Diagnostic method for flow measuring device with active pressure line

Abstract

The invention relates to a diagnostic method for a flow measuring device with a pressure-effective line, the flow measuring system being attached at a flowable pipe, an orifice plate being arranged in the pipe. In a first step, a fluid is caused to flow through the pipe and an effective pressure in one of the pressure-effective lines is acquired. In a second step, a vibration variable of a vibration is acquired via a vibration sensor arranged in the region of the orifice plate. In a third step, a blockage of the pressure-effective line is identified if the magnitude of the effective pressure acquired in the first step is below an adjustable first threshold value and the magnitude of the vibration variable acquired in the second step is above an adjustable second threshold value. If a blockage of the pressure-effective line is identified, a warning is output to a user and / or a data interface. The invention also relates to a computer program product and an evaluation unit which can be used to carry out the diagnostic method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a diagnostic method for a flow measurement device having an effective pressure line. The invention also relates to a computer program product and a corresponding evaluation unit capable of implementing this diagnostic method. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding flow measurement system and simulation program product. Finally, the invention relates to the use of a vibration sensor to detect blockages in the effective pressure line. Background Technology

[0002] A method for diagnosing blockages in pulse lines of a pressure transmitter is known from patent application DE 10 2006 004 582 A1. In this method, a differential pressure sensor is connected to the line via first and second pulse lines. The pressure difference at the two pulse lines is determined, and, if necessary, the individual pressure is determined. Based on this, a characteristic value is determined and compared with a reference value.

[0003] International application WO 01 / 69182A2 discloses a sensor device for flow measurement, which is attached to a flow path. The sensor device includes a vibration sensor coupled to an evaluation unit. The vibration sensor is configured as a piezoelectric thin-film sensor. Flow parameters are determined based on vibration variables using the evaluation unit.

[0004] A diagnostic method for a flow measurement device is known from patent application US2009 / 0326839A1, in which the flow measurement device is connected to a differential pressure measurement device via two effective pressure lines. The effective pressure lines are attached to the pipe to obtain the effective pressure in the pipe within the orifice plate region. During normal operation, the orifice plate in the pipe is saturated with fluid flowing through it.

[0005] Flow measurement devices with orifice plates are used in a variety of industrial applications. These devices can become inoperable due to contamination during operation. They are also susceptible to wear. Therefore, a diagnostic option is needed to reliably and cost-effectively identify faults and / or wear in such flow measurement devices. The object upon which this invention is based is to provide an option that offers improvements in at least one of these aspects. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This objective is achieved by a diagnostic method according to the invention, used for diagnosing a flow measurement system including a flow measurement device. The flow measurement system is attached to a pipe through which fluid (i.e., liquid or gas) flows. An orifice plate is arranged in the pipe. Through the orifice plate, a velocity-dependent pressure difference can be generated relative to the flow direction in front of and behind the orifice plate. The flow measurement system includes at least two effective pressure lines connected to the flow measurement device. The pressure currently present in the region of the orifice plate, i.e., in front of or behind it, can be recorded via at least two effective pressure lines. For this purpose, one of the effective pressure lines is arranged to obtain the pressure in front of the orifice plate, and another effective pressure line is arranged to obtain the pressure behind the orifice plate. The terms "in front" and "behind" are used here relative to the flow direction. The effective pressure lines are arranged at a location relatively far upstream or downstream of the orifice plate, such that the pressure effect of the orifice plate can still be evaluated in a technically meaningful manner at the flow rate to be measured.

[0007] The diagnostic method includes a first step in which fluid is flowed through the pipe and the effective pressure in one of the effective pressure lines is obtained. In the second step, the vibration variables are acquired. For this purpose, a vibration sensor is fixed in the area of ​​the orifice plate. Here, the vibration sensor is positioned far enough from the orifice plate along the axial direction of the pipe that the vibration variables occurring there can still be assessed in a technically meaningful way, i.e., with a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio. The vibration quantity can be amplitude, frequency, and / or magnitude derived therefrom.

[0008] Furthermore, the diagnostic method has a third step, in which a blockage in the effective pressure line is identified, based on the effective pressure obtained in the first step. A blockage is identified only if the effective pressure obtained in the first step is below an adjustable first threshold and the vibration variable obtained in the second step is above an adjustable second threshold. Here, the values ​​below the first adjustable threshold and above the second adjustable threshold can occur substantially simultaneously or within a preset identification interval. An effective pressure below the first adjustable threshold indicates that the corresponding effective pressure line is potentially blocked, i.e., clogged, or the pipe is not being traversed at a sufficient flow rate. If sufficiently strong vibration is present substantially simultaneously, i.e., the vibration variable exceeds the second adjustable threshold, it indicates that flow continues through the orifice plate. As a result, the value exceeding the second adjustable threshold verifies that the effective pressure value dropping below the first threshold is due to a blockage in the corresponding effective pressure line. The vibration obtained in the second step is caused by unsteady flow phenomena at the orifice plate. In particular, turbulence is induced when the fluid flows through the orifice plate, and turbulence causes vibration. Furthermore, in the diagnostic method according to the present invention, when a blockage is detected in the corresponding effective pressure line, a warning is output to the user and / or data interface.

[0009] The first and second thresholds can be preset, i.e., set, respectively, through user input, value tables, characteristic curves, algorithms, and / or artificial intelligence. Therefore, the diagnostic method according to the invention can be adapted to a wide range of pipe sizes and orifice plates of different sizes and configurations. Similarly, the first and / or second thresholds can be optimized through machine learning. Besides the orifice plate and the effective pressure line, the diagnostic method according to the invention does not require any other components within the pipe cavity that affect flow. Furthermore, vibration sensors can be easily installed in the area of ​​the orifice plate. Thus, the diagnostic method according to the invention can be applied quickly and cost-effectively to existing pipes with built-in orifice plates.

[0010] In one embodiment of the claimed diagnostic method, an orifice plate is attached to at least one annular flange, through which a first and second pipe belonging to the pipeline are connected to each other. The annular flange can be configured to surround and thereby secure the orifice plate around its circumference. Vibrations caused by the flow through the orifice plate are thus transmitted to the annular flange. Furthermore, a vibration sensor can be fixed to the annular flange or the pipeline itself, i.e., to the first or second pipe. Sufficiently strong vibration variables exist there, and these variables can be accurately obtained using a relatively simple vibration sensor. Therefore, the claimed diagnostic method can be implemented cost-effectively.

[0011] Furthermore, the diagnostic method may include a fourth step, in which artificial intelligence is trained based on measurements of the effective pressure and at least one vibration variable. Additionally, the flow rate determined using a flow measurement device can also be used during training. Through training in the fourth step, a reference state for the orifice plate is determined. For example, the reference state could be a favorable state existing after the installation of a new orifice plate. Furthermore, the diagnostic method can have a fifth step, in which orifice plate wear is identified. Here, the reference state determined in the fourth step is related to the current effective pressure, at least one current vibration variable, and / or variables derived individually or in combination. Additionally, the flow rate determined using a flow measurement device can also be used for comparison in the fifth step. The comparison in the fifth step quantifies how much the orifice plate deviates from the reference state and whether orifice plate replacement is necessary. Similarly, the expected operating duration can be determined before orifice plate replacement is provided. The expected operating duration is determined by considering disclosures regarding the particle content and / or particle properties in the fluid. Particles have an abrasive effect, including but not limited to their hardness, sharpness, and concentration in the fluid. The orifice plate is durable and exhibits constant characteristics over a sufficiently long operating duration. Therefore, it is possible to reliably learn from the reference state through training, especially in so-called machine learning. This also applies to determining the expected operating duration until the orifice plate needs replacement.

[0012] In another embodiment of the claimed diagnostic method, the flow measurement device is configured as a differential pressure measurement device. The differential pressure measurement device is suitable for determining the pressure difference between at least two effective pressure lines, where the pressure difference is a measure of the fluid velocity present at the orifice plate. Here, the effective pressure lines can be arranged in front of and behind the orifice plate along the flow direction. This flow measurement device has increased sensitivity to blocked effective pressure lines, enabling rapid identification of operational errors using the claimed diagnostic method.

[0013] Furthermore, the effective pressure lines can each have lengths ranging from 1m to 20m. This allows one or more effective pressures to be remotely acquired by a vibration sensor. The vibration sensor and flow measurement device, where the effective pressure line terminates, can be coupled to the evaluation unit via a communication data link. The communication data link can be configured as a wired connection or a wireless connection. Therefore, the hardware for the claimed diagnostic method is modular. In particular, the vibration sensor can be selected independently of the flow measurement device.

[0014] Furthermore, the vibration acquired by the vibration sensor in the second step can be oriented perpendicular to the axial direction of the pipe. Specifically, the acquired vibration can be perpendicular to the axial direction of the pipe in the region of the orifice plate. The axial direction is defined by the pipe axis. Therefore, vibration in the radial direction is acquired by means of the vibration sensor. The vibration caused by the flow-through orifice plate has an increased amplitude in the radial direction due to the shape of the pipe and / or annular flange. As a result, an improved signal-to-noise ratio (also known as SNR) can be achieved. Thus, the accuracy achievable when acquiring vibration is realized, which in turn allows for early identification of blockages in the corresponding effective pressure lines. This improves the early warning function.

[0015] In another embodiment of the claimed diagnostic method, the method may include a sixth step, in which a first measured value of the fluid flow velocity in the pipeline is determined. The first measured value of the flow velocity is determined based on the effective pressure obtained in the first step. Furthermore, the diagnostic method includes a seventh step, in which a second measured value of the flow velocity is determined. The determination of the second measured value of the flow velocity begins with vibration variables obtained in the second step. Artificial intelligence is used to determine the second measured value of the flow velocity. Additionally, in the claimed diagnostic method, the first measured value and the second measured value are compared. The reasonableness of the measured values ​​is checked based on the comparison. For example, the difference between the first and second measured values ​​can be determined and its magnitude compared with a preset limit value. If the magnitude of the determined difference is less than the preset limit value, a good operating condition of the flow measurement system is identified. However, if the magnitude exceeds the preset limit value, an abnormal condition is identified: at the vibration sensor, at the effective pressure line, or at the flow measurement device. If an abnormal condition is identified, a warning can be output to the user and / or data interface. Vibration sensors and effective pressure lines or flow measurement devices are based on different physical principles and are therefore different from each other. Therefore, the claimed diagnostic method allows for reliable identification of whether the flow measurement system, including the vibration sensor, is still functioning properly. Thus, the claimed diagnostic method is self-monitoring. Furthermore, orifice plate wear can be identified by comparing a first measurement value with a second measurement value. For example, orifice plate wear causes a reduction in the poor flow conditions obtainable above the effective pressure line while the flow rate remains constant. However, the formation of turbulence at the orifice plate is only slightly affected by abrasion. Therefore, orifice plate wear can be determined based on the difference between the first and second measurement values.

[0016] The objective is further achieved by a computer program product according to the invention, configured to receive and process measurements of effective pressure and at least one vibration variable. According to the invention, the computer program product is configured to perform at least one of the above-described embodiments of the claimed diagnostic method. The computer program product can be hardwired, configured as software, or a combination thereof. In particular, the computer program product can be at least partially configured as a chip, integrated circuit, and / or FPGA. Furthermore, the computer program product can be monolithically configured, i.e., configured on a single hardware platform. Alternatively, the computer program product can be modularly configured and include multiple subroutines running on different hardware platforms and cooperating via communication data links (e.g., internet connections). The computer program product can, in particular, be configured executablely on a computer cloud.

[0017] Similarly, the objectives outlined at the beginning are achieved by an evaluation unit according to the invention. The evaluation unit has a memory and a computing unit and is adapted to store and execute a computer program product thereon. The evaluation unit can be coupled at least to a flow measurement device and a vibration sensor. Alternatively, the evaluation unit can be part of the flow measurement device and can be coupled to the vibration sensor via a communication data link. According to the invention, the computer program product is stored in an executable manner on the evaluation unit, and the computer program product is configured according to one of the embodiments shown above. The claimed computer program product can also be executed quickly on hardware with relatively low computing performance. Therefore, the diagnostic method based on it can be implemented using a simple and cost-effective evaluation unit.

[0018] Furthermore, the above-mentioned objective is achieved by a flow measurement system according to the present invention, which includes a flow measurement device and a vibration sensor. The vibration sensor can be directly fixed to the pipe in the area of ​​the orifice plate, and the flow measurement device can be indirectly fixed via at least one effective pressure line. The flow measurement device and the vibration sensor are respectively connected to an evaluation unit via a communication data link, and the evaluation unit is also part of the flow measurement system. According to the present invention, the evaluation unit is configured according to one of the above embodiments.

[0019] Furthermore, the objectives outlined at the beginning are achieved through a simulation program product according to the present invention. This simulation program product includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the simulated operation of a flow measurement system. According to the present invention, the flow measurement system is configured according to one of the above embodiments. This simulation program product is configured for use in simulating the operational behavior of a correspondingly configured flow measurement system.

[0020] The simulation program product can have a digital image of the flow measurement system, reproducing its structure in the digital image. Furthermore, the simulation program product can include a physical module configured to: mimic the operating behavior of the digital image under preset operating conditions. Presettable operating conditions can include the density, velocity, viscosity, and / or composition of the fluid flowing through the pipe fixed by the flow measurement system during the simulated or simulated operation. In particular, fluid contamination by suspended matter is one of the presettable operating conditions, under which the effective pressure line may be blocked or clogged. The physical module can also be configured to: mimic the flow behavior of the fluid at the orifice plate, particularly mimicking the formation of turbulence downstream of the orifice plate. The orifice plate can be configured rotationally symmetrically in the intermediate region. This invention includes, but is not limited to, the discovery that sufficiently accurate fluid dynamics simulation of the orifice plate can be achieved by simulating only the circumferential section of the orifice plate due to its rotational symmetry. Therefore, the computer program product can include two-dimensional fluid simulation of the longitudinal section of the orifice plate or three-dimensional fluid simulation of the circumferential section of the orifice plate. Therefore, turbulence behind the orifice plate, related to the flow direction, can be simulated with relatively low computational cost. Two-dimensional or three-dimensional fluid simulations can be performed when executing the simulation program product. Due to the reduced computational cost, the simulation program product can be configured in a real-time manner. Starting with turbulence, vibrations triggered by turbulence can be determined with the reduced computational cost. This, in turn, simplifies the simulation of such vibrations. Vibrations can also be determined based on turbulence determined through two-dimensional or three-dimensional fluid simulation when executing the simulation program product. Overall, a large number of such flow measurement systems can be realistically simulated with relatively low computational cost, which in turn allows for precise monitoring, for example, in automated systems using flow measurement systems.

[0021] The simulation program product can be configured as a so-called digital twin, as described in more detail, for example, in US2017 / 286572A1. The disclosure of US2017 / 286572A1 is incorporated herein by reference. The simulation program product can be configured as a control program that executes on a higher-level control unit and transmits simulation results to that higher-level control unit. The control program can then intervene in the operation of the automation system based on the simulation results. The diagnostic methods and features of the flow measurement system on which it is based can be easily transferred to the simulation program product.

[0022] The above-mentioned objectives can also be achieved by the use of a vibration sensor according to the invention. The vibration sensor is fixed to a pipe in which an orifice plate is arranged. The orifice plate is configured to: measure the flow velocity of fluid in the pipe in cooperation with a flow measurement device. The vibration sensor is fixed directly or indirectly to the pipe in the area of ​​the orifice plate and is configured to: acquire current vibration. According to the invention, the vibration sensor is used to identify blockages in the effective pressure line. The effective pressure line is configured to: record the effective pressure in the area of ​​the orifice plate and acquire it in cooperation with a flow measurement device. The effective pressure acquired by means of the effective pressure line is used in operation of the flow measurement device, which belongs to the flow measurement system, to: measure the flow velocity in the pipe.

[0023] The flow measurement system is configured according to one of the embodiments outlined above. The diagnostic method, the associated computer program product, the evaluation unit, and the features of the flow measurement system can be readily transferred to the claimed application. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The drawings should be understood to be complementary to each other, meaning that the same reference numerals in different drawings have the same technical meaning. Furthermore, the features of the embodiments shown in the drawings can be combined with the features outlined above. These are shown in detail below:

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic structure of the claimed flow measurement system is shown in the first embodiment of the claimed diagnostic method.

[0026] Figure 2 A detailed diagram of the flow measurement system for which protection is sought is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0027] exist Figure 1 The structure of the flow measurement system 40 for which protection is sought is schematically shown in the diagram. Figure 1A first embodiment of the diagnostic method 100 shown in one of the stages is performed at a flow system 40. The flow measurement system 40 includes a flow measurement device 30 connected to an annular flange 14 via an effective pressure line 34. First and second effective pressure lines 35, 36 are designed to record the current first or second effective pressure 23, 24 and transmit it hydraulically to the flow measurement device 30. The annular flange 14 connects a first pipe and a second pipe 11, 12, which belong to a pipe 10 in which the flow velocity 19 of fluid 13 flowing therein is measured. An orifice plate 16 is arranged between the first and second pipes 11, 12, allowing fluid 13 to pass through it. The orifice plate 16 has a substantially centrally located opening 17, which is designed circumferentially, particularly circularly. The opening 17 is substantially centered on a pipe axis 18 along which the pipe 10 extends at least partially, and the pipe axis defines the axial direction of the pipe. A region 28 of the orifice plate 16 exists along the flow direction 15 of the fluid 13, in which hydrodynamic effects can be measurably present in a technically meaningful manner. In region 28 of the orifice plate 16, a vibration sensor 20 is attached to an annular flange 14. The vibration sensor 20 is designed to acquire vibration 21 at the annular flange 14. Vibration 21 is substantially radially oriented relative to the pipe axis 18 and / or the flow direction 15. The vibration sensor 20 is connected to a flow measurement device 30 and is adapted to transmit a measured value 25 of the vibration variable 22 to the flow measurement device 30. The vibration sensor 20 is thermally insulated from the annular flange 14 by its fixation.

[0028] The flow measurement device 30 includes a differential pressure measurement device 33 hydraulically connected to the effective pressure line 34, specifically to the first and second effective pressure lines 35 and 36. The differential pressure device 33 is also designed to transmit at least one measurement 25 of the first and / or second effective pressure 24 to the evaluation unit 50. The differential pressure measurement device 33 is further designed to determine the pressure difference 37 between the first and second effective pressures 35 and 36. The pressure difference 37 is a measure of the flow velocity 19 in the fluid 13. The pressure measurement device 30 includes the evaluation unit 50. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 50 can also be designed separately from and connected to the pressure measurement device 30. The evaluation unit 50 has a memory (not shown in detail) and a computing unit (not shown in detail), designed to allow a computer program to run thereon. Additionally, the evaluation unit 30 is connected to a display device 38. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 50 is also connected to a higher-level control unit 60 via a data interface 32. Therefore, a communication data link exists between the evaluation unit 50 and the higher-level control unit 60. The higher-level control unit 60 also has memory and computing units (not shown in detail) and is adapted to run computer programs. Furthermore, the higher-level control unit 60 is designed to output control commands 64, which enable control of the automation system to which the pipeline 10 belongs. The flow measurement system 40 is mapped in a simulation program product 65, which is designed to simulate the operating behavior of the flow measurement system 40. The simulation program product 65 includes, but is not limited to, the ability to check the rationality of the diagnostic method 100, i.e., the warning 39 output by it. For this purpose, the simulation program product 65 is designed as a digital twin of the flow measurement system 65. The simulation program product executes on the higher-level control unit 60 and is designed to transmit simulation results 66 to a control program 62, which also executes on the higher-level control unit 60.

[0029] Diagnostic method 100 includes a first step 110, in which fluid 13 flows through pipe 10. During the first step 110, a first effective pressure 23 is acquired. The first effective pressure 23 is acquired using a flow measurement device 30. Furthermore, a second step 120, also part of diagnostic method 100, can be performed simultaneously with, before, or after the first step 110. In the second step 120, at least one vibration variable 22 is acquired using a vibration sensor 20. The vibration variable 22 is a measure of the intensity of vibration 21 present in region 28 of orifice plate 16. The first and second steps 110 and 120 are performed in a coordinated manner such that the measured value 25 of the first effective pressure 23 and the measured value 25 of the vibration variable 22 belong to a common measurement point, i.e., are measured substantially at the same time point.

[0030] Furthermore, the third step 130 belongs to diagnostic method 100, and can be performed after completing the first and second steps 110 and 120. In the third step 130, it is determined whether the value of the first effective pressure 23 is lower than an adjustable first threshold 26. If the value is lower than the adjustable first threshold 26... Figure 1 This is illustrated in a diagram. The adjustable first threshold 26 can be preset using a value table, user input, algorithm, or artificial intelligence. Similarly, in the third step 130, it is determined whether the magnitude of the vibration variable 22 obtained in the second step 120 exceeds the adjustable second threshold 27. If the magnitude exceeds the adjustable threshold 27, corresponding to... Figure 1 This is illustrated in a diagram. Similar to the first threshold 26, the second threshold 27 can be preset via a value table, user input, algorithm, or artificial intelligence. If the value of the first effective pressure 23 is lower than the adjustable first threshold 26 and the value of the vibration variable 22 exceeds the second threshold 27, a blockage in the first effective pressure line 35 is identified in the third step 130.

[0031] A vibration variable 22 exceeding the second threshold 27 indicates that flow is obstructing the orifice plate 16. A first effective pressure 23 indicates that, when the orifice plate 16 is flowing under the expected conditions of the first effective pressure line 35, the first effective pressure 23 obtained above it is sufficiently high and exceeds the adjustable first threshold 26. Blockage of the first effective pressure line 35 causes the first effective pressure 23 to be unobtainable via the flow measurement device 30. Vibration 21, obtained by the vibration sensor 20, is caused by flow obstructing the orifice plate 16. Vibration variable 22 is a different physical variable from the first effective pressure 23, allowing for a multi-faceted understanding via the vibration sensor 20 using the diagnostic method 100. If blockage of the first effective pressure line 35 is detected, a corresponding warning 39 is output to the user via the display device 38. Similarly, the corresponding warning 39 is output to the upper-level control unit 60 via the data interface 32.

[0032] Additionally, the diagnostic method 100 includes a fourth step 140, which can be performed before, during, or after the first, second, and third steps 110, 120, 130. In the fourth step 140, measurements 25 of the vibration variable 22 and the first effective pressure 23 are acquired. These measurements are used as training data to train the artificial intelligence 52. The artificial intelligence 52 is executed on the evaluation unit 50 and is adapted to collaborate with a computer program product 55 used to implement the diagnostic method 100. The computer program product 55 is also executed on the evaluation unit 50. In the fourth step 140, a reference state is determined by means of machine learning, which is suitable as a starting point for monitoring the wear behavior of the orifice plate 16. The reference state can exist, for example, immediately after a new orifice plate 16 is installed, thus indicating a good condition.

[0033] Furthermore, the diagnostic method 100 includes a fifth step 150, in which wear on the orifice plate 16 is identified by comparing the reference state determined in the fourth step 140 with the current first effective pressure 35, the current vibration variable 22, and / or variables derived therefrom. Similarly, the fifth step 150 can be performed using artificial intelligence 52. The fifth step 150 can be performed concurrently with the operation of the flow measurement system 40.

[0034] Furthermore, the diagnostic method 100 includes a sixth step 160, which is performed before, during, or after the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth steps 110, 120, 130, 140, 150. In the sixth step 160, a first measurement 44 of the flow velocity 19 in the pipe 10 is determined. The first measurement 44 of the flow velocity 19 is determined based on a first effective pressure 35 obtained in at least the first step 110. The first measurement 44 can be determined in particular based on a pressure difference 37, which in turn is determined based on the first effective pressure and the second effective pressure 35, 36. Furthermore, the diagnostic method 100 has a seventh step 170, in which a second measurement 45 of the flow velocity 19 in the pipe 10 is determined. The second measurement 45 is determined based on the vibration variable 22 obtained in the second step 120. The determination of the second measurement 45 of the flow velocity 19 can be performed, for example, by artificial intelligence. In the diagnostic method 100, the first and second measurements 44, 45 of the flow velocity 19 are further compared with each other. This comparison is used to check the reasonableness of the first and second measured values ​​44 and 45. The greater the difference between the first and second measured values ​​44 and 45, the more likely that the vibration sensor 20, one of the effective pressure lines 34, or the flow measurement device 30, especially the differential pressure measurement device 33, is in an incorrect state. Therefore, the operation of the flow measurement system 40 is monitored by means of the sixth and seventh steps 160 and 170. Each step 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 is performed by the computer program product 55 executed on the evaluation unit 50. The diagnostic method 100 outlined for the first effective pressure 23 and the first effective pressure line 35 can also be performed for the second effective pressure 24 or a combination thereof at the second effective pressure line 36.

[0035] exist Figure 2 The diagram is schematically shown in longitudinal section according to Figure 1 Detailed view of the flow measurement system 40. Diagnostic method 100 in Figure 2The flow measurement is performed on the flow measurement system 40. Fluid 13, flowing along the pipe axis 18 in the flow direction 15 through the first pipe 11, reaches the orifice plate 16, which is arranged between the first and second pipes 11, 12, fixed at an annular flange 14. Fluid 13 flows through the opening 17 in the orifice plate 16 and is accelerated there. Fluid 13 is again delayed behind the orifice plate 16 along the flow direction 15. Thus, the first and second effective pressures 23, 24 obtained before or after the orifice plate 16 have different values ​​and are measures of the current flow velocity 19. The orifice plate 16 has an edge 43 at the edge of its opening 17, which is worn down by the flow of fluid 13. Turbulence 42 is induced behind the orifice plate 16 along the flow direction 15 through the edge 43. Turbulence 42 occurs periodically. When the turbulence 42 reaches the second pipe 12, i.e., its wall, the turbulence induces vibration 21, which is acquired by means of vibration sensor 20 in the second step 120 of diagnostic method 100. The vibration 21 induced by the turbulence 42 is also a measure of the flow velocity 19 in pipe 10. For the claimed diagnostic method 100, only a simple parameter indicating the presence of flow through orifice plate 16 is needed by means of an adjustable second threshold 27. When commissioning the flow measurement system 40, the second threshold 27 can initially be adjusted, for example, by an estimate, and can be adjusted more precisely in further operation. This allows for sufficiently accurate identification of blockages in the effective pressure line 34, while simultaneously providing a learning period during which the reference state of orifice plate 16 can be determined.

[0036] Turbulence 42 occurring at the edge 43 of the opening 17 of the orifice plate 16 can be simulated in the simulation program product 65 with reduced computational cost. The opening 17 is designed to be substantially rotationally symmetrical with respect to the pipe axis 18. The hydrodynamic separation of turbulence 42 at the edge 43 can therefore be shown in a two-dimensional fluid simulation. This two-dimensional fluid simulation requires reduced computational cost and can also be designed to have real-time capabilities. The simulation program product 65, configured as a digital twin, thus has real-time capabilities and is therefore suitable for monitoring the accompanying operation of the flow measurement system 40. Alternatively, the circumferential section of the orifice plate 16 in the region of the edge 43 can be simulated in a three-dimensional fluid simulation. Here, the circumferential section can have a size in which the separation of turbulence 42 can also be simulated with reduced computational cost.

Claims

1. A diagnostic method (100) for a flow measurement system (40), said flow measurement system being attached to a flow-through pipe (10), wherein an orifice plate (16) is arranged in said pipe, wherein, The flow measurement system (40) includes a flow measurement device (30) connected to at least two effective pressure lines (34, 35, 36) arranged in region (28) of the orifice plate (16) to obtain effective pressures (23, 24). The diagnostic method includes the following steps: a) Allow fluid (13) to flow through the pipe (10) and obtain the effective pressure (23, 24) in one of the effective pressure lines (34, 35, 36). The diagnostic method (100) is characterized by further comprising the following steps: b) The vibration variable (22) of the vibration (21) is obtained via a vibration sensor (20) placed in the region (28) of the orifice plate (16). c) If the magnitude of the effective pressure (23, 24) obtained in step a) is lower than the first adjustable threshold (26) and the magnitude of the vibration variable (22) obtained in step b) is higher than the second adjustable threshold (27), then a blockage of the effective pressure line (34, 35, 36) is identified. If a blockage is detected in the effective pressure lines (34, 35, 36), a warning (39) will be output to the user and / or data interface (32).

2. The diagnostic method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The orifice plate (16) is attached to at least one annular flange (14), through which the first and second pipes (11, 12) of the pipe (10) are connected to each other.

3. The diagnostic method (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The vibration sensor (20) is attached to the pipe (10) or the annular flange (14).

4. The diagnostic method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The diagnostic method (100) further includes the following steps: d) Train artificial intelligence (52) based on the measured values ​​(25) of the effective pressure (23, 24) and at least one vibration variable (22) and determine the reference state of the orifice plate (16); e) The wear of the orifice plate (16) is identified by comparing the reference state with the current effective pressure (23, 24), at least one current vibration variable (22) and / or a variable derived from the current effective pressure and / or the current vibration variable.

5. The diagnostic method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The flow measurement device (30) is designed as a differential pressure measurement device (33).

6. The diagnostic method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least one of the effective pressure lines (34, 35, 36) has a length of 1m to 20m.

7. The diagnostic method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The vibration (21) acquired by the vibration sensor (20) is oriented perpendicular to the axial direction of the pipe (10).

8. The diagnostic method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The diagnostic method (100) further includes the following steps: f) Determine a first measurement (44) of the flow velocity (19) in the pipe (10) based on the effective pressure (23, 24) obtained at least in step a). g) Determine a second measurement (45) of the flow velocity (19) in the pipe (10) based on the vibration variable (22) obtained in step b). The first measurement value and the second measurement value (44, 45) are compared with each other to perform a reasonableness check.

9. A computer program product (55) designed for receiving and processing measurements (25) of effective pressure (23, 24) and at least one vibration variable (22), characterized in that, The computer program product (55) is designed to perform a diagnostic method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 on a flow measurement system (40) attached to a flow-through pipe (10), wherein an orifice plate (16) is arranged in the pipe, and the flow measurement system includes a flow measurement device (30) having at least two effective pressure lines (34, 35, 36), a vibration sensor (20), and the flow measurement system includes a data interface (32) for outputting a warning (39) when the computer program product (55) is running on the evaluation unit (50) of the flow measurement system (40) or on a computer cloud.

10. An evaluation unit (50) designed for storing and executing a computer program product (55), and said evaluation unit designed for coupling with a flow measurement device (30) and a vibration sensor (20) via at least one communication data link, characterized in that, The computer program product (55) is designed according to claim 9.

11. A flow measurement system (40) comprising a flow measurement device (30) and a vibration sensor (20), the flow measurement device and the vibration sensor being attachable to a pipe (10) in a region (28) of an orifice plate (16), and the flow measurement device and the vibration sensor being connected to an evaluation unit (50) via at least one communication data link, characterized in that, The evaluation unit (50) is designed according to claim 10.

12. A simulation program product (65) comprising instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to simulate the operational behavior of a flow measurement system (40), characterized in that, The flow measurement system (40) is designed according to claim 11.

13. The simulation program product (65) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The simulation program product (65) is designed as a digital twin of the flow measurement system (40).

14. The simulation program product (65) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The simulation program product (65) is designed to represent the hydrodynamic separation of turbulence (42) at the edge (43) of the orifice plate (16) in a two-dimensional fluid simulation.

15. Use of a vibration sensor (20) attached in region (28) of an orifice plate (16) to a pipe (10) to obtain current vibration (21) at the pipe, characterized in that, The vibration sensor (20) is used to identify blockages in the effective pressure lines (34, 35, 36), by means of the effective pressure lines to obtain effective pressure (23, 24) in the region (28) of the orifice plate (16) to measure the flow velocity (19) in the pipe (10), and the vibration sensor (20) is used in the flow measurement system (40) according to claim 11.

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