Modular measuring equipment

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular measuring device (2), comprising: - a measuring tube module (4), wherein the measuring tube module (4) includes a fixing device (35); - an oscillation exciter (7); - at least one oscillation sensor (8); - a support module (16) including a base (23), wherein the measuring tube module (4) can be arranged in the base (23) of the support module (16), wherein the support module (16) includes a fixing device (34), wherein the fixing device (34) includes a shaft (100) implemented at least segmentally and eccentrically, wherein the fixing device (34), in particular the shaft (100), is adapted to clamp the measuring tube module (4) in the base (23) via the fixing device (35) and to mechanically detachably connect the measuring tube module (4) to the support module (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular measuring device for recording the mass flow rate, viscosity, density and / or variables derived therefrom of a flowable medium, and more particularly to a Coriolis flow measurement device preferably implemented in a modular manner for pharmaceutical bioprocess applications. Background Technology

[0002] Field devices for process measurement technology, particularly Coriolis flow measurement devices, with vibration-type measuring transducers have been known for many years. The basic construction of such a measuring device is described, for example, in EP 1 807 681 A1, wherein the construction of field devices relating to the field of this invention is fully referenced in the context of this invention.

[0003] Typically, Coriolis flow measurement devices have one or more oscillating measuring tubes that are made to oscillate by an oscillator. The oscillations propagate along the length of the tube and vary with the type and velocity of the medium flowing in the measuring tube. An oscillation sensor, or particularly two spaced apart oscillation sensors, can record the changing oscillations at another location in the measuring tube as one or more measurement signals. Based on one or more measurement signals, the evaluation unit can then determine the mass flow rate, viscosity, and / or density of the medium. The oscillating measuring tubes are typically connected to the process connection and housing via a manifold using adhesive bonding.

[0004] Modular Coriolis flow measurement devices are known, featuring replaceable, disposable measuring tube arrangements that eliminate the need for adhesive bonding between the measuring tube and the housing. This means the measuring tube can be replaced. For example, WO 2011 / 099989 A1 teaches a method for manufacturing an integrally formed measuring tube arrangement for a Coriolis flow measurement device with a curved measuring tube, wherein the measuring tube body is first solidly formed from a polymer and then machined with a cutting tool to create channels for conveying a flowable medium. WO 2011 / 099989A1, like US10,209,113B2, teaches a fixing device adapted to receive and support a replaceable measuring tube module of thin-walled plastic tubing. The measuring tube module is secured to a support module equipped with the desired actuator and sensor via the fixing device.

[0005] The mechanical properties of the measuring tube module used in Coriolis flow measurement devices can vary considerably. Therefore, specific characteristic variables in the Coriolis flow measurement device, such as the calibration factor and zero point, must be determined before use. It has been found that the zero point determined in the final manufacturing step often differs from the actual zero point of the replaceable measuring tube module in use. This deviation is difficult to predict. One reason is the only, and difficult-to-reproducible, tightness of the measuring tube module within the support module. Another factor comes from the micro-friction between the measuring tube module and the support module. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a user-friendly, assemblable, modular measuring device whose zero point in use differs only minimally from the zero point determined in the final fine-tuning during manufacturing.

[0007] This objective is achieved by the modular measuring device according to the invention.

[0008] A modular measuring device of the present invention for recording the mass flow rate, viscosity, density, and / or variables derived therefrom of a flowable medium, particularly a Coriolis flow measurement device with modular implementation preferred for pharmaceutical bioprocess applications, comprising:

[0009] - Measuring tube modules, especially measuring tube modules implemented as disposable items,

[0010] The measuring tube module includes at least one measuring tube through which a medium can flow.

[0011] The measuring tube module includes a fixing device that is fastened to at least one measuring tube;

[0012] - Oscillating exciter, which is suitable for exciting a measuring tube to oscillate, especially an oscillating exciter including an exciter magnet and an exciter coil;

[0013] In this embodiment, at least one component of the oscillation exciter, in particular the exciter magnet, is arranged on the measurement tube module;

[0014] - At least one oscillation sensor, particularly an oscillation sensor comprising a sensor magnet and a sensor coil, adapted to record the oscillation of the at least one measuring tube.

[0015] In this embodiment, at least one component of the oscillation sensor, particularly the sensor magnet, is disposed on the measuring tube module;

[0016] - Support module, especially the support module including the base, sensor coil, and exciter coil.

[0017] The measuring tube module can be placed in the base of the support module.

[0018] The support module includes a fixing device.

[0019] The fixing device includes a shaft that is at least eccentrically implemented in segments.

[0020] The shaft is adapted to clamp the measuring tube module in the base via a fixing device, and to mechanically and detachably connect the measuring tube module to the support module.

[0021] The disadvantages of previously known fixing devices are that, on the one hand, they cannot adequately protect the measuring tube module from external interference and micro-friction, and on the other hand, the degree of fastening is not reproducible, so that in most cases, after the measuring tube module is fastened in the support module, the actual zero point is different from the zero point determined at the time of manufacturing.

[0022] The shaft is a slender, especially cylindrical, and rotatable body used to transmit rotational motion and torque. It is typically supported on a support module by at least one rotary bearing. The bearing is subjected to torque when transmitting torque. An eccentric portion of the shaft presses against a fixed assembly and thus clamps the measuring tube module within the base.

[0023] Because the measuring tube module is mechanically detachable within the support module, this invention means that replacement can be achieved without breaking the bonded material. This invention is particularly user-friendly because it eliminates the need for accessory mechanical tools—such as screwdrivers—for the mechanically detachable connection of the measuring tube module.

[0024] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[0025] One embodiment specifies that the shaft is implemented as a camshaft having at least one cam and is housed on a support module.

[0026] A camshaft is a rod-shaped body, and therefore an axis, on which there is at least one protrusion, particularly a circular protrusion, known as a cam. The rod-shaped body rotates about its own axis, and this rotational motion is repeatedly converted into short longitudinal motions by one or more cams present thereon.

[0027] When at least one measuring tube is excited, the stationary assembly also oscillates because it is connected to the at least one measuring tube. Such movement is detrimental to measurement performance. These oscillations are suppressed by fixing the camshaft. The cam of the camshaft presses the stationary assembly in the direction of the base and clamps it in the base. Therefore, movement of the measuring tube module in the base is eliminated.

[0028] One embodiment specifies that the fixing device includes a recess, which is at least partially complementary to the eccentric section of the shaft—especially to at least one cam.

[0029] The recess is implemented to form at least a shape-interlocked connection with the eccentric section of the shaft—especially with the at least one cam.

[0030] The recess in the fixed assembly has the advantage of ensuring the correct arrangement of the measuring tube module and / or the shaft. Only after the eccentric section of the shaft—i.e., the cam—has been interlocked into the recess in shape are the measuring tube module and the support module positioned as desired relative to each other, thus preventing zero-point deviation caused by defective arrangement and / or fixing of the measuring tube module.

[0031] One embodiment specifies that the fixing device, in particular the shaft and preferably the camshaft, is movably accommodated in the longitudinal direction.

[0032] This embodiment achieves user-friendly replacement of the measuring tube module with simple operation of the fixing device and highly reproducible force and / or form interlocking connections. The user moves the shaft, i.e., the camshaft, in its longitudinal direction, thus disengaging the base and allowing the measuring tube module to be inserted. To secure the measuring tube module, the shaft, i.e., the camshaft, is moved back to its closed position and rotated to clamp the measuring tube module in the base.

[0033] One embodiment specifies that the fixing device, in particular the shaft, is implemented such that movement in the longitudinal direction may be at least segmentally exclusive to the fixing device, in particular the shaft and preferably in a discrete number of orientations of the camshaft, in particular exactly one orientation and preferably exactly two orientations.

[0034] The resulting advantage is that, in the event of replacing the measuring tube module, it is possible to prevent the shaft, i.e. the camshaft, from falling off one of the rotary bearings, and to achieve reproducible positioning of the eccentric segment, i.e., the at least one cam, in a provided desired positioning. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are illustrated below:

[0036] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a modularly formed Coriolis flow measurement device;

[0037] Figure 2 These are three perspective views of an embodiment of the fixing device of the present invention, showing how the measuring tube module is fixed in the base of the support module; and

[0038] Figure 3 It is a cross-section of an embodiment of a camshaft and a retaining device with a recess. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Figure 1A perspective view of a measuring device for pharmaceutical bioprocess applications is shown. A modularly implemented Coriolis flow measurement device is shown. The measuring tube module 4 is adapted to be replaceably and mechanically detachably inserted into the support module 16. The mechanically detachable connection occurs via a fixing device (not shown) arranged on the support module. To enable simple replacement of the measuring tube module 4, only a single component of the oscillation exciter 7 and the oscillation sensors 8.1, 8.2, in this case their magnet devices 9.1, 9.2, are placed on the measuring tube module 4. They need to have no electrical connection to the measuring and / or operating circuitry 15. Additional components of the oscillation exciter 7 and the oscillation sensors 8.1, 8.2 are arranged on the support module 16, particularly in the base 23, which is adapted and implemented for receiving the measuring tube module 4. The measuring tube module 4 comprises two segmented, curved, parallel measuring tubes 3.1, 3.2, which are connected together via a coupling device 1 (consisting of four coupling elements 6) and a fixing device 5. Alternatively, the measuring tube module 4 may uniquely include one or more measuring tubes 3. Two coupling elements 6.1 are located at the inlets of measuring tubes 3.1, 3.2, and two coupling elements 6.2 are located at the outlets of measuring tubes 3.1, 3.2. The connection between the coupling elements and the tubes is achieved by adhesive bonding. The measuring tubes 3.1, 3.2 are configured such that the flow direction at the inlet is opposite to the flow direction at the outlet. A manifold (not shown) may be arranged at an inlet and an outlet end having a process connection for connection to a hose and / or plastic tubing system. In one embodiment, a single manifold (not shown) with a suitable internal channel may be provided instead of two separate manifolds. A manifold is inserted at both the inlet and outlet ends and facilitates decoupling the measuring tube module 4 from external disturbances from the environment after installation in the support module 16. Each coupling element 6 is implemented as a plate and may have a partial or two-part structure. The coupling element 6 may fully or only partially clamp the measuring tubes 3.1, 3.2. The measuring tubes 3.1 and 3.2 shown are implemented in a U-shape, meaning they each have two substantially parallel legs 11 connected by a curved segment. On each measuring tube 3.1 and 3.2, exactly one magnet device 9.1 or 9.2 is arranged in each case. The magnet 10.1 of the magnet device 9.1 is arranged in the curved segment. The magnet 10.1 forms a component of the oscillation exciter 7. In each case, a magnet 10.2 is placed on the leg 11, which forms part of the oscillation sensor 8. The magnet 10 is placed on a mounting area. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting area is located on the measuring tubes 3.1 and 3.2. Alternatively, the measuring tube module 4 may also have one or more straight measuring tubes 3. The form of the measuring tube 3 may differ from the shape shown.

[0040] The measuring tube module 4 is partially introduced into the base 23 of the support module 16. Arrows indicate the direction of introduction. In the illustrated embodiment, the direction of introduction extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base 23. Alternatively, the base 23 may be configured such that the measuring tube arrangement 4 is introduced in the longitudinal direction of the base 23. The support module 16 includes measuring and / or operating circuitry 15, which is connected to two oscillation exciters 7 and a total of four oscillation sensors 8, particularly to their coil arrangements 25, to generate and / or record time-alternating magnetic fields. The support module 16 includes a support module body 22 defining the base 23. The fixing device 5 for the measuring tube module 4 includes an assembly region 26 for arranging the measuring tube module 4 in a predetermined position within the support module 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly region 26 points perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the measuring tube module 4. In another advantageous embodiment, the assembly region 26 points towards the longitudinal direction of the measuring tube module 4. The area of ​​the support module body 22 that contacts the assembly region 26 of the fixing device 5 is referred to as the support region.

[0041] The support module 16 includes two parallel side regions that define the base 23 transversely to its longitudinal direction. Arranged on or within these side regions are coil arrangements 25 for oscillation sensors 8.1, 8.2 and oscillation exciter 7. The coil arrangements 25 for oscillation sensors 8.1, 8.2 are offset from the coil arrangements 25 for oscillation exciter 7 in the longitudinal direction of the base 23. Furthermore, the three coil arrangements 25 are implemented as plate coils and are recessed in the side regions. These three coil arrangements 25 are positioned substantially opposite to the corresponding magnet arrangements 9.1, 9.2. In each case, guide rails are machined in both side regions, extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base 23 and parallel to the plane of the coils. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 23 extends above both end faces. This allows the measurement tube module 4 to be introduced perpendicular to its longitudinal direction. In another embodiment, the base 23 uniquely extends above one end face of the support module 16. In this case, the measuring tube module 4 can be introduced into the support module 16 along the longitudinal direction of the measuring tube module 4 or the longitudinal direction of the support module 16.

[0042] Figure 2Three perspective views illustrate how an embodiment of the invention, using a fixing device 34, secures a measuring tube module 4 to a base of a support module 16. The measuring tube module 4 is arranged in a base 23 of the support module. The fixing device 34 includes a shaft 100 implemented at least segmentally and eccentrically, adapted to mechanically and detachably connect the measuring tube module 4 to the support module 16 by interacting with a fixing device 35, thereby clamping the measuring tube module 4 in the base. In the illustrated case, the shaft 100 of the fixing device 34 is implemented as a camshaft received on the support module 16 and having a cam 101. More than one cam 101 may be provided to adapt the fastening of the measuring tube module 4 in the base 23 according to the application. The shaft 100 is movably received in its longitudinal direction such that it does not need to obstruct the base during the introduction of the measuring tube module 4 (see first view). A first protrusion 102 on the shaft 100 prevents it from falling off, thereby enabling user-friendly installation of the measuring tube module 4. The first protrusion 102 does not involve clamping the measuring tube module 4 in the base 23. Additionally, the fixing device 34 includes a first rotary bearing 104 and a second rotary bearing 105 to guide the shaft 100 in the desired degree of freedom. The shaft 100 is detachably and rotatably mechanically connected to the first rotary bearing 104 and the second rotary bearing 105 about its longitudinal axis. The cam 101 has at least one mounting region 42, and the fixing device 35 correspondingly has at least one bearing region 44. In the mounted state of the measuring tube module 4 in the base of the support module 16, the at least one mounting region 42 of the cam 101, or exactly one mounting region 42, lies on the at least one bearing region 44 of the fixing device 35, which in turn means that a force and / or form interlocking connection occurs between the measuring tube module 4 and the support module. This connection is created by rotation of the shaft 100 about its longitudinal axis.

[0043] Additionally, shaft 100 is configured such that movement of shaft 100 in the longitudinal direction may be uniquely segmented in at least a discrete number of orientations of shaft 100. In a first segment, shaft 100 may be guided segmentally through exactly one orientation, and in a second segment, movement of shaft 100 may be uniquely segmented through exactly two orientations. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by providing shaft 100 with a first protrusion 102 and a second protrusion 106 to complement cam 101. The second protrusion 106, like the first protrusion, is not intended to form a shape and / or force interlocking connection. The first protrusion 102 and the second protrusion 106 extend radially outward from shaft 100 in each case. The first protrusion 102 and the second protrusion 106 are arranged spaced apart relative to cam 101 and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of shaft 100. The first protrusion 102 and the second protrusion 106 are arranged and spaced apart on the shaft 100 such that, at least after the cam 101 has moved from the second rotary bearing 105, movement of the shaft 100 in the longitudinal axial direction is blocked except preferably only in exactly one direction of the shaft 100. This is achieved in the embodiment by means of a channel. Alternatively, the shaft and the first protrusion 102 can be implemented as two parts, i.e., the first protrusion 102 can be arranged as a separate component in the base of the shaft 100. While the first protrusion 102 serves to prevent the shaft 100 from falling out of the first rotary bearing 104 during assembly, the second protrusion 106 essentially serves to limit the movement of the shaft 100 in its longitudinal direction and thus bring the cam 101 to the desired position provided (see second view). Therefore, the second protrusion 106 can also be annular or at least not complementary to the opening of the bearing through which the shaft 100 extends. The illustrated shaft 100 includes a lever at one end to facilitate the operation of the retaining device 34.

[0044] from Figure 2 The orientation of shaft 100 in the second view begins, and shaft 100 rotates 180° in the illustrated case to form a shape and / or force interlock connection with the fixing device 35 of the measuring tube module 4 (see third view). Alternatively, electronic devices may be provided that, for example, via linear and / or rotary motors, enable movement of shaft 100 in its longitudinal direction and rotation of shaft 100 about its longitudinal axis.

[0045] Figure 3 A cross-section of an embodiment of a camshaft and a retainer assembly 35 having a recess 103, which is at least partially complementary to at least one cam 101—i.e., an eccentric segment of the shaft. The recess 103 is configured to form at least a form-interlocked connection with the at least one cam 101—i.e., the eccentric segment—and thereby clamp the measuring tube module in a base via the retainer assembly 35. In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing area is located within the recess 103.

[0046] Reference character list coupling device 1

[0047] Measuring device 2

[0048] Measuring tube 3

[0049] Measuring tube module 4

[0050] Fixture 5

[0051] Coupling element 6

[0052] Oscillator 7

[0053] Oscillation sensor 8

[0054] Magnet device 9

[0055] Magnet 10

[0056] Leg 11

[0057] Measuring tube 13

[0058] Measurement and / or operation circuit 15

[0059] Support module 16

[0060] Base 23

[0061] Side area 24

[0062] Coil device 25

[0063] Assembly Area 26

[0064] Fixing device 34

[0065] Fixture 35

[0066] Installation area 42

[0067] Bearing area 44

[0068] Shaft 100

[0069] Cam 101

[0070] First protrusion 102

[0071] Depression 103

[0072] First rotary bearing 104

[0073] Second rotary bearing 105

[0074] Second protrusion 106

Claims

1. A modular measuring device (2) for recording the mass flow rate, viscosity, density, and / or variables derived therefrom of a flowable medium, comprising: - Measuring tube module (4), The measuring tube module (4) includes at least one measuring tube (3), through which the medium can flow. The measuring tube module (4) includes a fastening fixing device (35) fastened to the at least one measuring tube (3); - An oscillation exciter (7), which is adapted to excite the measuring tube (3) to perform oscillation, includes an exciter magnet (36) and an exciter coil (37); At least one component of the oscillation exciter (7) is arranged on the measuring tube module (4); - At least one oscillation sensor (8), said at least one oscillation sensor (8) comprising a sensor magnet (38) and a sensor coil (39), adapted to record the oscillation of said at least one measuring tube (3), At least one component of the oscillation sensor (8) is arranged on the measuring tube module (4); - Support module (16), the support module (16) includes a base (23), the sensor coil (39) and the exciter coil (37), The measuring tube module (4) can be arranged in the base (23) of the support module (16). The support module (16) includes a fixing device (34). The fixing device (34) includes a shaft (100) that is at least eccentrically implemented in segments. The shaft (100) is adapted to clamp the measuring tube module (4) in the base (23) via the fixing device (35), and to mechanically detachably connect the measuring tube module (4) to the support module (16). The shaft (100) is implemented as a camshaft having at least one cam (101) and being housed on the support module (16).

2. The modular measuring device (2) according to claim 1, wherein The modular measuring device (2) is a Coriolis flow measurement device with modular implementation for pharmaceutical bioprocess applications.

3. The modular measuring device (2) according to claim 1, wherein The measuring tube module (4) is a measuring tube module implemented as a disposable item.

4. The modular measuring device (2) according to claim 1, wherein The exciter magnet (36) is arranged on the measuring tube module (4).

5. The modular measuring device (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor magnet (38) is arranged on the measuring tube module (4).

6. The modular measuring device (2) according to claim 1, wherein The fixing device (35) includes a recess (103) that is at least partially complementary to the eccentric segment of the shaft (100). The recess is configured to form at least a shape-interlocked connection with the eccentric segment of the shaft (100).

7. The modular measuring device (2) according to claim 6, wherein, The recess (103) is implemented at least partially in complement to the at least one cam (101).

8. The modular measuring device (2) according to claim 6, wherein The recess is configured to form at least a shape-interlocked connection with the at least one cam (101).

9. The modular measuring device (2) according to any one of claims 6-8, wherein, The shaft (100) is movably accommodated along its own longitudinal direction.

10. The modular measuring device (2) according to claim 9, wherein, The camshaft is movably accommodated along the longitudinal direction.

11. The modular measuring device (2) according to claim 9, in, The fixing device (34) is implemented such that movement in the longitudinal direction can be at least segmentally and exclusively directed in a discrete number of orientations of the fixing device (34).

12. The modular measuring device (2) according to claim 11, in, The shaft (100) is configured such that movement in the longitudinal direction is possible, at least segmentally and exclusively, in a discrete number of orientations of the shaft (100).

13. The modular measuring device (2) according to claim 12, in, The shaft (100) is configured such that movement in the longitudinal direction can be at least segmentally and exclusively directed in a discrete number of orientations of the camshaft.

14. The modular measuring device (2) according to claim 11, in, The orientation of the discrete quantity is exactly one orientation.

15. The modular measuring device (2) according to claim 11, in, The orientation of the discrete quantity is exactly two orientations.

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