Modular coriolis flow meter

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular Coriolis flow meter (1) for determining a process variable of a flowable medium, comprising: a measuring tube module (4) having a measuring tube (3a, 3b) for conducting the medium, a main actuator part (23) and a main sensor part (24a, 24b) arranged on the measuring tube (3a, 3b); a support module (10) having a recess (11) in which the measuring tube module (4) can be arranged by means of a detachable connection; an electronics chamber (30) in which electronic components (4) for operating the modular Coriolis flow meter (1) are arranged; a support module wall (31) bordering the electronics chamber (30) and the recess (11) and having a through opening (32) connecting the recess (11) to the electronics chamber (30), in which opening (32) a protective glass (33) is arranged; a non-contact temperature sensor (12), which is arranged in the electronics chamber (30) and is oriented such that when the measuring tube module (3) is arranged in the support module (10), the temperature sensor (12) is directed towards a measuring tube surface (34) of the at least one measuring tube (3), a light beam emitted from the measuring tube surface (34) of the measuring tube (3) is received through the opening (32); an auxiliary exciter part (13) complementary to the main exciter part (23); and an auxiliary sensor component (14) complementary to the main sensor component (24).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a modular Coriolis flowmeter for determining a process variable of a flowable medium. Background Art

[0002] Process measurement technology field devices with vibration sensors and in particular Coriolis flowmeters have been known for many years. The basic structure of such measuring devices is described in EP 1 807 681 A1, for example, to which reference is made in full within the scope of the present invention with regard to the structure of the generic field device.

[0003] Typically, a Coriolis flowmeter has at least one or more vibrating measuring tubes, which can be set to vibrate by means of a vibration exciter. These vibrations are transmitted along the tube length and are influenced by the type of flowable medium located in the measuring tube and its flow velocity. At another point in the measuring tube, a vibration sensor or in particular two vibration sensors spaced apart from one another can record the changing vibrations in the form of a measurement signal or a plurality of measurement signals. An evaluation unit can then determine the mass flow, the viscosity and / or the density of the medium from the measurement signals.

[0004] The measuring tubes are usually connected to the housing via a distribution device. In this case, the three components are welded together. However, Coriolis flowmeters with interchangeable disposable measuring tube arrangements based on a modular design are also known. For example, in WO 2011 / 099989 A1, a method is thus taught for producing an integrally formed measuring tube arrangement of a Coriolis flowmeter with a curved measuring tube, wherein the measuring tube body of the corresponding measuring tube is first formed as a solid body consisting of a polymer and the channels for conducting the flowable medium are subsequently machined into the solid body. WO 2011 / 099989 A1, like US 10,209,113 B2, teaches a connecting body that is configured to receive and support a replaceable measuring tube module comprising a thin-walled plastic tube. The measuring tube module is fastened via the connecting body in a supporting device equipped with the necessary exciters and sensors.

[0005] Coriolis flowmeters are known from the prior art in which a temperature sensor is attached to the measuring tube by, for example, a welded connection. However, this solution is extremely disadvantageous for disposable applications, since in this case, when the measuring tube module is arranged in the recess, an electrical contact of the temperature sensor with the measuring circuit must be ensured. Furthermore, this would mean that the temperature sensor must be discarded after each use of the measuring tube module. Optical temperature sensors are known in principle. US 2017 / 0102257 A1 discloses the use of an optical temperature sensor in a conventional Coriolis flowmeter. The temperature sensor is located inside the housing and faces the measuring tube. However, this solution is not suitable for disposable applications in which the measuring tube module is constantly replaced, since when the measuring tube module is inserted into the measuring tube module recess, it may collide with the optical temperature sensor and thereby damage both components. Furthermore, the disclosed solution is not cleanable and is therefore not suitable for most biopharmaceutical applications. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0007] This object is achieved by a modular Coriolis flow meter according to claim 1 .

[0008] A modular Coriolis flowmeter for determining a process variable of a flowable medium according to the invention comprises: - Measuring tube module, comprising: - a (especially metallic) measuring tube for conducting the medium; - a main exciter component arranged on the measuring tube, - a main sensor component arranged on the measuring tube; - Support module, including: - a recess in which the measuring tube module can be arranged by means of a detachable connection, - an electronics chamber, in which the electronic components for operating the modular Coriolis flow meter are arranged, - supporting module walls (especially metal), - wherein the support module wall defines the electronics chamber and the recess, - wherein the support module wall has a through opening connecting the recess to the electronics chamber, wherein a protective glass is arranged in the opening, a non-contact temperature sensor which is arranged in the electronics chamber and is oriented such that, when the measuring tube module is arranged in the support module, in particular in the recess, the temperature sensor is pointed towards a surface of the measuring tube module, in particular towards a measuring tube surface of the at least one measuring tube, and receives through the opening a light beam emitted from a surface of the measuring tube module, in particular from a measuring tube surface of the measuring tube, - an auxiliary exciter component complementary to the main exciter component, - an auxiliary sensor component complementary to the primary sensor component.

[0009] By using a contactless temperature sensor, arranging the temperature sensor in the electronics chamber and separating the electronics chamber and the recess via an opening with a protective glass, a solution for temperature measurement suitable for disposable applications is obtained and damages when installing the measuring tube module are avoided.

[0010] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0011] One embodiment provides that the temperature sensor is designed as an infrared sensor and that the light beam comprises infrared light.

[0012] By using infrared sensors, the temperature of the medium to be guided remains unaffected and contactless temperature measurement is possible over short distances and in light-tight spaces.

[0013] One embodiment provides that the cover glass at least partially contains zinc sulfide.

[0014] One embodiment provides that the cover glass at least partially comprises a chalcogenide.

[0015] The two materials mentioned for the cover glass are particularly suitable for use with infrared sensors, since they are particularly transparent for radiation with a wavelength between 8 and 12 µm.

[0016] One embodiment provides that the cover glass has a first diameter d1 in the first portion and a second diameter d2 in the second portion. The first diameter d1 is greater than the second diameter d2. The first diameter d1 is larger than the minimum diameter d of the opening. oef .

[0017] One embodiment provides that in the second part of the cover glass, a sealing device, in particular a sealing ring, is arranged on the cover glass, in particular such that it is visible from the recess opening. The sealing device is suitable for sealing the electronic device chamber relative to the recess.

[0018] The dimensions of the individual diameters of the cover glass in combination with the sealing arrangement form a solution particularly suitable for current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP), which allows the support module to be cleaned and used for biopharmaceutical applications.

[0019] One embodiment provides that the cover glass has an extension d in the longitudinal direction. L,max , the extension d L,max The maximum is 15 mm, in particular 10 mm, preferably 7 mm. Among them, the extension d L,min It is at least 0.5 mm, in particular 1 mm, preferably 3 mm.

[0020] One embodiment provides that the support module comprises a fastening device for fixing the cover glass in the opening. The fastening device presses the protective glass from the inside of the electronic device chamber toward the recess.

[0021] In this case, the fastening device can be designed such that it presses against the cover glass itself or against a sealing device arranged between the fastening device and the cover glass.

[0022] One embodiment provides that the temperature sensor has an aperture, in particular anodized, for blocking interfering radiation. The aperture has a minimum distance d from the surface of the measuring tube. aperture,min , the minimum distance d aperture,min 1 mm, in particular 2 mm, preferably 4 mm, The aperture has a maximum distance d from the surface of the measuring tube. aperture,max , the maximum distance d aperture,max It is 18 mm, in particular 12 mm, preferably 9 mm.

[0023] One embodiment provides that the at least one measuring tube has a temperature measuring point, in particular in the form of a matte, which has a different structuring than the rest of the measuring tube surface. Therein, the temperature sensor is directed toward the temperature measurement point.

[0024] One exemplary embodiment provides that the temperature measuring point is formed by means of a laser process.

[0025] One embodiment provides that the temperature measuring point is formed by means of a surface treatment by the action of a blasting medium, in particular sand.

[0026] One embodiment provides that the temperature measuring point is formed by a film applied to the measuring tube, in particular a film having a structure.

[0027] One embodiment provides that the recess is closed in a substantially light-tight manner when the measuring tube module is arranged.

[0028] The measuring tube surface and its structure have a significant influence on the emissivity of the measuring tube.An advantage of the above described embodiment is the standardization of the measuring tube surface or the temperature measurement points to be monitored, so that the results of different measuring tube modules are comparable.

[0029] One embodiment provides that the distance d between the measuring tube surface and the protective glass proection Less than 5 and greater than 0.5 mm, in particular less than 3 and greater than 0.7 mm, preferably less than 2 and greater than 1 mm. The advantage of this embodiment is that in the above-mentioned area, the at least one measuring tube of the measuring tube module can vibrate freely and at the same time, potential interference radiation passing through the aperture is minimized. At the same time, there is an optimal beam intensity for temperature measurement.

[0030] One embodiment provides that the measuring tube module has a temperature measuring point which is designed as a component attached to the at least one measuring tube, in particular in a form-fitting, force-fitting and / or integral manner. In this case, the temperature sensor is directed at the temperature measurement point, in particular at the component, Therein, the surface is at least partially located on the component.

[0031] The advantage of this embodiment is that, due to the additional arrangement of the component on the measuring tube, the surface area of ​​the measuring tube module, via which the temperature sensor determines the temperature of the medium, is not limited by the nominal diameter of the at least one measuring tube and can therefore be adjusted individually. This is particularly advantageous for measuring tubes with a small nominal diameter.

[0032] The component can be, for example, a plastic component which is bonded to the measuring tube. Alternatively, the component can also be formed by a mechanical coupling which mechanically couples the two measuring tubes to each other or to a connecting body which is designed to connect the measuring tube module to a distribution device and / or a process line. The component is attached to the measuring tube in this way and the material of the component is preferably chosen such that there is a good heat transfer between the measuring tube and the component.

[0033] One exemplary embodiment provides that the component corresponds to the main sensor component or the main actuator component.

[0034] The main sensor component or the main exciter component can each be a permanent magnet, in particular in combination with a permanent magnet holder which is connected to the measuring tube, in particular in an integral manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The present invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1a is a perspective view of an embodiment of a Coriolis flow meter according to the invention, in which a measuring tube module is arranged next to a support module and its recess;

[0037] Figure 1b is a perspective view of an embodiment of a Coriolis flow meter according to the present invention, wherein a measuring tube module is arranged in a recess;

[0038] Figure 1c is a perspective view of an embodiment of a Coriolis flow meter according to the invention, in which a measuring tube module is fixed in a recess by a fastening device;

[0039] Figure 2 is a detailed view of a longitudinal cross section of an embodiment of a Coriolis flow meter according to the present invention; and

[0040] Figure 3a-3c : Three embodiments of a modular Coriolis flow meter according to the present invention are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Figure 1a to Figure 1c An embodiment according to the invention is shown in . These figures show the step-by-step assembly of the measuring tube module 4 in the recess 11 of the support module 10 . Figure 1a1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a Coriolis flowmeter 1 according to the present invention, wherein a measuring tube module 4 is arranged next to a support module 10 and a recess 11 thereof. A modular Coriolis flowmeter 1 for determining a process variable of a flowable medium comprises a measuring tube module 4 and a support module 10. The measuring tube module 4 has at least one measuring tube 3 for guiding a flowable medium, and the measuring tube 3 is preferably made of metal. However, it may additionally or alternatively include plastic, ceramic and / or glass. In the illustrated embodiment, the measuring tube module 4 includes exactly two measuring tubes 3a, 3b. The main exciter component 23 is arranged on the outer lateral surface of each of the measuring tubes 3a, 3b. The main exciter component 23 includes at least one permanent magnet. In addition, two main sensor components 24a, 24b are attached to the outer lateral surfaces of the measuring tubes 3a, 3b, respectively. The main sensor components 24a, 24b also include at least one permanent magnet. The corresponding inlet and outlet portions of the two measuring tubes are connected to each other via a plate-shaped connecting body 7. This serves to fasten a distribution device (not shown) to the measuring tubes 3a, 3b and has a contact surface for the fastening device 48. Alternatively, the distribution device can also be connected to the measuring tubes 3a, 3b without the connection body 7. In this case, the measuring tube module 4 is fastened together with the fastening device 48 via the distribution device. According to the embodiment shown, the mechanical connection of the support module 10 to the measuring tubes 3a, 3b takes place via the connection body 7. In the final assembled state, the connection body 7 rests on a support surface 26 embedded in the support module body 22. Furthermore, a mechanical coupling 6 is provided which connects the inlet section or outlet section of the measuring tubes 3a, 3b to each other. The support module 10 comprises a recess 11 into which the measuring tube module 4 can be arranged with a detachable connection. The recess 11 is delimited by a support module wall 31 and, according to the embodiment shown, is essentially an opening or free volume in the support module 10, in which the measuring tube module 4 can be arranged so that the measuring tube module 4 can vibrate. The support module wall 31 is preferably made of metal. The measuring tube module 4 can be arranged in the recess 11 laterally, perpendicularly to its own longitudinal axis (not shown) or frontally in the direction of its own longitudinal axis. Separated from the recess 11 by a supporting module wall 31 is an electronics chamber 30, in which electronic components 40 for operating the modular Coriolis flowmeter 1 and for determining process variables are arranged. The electronic components 40 can include connectors, cables, circuit boards, amplifiers, electronic circuits with resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors and coils, digital and / or analog circuits and / or programmable microprocessors, i.e. processors implemented as integrated circuits. The electronic components 40 also include operating circuits, control circuits, measuring circuits, evaluation circuits and / or display circuits.

[0042] Figure 1bThe measuring tube module 4 is shown arranged in the recess 11. In this case, the connecting body 7 rests on the support surface 26. The measuring tubes 3a, 3b protrude into the recess 11 so that they can vibrate without touching the supporting module wall 31 in the process. The connecting body 7 is used to form a connection with a connecting body (not shown), in particular a distribution device, by which the measuring tube module 4 can be connected to the process line. The measuring tube module 4 is shown not fixed.

[0043] Figure 1cA Coriolis flowmeter 1 is shown, wherein the measuring tube module 4 is fixed in the recess 11 by a fastening device 48, so that the measuring tube module 4 can be released and put back again by an operator. The measuring tube module 4 is mechanically detachably connected or can be connected to the support module 10. After the measuring tube module 4 is fixed and thus appropriately arranged and set, the auxiliary exciter component 13 and the auxiliary sensor component 14 are activated. In the arranged state of the measuring tube module 4, the auxiliary exciter component 13 and the main exciter component 23 and the corresponding auxiliary sensor component 14 and the main sensor component 24a, 24b interact magnetically. The auxiliary exciter component 13 is designed to vibrate the at least one measuring tube 3. For this purpose, the auxiliary exciter component 13 generally includes a magnetic coil operated via an operating circuit. The operating circuit can be part of the electronic component 40. The coil generates a time-varying magnetic field according to the operating signal of its operation. This causes a force on the main exciter component 23, which causes the at least one measuring tube 3 to vibrate. The vibration behavior of the at least one measuring tube 3 is measured via the auxiliary sensor component 14. The time-varying magnetic field of the main sensor components 24a, 24b, which is locally present at the auxiliary sensor component 14 and which is caused by the vibrations of the at least one measuring tube 3, generates an electrical measurement signal in the sensor component 14, which preferably also comprises a magnetic coil, which is used to determine the process variable. According to the embodiment shown, exactly two auxiliary exciter components 13 and four auxiliary sensor components 14 are provided. Alternatively, if exactly one auxiliary exciter component 13 and exactly two auxiliary sensor components 14 are arranged in the support module 10 so that they are located between the two measuring tubes 3a, 3b and therefore also between the main exciter component 23 and the main sensor components 24a, 24b in the arranged state, then exactly one auxiliary exciter component 13 and exactly two auxiliary sensor components 14 can also be sufficient for the two measuring tubes 3a, 3b. The auxiliary exciter components 13 and the auxiliary sensor components 14 are arranged in / on the support module 10. For example, they can be arranged so that they are separated from the recess 11 by a support module wall 31. Alternatively, the support module wall 31 may have exciter openings corresponding to the number of the auxiliary exciter components 13, in which the auxiliary exciter components 13 are arranged. This also applies to the auxiliary sensor components 14. The support module wall 31 may have sensor openings corresponding to the number of the auxiliary sensor components 14, in which the auxiliary sensor components 14 are arranged.

[0044] Figure 2is a detailed view of a longitudinal section of an embodiment of a Coriolis flowmeter 1 according to the invention. A support module wall 31 separates the recess 11 from the electronics chamber 30. The electronic components 40 are arranged in the electronics chamber 30 and are electrically connected to auxiliary exciter components and / or auxiliary sensor components (not shown). The measuring tube 3a of the measuring tube module is arranged in the recess 11. The support module wall 31 has a through opening 32 connecting the recess 11 with the electronics chamber 30. A protective glass 33 is arranged in this opening 32.

[0045] A non-contact temperature sensor 12 is arranged in the electronics chamber 30 for determining the temperature of the measuring tube 3a or of the medium guided in the measuring tube 3a. The temperature sensor 12 is oriented so that when the measuring tube module or the measuring tube 3a is arranged in the support module 10, in particular in the recess 11, it is directed onto the surface of the measuring tube module 4 (in the case shown, it is directed onto the measuring tube surface 34 of the at least one measuring tube 3, in particular the measuring tube 3a), and receives through the opening 32 a light beam emitted from the surface of the measuring tube module 4 (in this case, the measuring tube surface 34 of the at least one measuring tube 3). Alternatively, the surface to be monitored can also be located on one of the mechanical couplings, the connecting body, or the connector or the distribution device. Alternatively, the measuring tube module 4 can further include a component attached to at least one of the measuring tubes 3a, 3b for providing a sufficiently large radiation surface for determining the medium temperature (see Figure 3c ).

[0046] The temperature sensor 12 has a (in particular anodized) aperture 37 for blocking interfering radiation, a lens and an SMD IR sensor. In this case, the aperture 37 is designed as a black radiator as far as possible (for example, made of anodized aluminum), so that it itself does not emit any radiation to the SMD IR sensor. In the embodiment shown, the temperature sensor 12 is arranged on a circuit board. The aperture 37 has a minimum distance d aperture,min , the minimum distance d aperture,min 1 mm, in particular 2 mm, preferably 4 mm. In addition, the aperture 37 has a maximum distance d from the measuring tube surface 34 aperture,max , the maximum distance d aperture,max It is 18 mm, in particular 12 mm, preferably 9 mm.

[0047] The protective glass 33 at least partially comprises zinc sulfide and / or chalcogenide. The protective glass is shaped, constructed and arranged in the opening so that when the support module 10 is cleaned, the cleaning agent does not penetrate into the electronic device chamber 40. For this purpose, the protective glass 33 has a first diameter d1 in the first part and a second diameter d2 in the second part. In this case, the first diameter d1 is greater than the second diameter d2, and the first diameter d1 is greater than the smallest diameter d2 of the opening 32. oef The protective glass 33 has a maximum extension d in the longitudinal direction. L,max and minimum extension d L,min , the maximum extension d L,max is at most 15 mm, in particular 10 mm, preferably 7 mm, the minimum extension d L,min The recess 11 and the measuring tube module 4 are designed such that the distance d between the measuring tube surface 34 and the protective glass 33 is at least 0.5 mm, in particular 1 mm, preferably 3 mm. protection Smaller than 5 and larger than 0.5 mm, in particular smaller than 3 and larger than 0.7 mm, and preferably smaller than 2 and larger than 1 mm. The dimensions are selected so that as little ambient radiation as possible enters the temperature sensor 12 through the opening and, if possible, the temperature sensor 12 only records the radiation emitted by the measuring tube 3 a.

[0048] In the second part of the protective glass 33, a sealing means 35 (in the case shown, a sealing ring) for sealing the recess 11 relative to the recess 11 is arranged on the protective glass 33, in particular such that it is openly visible from the recess 11. This means that the requirements for ensuring product quality of medicinal products and active ingredients in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) and IP56, which will come into force in 2022, are met.

[0049] The support module 10 has a fastening device 36 for fixing the protective glass 33 in the opening 32. The fastening device is arranged in the electronics chamber 30 and is designed or configured to press the protective glass 33 from the inside of the electronics chamber 30 in the direction of the recess 11. The protective glass 33, in particular the first part of the protective glass 33, is pressed against the sealing device 35. In the embodiment shown, the fastening device 36 comprises an annular disk connected to the support module wall 31 via screws. An aperture 37 extends through a central opening in the annular disk. The annular disk contacts and interacts with a sealing ring, which is arranged on the surface of the protective glass 33 facing the inside of the electronics chamber 30. Alternatively, the annular disk can be in direct contact with the protective glass 33. The annular disk has a journal, which faces the protective glass 33 and extends around the central opening of the annular disk. In the embodiment shown, the annular disk is rotationally symmetrical.

[0050] The individual components of the electronic component 40 are also electrically connected to a temperature sensor 12, which can be designed as an infrared sensor. The infrared sensor is designed to detect infrared light and, based on this detection, determine the temperature of the measuring tube 3a or a measured value related to the temperature of the measuring tube 3a. The temperature of the measuring tube 3a can be determined via an evaluation circuit. The temperature sensor 12 is suitable for determining the temperature of the measuring tube 3a in a contactless manner, i.e. without direct mechanical contact with the measuring tube 3a. This is also arranged in the electronics chamber 30 and is separated from the measuring tube 3a by a protective glass 33. In order to be able to determine the temperature of the measuring tube 3a, the temperature sensor 12 is oriented so that when the measuring tube module is arranged in the support module, in particular in the recess 11, the temperature sensor 12 is directed onto the measuring tube surface 34 of the at least one measuring tube 3 and receives the light beam emitted from the measuring tube surface 34 of the measuring tube 3 through the opening 32.

[0051] The recess 11 and the measuring tube module 4 are designed such that, when the measuring tube module 4 is arranged, the recess 11 or the inner volume in which the at least one measuring tube is located is sealed in a substantially light-tight manner.

[0052] The at least one measuring tube 3 or the measuring tube 3a shown has a temperature measuring point 38 in the form of a matte. The surface structuring of the temperature measuring point 38 differs from the structuring on the remaining measuring tube surface. The temperature sensor 12 is oriented so that it is pointed toward the temperature measuring point 38. The temperature measuring point 38 can be constructed by means of a laser process and / or by means of a surface treatment by the action of a blasting medium, in particular sand. Alternatively, the temperature measuring point 38 can be formed by a film applied to the at least one measuring tube or the measuring tube 3a, which film can also have a structuring.

[0053] In the embodiment shown, the temperature sensor is directed at the measuring tube, which vibrates during operation. Alternatively, the temperature sensor can also be oriented so that it is directed toward one of the mechanical couplings, toward a non-vibrating part of the measuring tube, toward the connecting body 7, or toward a connecting body or a distribution device of the measuring tube module.

[0054] Figure 3a to Figure 3c A number of different embodiments of measuring tube modules 4 are shown, in which the temperature sensors 12 are directed at different surfaces of the measuring tube modules 4 or the medium temperature is determined based on different radiating surfaces of the measuring tube modules 4. Figure 3a In the embodiment of , the non-contact temperature sensor 12 is oriented so that it is pointed towards the surface of the main exciter component 23 (in this case, the main exciter component 23 is a permanent magnet attached to the measuring tube 3a) and receives a light beam emitted from said surface (see arrow).

[0055] exist Figure 3b In the embodiment of , the non-contact temperature sensor 12 is oriented such that it is pointed towards the surface of the main sensor component 24a (in this case, the main sensor component 24a is a permanent magnet attached to the measuring tube 3a) and receives a light beam emitted from this surface (see arrow).

[0056] exist Figure 3c In the embodiment of the present invention, the non-contact temperature sensor 12 is oriented so that it is pointed towards the surface of a component 41 attached to the measuring tube 3a (in this case, the attached component 41 is a black plastic component) and receives a light beam emitted by this surface (see arrow). The component 41 is designed so that the measurement signal generated by the light emitted by the component 41 and received by the temperature sensor 12 is larger than the measurement signal that would be generated if the temperature sensor 12 was pointed at the measuring tube surface of the measuring tube 3a. To this end, the component 41 has, for example, a larger cross-sectional area than the surface area of ​​a local part of the measuring tube 3a, which will contribute to the measurement signal at the temperature sensor 12.

[0057] List of reference numerals

[0058] Modular Coriolis Flow Meter1

[0059] Measuring tubes 3a, 3b

[0060] Measuring tube module 4

[0061] Connector 6

[0062] Connect the main body 7

[0063] Support module 10

[0064] Recess 11

[0065] Temperature sensor 12

[0066] Support module body 22

[0067] Auxiliary exciter component 13

[0068] Auxiliary sensor component 14

[0069] Main exciter component 23

[0070] Main sensor components 24a, 24b

[0071] Support surface 26

[0072] Electronics chamber 30

[0073] Support module wall 31

[0074] Opening 32

[0075] Protective glass 33

[0076] Measuring tube surface 34

[0077] Sealing device 35

[0078] Fastening device for fixing protective glass 36

[0079] Aperture 37

[0080] Temperature measurement point 38

[0081] Electronic components 40

[0082] Component 41

[0083] Fastening device for fixing measuring tube modules 48

Claims

1. A modular Coriolis flowmeter (1) for determining a process variable of a flowable medium, comprising: - Measuring tube module (4), comprising: - a measuring tube (3a, 3b) for guiding the medium, - a main exciter component (23) arranged on the measuring tubes (3a, 3b), - a main sensor component (24a, 24b) arranged on the measuring tube (3a, 3b); - A support module (10), comprising: - a recess (11) in which the measuring tube module (4) can be arranged by a detachable connection; - an electronics chamber (30) in which electronic components (4) for operating the modular Coriolis flow meter (1) are arranged, - a supporting module wall (31), which is in particular metallic, - wherein the support module wall (31) defines the electronic device chamber (30) and the recess (11), - wherein the support module wall (31) has a through opening (32) connecting the recess (11) to the electronics chamber (30), - wherein a protective glass (33) is arranged in said opening (32); - a non-contact temperature sensor (12) arranged in the electronics chamber (30) and oriented such that, when the measuring tube module (3) is arranged in the support module (10), in particular in the recess (11), the temperature sensor (12) is directed toward a surface of the measuring tube module (4), in particular toward a measuring tube surface (34) of the at least one measuring tube (3), and receives, through the opening (32), a light beam emitted from a surface of the measuring tube module (4), in particular from the measuring tube surface (34) of the measuring tube (3), - an auxiliary exciter component (13) complementary to the main exciter component (23); - an auxiliary sensor component (14) complementary to said main sensor component (24).

2. The modular Coriolis flow meter according to claim 1, in, The temperature sensor (12) is designed as an infrared sensor, and the light beam comprises infrared light.

3. The modular Coriolis flow meter according to claim 1 or 2, in, The protective glass (33) at least partially comprises zinc sulfide.

4. Modular Coriolis flow meter according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, The protective glass (33) at least partially comprises chalcogenide.

5. Modular Coriolis flow meter according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, The protective glass (33) has a first diameter d1 in the first portion and a second diameter d2 in the second portion, Wherein, the first diameter d1 is greater than the second diameter d2, The first diameter d1 is greater than the minimum diameter d of the opening (32). oef .

6. Modular Coriolis flow meter according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, In the second part of the protective glass (33), a sealing device (35), in particular a sealing ring, is arranged on the protective glass (33), in particular such that it is visible from the opening of the recess (11), The sealing device (35) is suitable for sealing the electronic device chamber (30) relative to the recess (11).

7. Modular Coriolis flow meter according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, The protective glass (33) has an extension d in the longitudinal direction. L,max , the extension d L,max A maximum of 15 mm, in particular 10 mm, preferably 7 mm, Wherein, the extension d L,min It is at least 0.5 mm, in particular 1 mm, preferably 3 mm.

8. Modular Coriolis flow meter according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, The support module (10) comprises a fastening device (36) for fixing the protective glass (33) in the opening (32), The fastening device (36) presses the protective glass (33) from the inside of the electronic device chamber (30) toward the recess (11).

9. Modular Coriolis flow meter according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, The temperature sensor (12) has an aperture (37), in particular anodized, for blocking interfering radiation. The aperture (37) has a minimum distance d from the measuring tube surface (34). aperture,min , the minimum distance d aperture,min 1 mm, in particular 2 mm, preferably 4 mm, The aperture (37) has a maximum distance d from the measuring tube surface (34). aperture,max , the maximum distance d aperture,max It is 18 mm, in particular 12 mm, preferably 9 mm.

10. Modular Coriolis flow meter according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, The measuring tube module (4), in particular the at least one measuring tube (3a, 3b), has a temperature measuring point (38), in particular in the form of a matte section, which has a different structuring than the remaining measuring tube surface. Therein, the temperature sensor (12) is directed toward the temperature measuring point (38).

11. The modular Coriolis flow meter according to claim 10, in, The temperature measuring point (38) is formed by means of laser technology.

12. The modular Coriolis flow meter according to claim 10, in, The temperature measuring point (38) is formed by means of a surface treatment by the action of a blasting medium, in particular sand.

13. The modular Coriolis flow meter according to claim 10, in, The temperature measuring point (38) is formed by a film, in particular a structured film, which is applied to the measuring tube module (4), in particular to the measuring tubes (3a, 3b).

14. Modular Coriolis flow meter according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, When the measuring tube module (4) is arranged, the recess (11) is substantially opaque to light.

15. Modular Coriolis flow meter according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, The distance d between the measuring tube surface (34) and the protective glass (33) is protection Smaller than 5 and larger than 0.5 mm, particularly smaller than 3 and larger than 0.7 mm, preferably smaller than 2 and larger than 1 mm.

16. Modular Coriolis flow meter according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, The measuring tube module (4) has a temperature measuring point (38) which is designed as a component (41) attached to the at least one measuring tube (3a, 3b), in particular in a form-fitting and / or integral manner, Therein, the temperature sensor (12) is directed toward the temperature measuring point (38).

17. The modular Coriolis flow meter of claim 16, in, The component (41) corresponds to the main sensor component (24) and / or the main actuator component (23).

Images