Vibration measurement system for measuring the mass flow rate of fluid measurement media

Abstract

The measurement system includes a vibration-type measurement sensor, a sensor housing (100) for the measurement sensor, a magnetic field detector (61) for sensing a magnetic field (H0+H1) established within the measurement system, and measurement system electronics (ME). The measurement system electronics (ME) are electrically coupled to both the oscillation exciter and the oscillation sensing device of the measurement sensor. The measurement sensor is located inside the sensor housing (100), while the magnetic field detector is located outside the sensor housing. The measurement system electronics (ME) are designed to feed electrical energy into the oscillation exciter via an electrically driven signal (e1), thereby causing the vibration element of the measurement transducer to perform forced mechanical oscillation at a specified oscillation frequency. Furthermore, the magnetic field detector is designed to convert changes in the magnetic field into a magnetic field signal (φ1), the amplitude of which (U3) depends on the magnetic flux (φ3) passing through the magnetic field detector and / or on the areal density (B3) of said magnetic flux (φ3). The measurement system electronics are designed to determine the mass flow rate measurement value representing the mass flow rate based on the oscillating measurement signals (s1, s2) of the measurement sensor, and to at least qualitatively determine whether an external magnetic field (H1) is established inside the measurement sensor based on the magnetic field signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vibration measurement system for measuring the mass flow rate of a fluid measurement medium, and more particularly to a Coriolis mass flow rate measurement device. Background Technology

[0002] In industrial measurement technology, particularly in relation to the regulation and monitoring of automated process engineering processes, vibration measurement systems, consisting of measurement electronics typically formed by at least one microprocessor and a vibration-type measurement sensor, are frequently used to determine with high precision one or more measurement variables, such as mass flow rate and / or density, of a measurement medium (e.g., liquid, gas, or dispersion) flowing in a process pipeline (e.g., pipe). The vibration-type measurement sensor is electrically connected to the measurement system electronics and is passed through by the measurement medium during operation. Examples of such measurement systems designed as, for example, Coriolis mass flow rate measurement devices, Coriolis mass flow rate / density measurement devices, and / or Coriolis mass flow rate / viscosity measurement devices are described in particular in the following sections: EP-A 564 682, EP-A 816 807, US-A2002 / 0033043, US-A 2006 / 0096390, US-A 2007 / 0062309, US-A 2007 / 0119264, US-A 2008 / 0011101, US-A 2008 / 0047362, US-A 2008 / 0190195, US-A 2008 / 0250871, US-A 2010 / 0005887, US-A 2010 / 0011882, US-A 2010 / 0257943, US-A 2011 / 0161017, US-A 2011 / 0178738, US-A 2011 / 0219872, US-A 2011 / 0265580, US-A 2011 / 0271756, US-A 2012 / 0123705, US-A 2013 / 0042700, US-A 2016 / 0071639, US-A 2016 / 0313162, US-A 2016 / 0187176, US-A 2017 / 0003156, US-A 2017 / 0261474、US-A 44 91 009、US-A 47 56 198, US-A 47 77 833, US-A 48 01 897, US-A 48 76 898, US-A 49 96 871, US-A 50 09 109, US-A 52 87 754, US-A 52 91 792, US-A 53 49 872, US-A 57 05 754, US-A 57 96 010, US-A 5796 011, US-A 58 04 742, US-A 58 31 178, US-A 59 45 609, US-A 59 65 824, US-A 60 06609, US-A 60 92 429, US-B 62 23 605, US-B 6311 136、US-B 64 77 901、US-B 65 05518、US-B 65 13 393、US-B 66 51 513、US-B 66 66 098、US-B 67 11 958、US-B 68 40109、US-B 68 83 387、US-B 69 20 798、US-B 70 17 424、US-B 70 40 181、US-B 70 77014、US-B 71 43 655、US-B 72 00 503、US-B 72 16 549、US-B 72 96 484、US-B 73 25462、US-B 73 60 451、US-B 76 65 369、US-B 77 92 646、US-B 79 54 388、US-B 82 01460、US-B 83 33 120、US-B 86 95 436、WO-A 00 / 19175、WO-A 00 / 34748、WO-A 01 / 02812、WO-A 01 / 02816、WO-A 01 / 71291、WO-A 02 / 060805、WO-A 2005 / 050145、WO-A 2005 / 093381、WO-A 2007 / 043996、WO-A 2008 / 013545、WO-A 2008 / 059262、WO-A 2009 / 148451、WO-A2010 / 099276、WO-A 2013 / 092104、WO-A 2014 / 151829、WO-A 2016 / 058745、WO-A 2017 / 069749、WO-A 2017 / 123214、WO-A 2017 / 137347、WO-A 2017 / 143579、WO-A 2018 / 160382、WO-A 2018 / 174841、WO-A 85 / 05677、WO-A 88 / 02853、WO-A 88 / 03642、WO-A 89 / 00679、WO-A94 / 21999、WO-A 95 / 03528、WO-A 95 / 16897、WO-A 95 / 29385、WO-A 95 / 29386、WO-A 98 / 02725、WO-A 99 / 40 394、WO-A 2018 / 028932、WO-A 2018 / 007176、WO-A 2018 / 007185、WO-A2019 / 068553。

[0003] Each measurement system shown in the document includes a measuring sensor comprising at least one vibrating element, which is typically designed as a measuring tube that is straight in at least some sections and / or curved (e.g., U, V, S, Z, or Ω-shaped) in at least some sections and has an inner cavity surrounded by a tube wall for conducting the measuring medium. Alternatively, the at least one vibrating element, particularly as shown in WO-A 2018 / 160382, US-A 2016 / 0187176, or WO-A 2019 / 068553, can also be designed, for example, as a displacement element positioned within the inner cavity of a tube through which the measuring medium flows. The at least one vibrating element is configured to contact the analyte, for example, such that the analyte flows through and / or surrounds it, and the at least one vibrating element is configured to vibrate simultaneously, particularly such that it vibrates at a useful frequency, i.e., mechanical vibration around a resting position, which is also determined by the density of the medium and can therefore be used as a measure of density. In traditional Coriolis mass flow measurement devices, particularly those with a vibrating element designed as a measuring tube, bending vibration at its natural resonant frequency is typically used as the useful vibration. This is, for example, a bending vibration corresponding to the fundamental mode shape of the natural bending vibration inherent in the measuring sensor, where the vibration of the vibrating element is a resonant vibration with a precise vibration loop. Furthermore, when using a measuring tube that is bent in at least some sections as the vibrating element, the useful vibration is typically designed such that the measuring tube oscillates around a virtual vibration axis connecting the inlet and outlet ends of the measuring tube, cantilevered at one end. In the case of a measuring transducer with a straight measuring tube as the vibrating element, the useful vibration is primarily bending vibration in a single virtual vibration plane.

[0004] It is also known to occasionally excite at least one vibrating element to a forced, persistent, non-resonant vibration for purposes such as performing repeated checks on the measuring transducer during instrument operation, or to allow free-damped vibration of at least one vibrating element and evaluate said free-damped vibration in order to detect, as early as possible, any damage to at least one vibrating element that could lead to an undesirable reduction in the measurement accuracy and / or operational reliability of the instrument in question, for example, particularly as described in the aforementioned documents EP-A816807, US-A2011 / 0178738, or US-A2012 / 0123705.

[0005] In the case of a measuring transducer with two vibrating elements (each designed as a measuring tube), these are typically integrated into the corresponding process line via an inlet-side distribution extending between the measuring tube and the inlet-side connecting flange, and an outlet-side distribution extending between the measuring tube and the outlet-side connecting flange. In the case of a measuring transducer with a single measuring tube as a vibrating element, the latter is typically connected to the process line via a connecting pipe open on the inlet side and a connecting pipe open on the outlet side. Furthermore, measuring transducers with a single measuring tube as a vibrating element each include at least one additional vibrating element specifically designed as an anti-oscillator, such as a tubular, box-shaped, or planar anti-oscillator, but which does not contact the analyte and is coupled to the measuring tube on the inlet side to form a first coupling zone, and coupled to the measuring tube on the outlet side to form a second coupling zone, and which is substantially stationary or oscillates in the opposite direction to the measuring tube during operation. The internal portion of a measuring transducer, formed by a measuring tube and a reverse oscillator, is typically held within a protective transducer housing by only two connecting pipes. During operation, the measuring tube communicates with the process piping via these two connecting pipes, particularly in a manner that allows the internal portion to vibrate relative to the transducer housing. In the case of measuring sensors shown, for example in US-A 52 91 792, US-A 57 96 010, US-A 5945 609, US-B 70 77 014, US-A 2007 / 0119264, WO-A 01 / 02 816, or WO-A 99 / 40 394, which have a single, substantially straight measuring tube, the latter is substantially coaxially aligned with the reverse oscillator. This is common in conventional measuring sensors because the reverse oscillator is designed as a substantially straight, hollow cylinder and arranged within the measuring sensor such that the measuring tube is at least partially surrounded by the reverse oscillator. Relatively cost-effective steel grades, such as structural steel or machined steel, are often used as materials for this type of inverted oscillator, especially when titanium, tantalum, or zirconium is used in the measuring tube.

[0006] To actively excite or maintain the vibration of at least one vibrating element, in addition to the aforementioned useful vibration, the vibration-type measuring transducer also has at least one electromechanical, typically electrically powered, oscillating exciter that acts on at least one vibrating element during operation. The oscillating exciter (which is electrically connected to the aforementioned measuring system electronics via a pair of electrical connections, for example in the form of connecting wires and / or in the form of conductor tracks on a flexible printed circuit board) is used, in particular, when actuated by an electrically driven signal generated and correspondingly adjusted by drive electronics disposed in the measuring system electronics—that is, at least adapted to change the vibration characteristics of at least one vibrating element—to convert the electrical excitation power fed by the drive signal into a driving force that acts on at least one vibrating element at the point of action formed by the oscillating exciter. The drive electronics are also specifically configured to adjust the drive signal by internal regulation such that it has a signal frequency corresponding to the useful frequency to be excited, which sometimes also varies with time, optionally as a vibration amplitude predetermined by the excitation current, specifically the current of the drive signal. The drive signal can also be turned off occasionally, for example, during instrument operation, for the purpose of enabling the aforementioned free damped vibration of at least one vibrating element, or, for example, as proposed in the aforementioned document WO-A 2017143579, to protect the drive electronics from overload.

[0007] Commercially available vibration-type measurement sensors typically employ an oscillating exciter constructed as an electrodynamically operating vibrating coil. This vibrating coil is an air coil-magnet assembly formed by an air coil and a permanent magnet. In the case of a measurement sensor with a measuring tube and an inverting oscillator coupled thereto, the air coil is usually fixed to the latter—an air coil that does not surround a magnetic core but is instead air. The permanent magnet interacts with at least one air coil, acting as an armature and is correspondingly fixed to the measuring tube, for example. The corresponding air coil is at least partially positioned within the air gap of the permanent magnet, which carries the magnetic flux. The permanent magnet and the air coil are typically oriented such that they extend substantially coaxially with each other and are also configured to move relative to each other or in opposite directions, such that when an excitation current flows through the air coil, the permanent magnet and the air coil located in its air gap move substantially translationally back and forth. Furthermore, in conventional measurement transducers, the oscillating exciter is typically designed and positioned such that it acts substantially centrally on at least one measuring tube. As an alternative to an oscillating exciter that acts directly at the center of at least one vibrating element, it is possible, for example, to use two oscillating exciters (fixed to the inlet or outlet side of at least one vibrating element rather than at the center of at least one vibrating element) to actively excite the mechanical oscillation of at least one vibrating element, as particularly in the aforementioned document US-A 60 92 429. Alternatively, it is possible to use, for example, an oscillating exciter that acts between at least one vibrating element and the sensor housing, as particularly as proposed in US-B 62 23605 or US-A 55 31 126.

[0008] Because of the useful vibration of at least one vibrating element, not only in the case where the useful vibration of at least one vibrating element is a bending vibration acting transversely to the flow direction on the flowing measuring medium, but also because the Coriolis force, which depends on the instantaneous mass flow rate, is also known to be induced in the measuring medium. These forces, in turn, can cause Coriolis vibration of the vibrating element, which depends on the mass flow rate and is superimposed on the useful vibration, which is also at the useful frequency, such that a propagation time difference or phase difference can be detected between the vibrating motions at the inlet and outlet sides of at least one measuring tube that performs the useful vibration and through which the medium flows simultaneously. This difference also depends on the mass flow rate and can therefore be used as a measure of mass flow rate. When a measuring tube that is bent in at least some sections is used as the vibration element (by selecting a vibration shape in which the measuring tube is allowed to swing in a cantilevered manner for the useful vibration), the resulting Coriolis vibration corresponds, for example, to a bending vibration mode, sometimes also called a torsional mode, in which the measuring tube performs rotational vibration about a virtual rotational vibration axis oriented perpendicular to the virtual vibration axis. In contrast, when a straight measuring tube is used as the vibration element (whose useful vibration is designed to be bending vibration in a single virtual vibration plane), the Coriolis vibration is, for example, a bending vibration substantially coplanar with the useful vibration.

[0009] To sense the inlet and outlet vibrational motion of at least one vibrating element, particularly vibrational motion corresponding to a useful vibration, and to generate at least two electrical oscillation measurement signals influenced by the mass flow rate to be measured, the type of measurement sensor discussed further comprises two or more vibration sensors spaced apart from each other along at least one vibrating element, and, for example, each vibration sensor is electrically connected to the aforementioned measurement system electronics via a separate pair of electrical connection wires. Each vibration sensor is configured to sense the aforementioned vibrational motion at a corresponding measurement point and convert them into electrical oscillation measurement signals, respectively, representing the vibrational motion and containing a useful component, i.e., a (spectral) signal component or an AC voltage component, whose (signal) frequency corresponds to the useful frequency, and whose (signal) amplitude depends on the useful frequency and on the magnetic flux established in the respective vibration sensor. The oscillation measurement signals are then provided to the measurement system electronics, for example, to measurement and control electronics formed by at least one microprocessor, for further, and possibly digital, processing. Furthermore, at least two vibration sensors are designed and arranged such that the aforementioned useful components of the oscillating measurement signals generated by them each additionally possess a phase angle dependent on the mass flow rate, enabling the measurement of the propagation time difference or phase difference dependent on the mass flow rate between the useful components of the two oscillating measurement signals. Based on the phase difference, the measurement system electronics repeatedly determine a mass flow rate measurement representing the mass flow rate. In addition to measuring the mass flow rate, the density and / or viscosity of the medium can also be additionally measured, for example, based on the useful frequency and / or based on the electrical excitation power required to excite or sustain the useful vibration or based on the damping of the useful vibration determined thereunder, and the density and / or viscosity of the medium can be output by the measurement system electronics in the form of qualified measurement values ​​along with the measured mass flow rate. Typically, these two vibration sensors are designed as electrodynamic vibration sensors, specifically electrodynamic vibration sensors formed, in particular, by means of air coil-magnet assemblies in the same manner as at least one oscillating exciter. The air coil-magnet assembly serves as a plunger coil in this case, wherein an air coil is also at least partially positioned (“immersed”) in the air gap carrying the magnetic flux of the associated permanent magnet, and for this plunger coil, the air coil and the permanent magnet are additionally configured to move relative to each other for the purpose of generating an induced voltage, such that the air coil moves back and forth substantially translationally within the air gap. The permanent magnet and the air coil are typically aligned such that they extend substantially coaxially with each other.

[0010] As is well known, when using an electric vibration sensor, even with a constant mass flow rate, the phase angle of the useful component of each oscillating measurement signal can vary over time, or the phase difference established between the useful components can sometimes have interfering components independent of the mass flow rate, making it possible to observe a significant phase error, i.e., an additional, no longer negligible change in the phase difference. Further research on conventional vibration measurement systems, especially conventional Coriolis mass flow measurement devices, has shown that this phase error can also occur particularly in cases where the corresponding measurement system, especially its corresponding measuring sensor, is located near one or more motors, transformers, (electro)magnets, inverters, or other types of equipment components carrying high current, especially DC, and is therefore occasionally exposed to very strong external additional magnetic fields, i.e., magnetic fields induced outside the measurement system but also propagating inside its measuring sensor.

[0011] In particular, as discussed in the aforementioned documents WO-A 01 / 02812 or US-B 76 65 369, one possibility for reducing the aforementioned phase error attributed to an external magnetic field is, for example, designing the sensor housing using a material with relatively high relative permeability (e.g., machined steel or structural steel), thereby significantly reducing its effective magnetoresistance. Another possibility for avoiding measurement errors caused by external magnetic fields is, as proposed in US-B 76 65 369, providing a slot in the corresponding magnetic cup of the vibration sensor to suppress eddy currents induced by the external magnetic field. However, studies have shown that although the above measures weaken the magnetic field entering the transducer housing and thus also help reduce the aforementioned interference components, the phase error cannot always be reduced to a still tolerable level with reasonable technical complexity, even by combining these two measures. Therefore, in conventional Coriolis mass flow measurement equipment, it cannot be easily ruled out that due to unknown external magnetic fields, or perhaps only temporarily established and / or fluctuating magnetic fields, the measurement of mass flow can have a significantly increased, undetected measurement error, or the output of a corresponding mass flow measurement value with significantly reduced measurement accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Based on the above-mentioned prior art, the purpose of this invention is to improve the vibration measurement system, especially the Coriolis mass flow measurement device, so that the presence of an external magnetic field or its influence on the measurement accuracy can be detected at least using the vibration measurement system, and for example, reported in a timely manner accordingly.

[0013] To achieve this objective, the present invention includes a vibration measurement system, such as a Coriolis mass flow rate measurement device or a Coriolis mass flow rate / density measurement device, for measuring the mass flow rate of a fluid measurement medium such as a gas, liquid, or dispersion, the measurement system comprising:

[0014] • A measuring sensor having at least one, for example, tubular, vibrating element for exciting and maintaining mechanical oscillation of at least one vibrating element, at least one oscillation exciter for sensing the mechanical oscillation of at least one vibrating element, such as its useful vibration, and an electrically powered first vibration sensor and at least one electrically powered second vibration sensor, the at least one electrically powered second vibration sensor being structurally identical to the first vibration sensor, and the measuring sensor being configured to guide a measuring medium, i.e., be flowed through the measuring medium at least intermittently.

[0015] • The sensor housing used for measurement, for example, has walls made of metal;

[0016] • For example, at least one first magnetic field detector formed by a Hall sensor and / or a reed switch, for sensing a magnetic field established inside the measurement system, such as an electric field generated outside the sensor housing and / or a magnetic field caused by a magnet located outside the sensor housing and / or a magnetic field that is constant over time.

[0017] • And measurement system electronics electrically coupled to the measurement sensor, namely at least one of its oscillation exciter and its first and second vibration sensors, and electrically coupled to a first magnetic field detector, and formed, for example, by at least one microprocessor and / or constructed in a modular manner;

[0018] • In this configuration, the measuring sensor is positioned inside the sensor housing and the first magnetic field detector is positioned outside the sensor housing, for example, such that at least one vibration element is held on the sensor housing and / or the first magnetic field detector is attached to the outside of the sensor housing;

[0019] • In this embodiment, at least one vibrating element is configured to contact the flowing measurement medium and is permitted to vibrate simultaneously;

[0020] • In this embodiment, at least one oscillation exciter is configured to convert electrical energy fed to the oscillation exciter into mechanical energy that causes forced mechanical oscillation of the vibrating element;

[0021] • The measurement system electronics are configured to generate an electric drive signal and feed electrical energy to at least one oscillation exciter via the drive signal, causing the vibrating element to perform at least proportional useful vibration, i.e., forced mechanical oscillation at at least one useful frequency, the at least one useful frequency being the oscillation frequency specified by the electric drive signal, for example corresponding to the resonant frequency of the measuring sensor, the useful vibration being suitable to induce a Coriolis force depending on the mass flow rate in the flowing measuring medium.

[0022] • The first vibration sensor is configured to convert the vibration motion of at least one vibration element at a first measurement point into an electrical first oscillation measurement signal of the measurement sensor, such that the first oscillation measurement signal has at least one first useful component, namely an AC voltage component, which is at a frequency corresponding to the useful frequency, and the amplitude of the AC voltage component depends on the useful frequency and the first magnetic flux, namely the magnetic flux through the first vibration sensor.

[0023] • The second vibration sensor is configured to convert the vibration motion of at least one vibration element at a measurement point far from the first measurement point into an electrical second oscillation measurement signal of the measurement sensor, such that the second oscillation measurement signal has at least one second useful component, namely an AC voltage component, which is at a frequency corresponding to the useful frequency, and the amplitude of the AC voltage component depends on the useful frequency and the second magnetic flux, namely the magnetic flux through the second vibration sensor.

[0024] • In this configuration, the first magnetic field detector is configured to sense a magnetic field at a third measurement point located outside the sensor housing and convert the magnetic field into a first magnetic field signal, which, for example, evaluates and / or quantifies the magnetic field and / or electrical field, and whose amplitude depends on a third magnetic flux, i.e., the magnetic flux passing through the first magnetic field detector, and / or depends on the areal density of the magnetic flux, for example, such that the first magnetic field signal has an amplitude variation that follows at least the variation in the third magnetic flux and / or its areal density.

[0025] Furthermore, the measurement system electronics are configured to receive and evaluate both first and second oscillating measurement signals and at least a first magnetic field signal, i.e., to determine mass flow rate measurements based on the first and second oscillating measurement signals, the mass flow rate measurements representing mass flow rate and being, for example, digital, i.e., outputting them to a signal output, and, based on the first magnetic field signal, to at least qualitatively determine whether and / or to what extent a magnetic field is established at the first and / or second measurement point, and / or contributes to the first and / or second magnetic flux, and / or to determine whether there is interference from the magnetic field on the measurement system, which, for example, reduces the functionality of the measurement system and / or causes malfunction of the measurement system and / or reduces the integrity of at least one of the first and second oscillating measurement signals or the integrity of the mass flow rate measurements obtained therefrom.

[0026] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the first magnetic field signal is further configured to be an analog signal, such as a continuous value and a continuous-time analog signal, having, for example, a voltage that depends on a third magnetic flux and / or its area density. In an improvement to this embodiment of the invention, the measurement system electronics are further configured to calculate a characteristic value for at least one magnetic field characteristic number based on the first magnetic field signal. This at least one magnetic field characteristic number characterizes, for example, the effect of an external magnetic field on the measuring sensor and / or on at least one of the first and second magnetic fluxes, such that the magnetic field characteristic number depends on the deviation of the first magnetic flux relative to the second magnetic flux and / or evaluates and / or quantifies the deviation, or the magnetic field characteristic number depends on the deviation of the first magnetic flux relative to a predetermined reference value and / or evaluates and / or quantifies the deviation.

[0027] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the first magnetic field signal is further configured such that it is an analog signal, such as a continuous value and a continuous-time analog signal, having, for example, a voltage dependent on a third magnetic flux and / or its area density. The measurement system electronics are also configured to compare one or more characteristic values ​​of the magnetic field characteristic number in each case with one or more reference values, for example, determined by the manufacturer of the Coriolis mass flow measurement device and / or during the production of the Coriolis mass flow measurement device, and / or with one or more reference values ​​indicating a fault in the measurement sensor and / or with one or more reference values ​​indicating that the Coriolis mass flow measurement device is no longer functional. In an improvement to this embodiment of the invention, the measurement system electronics are further configured to determine whether one or more characteristic values ​​of the magnetic field characteristic number are greater than at least one reference value of the magnetic field characteristic number, for example, whether one or more characteristic values ​​of the magnetic field characteristic number are greater than one or more reference values ​​indicating a reduced function of the measurement sensor and / or greater than one or more reference values ​​indicating a fault in the measurement sensor and / or greater than one or more reference values ​​indicating that the Coriolis mass flow measurement device is no longer functional, to output a message indicating this.

[0028] According to a third embodiment of the invention, the measurement system electronics further comprises a non-volatile electronic data memory configured to store digital data, for example, even without an applied operating voltage, particularly to store one or more predetermined reference values ​​for the magnetic field characteristic number. In this improved embodiment of the invention, the electronic data memory stores one or more reference values ​​for the magnetic field characteristic number, for example, those predetermined by the manufacturer of the measurement system and / or determined during the production and / or operation of the measurement system, such as one or more reference values ​​indicating a reduced function of the measurement sensor, and / or one or more reference values ​​indicating a malfunction of the measurement sensor. Furthermore, the measurement system electronics can also be configured to compare one or more characteristic values ​​for the magnetic field characteristic number in each case with one or more reference values ​​for the magnetic field characteristic number stored in the data memory.

[0029] According to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the first magnetic field detector is further formed by at least one Hall sensor.

[0030] According to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, the first magnetic field detector is further formed by at least one reed switch.

[0031] According to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, the first magnetic field detector is further positioned such that the distance between it and the first vibration sensor is less than the distance between it and the second vibration sensor and / or the distance between it and the first vibration sensor is less than 5 cm.

[0032] According to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, the measurement and control electronics have a first analog-to-digital converter for a first oscillation measurement signal and a second analog-to-digital converter for a second oscillation measurement signal. In an improvement of this embodiment of the invention, the measurement system electronics further have a third analog-to-digital converter for a first magnetic field signal.

[0033] According to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, the first vibration sensor is further composed of a first plunger coil and the second vibration sensor is composed of a second plunger coil.

[0034] According to a ninth embodiment of the invention, the first vibration sensor further comprises a first permanent magnet and a first air coil. The first permanent magnet is mechanically connected, for example, to at least one vibrating element to form a first measuring point, such that the first permanent magnet forms a first air gap carrying a first magnetic flux, and the first air coil is at least partially positioned within the first air gap. The first permanent magnet and the first air coil are configured to move relative to each other by the vibrating motion of at least one vibrating element and generate a first induced voltage as a first oscillation measurement signal. The second vibration sensor further comprises a second permanent magnet and a second air coil. The second permanent magnet is mechanically connected, for example, to at least one vibrating element to form a second measuring point, such that the second permanent magnet forms a second air gap carrying a second magnetic flux, and the second air coil is at least partially positioned within the second air gap. The second permanent magnet and the second air coil are configured to move relative to each other by the vibrating motion of at least one vibrating element and generate a second induced voltage as a second oscillation measurement signal.

[0035] According to a tenth embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second useful components further comprises a phase angle depending on the mass flow rate. In an improvement of this embodiment of the invention, the measurement system electronics are further configured to calculate the mass flow rate measurement based on the phase difference between the first and second useful components, i.e., the difference between the phase angle of the first useful component and the phase angle of the second useful component.

[0036] According to the eleventh embodiment of the invention, at least one vibrating element is formed of at least one tube having a tube wall and one of the cavities surrounded by the tube wall, and is configured to be through which a measuring medium flows and to allow simultaneous vibration, the tube being, for example, straight in at least some sections and / or arcuate in at least some sections, the tube wall being, for example, a metal tube wall.

[0037] According to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention, the measurement system electronics are further designed in a modular manner, such that the measurement system electronics have a first electronic device module and a second electronic device module. This embodiment of the invention is further improved such that the first electronic device module is configured to generate a drive signal and receive and evaluate first and second oscillation measurement signals, and the second electronic device module is configured to receive and evaluate a first magnetic field signal. Alternatively or additionally, the first and second electronic device modules of the measurement system electronics can be electrically coupled to each other, for example, such that the signal output of the first electronic device module is electrically connected to the signal input of the second electronic device module.

[0038] According to a first improvement of the invention, the measurement system further includes, for example, at least one electronic device housing constructed in a modular manner, wherein the measurement system electronics are at least partially, for example, completely housed within the electronic device housing and / or wherein the first magnetic field detector is located outside the electronic device housing. According to an embodiment of this improvement, the sensor housing additionally has a connector for the electronic device housing, and the electronic device housing is mechanically connected to the connector, for example, detachably connected.

[0039] According to a second improvement of the invention, the measurement system further includes at least one modularly constructed electronic housing, wherein the measurement system electronics are at least partially, for example, completely housed within the electronic housing, such that the electronic housing has a first housing module and a second housing module. A further improvement of this embodiment of the invention is that the first housing module is attached to the exterior of the sensor housing and / or the second housing module is attached to the exterior of the first housing module.

[0040] According to a third improvement of the invention, the measurement system further includes at least one modularly constructed electronic housing, in which the measurement system electronics are at least partially, for example, completely, housed, such that the electronic housing has a first housing module and a second housing module, and the measurement system electronics are designed in a modular manner, such that the measurement system electronics have a first electronic module and a second electronic module. According to one embodiment of this improvement, the first housing module of the electronic housing is further configured to receive a first electronic module of the measurement system electronics, and the second housing module of the electronic housing is configured to receive a second electronic module of the measurement system electronics, and additionally, the electronic module is housed within the first housing module and the second electronic module is housed within the second housing module. For example, the first electronic module can be configured to generate a drive signal and receive and evaluate first and second oscillation measurement signals, and the second electronic module can be additionally configured to receive and evaluate a first magnetic field signal. Alternatively or additionally, the first and second electronic modules of the measurement system electronics can be electrically coupled to each other, for example, such that the signal output of the first electronic module is electrically connected to the signal input of the second electronic module.

[0041] According to a fourth improvement of the invention, the measuring system further includes a protective cover, for example, of metal, for at least one magnetic field detector, wherein the protective cover is located outside the sensor housing, for example, attached to the outside of the sensor housing to form an intermediate space between the protective cover and the sensor housing, and wherein the magnetic field detector is located within said intermediate space. According to one embodiment of this improvement, the protective cover is further made at least partially of stainless steel and / or the protective cover is securely bonded to the sensor housing, for example, welded thereto, and / or the protective cover is fastened to the sensor housing by at least one seal.

[0042] According to a fifth improvement of the invention, the measurement system for sensing a magnetic field includes at least one second magnetic field detector, which is formed and / or structurally identical to the first magnetic field detector, for example by a Hall sensor and / or a reed switch. The second magnetic field detector is configured to sense the magnetic field at a fourth measurement point located away from the third measurement point (e.g., also away from the first measurement point and / or away from the second measurement point and / or located outside the sensor housing), and convert it into a second magnetic field signal. This signal, for example, evaluates and / or quantifies the magnetic field and / or electrical field, and its amplitude depends on a fourth magnetic flux, i.e., the magnetic flux passing through the second magnetic field detector, and / or depends on the areal density of said magnetic flux. This, for example, causes the second magnetic field signal to have an amplitude variation at least following changes in the fourth magnetic flux and / or its areal density. Furthermore, the measurement system electronics are also configured to receive and evaluate the second magnetic field signal, i.e., to determine the presence of an external magnetic field based on the second magnetic field signal. According to one embodiment of this improvement of the invention, the second magnetic field detector is further positioned near the second vibration sensor, for example, at a distance of less than 5 cm, and / or the second magnetic field signal is an analog signal, which has, for example, a voltage that depends on the fourth magnetic flux and / or its area density, and / or the second magnetic field detector is also located outside the sensor housing, for example, such that the second magnetic field detector is attached to the outside of the sensor housing (100).

[0043] The basic idea of ​​this invention is to definitively sense, and possibly report accordingly, the effect of occasional external magnetic field occurrences on the vibration sensor of a vibration measurement system (specifically designed as a Coriolis mass flow measurement device) or the effect of its oscillation measurement signal by at least one additional magnetic field detector located outside the housing of the respective sensor. A particular advantage of this invention is that it also allows for easy retrofitting of existing measurement systems, especially those already installed. Attached Figure Description

[0044] The invention and its advantageous embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. In all the drawings, the same or identical components or functions are given the same reference numerals; the aforementioned reference numerals are omitted in subsequent figures for clear reasons or if it seems reasonable for other reasons. Further advantageous embodiments or modifications, especially combinations of aspects of the invention initially explained individually, also arise from the drawings and / or the claims themselves.

[0045] The attached diagram shows in detail:

[0046] Figure 1 This is a vibration measurement system formed here using a Coriolis mass flow measurement device;

[0047] Figure 2 It is a schematic block diagram representation of the electronic components of a measurement system, and is particularly applicable to systems with vibration-type measurement sensors connected thereto. Figure 1 Measuring equipment or according to Figure 1 Coriolis mass flow measurement equipment;

[0048] Figure 3 It is based on Figure 1 Coriolis mass flow measurement equipment or based on Figure 2 A phasor diagram (a vector diagram with static vectors) of the signal components of the oscillating measurement signal generated by the measurement system electronics connected to the vibration-type measurement sensor;

[0049] Figure 4a , 4b They are based on Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the vibration sensor and magnetic field sensing device of the measurement sensor, and the field lines of the magnetic field passing through the measurement sensor respectively;

[0050] Figure 5a , 5b They are based on Figure 4a A schematic representation of another vibration sensor of the measurement sensor or 4b, and the field lines of the magnetic field passing through the measurement sensor respectively. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Figure 1 and 2A vibration measurement system is shown that can be inserted into process lines (not shown) such as filling or refueling equipment, or pipelines of industrial equipment, for flowable measurement media, particularly fluids or pourable measurement media, such as, at least intermittently, two-phase or multi-phase or heterogeneous fluids. This measurement system is particularly used to measure and / or monitor mass flow rate m or to determine the mass flow rate (representing mass flow rate) of a fluid measurement medium (e.g., gas, liquid, or dispersion) that is allowed to flow in or at least intermittently within the aforementioned process line. Furthermore, the measurement system can also be additionally used to measure the density ρ and / or viscosity η of the measurement medium, for example, determining and outputting density measurements representing density and / or viscosity measurements representing viscosity. According to one embodiment of the invention, a measurement system is used to determine the mass flow rate measurement of a medium to be delivered (e.g., delivered to a customer by a supplier in a specified or specifyable quantity) such as a liquefied gas, such as a liquefied gas containing methane and / or ethane and / or propane and / or butane, or liquefied natural gas (LNG), or a mixture of substances formed from liquid hydrocarbons (e.g., petroleum or liquid fuels). Accordingly, the measurement system can also be designed, for example, as a component of a freight transfer station undertaking calibration obligations, such as a gas station, and / or as a component of a transfer station, for example, as disclosed in the documents WO-A02 / 060805, WO-A2008 / 013545, WO-A2010 / 099276, WO-A2014 / 151829, and WO-A2016 / 058745.

[0052] For example, a measurement system implemented as a Coriolis mass flow rate measuring device, or as a Coriolis mass flow rate / density measuring device additionally measuring density, and / or as a Coriolis mass flow rate / viscosity measuring device additionally measuring viscosity, includes: a physical electrical measuring sensor MW, which is connected to the process pipeline via an inlet end #111 and an outlet end #112, and is configured to be through which the measured medium flows during operation; and an electronic measuring system electronics ME, which is electrically coupled to the measuring sensor, and is formed, in particular, by at least one microprocessor and / or supplied with electrical power from an internal energy storage and / or from an external source via a connecting cable during operation. The electrical coupling or connection between the measuring sensor MW and the measuring system electronics ME can occur via corresponding electrical connection lines and corresponding cable feed devices. In this case, the connection lines can be at least proportionally formed as conductive lines surrounded by an electrical insulator in at least certain sections, for example, in the form of "twisted pair" wire, ribbon cable, and / or coaxial cable. Alternatively or additionally, the connection lines can also be formed, in at least certain sections, by printed conductors of a printed circuit board, particularly a flexible, optionally varnished printed circuit board.

[0053] Advantageously, the measurement system electronics ME (which is also, for example, programmable and / or remotely parameterizable) can also be designed to exchange measurement data and / or other operational data, such as status messages, such as current measurement values ​​or setpoints and / or diagnostic values ​​for controlling the measurement system, with a higher-level electronic data processing system (not shown here) (e.g., a programmable logic controller (PLC), personal computer, and / or workstation) via a data transmission system (e.g., a fieldbus system and / or radio connection) during operation of the measurement system. Therefore, the measurement system electronics ME can have, for example, transmitting and receiving electronics COM, which are fed during operation by an (central) evaluation and supply unit located in the aforementioned data processing system and remote from the measurement system. For example, the measurement system electronics ME (or its aforementioned transmitting and receiving electronics COM) can be designed to be electrically connected to the aforementioned external electronic data processing system via a two-conductor connection 2L (optionally also configured as a 4-20mA current loop), and via this connection, it can obtain the electrical power required to operate the measurement system from the aforementioned evaluation and supply unit of the data processing system, and can also transmit measured values ​​to the data processing system, for example, through (load) modulation of the DC power supply current fed by the evaluation and supply unit. Furthermore, the measurement system electronics ME can also be designed to operate at a nominal maximum power of 1W or less and / or be inherently safe. The measurement system electronics 20 of the measurement system according to the invention can also, for example, have a modular structure, such that various electronic components of the measurement system electronics ME (such as drive electronics Exc for actuating the measurement sensor, measurement and control electronics DSV for processing the measurement signal provided by the measurement sensor and for determining the measurement value based on the measurement signal of the measurement sensor, internal power supply circuit VS for providing one or more internal operating voltages, and / or the aforementioned transmit and receive electronics COM for communicating with a higher-level measurement data processing system or an external fieldbus) are respectively arranged on separate printed circuit boards and / or respectively formed by separate microprocessors. Therefore, according to another embodiment of the invention, the measurement system electronics ME has a modular design, such that the measurement system electronics ME has, for example, a first electronic module ME1 and a second electronic module ME2 electrically coupled thereto via electrical connection lines; this, for example, makes the signal output of electronic module ME1 electrically connected to the signal input of electronic module ME2. The aforementioned signal output of electronic module ME1 can, for example, be designed to output a digital measurement value determined based on the measurement signal of the measurement sensor, especially the aforementioned mass flow rate, density, or viscosity measurement value.To visualize measurements generated internally by the measurement system and / or status messages generated internally by the measurement system, such as error messages or alarms, the measurement system may also have a display and operation element HMI, such as an LCD, OLED, or TFT display located behind a window in the corresponding configuration within the aforementioned electronics housing 200. This HMI also communicates at least intermittently with the measurement system electronics 20, for example, with its aforementioned measurement and control electronics DSV; and a corresponding input keyboard and / or touchscreen.

[0054] To protect the measurement system electronics ME, according to another embodiment of the invention, the measurement system has an electronics housing 200, which is also constructed in a modular manner, and the measurement system electronics ME is at least partially, and possibly completely, housed within the electronics housing 200. According to another embodiment of the invention, the electronics housing 200 has a modular design, such that it has a first housing module 200A and a second housing module 200B, which are, for example, directly mechanically connected to the housing module 200A. In the case described above, where the measurement system electronics ME is formed by two electronics modules ME1 and ME2, the housing module 200A can also be configured to receive the electronics module ME1, and the housing module 200B can be correspondingly configured to receive the electronics module ME2. The electronics housing 200 or its corresponding housing module can be made, for example, of a metal such as stainless steel or aluminum and / or by casting methods such as investment casting or die casting (HPDC); however, it can also be formed, for example, by injection molding of a plastic molded part. Furthermore, the electronic device housing 200 or the aforementioned housing module can also be designed to be shock-resistant or pressure-resistant and / or prevent destructive amounts of dust penetration and / or prevent water spraying onto all sides, for example, making it compliant with the protection level IP 54 requirements according to DIN EN 60529(VDE 0470-1):2014-09 and / or compliant with the fire-resistant type "Pressure housing (Ex-d)" requirements according to EN 60079-1:2007.

[0055] As already noted, the measuring sensor MW is a vibration-type measuring sensor, i.e., the measuring sensor described below, which has at least one vibrating element 10, at least one electromechanical oscillation exciter 41 for exciting and maintaining the mechanical vibration of at least one vibrating element 10, and an electrically powered first vibration sensor 51 and at least one electrically powered second vibration sensor 52, which, for example, is structurally identical to the first vibration sensor 51, for sensing the mechanical vibration of at least one vibrating element 10, wherein the oscillation exciter 41 and the vibration sensors 51, 52 are each electrically coupled to the measuring system electronics 20, and wherein at least one vibrating element 10 is configured to contact a flowing measuring medium, i.e., the measured medium flows through and / or flows around the measured medium and is allowed to vibrate simultaneously, i.e., at least one resonant frequency inherent in the vibrating element or the measuring sensor formed therefrom. Accordingly, the measuring sensor can also be a conventional vibration-type measuring sensor, such as those described in the aforementioned documents EP-A 816 807, US-A 2002 / 0033043, US-A 2006 / 0096390, US-A 2007 / 0062309, US-A2007 / 0119264, US-A 2008 / 0011101, US-A 2008 / 0047362, US-A 2008 / 0190195, US-A 2008 / 0250871, US-A 2010 / 0005887, US-A 2010 / 0011882, US-A 2010 / 0257943, US-A 2011 / 0161017, US-A 2011 / 0178738, US-A 2011 / 0219872, US-A 2011 / 0265580, US-A 2011 / 0271756, US-A 2012 / 0123705, US-A 2013 / 0042700, US-A 2016 / 0313162, US-A 2017 / 0261474, US-A 44 91 009, US-A 47 56 198, US-A 47 77 833, US-A 48 01 897, US-A 4876 898, US-A 49 96 871, US-A 50 09 109, US-A 52 87 754, US-A 52 91 792, US-A 53 49872, US-A 57 05 754, US-A 57 96 010, US-A 57 96 011, US-A 58 04 742, US-A 58 31178, US-A 59 45 609, US-A 59 65 824, US-A 60 06 609, US-A 60 92 429, US-B 62 23605, US-B63 11 136, US-B 64 77 901, US-B 65 05 518, US-B 65 13 393, US-B 66 51513, US-B 66 66 098, US-B 67 11 958, US-B 68 40 109, US-B 69 20 798, US-B 70 17424, US-B 70 40 181, US-B 70 77 014, US-B 72 00 503, US-B 72 16 549, US-B 72 96484, US-B 73 25 462, US-B 73 60 451, US-B 77 92 646, US-B 79 54 388, US-B 83 33120, US-B 86 95 436, WO-A 00 / 19175, WO-A 00 / 34748, WO-A 01 / 02816, WO-A 01 / 71291, WO-A 02 / 060805, WO-A 2005 / 093381、WO-A 2007 / 043996、WO-A 2008 / 013545、WO-A 2008 / 059262、WO-A 2010 / 099276、WO-A 2013 / 092104、WO-A 2014 / 151829、WO-A 2016 / 058745、WO-A 2017 / 069749, WO-A 2017 / 123214, WO-A 2017 / 143579, WO-A 85 / 05677, WO-A 88 / 02853, WO-A 89 / 00679, WO-A 94 / 21999, WO-A 95 / 03528, WO-A 95 / 16897, WO-A 95 / 29385, WO-A 98 / 02725, WO-A 99 / 40 394 or PCT / EP2017 / 067826.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, or from Figure 1 and 2 It is readily apparent from the combination that at least one vibrating element 10, together with at least one oscillation exciter 41 and at least two vibration sensors 51, 52, and possibly other components of the measuring sensor MW, is housed within the sensor housing 100 of the measuring system; this specifically ensures that at least one vibrating element 10 is held onto the sensor housing 100, for example, rigidly connected to it. According to another embodiment of the invention, the sensor housing 100 has walls made of metal (e.g., stainless steel). Furthermore, as... Figure 1 and 2As shown, the aforementioned electronic device housing 200 can be mounted on the sensor housing 100 in a compact structure to form a mass flow measurement device, such as a Coriolis mass flow measurement device. Therefore, according to another embodiment of the invention, the sensor housing 100 has a connector for the electronic device housing, and the electronic device housing 200 is mechanically (or possibly detachably) connected to the connector. In the case of the above-described modular design of the electronic device housing 200, housing module 200A can be attached to the outside of the sensor housing 100, for example, housing module 200A is attached to the outside of the sensor housing 100, and housing module 200B is attached to the outside of housing module 200A.

[0057] As is customary in the case of measuring sensors of the type discussed and vibration measuring systems formed therefrom, the vibration element 10 can also be formed, for example, by one or more tubes, particularly tubes that are straight in at least some sections and / or arched in at least some sections, having one of tube walls (especially metal tube walls) and an inner cavity surrounded by said tube walls, wherein each of the tubes or tubes is also respectively configured to carry (or be flowed through) at least intermittently flowing fluid measuring medium and is allowed to vibrate accordingly simultaneously. However, the vibration element can also be formed, for example, by one or more displacement elements located within the inner cavity of the tube of the measuring transducer through which the analyte flows, each of the displacement elements or displacement elements being respectively configured such that the analyte flows around them and they vibrate accordingly simultaneously.

[0058] At least one oscillating actuator 41 is further configured to convert the electrical energy fed thereto into mechanical energy that causes forced mechanical oscillation of at least one vibrating element 11. According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one oscillating actuator 41 is designed as, for example, an electrically driven, electromagnetic, or piezoelectric oscillating actuator 41, such as… Figure 2 As shown and very common in vibration-type measurement sensors or vibration measurement systems formed therefrom, the at least one oscillating exciter 41 is positioned such that the force generated therefrom acts on the vibration element along a virtual force line extending through the center of mass of at least one vibration element, and / or such that the force generated therefrom acts on the vibration element along a virtual force line extending through the center of mass of at least one vibration element, and / or the force generated by the exciter ... Figure 2 The oscillation exciter 41 shown is the only oscillation exciter that causes the vibration element 10 to oscillate.

[0059] The measurement system electronics ME of the measurement system according to the invention is also provided in particular and correspondingly configured to generate an electrical drive signal e1, such as a bipolar and / or at least intermittent and periodic, possibly harmonic, electrical drive signal, and thus feed electrical energy into at least one oscillating exciter 41, such that at least one vibrating element 10 performs at least proportional useful vibration, i.e., at the useful frequency f.N The forced mechanical oscillation, which is suitable for generating a Coriolis force in the flowing measuring medium that depends on the mass flow rate and acts on the vibrating element 10, causes the Coriolis vibration, i.e., the mechanical oscillation additionally forced by the Coriolis force and depending on the mass flow rate m of the measuring medium, to be superimposed at the aforementioned useful frequency f. N On the useful vibration. Useful frequency f N The vibration frequency of the forced mechanical vibration of the vibrating element is predetermined by the electric drive signal e1 and corresponds, for example, to the aforementioned resonant frequency f of the measuring transducer. R (f N =f R Therefore, the driving signal e1 can, for example, be a signal that forms a specific useful frequency f. N The above signal component e1 N The harmonic electrical signal, or for example, may be composed of multiple (spectral) signal components and contain a defined useful frequency f. N The useful component of the spectrum e1 N The multi-frequency electrical signal. Furthermore, the useful vibration excited by the oscillation exciter 41 and the measurement system electronics ME connected thereto can, for example, be the bending vibration of at least one vibrating element 10 around a relevant rest position, wherein, for example, the instantaneous resonant frequency of the fundamental mode shape of the bending vibration of at least one vibrating element 10 (having only a single vibration loop) (also depending on the density and / or viscosity of the measuring medium conducted in the measuring sensor and in contact with its vibrating element 10) and / or the lowest instantaneous resonant frequency of at least one vibrating element 10 can be selected, i.e., set to the useful frequency f by the drive signal e1. N To generate the drive signal e1 or set the useful frequency f N The measurement system electronics ME can have, for example, a corresponding driving electronics Exc, which in particular is used to determine and set the useful frequency f. N It is formed by one or more phase-locked loops (PLLs). According to another embodiment of the invention, the driving electronics Exc has a digital frequency output. Furthermore, the driving electronics Exc is also configured to output a frequency sequence at the frequency output, specifically a sequence of digital frequency values ​​quantized for a signal frequency set for the driver signal e1, such that the signal frequency is, for example, the currently set useful frequency (or the signal frequency of its signal component eN1).

[0060] As already mentioned, the measuring sensor MW is also equipped with electrically driven vibration sensors 51 and 52 to sense the mechanical oscillations of at least one vibrating element 11, particularly the forced mechanical oscillations of at least one vibrating element 11. Vibration sensor 51 can be formed, for example, by a first plunger coil, and vibration sensor 52 can be formed, for example, by a second plunger coil. Specifically, vibration sensor 51 is configured to convert the vibrational motion of at least one vibrating element 11 at a first measuring point into an electrically driven first oscillation measurement signal s1 of the measuring sensor, such that... Figure 3 As shown, the oscillation measurement signal s1 has at least one first useful component s1. N (depending on time t), that is, at the corresponding useful frequency f N The AC voltage component at the frequency, and the vibration sensor 52 is configured to convert the vibration motion of at least one vibrating element at a second measurement point away from the first measurement point into an electrical second oscillation measurement signal s2 of the measurement sensor, such that, similarly... Figure 3 As shown, the oscillation measurement signal s2 has at least one second useful component s2. N (depending on time t), that is, at the corresponding useful frequency f N The AC voltage component at the specified frequency. Assuming each of the two vibration sensors 51 and 52 is an electrodynamic vibration sensor, then the useful component s1... N Therefore, it depends on the useful frequency f. N The amplitude U1 of the first magnetic flux Ф1 (i.e., the magnetic flux through the vibration sensor 51) N (or related voltage level), and useful component s2 N Accordingly, it has a frequency that depends on the useful frequency f N The amplitude U2 of the second magnetic flux Ф2 (i.e., the magnetic flux through the vibration sensor 52) N(or related voltage level). Each of these two vibration sensors can be formed, for example, by a plunger coil, as is very common in measurement sensors of the type discussed. Accordingly, according to another embodiment of the invention, the first vibration sensor has a first permanent magnet and a first air coil, the first permanent magnet being mechanically connected, for example, to at least one vibrating element to form a first measuring point, the first air coil being mechanically connected, for example, to at least one vibrating element 11 and / or sensor housing 100, and the second vibration sensor has a second permanent magnet and a second air coil, the second permanent magnet being mechanically connected, for example, to at least one vibrating element 11 to form a second measuring point, the second air coil being mechanically connected, for example, to at least one vibrating element and / or sensor housing 100. The first permanent magnet forms a first air gap, the first air gap carrying a magnetic flux Ф1 and at least partially positioning the first air coil therein, and the second permanent magnet forms a second air gap, the second air gap carrying a magnetic flux Ф2 and at least partially positioning the second air coil therein. Furthermore, the first permanent magnet and the first air coil are configured to move relative to each other by the vibrational movement of at least one vibrating element and generate a first induced voltage (u) used as an oscillation measurement signal s1. i 1), and the second permanent magnet and the second air coil are configured to move relative to each other by the vibrational motion of at least one vibrating element 11 and generate a second induced voltage (u) used as an oscillation measurement signal s2. i 2), wherein the aforementioned first induced voltage and second induced voltage are both based on the law of induction (used for motion sensing):

[0061]

[0062] or

[0063]

[0064] Depending on the corresponding interconnected or induced magnetic flux (Ψ1 = N1·Ф1 or Ψ2 = N2·Ф2), that is, the total magnetic flux within the corresponding first or second air coil, it depends on the corresponding magnetic flux Ф1 or Ф2 and the corresponding associated number of windings (N1 or N2). The oscillating measurement signals s1, s2 generated by the measurement sensor 10 are further provided to the measurement system electronics ME, for example via electrical connection lines, so that they are processed accordingly, for example by digital signal processing (DSP), i.e., pre-amplified, filtered, and digitized, and subsequently evaluated accordingly.

[0065] According to another embodiment of the invention, vibration sensors 51, 52 are further arranged such that, when at least one vibration element 11 is excited by the aforementioned Coriolis vibration, the useful component s1 of the oscillation measurement signal s1 or s2 is measured. N s2 NEach of them also additionally has a phase angle, which depends on the mass flow rate m of the measuring medium flowing through the measuring sensor 10 and can be relative, for example, to the drive signal e1 or its useful component e1. N The measured; this especially makes such Figure 3 As shown, it depends on the phase difference of the mass flow rate m. Useful component s1 existing in vibration signal s1 N The useful component s2 of the vibration signal s2 N Between, i.e., the first useful component s1 N The phase angle and the second useful component s2 N The difference between the phase angles, or the phase difference between the oscillating measurement signals s1 and s2 following the change in the mass flow rate of the measurement medium transmitted in the measurement sensor. The changes. This is very common in such measurement sensors and also in... Figure 2 As indicated, vibration sensors 51 and 52 can be positioned respectively at, for example, the same distance from the center of mass of at least one vibrating element 11, thus, for example, at the same distance from the center of mass of at least one pipe or the center of mass of at least one displacement element, such that, when viewed in the flow direction, vibration sensor 51 is arranged at or near the inlet side of at least one vibrating element 11, and vibration sensor 52 is arranged at or near the outlet side of at least one vibrating element 11. Furthermore, the two vibration sensors 51 and 52 can also be the sole vibration sensors used to sense the vibration of at least one vibrating element 11, such that the measuring sensor has no other vibration sensors besides the vibration sensors 51 and 52. According to another embodiment of the invention, the measuring sensor is also provided with at least one temperature sensor 71 for sensing the temperature of the measuring sensor at a temperature measurement point, the temperature sensor being configured to provide a temperature measurement signal, i.e., a measurement signal representing the temperature at the temperature measurement point, which in particular has a temperature-dependent voltage and / or a temperature-dependent current. Alternatively or additionally, the measuring sensor can also, for example, also have at least one strain sensor for sensing mechanical stress within the measuring sensor.

[0066] As already mentioned, the measurement system electronics ME is provided or configured to generate a drive signal e1 and also to receive and evaluate oscillation measurement signals s1, s2, i.e., based on the aforementioned phase difference between the first and second useful components, such as the oscillation measurement signals s1, s2. To determine the mass flow rate measurement value representing the mass flow rate, the value is output, for example, in analog form and / or digital form. According to another embodiment of the invention, the measurement system electronics 20 is therefore also configured to first determine the phase difference based on the oscillating measurement signals s1, s2. Furthermore, the measurement system electronics ME can also be configured to determine, for example, a useful component e1 relative to the drive signal e1 or its foregoing components e1 from at least one of the existing oscillating measurement signals s1, s2. N The corresponding useful component s1 N s2 N The corresponding phase angles mentioned above, and / or the useful frequency f is determined based on at least one of the oscillation measurement signals s1 and s2. N For example, during operation, at least one phase sequence is also generated, namely a sequence of digital phase values ​​and / or a frequency sequence (i.e., a sequence of quantized useful frequencies f) of the phase angle of one of the first and second useful components. N The digital frequency value sequence), such that the phase sequence corresponds to the curve of the phase angle of the corresponding useful component changing with time, or the frequency sequence corresponds to the curve of the useful frequency changing with time. For example, as is very common in Coriolis mass flow measurement devices, the phase angle can be determined or the above-mentioned phase sequence can be generated by using a first harmonic reference signal (Q) with a useful frequency and a second harmonic reference signal (I) phase-shifted by 90° thereto, through quadrature demodulation (Q / I demodulation) of the corresponding oscillation measurement signals, which is performed accordingly in the measurement system electronics ME. Especially in the above-mentioned case where the useful vibration caused by the drive signal e1 is the resonant vibration of at least one vibrating element 11, the useful frequency f of the oscillation measurement signals s1, s2 N It can be used as a measure of the density and / or viscosity of the measuring medium, and the density and / or viscosity can be determined accordingly by the measuring system electronics ME based on the aforementioned frequency sequence. Particularly for the aforementioned case where the measuring sensor has a temperature sensor 71 and / or a strain sensor, the measuring system electronics 20 is further configured according to another embodiment of the invention to receive and process, in particular, digitize and evaluate the temperature measurement signal generated by the temperature sensor or the stress measurement signal generated by the strain sensor; for example, this allows the measuring system electronics ME to determine the temperature of the displacement element and / or the temperature of the measuring medium based on at least one temperature measurement signal.

[0067] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the measurement system electronics ME is further configured to generate a first useful component sequence based on the oscillating measurement signal s1, i.e., to quantize the first useful component s1. N amplitude U1 N1 Digital amplitude value sequence U1 N1 [m](m∈N—natural number), and the measurement system electronics are also configured to generate a second useful component sequence based on the oscillating measurement signal s2, i.e., to quantize the second useful component s2. N amplitude U2 N Digital amplitude value sequence U2 N1 [n](n∈N), for example, such that at equidistant consecutive time points tm =m·T s1 Therefore, with an update rate f s1 =1 / (t) m+1 -t m ) = 1 / T s1 Determine the amplitude value U1 N1 [m], and at equidistant consecutive time points t n =n·T s2 Therefore, at the update rate f s2 =1 / (t) n+1 -t n ) = 1 / T s2 Determine the amplitude value U2 N [n], such that the sequence of the first useful components at least approximately corresponds to the first useful component s1. N amplitude U1 N The curve varies with time, and the sequence of the second useful component at least approximately corresponds to the second useful component s2. N amplitude U2 N1 A curve that changes over time. For example, it is possible to select the above update rates fs1 and fs2 such that they are the same (f s1 =f s2 ) and / or amplitude value U1 N1 [m] is determined to the corresponding amplitude U2 in essentially chronological order in each case. N1 [n](t m =t n ).

[0068] To process the oscillation measurement signals s1 and s2 provided by the measurement sensors, there may also be the aforementioned temperature measurement signals and / or stress measurement signals, which are used, for example, to determine mass flow rate measurements and may also be used to determine density and / or viscosity measurements. As mentioned above, the measurement system electronics ME can also have corresponding measurement and control electronics DSVs, such as... Figure 2As schematically shown, the measurement and control electronics (DSV) is electrically connected to the measurement sensor 10 or its vibration sensors 51, 52, such that the first measurement signal input of the measurement system electronics ME for the oscillation measurement signal s1 and at least one second measurement signal input of the measurement system electronics 20 for the oscillation measurement signal s2 are formed by the measurement and control electronics (DSV). The measurement and control electronics (DSV) can be advantageously configured to digitally process the provided oscillation measurement signals s1, s2, and possibly temperature and / or stress measurement signals, for example, specifically via at least one microprocessor and / or at least one digital signal processor (DSP) and / or via a programmable logic module (FPGA) and / or via a custom-programmed logic module (ASIC). During the operation of the measurement system, the program code executed in one or more of the aforementioned microprocessors or digital signal processors of the measurement system electronics ME can be permanently stored, for example, in one or more non-volatile data memories (EEPROMs) of the measurement system electronics ME, and when the latter is started, can be loaded into volatile data memories (RAMs) (e.g., integrated in the microprocessor) provided in the measurement system electronics ME or the measurement and control electronics DSV. For processing in the microprocessor or digital signal processor, the oscillation measurement signals s1 and s2 can, of course, first be converted into corresponding digital signals by corresponding analog-to-digital converters (A / D), specifically by digitizing the corresponding signal voltages of the oscillation measurement signals s1 and s2; see, for example, US-B 63 11136 or US-A 2011 / 0271756. Therefore, according to another embodiment of the invention, a first analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for the oscillation measurement signal s1 and a second ADC for the oscillation measurement signal s2 are disposed in the measurement system electronics ME, for example, in the aforementioned measurement and control electronics DSV, and / or at least one non-volatile electronic data memory (EEPROM) is disposed in the measurement system electronics ME and configured to store digital data, for example, even without an applied operating voltage. The aforementioned phase sequence and / or frequency sequence can also be additionally generated by the measurement and control electronics DSV, for example, output at the corresponding digital phase output or the corresponding digital frequency output, and thus configured for further processing in the measurement system electronics ME. In the case where the measurement system electronics ME is formed by the aforementioned driving electronics Exc and the aforementioned measurement and control electronics DSV, its phase output can be electrically connected to the phase input of a phase comparator disposed in the driving electronics Exc, and for example, also forming components of the aforementioned phase-locked loop (PLL), and the phase comparator can also be configured to identify the aforementioned signal component e1 of the driving signal e1 based on the phase sequence. N With at least one useful component s1 Ns2 N The phase difference between them, and / or the degree of said phase difference. According to another embodiment of the invention, the measurement and control electronics DSV is also configured to generate the first and second useful component sequences described above and output at least one of the useful component sequences at a digital amplitude output. Furthermore, the amplitude output of the measurement and control electronics DSV can also be electrically connected to, for example, the amplitude input of a drive electronics Exc, which senses the vibration amplitude of at least one vibrating element 11, and the drive electronics Exc can be additionally configured to generate a drive signal e1 based on the amplitude sequence, such that the vibration of at least one vibrating element or its useful vibration reaches or does not permanently exceed or fall below a specified vibration amplitude.

[0069] As previously stated, due to the operating principle of the two electric vibration sensors, the useful components or amplitudes of the two oscillation measurement signals s1 and s2 depend on the change of the magnetic flux inside the vibration sensor over time. This internal magnetic flux is the linkage or induced flux inside the corresponding air coil when the plunger coil is used as the vibration sensor. This makes it particularly possible that the additional effects caused by the external magnetic field H0 during the measurement operation of the measurement system, as well as the known variation behavior (ΔФ1 / Δt, ΔФ2 / Δt) of the magnetic flux inside the first and / or second vibration sensors (especially the variation behavior (ΔФ1, ΔФ2) of the magnetic flux Ф1 or Ф2 for each vibration period of the useful vibration) (i.e., the effects determined by the above calibration) can cause undesirable effects on the first and / or second useful components through the external magnetic field H1 caused outside the measurement system but also propagating inside the measurement system, such as the effect of increasing the measurement error of mass flow rate, thereby impairing the function of the measurement sensor. The cause of this external magnetic field H1 (which may be constant over a long period of time) could be, for example, an electric field generated near the corresponding measurement system, such as due to motors, transformers, inverters, or high (DC) current-carrying equipment components operating near the measurement system, such as busbars, and / or also as Figure 4b As shown, the magnet can be located outside or near the corresponding measurement system, such as an electromagnet or a permanent magnet. In the case of a plunger coil as a vibration sensor, the aforementioned internal magnetic field H0 is substantially defined by their respective permanent magnets in each case, and the aforementioned change in magnetic flux is substantially defined by the motion of the corresponding permanent magnet in the relevant air gap, corresponding to the vibrational motion of at least one vibrating element. Furthermore, the external magnetic field H1 can cause at least one of the aforementioned magnetic flux densities (B1 or B2) of the changing corresponding magnetic flux Ф1 or Ф2 (B1→B1'=B1+ΔB1, B1→B2'=B2+ΔB2) corresponding to the internal magnetic field H0. The external magnetic field H1 influences the first and / or second useful components s1. N s2 NThis undesirable impact and damage to the functionality of the measurement sensor can also be, for example, Figure 3 As shown, at least one of the useful components contains an additional interference component of the same frequency (S1). N,Err S2 N,Err This results in the aforementioned phase angle of the useful component and therefore the aforementioned phase difference ΔФ12 (ΔФ12→ΔФ12). Err The phase error depends on the fraction of the external magnetic field H1 or its effect on the magnetic flux ultimately established in the corresponding vibration sensor; for example, this also reduces the integrity of at least one oscillating measurement signal or mass flow measurement to an unacceptable degree, or the phase error drives the measurement accuracy within the tolerance range specified for the measurement system, with which the measurement system electronics 20 then determines the mass flow measurement.

[0070] In order to enable timely yet still accurate detection of the external magnetic field H1 (which may impair the functionality of the measurement sensor or lead to an increase in measurement errors beyond the measurement system specifications), the measurement system according to the present invention, as well as... Figure 4a and 4b As shown, it also includes at least one first magnetic field detector 61 for sensing the magnetic field H0+H1, which is generated here, particularly by the superposition of the internal magnetic field H0 and the external magnetic field H1, and is established inside the measurement system but at least proportionally outside the vibration sensors 51 and 52. Using the measurement system according to the invention, the magnetic field detector 61 is positioned, in particular, outside the sensor housing 100; this also specifically makes the magnetic field detector 61 located outside the aforementioned electronic device housing 200. For this purpose, for example, the magnetic field detector 61 can be attached to the outside of the sensor housing 100, in particular, it can also be directly fixed to the sensor housing. According to another embodiment of the invention, the magnetic field detector 61 is further positioned near the vibration sensor 51, for example, less than 5 cm away.

[0071] Specifically, the magnetic field detector 61 is configured to convert changes in the magnetic field H0+H1 formed at a third measurement point, located away from the aforementioned first and second measurement points, into a first magnetic field signal φ1, for example, an electrical signal. The amplitude U3 of this signal depends on a third magnetic flux Ф3 established outside both the vibration sensor 51 and the vibration sensor 52, i.e., the magnetic flux passing through the magnetic field detector 61, and / or its amplitude U3 depends on the area density B3 of the magnetic flux Ф3. This specifically ensures that the magnetic field signal φ1 exhibits a change in amplitude U3, at least following changes in the magnetic flux Ф3 and / or its area density B3. For example, the magnetic field detector 61 can be formed by at least one Hall sensor and / or at least one reed switch.

[0072] Furthermore, the magnetic field detector is electrically connected to the measurement system electronics 20 via connecting wires, particularly those laid along the exterior of the sensor housing. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the connecting line can also be provided, for example, by a connecting cable and / or, at least in certain sections, can be laid within a protective tube or flexible conduit fastened to the outside of the sensor housing and / or the electronic device housing. For the measurement system according to the invention, the measurement system electronics 20 are also additionally configured to qualitatively determine, at least based on the magnetic field signal φ1, whether the aforementioned external magnetic field H1 is also established inside the measurement sensor in addition to the aforementioned internal magnetic field H0. For example, this determines whether there is interference to the measurement sensor caused by the external magnetic field H1, which in particular reduces the functionality of the measurement sensor and / or causes overall failure of the measurement sensor and / or reduces the integrity of at least one of the first and second oscillating measurement signals or the mass flow measurement value.

[0073] The magnetic field signal φ1 can be, for example, a signal that only qualitatively evaluates the aforementioned magnetic field H0+H1 or its changes, or a signal that uses discrete values ​​only within a finite range; for example, it can also be a binary switch signal that nominally has only two states. However, the magnetic field signal φ1 can also be, for example, an analog signal that quantizes the magnetic field H0+H1 or its changes in a continuous value and continuous time manner; for example, an analog electrical signal whose voltage depends on the magnetic flux Ф3 and / or its area density B3. Especially in the case where the magnetic field signal φ1 is designed as an analog signal, the measurement system electronics 20 according to another embodiment of the invention is also configured to calculate, at least occasionally, one or more characteristic values ​​of at least one magnetic field characteristic number MK1 based on at least one magnetic field signal, such as the influence of the external magnetic field on the measuring sensor and / or on at least one of the magnetic fluxes Ф1 and Ф2, such that the magnetic field characteristic number MK1 depends on the deviation of magnetic flux Ф1 relative to magnetic flux Ф2, and / or evaluates and / or quantifies the deviation; or, the magnetic field characteristic number MK1 is also selected or can be calculated such that the magnetic field characteristic number MK1 depends on the deviation of magnetic flux Ф3 relative to a predetermined reference value, and therefore also indirectly depends on at least the deviation of magnetic flux Ф1 relative to the reference value and / or evaluates and / or quantifies the deviation, and therefore, for example, the following equation applies to the sensor characteristic number MK1:

[0074] MK1=f(U3)=f(Φ3(Φ1))=f(H0,H1) (1)

[0075] The magnetic field characteristic number MK1 can be repeatedly determined by the measurement system electronics ME during operation of the Coriolis mass flow measurement device, for example, based on the digital amplitude value determined for the amplitude U3 of the magnetic field signal φ1. In the above case, where at least one non-volatile electronic data memory (EEPROM) is provided in the measurement system electronics ME, the measurement system electronics ME can also be configured to store one or more of the aforementioned digital amplitude values ​​of amplitude U3 in the data memory EEPROM, for example, together with the values ​​of time variables (timestamps) corresponding to the corresponding time points in time for determining the corresponding characteristic values.

[0076] In order to detect the presence of an external magnetic field H1 that would impair the functionality of the measurement sensor and thus the measurement accuracy of the measurement system, the measurement system electronics 20 according to another embodiment of the present invention is further configured to evaluate one or more characteristic values ​​of at least one magnetic field characteristic number MK1, for example, by comparing them respectively with one or more reference values ​​BK11 (BK11, BK12, ..., BK1) predetermined for the magnetic field characteristic number MK1. i ...)(for example, stored in the aforementioned non-volatile electronic data memory EEPROM) for comparison. Accordingly, the measurement system electronics ME is also configured to determine whether one or more characteristic values ​​of the magnetic field characteristic number MK1 are greater than one or more such reference values ​​of the magnetic field characteristic number MK1, for example, a reference value indicating that the measurement system is no longer complete, and may, for example, also output a (fault) message indicating this, such as displaying it on-site and / or sending it as a status message to the aforementioned electronic data processing system. The aforementioned reference value of the magnetic field characteristic number MK1 can, for example, be a reference value indicating a reduced function of the measurement sensor (attributed to an external magnetic field) or a fault of the measurement sensor (attributed to an external magnetic field). The reference value can be predetermined, for example, by the manufacturer of the measurement system or during the production of the measurement system and / or during field commissioning and / or during the operation of the measurement system (factory) calibration; this, for example, makes it possible to first determine the corresponding magnetic field characteristic number MK1 for a completed and therefore complete measurement system and convert it into a reference value BK11 with a tolerance value corresponding to an effect that can still be tolerated, and / or makes it possible to determine the magnetic field characteristic number MK1 directly by the measurement system, which is located near the magnet that causes the reference magnetic field but is otherwise intact, and the magnetic field characteristic number MK1 is stored as the reference value BK11 in the data memory EEPROM.

[0077] For example, the determination of characteristic value MK1 or the determination of the presence of an external magnetic field can be restarted or paused automatically, for example, by time control and / or based on changes in other diagnostic values. However, alternatively or additionally, the determination of characteristic values ​​can also be started and / or paused from outside the measurement system (e.g., from the aforementioned electronic data processing system via the aforementioned transmitting and receiving electronics COM, and / or from a field operator via the aforementioned display and operating elements HMI). Accordingly, the measurement system electronics 20 according to another embodiment of the invention is configured to receive and evaluate a start command that at least initiates the determination of characteristic values ​​for at least the magnetic field characteristic number MK1, possibly including the aforementioned evaluation, i.e., detecting the input of the start command and then starting the determination of the characteristic value of the first magnetic field characteristic number MK1, and / or the measurement system electronics is configured to receive and evaluate a stop command that at least temporarily suspends the determination of the characteristic value of the magnetic field characteristic number MK1, i.e., detecting the input of the stop command and then at least temporarily suspending the determination of the characteristic value of the first magnetic field characteristic number MK1.

[0078] In the case described above, where the measurement system electronics ME is formed by two electronic modules ME1 and ME2, electronic module ME1 can be configured, for example, to both generate the aforementioned drive signal e1 and receive and evaluate oscillation measurement signals s1 and s2, and electronic module ME2 can be configured, for example, to receive and evaluate the magnetic field signal φ1, such as calculating the aforementioned magnetic field characteristic number MK1 and / or appropriately comparing it with the aforementioned reference value BK11 and / or generating the aforementioned (fault) message. Furthermore, the signal output of electronic module ME2 can be electrically connected to the corresponding signal input of electronic module ME1, and electronic module ME2 can be configured to send the aforementioned (fault) message to electronic module ME1. Alternatively or additionally, electronic module ME2 can be configured to receive the measurement values ​​determined by electronic module ME1 and output them accordingly at the signal output, for example, such that if there is interference from an external magnetic field H1, no measurement value is output, especially no mass flow rate measurement value, or if there is no such interference, at most a mass flow rate measurement value is output as a qualified measurement value of the measurement system. According to another embodiment, the measurement system electronics 20 is also configured to monitor the function of the magnetic field detector 61 itself, for example, by evaluating the magnetic field signal φ1; in particular, the measurement system electronics ME is configured to verify whether the magnetic field detector 61 and the measurement system electronics ME are still electrically connected to each other based on the magnetic field signal φ1 and / or based on the measurement of the resistance and / or impedance of the connection line that electrically connects the magnetic field detector 61 and the measurement system electronics ME.

[0079] To protect at least one magnetic field detector 61 from interference or harmful environmental influences, or to reduce or avoid environmental interference with the magnetic field detector 61, a measurement system according to another embodiment of the invention includes a protective cover 300 for at least one magnetic field detector, such as a protective cover made of stainless steel (e.g., 1.4404 (St 316L)). Figure 2 As schematically shown, the protective cover 300 is located outside the sensor housing 100 to form an intermediate space 300*, which is situated between the protective cover and the sensor housing 100 and is adapted to at least accommodate the magnetic field detector 61, which is then positioned within the intermediate space. The protective cover 300 can be attached to the outside of the sensor housing 100, for example, by firmly attaching it to it, particularly by welding it to it. However, the protective cover 300 can also be releasably attached to the sensor housing 100, for example, by screwing it onto it and / or snapping it onto the sensor housing 100. Alternatively or additionally, the protective cover 300 can also be attached to the aforementioned electronic device housing 200. Advantageously, the protective cover 300 can also be configured or designed, for example, to shield both the measuring sensor or the measuring sensor MW and the magnetic field detector from the influence of an external magnetic field H1. For this purpose, the protective cover 300 can also be at least partially constructed of a ferromagnetic material (e.g., ferritic steel). In particular, for the aforementioned cases where the protective cover is releasably connected to the sensor housing 100 and / or the electronic device housing 200, according to another embodiment, the protective cover 300 is secured by at least one seal on the sensor housing or the electronic device housing, for example, to prevent unauthorized removal.

[0080] To further improve the accuracy or reliability of determining the presence of an external magnetic field, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the measurement system for sensing the magnetic field has at least one second magnetic field detector 62, which is also as described above. Figure 2As can be readily seen from examples 5a and 5b, or combinations thereof, the second magnetic field detector 62 is structurally identical to the magnetic field detector 61, and is configured to convert changes in the magnetic field H0 or H0+H1 at a fourth measurement point, which is located away from the aforementioned third measurement point (i.e., also away from the first and / or second measurement points), into a second magnetic field signal φ2. Specifically, this second magnetic field signal φ2 evaluates and / or quantifies changes in the magnetic field and / or electricity. The amplitude U4 of this second magnetic field signal depends on the fourth magnetic flux Ф4 (i.e., the magnetic flux through the magnetic field detector 62) and / or on the area density B4 of the magnetic flux Ф4, such that the magnetic field signal φ2 at least follows changes in the amplitude U4 of the fourth magnetic flux Ф4 and / or its area density B4. Furthermore, the measurement system electronics 20 are also configured to receive and evaluate the magnetic field signal φ2, i.e., to determine the presence of an external magnetic field H1 based on the magnetic field signal φ2. However, the magnetic field signal φ2 can also be designed as an analog signal, having, for example, a voltage dependent on the magnetic flux Ф4 and / or its area density B4. Therefore, a Hall sensor and / or a reed switch can be used to form a magnetic field detector 62. According to another embodiment of the invention, the magnetic field detector 62 is additionally located outside the sensor housing 100, for example, attached to the outside of the sensor housing 100. Furthermore, for example, the magnetic field detector 62 can be positioned near the vibration sensor 52, particularly at a distance of less than 5 cm from the vibration sensor 52 and / or a smaller distance from the vibration sensor 51 than from the vibration sensor 52. Alternatively or supplementarily, for example, the magnetic field detector 62 can also be positioned at a distance from the vibration sensor 51 that is smaller than the distance from the vibration sensor 52. In the case where the measurement system has a protective cover, the magnetic field detector 62 can also be positioned, for example, next to the magnetic field detector 61 in the intermediate space. If necessary, the measurement system may also additionally have additional magnetic field detectors, for example, such that the magnetic field detectors are positioned on both the front and rear sides of the sensor housing and / or on both the left and right sides of the sensor housing and / or on both the top and bottom sides of the sensor housing, or such that at least one magnetic field detector, for example, two or more in each case and / or the same number of magnetic field detectors in each case, are arranged on at least two opposite sides of the measuring sensor or its sensor housing.

Claims

1. A vibration measurement system for measuring the mass flow rate of a fluid measurement medium, the measurement system comprising: - Measurement sensor (MW), --The measuring sensor has at least one vibration element (10) for exciting and maintaining the mechanical oscillation of the at least one vibration element (10), at least one oscillation exciter for sensing the mechanical oscillation of the at least one vibration element, an electrically powered first vibration sensor (51), and at least one electrically powered second vibration sensor (52), and --The measuring sensor is configured to guide the measuring medium, i.e., to be flowed through the measuring medium at least intermittently; - Sensor housing (100) for the measurement sensor; - At least one first magnetic field detector (61) for sensing the magnetic field (H0, H1) established inside the measurement system; - and a measurement system electronics (ME) electrically coupled to the measurement sensor, namely at least one of its oscillation exciters and its first vibration sensor and second vibration sensor, and electrically coupled to the first magnetic field detector (61); -The measuring sensor is located inside the sensor housing (100), and the first magnetic field detector is located outside the sensor housing (100); - wherein the at least one vibrating element is configured to contact the flowing substance to be measured and vibrate simultaneously; - wherein the at least one oscillation exciter is configured to convert electrical energy fed to the oscillation exciter into mechanical energy that causes forced mechanical oscillation of the vibration element; - wherein the measurement system electronics are configured to generate an electric drive signal (e1) and feed electrical energy to the at least one oscillating exciter via the drive signal, such that the vibrating element performs at least proportional useful vibration, i.e., forced mechanical oscillation at at least one useful frequency, i.e., the oscillation frequency specified by the electric drive signal, the useful vibration being suitable to induce a Coriolis force dependent on the mass flow rate in the flowing measurement medium; - wherein the first vibration sensor (51) is configured to convert the vibration motion of the at least one vibration element at a first measurement point into an electrical first oscillation measurement signal (s1) of the measurement sensor, such that the first oscillation measurement signal has at least one first useful component (s1). N1 (i.e., AC voltage component) --The AC voltage component is at a frequency corresponding to the useful frequency. --and the amplitude of the AC voltage component (U1) N It depends on the useful frequency and the first magnetic flux (Ф1), that is, the magnetic flux through the first vibration sensor (51); --Wherein, the second vibration sensor (52) is configured to convert the vibration motion of the at least one vibration element at a second measurement point away from the first measurement point into an electrical second oscillation measurement signal of the measurement sensor, such that the second oscillation measurement signal has at least one second useful component (s2). N1 (i.e., AC voltage component) --The AC voltage component is at a frequency corresponding to the useful frequency. ---and the amplitude of the AC voltage component depends on the useful frequency and the second magnetic flux (Ф2), i.e. the magnetic flux through the second vibration sensor (52); -In this configuration, the first magnetic field detector (61) is configured to sense the magnetic field (H1) at a third measurement point located outside the sensor housing (100) and convert it into a first magnetic field signal (φ1), and the amplitude (U3) of the first magnetic field signal (φ1) depends on the third magnetic flux (Ф3), i.e. the magnetic flux passing through the first magnetic field detector, and / or depends on the area density (B3) of the magnetic flux (Ф3); -And wherein the measurement system electronics (20) are configured to receive and evaluate both the first oscillation measurement signal and the second oscillation measurement signal, as well as at least the first magnetic field signal (φ1), i.e. --The mass flow rate measurement value representing the mass flow rate is determined based on the first oscillation measurement signal and the second oscillation measurement signal. --And, based on the first magnetic field signal, at least qualitatively determine whether and / or to what extent the magnetic field (H1) is established at the first measurement point and / or the second measurement point, or contributes to the first magnetic flux (Ф1) and / or the second magnetic flux (Ф2), and / or determine whether there is interference to the measurement system caused by the magnetic field (H1).

2. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein, The vibration measurement system is a Coriolis mass flow rate measurement device or a Coriolis mass flow rate / density measurement device.

3. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein, The fluid measurement medium is a gas, liquid, or dispersion.

4. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein, The vibrating element (10) is tubular.

5. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein, The mechanical oscillation of the at least one vibrating element is its useful vibration.

6. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one electrically powered second vibration sensor (52) is structurally identical to the first vibration sensor (51).

7. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor housing (100) has walls made of metal.

8. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one first magnetic field detector (61) is formed by a Hall sensor and / or a reed switch.

9. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein, The magnetic field (H0, H1) is an electric field generated outside the sensor housing and / or a magnetic field that is constant over time caused by a magnet located outside the sensor housing.

10. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein, The measurement system electronics (ME) are formed by at least one microprocessor and / or constructed in a modular manner.

11. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein, The measuring sensor is positioned inside the sensor housing (100), and the first magnetic field detector is positioned outside the sensor housing (100), such that the at least one vibration element (10) is held on the sensor housing (100) and / or the first magnetic field detector is attached to the outside of the sensor housing (100).

12. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein, The oscillation frequency specified by the electric drive signal is the resonant frequency corresponding to the measurement sensor.

13. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein, The first magnetic field signal (φ1) evaluates and / or quantifies the magnetic field (H1) and / or the electrical field.

14. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein, The amplitude (U3) of the first magnetic field signal (φ1) depends on the third magnetic flux (Ф3), i.e. the magnetic flux through the first magnetic field detector, and / or depends on the area density (B3) of the magnetic flux (Ф3), such that the first magnetic field signal has the amplitude (U3) change at least following the change in the third magnetic flux (Ф3) and / or its area density (B3).

15. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein, The mass flow rate measurement value is a digital mass flow rate measurement value.

16. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein, The mass flow rate measurement value is output at the signal output point.

17. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein, Interference of the magnetic field (H1) with the measurement system reduces the functionality of the measurement system and / or causes the measurement system to malfunction and / or reduces the integrity of at least one of the first oscillation measurement signal and the second oscillation measurement signal or the integrity of the mass flow measurement value obtained therefrom.

18. The measurement system according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one electronic device housing (200) is constructed in a modular manner, wherein the measurement system electronics are at least partially housed within and / or within the electronic device housing (200), and the first magnetic field detector is located outside the electronic device housing (200).

19. The measurement system according to claim 18, wherein, The electronic components of the measurement system are completely housed within the electronic component housing (200).

20. The measurement system according to claim 18, wherein, The sensor housing (100) has a connector for the electronic device housing (200), and the electronic device housing (200) is mechanically connected to the connector.

21. The measurement system according to claim 20, wherein, The electronic device housing (200) is detachably connected to the connector.

22. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1-21, further comprising: A protective cover for the at least one magnetic field detector, wherein the protective cover is located outside the sensor housing to form an intermediate space between the protective cover and the sensor housing, and wherein the magnetic field detector is located within the intermediate space.

23. The measurement system according to claim 22, wherein, The protective cover is a metal protective cover.

24. The measurement system according to claim 22, wherein, The protective cover is attached to the exterior of the sensor housing.

25. The measurement system according to claim 22, -in, The protective shield is at least partially made of stainless steel; and / or - wherein the protective cover is securely attached to the sensor housing; and / or -The protective cover is fastened to the sensor housing by at least one seal.

26. The measurement system according to claim 25, wherein, The protective cover is welded to the sensor housing.

27. The measurement system according to any one of claims 18-21, wherein, The electronic device housing (200) is designed in a modular manner, such that the electronic device housing (200) has a first housing module (200A) and a second housing module (200B).

28. The measurement system according to claim 27, wherein, The electronic device housing (200) is designed in a modular manner, such that the first housing module (200A) is attached to the outside of the sensor housing (100), and / or the second housing module (200B) is attached to the outside of the first housing module (200A).

29. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1-21, wherein, The measurement system electronics are designed in a modular manner, such that the measurement system electronics have a first electronic device module (ME1) and a second electronic device module (ME2).

30. The measurement system according to claim 27, -in, The first housing module (200A) of the electronic device housing (200) is configured to receive the first electronic device module (ME1) of the measurement system electronics (ME), and the second housing module (200B) of the electronic device housing (200) is configured to receive the second electronic device module (ME2) of the measurement system electronics (ME); -In this embodiment, the first electronic device module (ME1) is housed within the first housing module (200A), and the second electronic device module (ME2) is housed within the second housing module (200B).

31. The measurement system according to claim 29, -in, The first housing module (200A) of the electronic device housing (200) is configured to receive the first electronic device module (ME1) of the measurement system electronics (ME), and the second housing module (200B) of the electronic device housing (200) is configured to receive the second electronic device module (ME2) of the measurement system electronics (ME); -In this embodiment, the first electronic device module (ME1) is housed within the first housing module (200A), and the second electronic device module (ME2) is housed within the second housing module (200B).

32. The measurement system according to claim 29, -in, The first electronic device module (ME1) of the measurement system electronics is configured to generate the drive signal and receive and evaluate the first oscillation measurement signal and the second oscillation measurement signal, and the second electronic device module (ME2) of the measurement system electronics is configured to receive and evaluate the first magnetic field signal; and / or -In this embodiment, the first electronic device module (ME1) and the second electronic device module (ME2) of the measurement system are electrically coupled to each other, such that the signal output of the first electronic device module (ME1) is electrically connected to the signal input of the second electronic device module (ME2).

33. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1-21, wherein, The first magnetic field signal (φ1) is an analog signal.

34. The measurement system according to claim 33, wherein, The first magnetic field signal (φ1) is an analog signal that is continuous in both value and time.

35. The measurement system according to claim 33, wherein, The first magnetic field signal (φ1) has a voltage that depends on the third magnetic flux (Ф3) and / or its area density (B3).

36. The measurement system according to claim 33, wherein, The measurement system electronics are configured to calculate a characteristic value for at least one magnetic field characteristic number (MK1) based on the first magnetic field signal, the at least one magnetic field characteristic number (MK1) characterizing the effect of the magnetic field (H1) on the measurement sensor and / or on at least one of the first magnetic flux and the second magnetic flux, such that the magnetic field characteristic number depends on the deviation of the first magnetic flux relative to the second magnetic flux and / or assesses and / or quantifies the deviation, or the magnetic field characteristic number depends on the deviation of the first magnetic flux relative to a predetermined reference value and / or assesses and / or quantifies the deviation.

37. The measurement system according to claim 36, wherein, The measurement system electronics are configured to compare one or more characteristic values ​​of the magnetic field characteristic number with one or more reference values ​​determined in each case for the magnetic field characteristic number by the manufacturer of the Coriolis mass flow measurement equipment and / or during the production of the Coriolis mass flow measurement equipment.

38. The measurement system according to claim 37, wherein, The one or more reference values ​​indicate a reduced functionality of the measurement sensor, and / or a failure of the measurement sensor, and / or a Coriolis mass flow measurement device that is no longer in good working order.

39. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1-21, wherein, The measurement system electronics are configured to determine whether one or more characteristic values ​​of the magnetic field characteristic number (MK1) are greater than at least one reference value of the magnetic field characteristic number, and to output a message indicating this situation.

40. The measurement system according to claim 39, wherein, The measurement system electronics are configured to determine whether one or more characteristic values ​​of the magnetic field characteristic number are greater than one or more reference values ​​indicating reduced functionality of the measurement sensor, and / or greater than one or more reference values ​​indicating malfunction of the measurement sensor, and / or greater than one or more reference values ​​indicating that the Coriolis mass flow measurement device is no longer in good working order.

41. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1-21, wherein, The measurement system electronics have a non-volatile electronic data memory (EEPROM) configured to store digital data.

42. The measurement system according to claim 41, wherein, The non-volatile electronic data memory (EEPROM) is configured to store one or more predetermined reference values ​​for the magnetic field characteristic number, even without an applied operating voltage.

43. The measurement system according to claim 36, wherein, The electronic data storage contains one or more reference values ​​for the magnetic field characteristic number, which are predetermined by the manufacturer of the measurement system and / or during the production and / or operation of the measurement system.

44. The measurement system according to claim 41, wherein, The non-volatile electronic data memory (EEPROM) stores one or more reference values ​​for the magnetic field characteristic number, which are predetermined by the manufacturer of the measurement system and / or during the production and / or operation of the measurement system.

45. The measurement system according to claim 43 or 44, wherein, The one or more reference values ​​represent a reduced functionality of the measurement sensor, and / or a malfunction of the measurement sensor.

46. ​​The measurement system according to claim 43 or 44, wherein, The measurement system electronics are configured to compare one or more feature values ​​used for the magnetic field feature number in each case with one or more reference values ​​used for the magnetic field feature number stored in the data memory.

47. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1-21, wherein, The first magnetic field detector is formed by at least one Hall sensor.

48. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1-21, wherein, The first magnetic field detector is formed by at least one reed switch.

49. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1-21, wherein, The first magnetic field detector is positioned such that the distance between it and the first vibration sensor (51) is less than the distance between it and the second vibration sensor (52) and / or the distance between it and the first vibration sensor (51) is less than 5 cm.

50. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1-21, further comprising: At least one second magnetic field detector (62) for sensing the magnetic field (H1), - wherein the second magnetic field detector (62) is configured to sense the magnetic field (H1) at a fourth measurement point away from the third measurement point, and the second magnetic field detector (62) is configured to convert the magnetic field (H1) into a second magnetic field signal (φ2), the amplitude (U4) of the second magnetic field signal (φ2) being dependent on a fourth magnetic flux (Ф4), i.e., the magnetic flux through the second magnetic field detector, and / or dependent on the area density (B4) of the magnetic flux (Ф4), such that the second magnetic field signal (φ2) has the amplitude (U4) change at least following the change in the fourth magnetic flux (Ф4) and / or its area density (B4); Furthermore, the measurement system electronics are also configured to receive and evaluate the second magnetic field signal (φ2), i.e., to determine whether the magnetic field (H1) exists based on the second magnetic field signal.

51. The measurement system according to claim 50, wherein, The at least one second magnetic field detector (62) is formed by a Hall sensor and / or a reed switch and / or is structurally identical to the first magnetic field detector (61).

52. The measurement system according to claim 50, wherein, The fourth measurement point is located away from the first measurement point and / or away from the second measurement point and / or outside the sensor housing (100).

53. The measurement system according to claim 50, wherein, The second magnetic field signal (φ2) evaluates and / or quantifies the magnetic field (H1) and / or the electrical field.

54. The measurement system according to claim 50, -in, The second magnetic field detector is positioned near the second vibration sensor (52); and / or - wherein the second magnetic field detector is positioned outside the sensor housing (100) such that the second magnetic field detector is attached to the outside of the sensor housing (100); and / or - Wherein, the second magnetic field signal is an analog signal.

55. The measurement system according to claim 54, -in, The second magnetic field detector is positioned less than 5 cm away from the second vibration sensor (52).

56. The measurement system according to claim 54, -in, The second magnetic field signal is a voltage that depends on the fourth magnetic flux and / or its area density (B4).

57. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1-21, wherein, The measurement and control electronics have a first analog-to-digital converter for the first oscillation measurement signal and a second analog-to-digital converter for the second oscillation measurement signal.

58. The measurement system according to claim 57, wherein, The measurement system electronics have a third analog-to-digital converter for the first magnetic field signal.

59. The measurement system according to claim 50, wherein, The measurement system electronics have a fourth analog-to-digital converter for the second magnetic field signal.

60. The measurement system according to claim 58, wherein, The measurement system electronics have a fourth analog-to-digital converter for the second magnetic field signal.

61. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1-21, wherein, The first vibration sensor is formed by a first plunger coil, and the second vibration sensor is formed by a second plunger coil.

62. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1-21, -in, The first vibration sensor has a first permanent magnet and a first air coil, the first permanent magnet being mechanically connected to the at least one vibration element to form the first measurement point. --In this configuration, the first permanent magnet forms a first air gap to carry the first magnetic flux (B1), and the first air coil is at least partially positioned within the first air gap. --And wherein the first permanent magnet and the first air coil are configured to move relative to each other by the vibrational movement of the at least one vibrating element, and generate a first induced voltage as a first oscillation measurement signal; and The second vibration sensor has a second permanent magnet and a second air coil, the second permanent magnet being mechanically connected to the at least one vibration element to form the second measurement point. --In this configuration, the second permanent magnet forms a second air gap to carry the second magnetic flux (B2), and the second air coil is at least partially positioned within the second air gap. --and wherein the second permanent magnet and the second air coil are configured to move relative to each other by the vibrational movement of the at least one vibrating element, and generate a second induced voltage as a second oscillation measurement signal.

63. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1-21, wherein, Each of the first useful component and the second useful component has a phase angle that depends on the mass flow rate.

64. The measurement system according to claim 63, wherein, The measurement system electronics are configured to calculate the mass flow measurement value based on the phase difference between the first useful component and the second useful component, that is, the difference between the phase angle of the first useful component and the phase angle of the second useful component.

65. The measurement system according to any one of claims 1-21, wherein, The at least one vibrating element is formed from at least one tube having one of a tube wall and an inner cavity surrounded by the tube wall, and the at least one vibrating element is configured to be circulated by the measuring medium and to allow simultaneous vibration.

66. The measurement system according to claim 65, wherein, The at least one tube is straight in at least some sections and / or arcuate in at least some sections.

67. The measurement system according to claim 65, wherein, The pipe wall is a metal pipe wall.

68. The use of the measurement system according to any one of claims 1-67 for measuring the mass flow rate of a fluid measurement medium.

69. The use of the measurement system according to claim 68, wherein, The fluid measurement medium is a measurement medium that flows in a pipe.

70. The use of the measurement system according to claim 68, wherein, The fluid measurement medium is a gas, liquid, or dispersion.

Images