showing the frequencies of the vibration modes, a list of component frequencies where each component frequency is associated with a vibration mode frequency, a list of relationships between components, any suitable combination of the foregoing, etc. The calibration signal 434 is associated with the calibration orientation 432.

[0074] The storage system 404 may also store operational information 440, which may include data related to the installation of the vibrating meter 5. Figure 4 As shown, operational information 440 includes detected orientation 442, operational signal 444, uncorrected measurement 446, and corrected measurement 448. Detected orientation 442 can be a value taken from an orientation list or a pointing orientation list, such as a tube-up orientation, a tube-down orientation, or a flag orientation. Detected orientation 442 can be detected from operational signal 444, input by a user, automatically detected by an accelerometer, and the like. Detected orientation 442 can be an installed orientation. Detected orientation 442 is associated with operational signal 444.

[0075] The operational signal 444 may be measured and stored during calibration of the vibrating meter 5. The operational signal 444 may be a time-domain sampling of the sensor signal 165 and / or the drive signal 185, a spectral signal showing the frequencies of the vibration modes, a list of component frequencies where each component frequency is associated with a vibration mode frequency, a list of relationships between components, any suitable combination of the foregoing, etc. The operational signal 444 may be associated with the detected orientation 442.

[0076] Uncorrected measurement 446 and corrected measurement 448 may be values ​​of a material parameter measured by vibrating meter 5. The parameter may be any suitable parameter, such as density, mass flow rate, or any derived value such as percent void fraction, mixture density, or mixture component density. Uncorrected measurement 446 may not be corrected for the detected orientation of vibrating meter 5. For example, if calibration orientation 432 is a tube-up orientation and the detected orientation is a tube-down orientation, the value of uncorrected measurement 446 may not be equal to a measurement taken by vibrating meter 5 in the tube-up orientation. However, as will be explained in more detail below, uncorrected measurement 446 can be corrected to corrected measurement 448 using corrected measurement 448, thereby being equal to a measurement taken by vibrating meter 5 in the tube-up orientation.

[0077] The storage system 404 may also store reference information 450, which may include reference related data that may be used to determine the orientation of the vibration sensor 5. Figure 4As shown, reference information 450 includes a reference signal 452 and an orientation correlation 454. Reference signal 452 can be a sensor signal associated with a known orientation. For example, reference signal 452 can be a list of component frequencies, each of which is associated with a given vibration pattern, i.e., an orientation. This list can be used to determine orientation characteristics, such as Figure 4 One of orientation correlations 454 is shown. Reference orientations 456 can be a list of orientations associated with reference signal 452 that can be used, for example, during calibration. Thus, reference signal 452 can be the same as calibration signal 434.

[0078] Orientation dependencies 454 may be a list of pattern relationships associated with the orientation of the vibrating meter 5. For example, orientation dependencies 454 may be a list of pattern relationships associated with the orientation of the sensor assembly 10. Figure 7 As explained, a mode relationship may be a quantitative relationship, such as a difference and ratio, of two or more vibration parameter values ​​respectively associated with a mode, which depends on the tube period and the observed density value, but any suitable parameters may be employed.

[0079] Still refer to Figure 4 , the storage system 404 may also include correction information 460. The correction information 460 is shown as including a correction value 462, a correction orientation 464, and an orientation relationship 466. The correction value 462 may be associated with the orientation of the vibrating meter 5. For example, the correction value 462 may include a list of values, each of which is associated with the orientation of the vibrating meter 5, such as Figure 4 The illustrated correction orientation 464 may include a list of orientations such as a tube-up orientation, a tube-down orientation, or a flag orientation.

[0080] As can be appreciated, correction value 462 can be associated with correction orientation 464 based on relationships between orientations, such as the relationship between calibration orientation 432 and detected orientation 442. These and other relationships can be found in orientation relationships 466. For example, if calibration orientation 432 is a tube-up orientation and the detected orientation is a tube-down orientation, the orientation relationship can be a tube-up-to-tube-down relationship. Orientation relationship 466 can associate the tube-up-to-tube-down relationship with the correction values ​​in correction value 462. Thus, the correction values ​​can be used to correct uncorrected measurement 446 into corrected measurement 448.

[0081] Orientation relationship 466 may also include a relationship between two of correction values ​​462 and the orientation relationship. For example, the first correction value in correction values ​​462 may be associated with the relationship between tube-up and tube-down, while the second correction value may be associated with the relationship between tube-down and tube-up. The difference between the first and second correction values ​​may be associated with the relationship between tube-down and flag. That is, calibration orientation 432 may be the tube-down orientation, while detected orientation 442 may be the flag orientation. Thus, the difference between the first and second correction values ​​may be used to correct uncorrected measurement result 446 into corrected measurement result 448.

[0082] As can be appreciated, calibration orientation 432 can always be in a particular orientation, such as a tube-down orientation. Thus, correction value 462 can have only three values, each of which is associated with tube-up, tube-down, and flag orientations in calibration orientation 464 via orientation relationships 466. However, orientation relationships 466 can also include relationships between correction value relationships and orientation relationships, such as a relationship between two of the correction values.

[0083] As can also be understood, with no difference in orientation relationship (e.g., tube-up to tube-up, tube-down to tube-down, flag-to-flag, etc., see Figures 5A to 5C ) can be null, zero, etc. For example, if the uncorrected measurement 446 is corrected by adding the correction value, the correction value can be zero for an orientation relationship that does not differ. If the uncorrected measurement 446 is corrected by multiplying the correction value, the correction value can be null to indicate that no multiplication should be performed. Thus, the corrected measurement 448 can be the same as the uncorrected measurement 446. It may be necessary to perform a correction based on the detected orientation of the vibrating meter, which means that the orientation may need to be defined, as described below with reference to Figures 5A to 5C shown.

[0084] Exemplary Orientations

[0085] Figures 5A to 5C Different exemplary orientations of the vibrating meter 5 are shown. Figure 5A As shown, the vibrating meter 5 has a tube-down orientation 500A and is Figure 5B The vibrating meter 5 has a tube-up orientation 500B. Figure 5C is shown with a flag orientation 500C. Figures 5A to 5C , the vibrating meter 5 includes a transverse axis 510, which can be defined as being transverse to the material flow direction. The vibrating meter 5 also includes a longitudinal axis 520. The material flow direction can be considered to be collinear with the longitudinal axis from flange 103 to flange 103', even though the material can flow in other directions between flanges 103, 103'.

[0086] Figures 5A to 5C Also shown are the tube lower center of mass 530a, the tube upper center of mass 530b, and the flag center of mass 530c. The center of mass of the vibrating meter can be the center of mass of the fluid and conduit material between the supports, but any suitable center of mass can be used. Figures 5A to 5C As shown, the transverse length 532a of the tube at the bottom corresponds to the center of gravity 530a of the tube at the bottom, the transverse length 532b of the tube at the top corresponds to the center of gravity 530b of the tube at the top, and the transverse length 532c of the flag corresponds to the center of gravity 530c of the flag. The longitudinal length 534c of the flag also corresponds to the center of gravity 530c of the flag. Figures 5A to 5C As will be appreciated, the position of the center of gravity relative to the support varies depending on the orientation of the vibrating meter 5. More specifically, when the vibrating meter 5 is in the tube-down orientation 500A, the hydraulic head pressure causes the material to be denser than when it is in the tube-up orientation 500B. This can lead to inaccurate measurements of the material in the vibrating meter 5. Therefore, by detecting the orientation of the vibrating meter, the measurement results can be corrected.

[0087] Detection orientation

[0088] As explained in more detail below, the orientation of a vibrating meter can be detected by measuring sensor signal parameters for two or more vibration modes. For example, the time periods of a conduit in a vibrating meter can be measured for a first-order bending mode and a second-order bending mode. These two time periods can be used to determine observation density values: a first-order observation density value and a second-order observation density value, respectively. The difference between the first observation density value and the second observation density value can be compared to a previously determined correlation for the vibrating meter's orientation to detect the vibrating meter's orientation. Other sensor signal parameters may also be used.

[0089] Figure 6 600 of a spectrum graph of a vibrating meter is shown. Figure 6 As shown, spectrum graph 600 includes a frequency axis 610 in Hertz (Hz) and an amplitude axis 620 in decibels (dB). As can be seen, frequency axis 610 ranges from 0 Hz to 1000 Hz, while amplitude axis 620 ranges from -150 dB to 0 dB, although any suitable units and numerical ranges may be used. Spectrum graph 600 also includes spectrum graph 630. Spectrum graph 630 is shown as having a first-order drive peak 632 and a second-order drive peak 634. A first-order torsional mode peak 636 and an in-phase bending mode peak 638 are also shown. The first-order drive peak 632 is at approximately 127 Hz, and the second-order drive peak 634 is at approximately 675 Hz.

[0090] Spectrum 630 can be generated by sweeping from 0 Hz to 1000 Hz and measuring the resulting vibration. As an example, referring to the vibrating meter 5 described above, the drive signal 185 can be a sinusoidal signal provided to the conduits 130, 130' at a fixed amplitude over a frequency range of 0 Hz to 1000 Hz. As the drive signal 185 sweeps from 0 Hz to 1000 Hz, the amplitudes of the left sensor signal 165l and the right sensor signal 165r can be measured. As can be appreciated, the first-order drive peak 632 is centered at the natural frequency of the vibrating meter 5. However, as can be seen in spectrogram 630, both the first-order drive peak 632 and the second-order drive peak 634 are above the noise floor of the spectrogram 630 and can therefore be filtered and measured.

[0091] The first-order drive peak 632 can correspond to the first-order bending mode of the conduits 130, 130'. Similarly, the second-order drive peak 634 can correspond to the second-order bending mode of the conduits 130, 130'. Thus, during operation, the drive signal 185 can have two sinusoidal components centered at approximately 127 Hz and approximately 675 Hz, respectively. The sensor signals 165l, 165r can be filtered by two bandpass filters centered at approximately 127 Hz and approximately 675 Hz, respectively. The CODEC 222 can track the first-order drive peak 632 and the second-order drive peak 634 as their frequencies change due to material flowing through the conduits 130, 130'.

[0092] Thus, sensor signal parameters for each vibration mode can be measured and correlated to properties of the material in conduits 130, 130'. For example, the time period and frequency of drive signal 185 and / or sensor signals 165l, 165r can vary depending on the density of the material in conduits 130, 130'. Similarly, the amplitude of drive signal 185 and / or sensor signals 165l, 165r can vary. As will be appreciated, other material parameters such as viscosity, flow rate, composition, etc. can also be determined.

[0093] As can be appreciated, these sensor signal parameters can correspond to vibration modes. For example, a first-order bending mode corresponding to first-order drive peak 632 can have a frequency lower than a second-order bending mode corresponding to second-order drive peak 634. Thus, the first-order bending mode can be used to generate a first-order density value, and the second-order bending mode can be used to generate a second-order density value. As can be appreciated, these density values ​​should be equal to each other, but due to the orientation of the vibrating meter, these density values ​​may not be equal to each other. Therefore, as discussed below, differences in density values ​​or other measured values ​​or sensor signal parameters can be used to detect the orientation of the vibrating meter.

[0094] Figure 7A calibration graph 700 illustrating detection of the orientation of a vibrating meter is shown. Figure 7 As shown, the calibration graph 700 includes a graph of grams per cubic centimeter (g / cm 3 ) and the density axis 710 in square microseconds (μs 2 ). As indicated, calibration graph 700 pertains to a vibrating meter in a tube-down orientation. Calibration graph 700 includes calibration density value 702. In other words, if an unknown material having the same density value as calibration density value 702 were measured in a tube-down orientation (the same as the calibration orientation), the observed density value would be equal to calibration density value 702.

[0095] As can be seen, calibration graph 700 includes a first order graph 730 and a second order graph 740. The first order graph 730 and the second order graph 740 are obtained by measuring the tube period of the first order bending mode and the second order bending mode, respectively, during calibration. More specifically, the first order graph 730 and the second order graph 740 are obtained by measuring the tube period while the vibrating meter is alternately filled with water and air. The density of air is approximately 0.001 g / cm 3 , and the density of water is about 0.9982 g / cm 3 , which are represented as D1 and D2 respectively in the calibration curve graph 700.

[0096] like Figure 7 As shown, first-order graph 730 includes a first-order calibration graph 732, and second-order graph 740 includes a second-order calibration graph 742. First-order calibration graph 732 has first-order air coordinates 732a and first-order water coordinates 732b, respectively, and second-order calibration graph 742 has second-order air coordinates 742a and second-order water coordinates 742b. When air is in the conduit of a vibrating flow meter, first-order air coordinates 732a and second-order air coordinates 742a are determined by measuring the pipe period of the first-order bending mode and the second-order bending mode, respectively. Similarly, when water is in the conduit of a vibrating flow meter, first-order water coordinates 732b and second-order water coordinates 742b are determined by measuring the pipe period of the first-order bending mode and the second-order bending mode, respectively.

[0097] In most vibrating meters, there is a linear relationship between the density of a material and the square of the tube period of the conduit containing the material. Thus, the first-order air coordinate 732a comprises the square of the first-order air tube period K1, respectively. 2 and the air density value D1, and the first-order water coordinate 732b including the square of the first-order water pipe period K2 2 and water density value D2. Similarly, the second-order air coordinate 742a includes the square of the second-order air tube period K3 2and the air density value D1, and the second-order water coordinate 742b including the square of the second-order water pipe period K4 2 and water density value D2. The linear relationship between material density and the square of the tube period is relied upon to generate first-order calibration plots 732 and second-order calibration plots 742 between first-order air coordinates 732a and first-order water coordinates 732b, and second-order air coordinates 742a and second-order water coordinates 742b, respectively. For other vibrating meters that exhibit nonlinear relationships, calibration plots can be defined as polynomials or other curves fitted to two or more coordinates determined in a similar manner using other fluid materials or fluid temperatures at other densities.

[0098] First-order calibration graph 732 and second-order calibration graph 742 can be used to determine the density of an unknown material. For example, if the vibrating meter is mounted in a tube-down orientation and the material has a density equal to calibrated density value 702, then the observed density value can be equal to the calibrated density value 702 determined from first-order calibration graph 732 and second-order calibration graph 742. That is, first-order calibration graph 732 and second-order calibration graph 742 will generate the same calibrated density value 702. Associated with calibrated density value 702 is the square of the first-order calibration tube period 736a as the ordinate on first-order calibration graph 732 and the square of the second-order calibration tube period 746a as the ordinate on second-order calibration graph 742.

[0099] However, the vibrating meter may be mounted in a different tube-down orientation than that used during calibration. When the vibrating meter is mounted in an orientation different from the calibration orientation, the first-order calibration plot 732 and the second-order calibration plot 742 may not generate calibration density values ​​702. Furthermore, the first-order calibration plot 732 and the second-order calibration plot 742 may generate unequal first-order density values ​​734 and second-order density values ​​744, respectively. As explained below, this difference between the observed density values ​​can be used to determine the orientation of the vibrating meter during measurement.

[0100] When the vibrating meter is mounted in a flag orientation, the first-order calibration graph 732 and the second-order calibration graph 742 can generate a first-order flag density value 734b and a second-order flag density value 744b corresponding to the square of the first-order flag tube period 736b and the square of the second-order flag tube period 746b, respectively. When the vibrating meter is mounted in a tube-up orientation, the first-order calibration graph 732 and the second-order calibration graph 742 can generate a first-order tube-up density value 734c and a second-order tube-up density value 744c corresponding to the square of the first-order tube-up tube period 736c and the square of the second-order tube-up tube period 746c, respectively. As can be seen, the first-order flag density value 734b and the second-order flag density value 744b are not equal to each other. The first-order tube-up density value 734c and the second-order tube-up density value 744c are also not equal to each other. Refer to the following Figure 7AThe difference between the first order density value 734 and the second order density value 744 is discussed in more detail.

[0101] Figure 7A Detailed view of a portion of calibration graph 700 is shown. Figure 7A As shown, the density axis of the second-order graph 740 intersects the lines representing the first-order flag density value 734b, the first-order tube-up density value 734c, the second-order flag density value 744b, and the second-order tube-up density value 744c. As expected, the tube-down density difference Δρ 在下 is equal to zero, since the vibrating meter is calibrated with the tube down. As can be appreciated, the flag density difference Δρ 旗形 Not equal to the density difference Δρ on the tube 旗形 As can also be understood, the density difference Δρ on the tube 旗形 is the flag density difference Δρ 旗形 The size is approximately twice that of the vibrating meter. Therefore, the orientation of the vibrating meter can be detected.

[0102] For example, the meter electronics 20 may store the density difference Δρ 在上 The flag density difference Δρ is related to the tube orientation in the upper direction. 旗形 Orientation correlation 454 related to flag orientation. This correlation can be indexed by, for example, operating frequency, tube period, etc. That is, the tube density difference Δρ 在上 or flag density difference Δρ 旗形 The value of can vary in proportion to the operating frequency of the vibrating meter 5. The orientation correlation 454 can be in any suitable form, such as a percentage, ratio, etc., relative to or operating on other parameters, such as the operating frequency of the vibrating meter 5, the observed density value, etc. Values ​​other than density can be used in the orientation correlation 454. For example, the orientation correlation 454 can correlate the time period or the square of the time period, or the difference in the time period or the square of the time period, of the conduit 130 in the vibrating meter 5 with the orientation of the vibrating meter 5. These and other correlations can be used to determine the orientation of a vibrating meter, such as the vibrating meter 5 described above, which can then be used to correct the measurement results.

[0103] The correlation can be generalized to sensor signal parameters or other material parameters. For example, the time period of vibration can be expressed as t MO , where "MO" represents the mode (m) and order (O). The modes can be represented by β and ζ as bending and torsion modes, respectively. The order can be represented by 1, 2, or 3. Therefore, the first-order bending mode and the first-order torsion mode can be represented by β1 and ζ1, respectively. The first-order bending mode and the second-order bending mode can be represented by β1 and β2, respectively. Therefore, the difference can be defined as t β1 -t β2. It can be simplified to Δt β1β2 This nomenclature can be used for material parameters such as density. The density difference between the density determined using the first and second order bending modes can be defined as ρ β1 -ρ β2 , which can be simplified to Δρ β1β2 .

[0104] Compensating measurements based on orientation

[0105] The following table illustrates how measurements are compensated based on the orientation of the vibrating meter. In the table, columns and rows are titled with the three orientations: pipe-down, pipe-up, and flag, but any suitable orientation and / or description of the orientation may be used. The table also includes correction values, designated by the letters 'A' and 'B', expressed as a percentage of the uncorrected measurement. As shown, the correction values ​​A and B are associated with the change from the calibration orientation to the current orientation. That is, A is the correction value (expressed as a percentage of the reading) from calibration with pipe-down to flag operation. B is the correction value (expressed as a percentage of the reading) from calibration with pipe-down to pipe-up operation.

[0106] The relationship between the reference orientation and the detected orientation of the vibrating meter can be the pipe-down calibration to pipe-up operation. That is, the reference orientation can be the calibration orientation and the detected orientation can be the current orientation. Figure 4 , the calibration orientation may be the value in reference orientation 456 , the current orientation may be the value in correction orientation 464 , and the relationship between the reference orientation and the detected orientation may be the value in orientation relationship 466 .

[0107]

[0108] Therefore, when the current orientation is the same as the calibration orientation, the table above returns a null value, indicating that the uncorrected measurement result can be corrected. Therefore, the uncorrected measurement result can be presented as an accurate measurement result. When the calibration orientation is tube-down and the current orientation is tube-up, the correction value can be B. The uncorrected measurement result can be corrected using B, for example, by multiplying the uncorrected measurement result by B and adding it to the uncorrected measurement result. As can also be seen from the table above, the tube-up calibration orientation has a correction value of AB for the flag orientation. That is, the uncorrected measurement result can be corrected by multiplying the uncorrected measurement result by the difference between A and B and adding it to the uncorrected measurement result.

[0109] method

[0110] Figure 8 A method 800 for detecting the orientation of a vibrating meter is shown. Figure 8As shown, method 800, in step 810, receives one or more sensor signals from a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly can be the same as sensor assembly 10 described above, but any suitable sensor assembly can be used. The one or more sensor signals can be received via, for example, interface 401 described above. Interface 401 and / or processing system 402 can condition, sample, digitize, compress and / or expand, extract, etc. the one or more received sensor signals. In step 820, method 800 detects the orientation of the sensor assembly based on the one or more sensor signals provided by the sensor assembly. Processing system 402 described above can detect the orientation.

[0111] Method 800, in step 820, may detect an orientation based on a time period of one or more vibration patterns of the sensor assembly as observed in one of the one or more sensor signals provided by the sensor assembly. For example, detecting an orientation based on a time period of the one or more vibration patterns may include detecting an orientation based on a density value determined from at least two of the one or more vibration patterns. Figure 7 and Figure 7A In one example, method 800 can compare first-order flag density value 734b with second-order flag density value 744b to determine if the sensor assembly is in a flag orientation. The comparison can be the difference between the two density values, or the comparison can be relative to calibrated density value 702. For example, the difference between first-order flag density value 734b and calibration density value 702 can be compared to the difference between second-order flag density value 744b and calibration density value 702. Other methods for detecting orientation can be used, such as comparing time periods, frequencies, etc. Additionally, more than two vibration patterns can be used.

[0112] Method 800 can also compensate measurements based on a detected orientation of the sensor assembly. For example, measurements can be compensated based on a relationship between the detected orientation of the sensor assembly and a reference orientation of the sensor assembly. Referring to the example in the table above, the relationship between the detected orientation and the reference orientation can be a relationship between a current orientation, such as a flag orientation, and a calibration orientation, such as a tube-down orientation. This relationship determines a correction value, A. This value can be applied to correct measurements of, for example, density or volume flow rate of a material in the sensor assembly. As can be seen from the table above, the current orientation and / or calibration orientation of the sensor assembly can be a tube-down orientation, a tube-up orientation, and a flag orientation. However, other orientations can be used.

[0113] The above-mentioned vibration meter 5, meter electronics 20 and method 800 can detect the orientation of the sensor assembly 10 and correct the measurement results. Therefore, the corrected measurement results can be accurate. The orientation can be detected based on the sensor signal provided by the sensor assembly 10, and therefore no additional hardware is required. Therefore, the orientation can be detected in any vibration meter that can be configured to, for example, cause the sensor assembly 10 to vibrate in two or more vibration modes. This can include vibration meters installed on site. The orientation can be detected by any suitable parameter of the sensor signal or any suitable parameter determined based on the sensor signal, such as using density values ​​determined from two or more vibration modes, and therefore, the orientation can be configured as needed to reduce computing resources while maintaining the desired accuracy. Although any suitable parameter such as tube period or frequency can be used, since, for example, temperature correction can be used to determine the density value, the density values ​​of the first and second bending modes may be more accurate.

[0114] The detailed description of the above embodiments is not an exhaustive description of all embodiments that the inventors consider to be within the scope of this specification. Indeed, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain elements of the above embodiments may be variously combined or eliminated to create other embodiments, and such other embodiments are within the scope and teachings of this specification. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the above embodiments may be combined in whole or in part to create additional embodiments within the scope and teachings of this specification.

[0115] Therefore, although specific embodiments are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of this specification, as those skilled in the art will recognize. The teachings provided herein can be applied to other meter electronics, vibrating meters, and methods for detecting and correcting the orientation of vibrating meters, and not only to the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the scope of the above-described embodiments should be determined based on the appended claims.

Claims

1. A meter electronics (20) for detecting the orientation of a vibrating meter (5) and compensating a measurement result based on the detected orientation, the meter electronics (20) comprising: an interface (401) configured to be communicatively coupled to a sensor assembly (10), wherein one or more conduits (130, 130') of the sensor assembly (10) contain a process material; and A processing system (402) is configured to detect an orientation of the sensor assembly (10) based on a modal relationship between two or more vibration modes of the one or more conduits (130, 130') observed in one or more sensor signals provided by the sensor assembly (10).

2. The metering electronic device (20) according to claim 1, wherein The processing system (402) is configured to detect the orientation of the sensor assembly (10) based on a pattern relationship between the two or more vibration modes of the one or more conduits (130, 130') observed in the one or more sensor signals, including: the processing system (402) is configured to detect the orientation based on a time period of the two or more vibration modes of the one or more conduits (130, 130') of the sensor assembly (10) observed in a sensor signal in one or more sensor signals provided by the sensor assembly (10).

3. The metering electronic device (20) according to claim 2, wherein: The meter electronics (20) being configured to detect the orientation based on a time period of at least one of the two or more vibration patterns includes the meter electronics (20) being configured to detect the orientation based on a density value determined from the two or more vibration patterns.

4. The metering electronic device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein The processing system (402) is also configured to compensate measurements based on the detected orientation of the sensor assembly (10).

5. The metering electronic device (20) according to claim 4, wherein The processing system (402) is further configured to compensate the measurement result based on the detected orientation of the sensor assembly (10), including: the processing system (402) is further configured to compensate the measurement result based on the relationship between the detected orientation of the sensor assembly (10) and a reference orientation of the sensor assembly (10).

6. The metering electronic device (20) according to claim 5, wherein The reference orientation is a calibration orientation.

7. The metering electronic device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein The detected orientation of the sensor assembly (10) is one of a tube-down orientation (500A), a tube-up orientation (500B), and a flag orientation (500C).

8. A vibrating meter (5) for detecting an orientation of a vibrating meter (5) and compensating a measurement result based on the detected orientation, the vibrating meter (5) comprising: A sensor assembly (10) having one or more conduits (130, 130') containing a process material; as well as Meter electronics (20) communicatively coupled to the sensor assembly (10), the meter electronics (20) being configured to: The orientation of the sensor assembly (10) is detected based on a modal relationship between two or more vibration modes of the one or more conduits (130, 130') observed in one or more sensor signals provided by the sensor assembly (10).

9. The vibrating meter (5) according to claim 8, wherein: The meter electronics (20) being configured to detect the orientation of the sensor assembly (10) based on a pattern relationship between the two or more vibration modes of the one or more conduits (130, 130') observed in the one or more sensor signals includes: the meter electronics (20) being configured to detect the orientation based on a time period of at least one of the two or more vibration modes of the one or more conduits (130, 130') of the sensor assembly (10) observed in a sensor signal in one or more sensor signals provided by the sensor assembly (10).

10. The vibrating meter (5) according to claim 9, wherein: The meter electronics (20) being configured to detect the orientation based on a time period of at least one of the two or more vibration patterns includes the meter electronics (20) being configured to detect the orientation based on a density value determined from the two or more vibration patterns.

11. The vibrating meter (5) according to any one of the preceding claims 8 to 10, wherein: The meter electronics (20) is further configured to compensate measurements based on the detected orientation of the sensor assembly (10).

12. The vibrating meter (5) according to claim 11, wherein: The meter electronics (20) is further configured to compensate the measurement result based on the detected orientation of the sensor assembly (10), including: the meter electronics (20) is further configured to compensate the measurement result based on the relationship of the detected orientation of the sensor assembly (10) to a reference orientation of the sensor assembly (10).

13. The vibrating meter (5) according to claim 12, wherein: The reference orientation is a calibration orientation.

14. The vibrating meter (5) according to any one of the preceding claims 8 to 10, wherein: The detected orientation of the sensor assembly (10) is one of a tube-down orientation (500A), a tube-up orientation (500B), and a flag orientation (500C).

15. A method for detecting the orientation of a vibrating meter and compensating a measurement result based on the detected orientation, the method comprising: receiving one or more sensor signals from a sensor assembly, wherein one or more conduits of the sensor assembly contain a process material; as well as An orientation of the sensor assembly is detected based on a modal relationship between two or more vibration modes of the one or more conduits observed in one or more sensor signals provided by the sensor assembly.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein Detecting the orientation of the sensor assembly based on a modal relationship between the two or more vibration modes of the one or more conduits observed in the one or more sensor signals includes detecting the orientation based on a time period of at least one of the two or more vibration modes of the one or more conduits of the sensor assembly observed in a sensor signal in one or more sensor signals provided by the sensor assembly.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein Detecting the orientation based on a time period of at least one of the two or more vibration patterns includes detecting the orientation based on a density value determined from the two or more vibration patterns.

18. The method of any preceding claim 15 to 17, further comprising compensating measurements based on the detected orientation of the sensor assembly.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein Compensating the measurement based on the detected orientation of the sensor assembly includes compensating the measurement based on a relationship of the detected orientation of the sensor assembly to a reference orientation of the sensor assembly.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein The reference orientation is a calibration orientation.

21. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 15 to 17, wherein The detected orientation of the sensor assembly is one of a tube-down orientation, a tube-up orientation, and a flag orientation.

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