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 at least one measuring tube (3), a main actuator part (23), a main sensor part (24), a connector element (2) for detachably connecting the measuring tube module (4) to a process line, and a connecting element (5) for connecting the at least one measuring tube (3) to the connector element (2); a support module (10) having a recess (11) for detachably fixing the measuring tube module (4) in the support module (10), an auxiliary exciter part (13) complementary to the main exciter part (23), and an auxiliary sensor part (14) complementary to the main sensor part (24); the invention is characterized in that the connecting element (5) has a connecting element contact section (6) which has a deflection of less than 1% with respect to a maximum deflection of the at least one measuring tube (3) when the at least one measuring tube (3) is excited by means of mechanical vibrations, and in that the connecting element contact section (6) has a deflection of less than 1% with respect to a maximum deflection of the at least one measuring tube (3) when the at least one measuring tube (3) is excited by means of mechanical vibrations. The connector element (2) and the connecting element (5) are designed in such a way that a mechanical contact between the connector element (2) and the connecting element (5) occurs, in particular exclusively, within the connecting element contact portion (6). The invention also relates to a method for designing the measuring tube module (4).

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, in particular Coriolis flowmeters, have been known for many years. The basic structure of such a measuring device is described, for example, in EP 1 807 681 A1, to which disclosure reference is made in its entirety in the context of the present invention with regard to the structure of a generic field device.

[0003] Typically, a Coriolis flowmeter has at least one or more vibrating measuring tubes, which can be set to vibration by a vibration exciter. These vibrations are transmitted along the tube length and vary by the type of flowable medium located in the measuring tube and its flow rate. 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 one or more measurement signals. An evaluation unit can then determine the mass flow, viscosity and / or density of the medium from the measurement signals.

[0004] The measuring tube is usually connected to the housing via a distribution device. The three components mentioned above are welded together. However, Coriolis flowmeters with replaceable disposable measuring tube arrangements are known. For example, in WO 2011 / 099989 A1, a method for producing an integrally formed measuring tube arrangement of a Coriolis flowmeter with a curved measuring tube is thus taught, wherein the measuring tube body of the respective measuring tube is first formed as a solid body consisting of a polymer, and the channel for conducting the flowable medium is subsequently machined into the solid body. WO 2011 / 099989 A1 teaches a connecting element similar to US 10,209,113 B2, which is constructed to receive and support a replaceable measuring tube module comprising a thin-walled plastic tube. The measuring tube module is fastened in a supporting device equipped with the necessary exciters and sensors via the connecting element.

[0005] The mechanical properties of the measuring tube modules can vary significantly; therefore, certain parameters such as calibration factors and zero points of the modular measuring tube modules must be established prior to use. It has been found that the zero point determined during the calibration procedure can differ from the zero point actually present during use. Summary of the invention

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to reduce any influence on the zero point.

[0007] This object is achieved by a modular Coriolis flowmeter according to claim 1 and a method for designing a measuring tube module according to claim 16 .

[0008] A modular Coriolis flowmeter for determining a process variable of a flowable medium according to the invention comprises: -Measuring tube module, including: - at least one measuring tube for conducting the medium; - Main exciter components; - Main sensor component; - a connector element for detachably connecting the measuring tube module to the process line; - a connecting element for connecting the at least one measuring tube to the connector element, wherein the connecting element is connected to the at least one measuring tube, in particular is integrally bonded to the at least one measuring tube, Wherein, the connecting element and the connector element are composed of at least two parts; -Support module, including: - a receiving portion, which is used to detachably fix the measuring tube module in the supporting module, - an auxiliary exciter component, said auxiliary exciter component being complementary to said main exciter component, - an auxiliary sensor component, said auxiliary sensor component being complementary to said main sensor component, Features The connecting element has a connecting element contact portion which, when the at least one measuring tube is excited by mechanical vibrations, has a maximum deflection relative to the at least one measuring tube of less than 1‰, in particular less than 0.1‰ and preferably less than 0.01‰, and The connector element and the connecting element are designed such that the mechanical contact between the connector element and the connecting element takes place, in particular exclusively, in the connecting element contact portion.

[0009] One advantage of modular Coriolis flowmeters is the exchangeability of the measuring tube module and the simultaneous reusability of the support module, which typically accommodates the measuring and evaluation electronics (with a corresponding processor) for operating the Coriolis flowmeter and for evaluating the measurement signals, and alternatively also a display for outputting the measurement results. This makes modular Coriolis flowmeters ideal for single-use applications in bioprocessing facilities and / or pharmaceutical processing facilities.

[0010] The individual modules of the modular Coriolis flowmeter can be connected to one another via a form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection, which can be easily released again by an operator of the modular Coriolis flowmeter, in particular without tools. For this purpose, a fastening device can be provided on the support module, which is designed to releasably fasten the measuring tube module in the receptacle.

[0011] The connecting element is an interface between one or more measuring tubes and a connector element. The way in which the connecting element interacts or contacts with the connector element influences the zero point of the modular Coriolis flowmeter. In order to achieve the above object, it is ensured that the contact between the connecting element and the connector element is clearly defined and that only those parts of the connecting element that experience a deflection below an admissible limit value when the measuring tube vibrates are in contact with the connector element. The limit value defines a deflection of less than 1‰, in particular less than 0.1‰, and preferably less than 0.01‰ relative to the maximum deflection of the at least one measuring tube.

[0012] The connector element is responsible for connecting the at least one measuring tube to the process line. If more than one measuring tube is used, the connector element can therefore be a distributor device. Alternatively, the connector element serves as a connector adapter.

[0013] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0014] One embodiment provides that the vibration frequency of the mechanical vibration is less than 1,000 Hz and greater than 100 Hz, in particular less than 750 Hz and greater than 150 Hz, and preferably less than 500 Hz and greater than 200 Hz.

[0015] One embodiment provides that the connector element has at least a first contact surface which is in contact with the connection element contact portion.

[0016] Permanent contact is thus made via the first contact surface. This surface does not necessarily have to be continuous and can therefore also consist of a plurality of partial surfaces.

[0017] An embodiment provides that the first contact surface occupies at most 10%, in particular at most 5%, and preferably at most 3% of the entire projected area resulting from the orthogonal projection of all section planes through the connector element onto the projection plane.

[0018] The connector element need not necessarily be solid. In particular in the case of injection-molded parts, it is advantageous if the injection-molded part is hollow, at least partially hollow, and has a substantially constant wall thickness. The cross-sectional area of ​​the connector element is therefore defined by the area enclosed by the outer boundaries of the connector element. This corresponds to the projected area resulting from the orthogonal projection of all cross-sectional planes through the connector element.

[0019] One embodiment provides that the connector element has a raised portion which comprises the first contact surface.

[0020] According to this embodiment, for a defined contact point with a predetermined contact surface between the connector element and the connecting element, a raised portion is provided on the side of the end body facing the connecting element. The raised portion may include the entire first contact surface. The provision of the raised portion results in a predetermined gap being formed between the connecting element and the connector element, which gap prevents a critical area of ​​the connecting element from contacting the connector element.

[0021] One embodiment provides that the connector element has a plurality of raised portions, each of which comprises a partial surface of the first contact surface.

[0022] As an alternative to the aforementioned embodiment, a plurality of raised portions may also be provided on the side of the connector element facing the connection element, which form a permanent contact between the connector element and the connection element. In this case, the first contact surface is divided into the plurality of raised portions.

[0023] One embodiment provides that the at least one measuring tube is curved. wherein the at least one measuring tube has a straight inlet region and a straight outlet region, wherein the connecting element has two connecting element openings, wherein the at least one measuring tube extends through one of the two connecting element openings in each of the inlet region and the outlet region, wherein the at least one measuring tube has a longitudinal axis in each of the inlet region and the outlet region, wherein two planes extending parallel to one another delimit a region on the connecting element in which the connecting element contact portion, in particular the first contact surface, is located, Therein, the longitudinal axes each lie in one of the two planes.

[0024] One embodiment provides that the connector element has a second contact surface, which only contacts the contact part of the connecting element when a medium, in particular a medium with a flow rate of at least 1 m / s and / or a medium pressure greater than 1 bar, in particular greater than 2 bar, flows through the connector element channel of the connector element.

[0025] According to this embodiment, additional contact points are provided; however, these contact points are not in permanent contact with the connecting element, but only in contact with the connecting element when the medium flows through the connector element. In other cases, the second contact surface is also spaced apart from the side of the connecting element that is inclined toward the connector element.

[0026] One embodiment provides that the at least one measuring tube is curved. wherein the at least one measuring tube has a straight inlet region and a straight outlet region, wherein the connecting element has two connecting element openings, wherein the at least one measuring tube extends through one of the two connecting element openings in each of the inlet region and the outlet region, wherein the at least one measuring tube has a longitudinal axis in each of the inlet region and the outlet region, wherein two planes extending parallel to one another delimit a region on the connecting element in which the second contact surface is located, Therein, the longitudinal axes each lie in one of the two planes.

[0027] One embodiment provides that the measuring tube module has at least one sealing device, at least parts of which are arranged between the connector element and the connecting element. Therein, the sealing device is designed such that the connecting element and the connector element, in particular the lower connecting element surface inclined toward the connector element and the connector element surface inclined toward the connecting element, are at least partially spaced apart.

[0028] The sealing device is sandwiched between the connection element and the connector element and prevents the medium from escaping at the interface between the measuring tube and the connector element. The sealing device is dimensioned such that the connector element is spaced apart from the connection element except for the predetermined contact surface. This thus creates a defined gap between the connection element and the connector element.

[0029] One embodiment provides that the connector element is connected to the connecting element by means of at least one fastening device, in particular in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner.

[0030] Suitable fastening means include, for example, those taught in PCT / EP2021 / 083119 or DE 102020131563.5. Reference is made in full to both patent documents mentioned above.

[0031] One embodiment provides that the first contact surface is designed such that it surrounds the fastening device surface, Wherein, the fastening device extends through the fastening device surface.

[0032] According to this embodiment, the first contact surface or a corresponding part surface of the first contact surface may be annular.

[0033] One embodiment provides that the measuring tube module has at least one contact device which is arranged between the connecting element and the connector element and facilitates mechanical contacting.

[0034] Instead of one or more raised portions on the connector element and / or the connecting element, separate spacing components or contact means may be arranged between the connecting element and the connector element. These may be integrally bonded to the connector element and / or the connecting element, or may be arranged between the two elements in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0035] One embodiment provides that the measuring tube module comprises a first, in particular curved, measuring tube. Therein, the measuring tube module comprises a second, in particular curved, measuring tube, wherein the connecting element has two connecting element openings through which the first measuring tube extends, Therein, the connecting element has two further connecting element openings, through which the second measuring tube extends.

[0036] One embodiment provides that the connecting element has a further connecting element contact portion which, when the at least one measuring tube is excited by the mechanical vibrations, has a deflection relative to the maximum deflection of greater than 1‰, in particular greater than 0.1‰ and preferably greater than 0.01‰, Therein, the connector element and the connecting element are designed such that no mechanical contact occurs between the connector element and the connecting element within the connecting element contact portion.

[0037] The method according to the invention is used for designing a measuring tube module used in a modular Coriolis flowmeter, in particular a modular Coriolis flowmeter according to the invention, wherein the measuring tube module comprises at least one measuring tube, a connector element and a connecting element, wherein the connector element is used for detachably connecting the measuring tube module to a process pipeline, and the connecting element is used for connecting the at least one measuring tube to the connector element, the method comprising the following method steps: - establishing a deflection of the connecting element when the at least one measuring tube is mechanically vibrated; - establish the contact part of the connecting element, wherein the deflection of the connecting element in the connecting element contact portion relative to the maximum deflection of the at least one measuring tube is less than 1‰, in particular less than 0.1‰, and preferably less than 0.01‰; and - Connecting the connector element to the connecting element and the at least one measuring tube such that the mechanical contact between the connector element and the connecting element occurs, in particular exclusively, in the connecting element contact portion.

[0038] For a more stable zero point, which is a value that exists when no medium is present or when the medium is stationary, it is particularly important to determine the vibration behavior of the connecting element in advance. If the vibration behavior is known, a surface of the connecting element can be determined which, when excited, has a vibration amplitude with respect to the at least one measuring tube of a maximum deflection of less than 1‰, in particular less than 0.1‰, and preferably less than 0.01‰. If this is known, this must be taken into account when designing the connector element and / or the connecting element. When connecting the connector element to the measuring tube, it must be ensured that mechanical contact only occurs within the established surface.

[0039] Furthermore, a method step can be provided in which the connector element is formed in such a way that, when the connector element is arranged on the measuring tube and the connecting element, mechanical contact occurs exclusively between previously established and determined surfaces.

[0040] One embodiment provides that the vibration frequency of the mechanical vibration is less than 1,000 Hz and greater than 100 Hz, in particular less than 750 Hz and greater than 150 Hz, and preferably less than 500 Hz and greater than 200 Hz.

[0041] One exemplary embodiment provides that, in order to produce the deflection of the connecting element, the measuring tube module is arranged in a receptacle of a support module of the Coriolis flowmeter.

[0042] One embodiment provides that a defined prestress is applied to the measuring tube module, in particular to the connecting element, in order to establish the deflection of the connecting element.

[0043] One embodiment provides that the deflection of the connecting element is determined for a measuring tube module which does not comprise a connector element.

[0044] One exemplary embodiment provides that the deflection of the connecting element is established by a simulation method.

[0045] One exemplary embodiment provides that the simulation method comprises a finite element calculation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The present invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings:

[0047] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a modular Coriolis flow meter;

[0048] Figure 2 is a technical simulation of the vibration behavior of the connecting element when the two measuring tubes are excited so that they vibrate;

[0049] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the bottom of the connector element;

[0050] Figure 4 is a detailed view of a section taken through the connector element and the connecting element; and

[0051] Figure 5 A method chain of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for designing a measuring tube module for use in a modular Coriolis flow meter is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of a modular Coriolis flowmeter for determining a process variable of a flowable medium. The process variable is typically the mass flow, density and / or viscosity of the medium. The modular Coriolis flowmeter 1 comprises a measuring tube module 4 and a support module 10. The measuring tube module 4 is designed as a replaceable disposable component, while the support module 10 serves as a reusable component. To this end, the measuring tube module 4 can be mechanically and detachably connected to the support module 10. The measuring tube module 4 comprises at least one measuring tube 3 for conducting a medium, the at least one measuring tube 3 having an inlet area 9 and an outlet area 12. The at least one measuring tube 3 can be made of metal, plastic and / or glass. In the illustrated embodiment, the measuring tube module 4 comprises exactly two curved metal measuring tubes, each measuring tube having a straight inlet area 9 and a straight outlet area 12. The curved subsection is located between the inlet area 9 and the outlet area 12 in the flow direction. Alternatively, the measuring tube module 4 can also comprise precisely only one curved measuring tube. The inlet sections of the two measuring tubes are connected to each other via at least one coupling; in the example shown, there are exactly two planar couplings. This also applies to the outlet sections of the two measuring tubes.

[0053] Attached to each measuring tube is a main exciter component 23 and at least one main sensor component 24. The main exciter component 23 can be, for example, a permanent magnet attached to the lateral surface of the measuring tube. The main sensor component 24 can also be a permanent magnet. The measuring tubes shown each have exactly two main sensor components 24, each of which is arranged in a straight subsection of the measuring tube, while the main exciter components 23 are arranged in a curved subsection of the measuring tube.

[0054] The measuring tube module 4 further comprises a connecting element 5 for connecting the two measuring tubes to a connector element (not shown). The connector element is designed to connect the measuring tube module 4, in particular the inlet region 9 and the outlet region 12 of each measuring tube, to a process line (not shown), in particular in a detachable manner. The connecting element 5 is integrally bonded to the at least one measuring tube 3 and is to be understood as a component separate from the connector element. Thus, the connecting element 5 and the connector element are formed of at least two parts. Alternatively, the connecting element can be connected to the at least one measuring tube 3 in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner. In the embodiment shown, the plate-shaped connecting element 5 is metallic, planar and connected to the two measuring tubes. The connecting element 5 has four connecting element openings 15, 16, through each of which the straight inlet and outlet portions of the two measuring tubes extend. The integral bond between the connecting element and the measuring tube at the corresponding connecting element openings 15, 16 is formed by a welded connection. Alternative connection options are also known. The connection can also be produced by adhesive bonding, fusion bonding, screwing or (ultrasonic) riveting.

[0055] The support module 10 comprises a receptacle 11 for removably fixing the measuring tube module 4 in the support module 10. The receptacle 11 is delimited by at least four walls. In the embodiment shown, the receiving volume of the receptacle 11 is defined by exactly four walls. The receptacle 11 can have a recess into which at least part of the connecting element 5 can be inserted. Alternatively, the support module 10 can have a receiving surface on which the connecting element rests when the measuring tube module 4 is mounted. According to a variant (not shown), the receptacle 11 can be delimited by exactly five walls. Thus, the measuring tube module 4 can be inserted into the receptacle 11, wherein the measuring tube module 4 is fixed in the receptacle 11 using a fastening device (not shown). In the embodiment shown, the mounting direction of the measuring tube module 4 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the measuring tube module 4 and also perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle 11. Alternatively, the housing 11 and the support module 10 can be designed so that the installation direction of the measuring tube module 4 is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the measuring tube module 4 and also parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 11. The support module 10 is preferably made of corrosion-resistant metal or plastic. At least one auxiliary exciter component 13 complementary to the main exciter component 23 and at least one auxiliary sensor component 14 complementary to the main sensor component 24 are arranged in the support module 10. If two main sensor components are provided for each measuring tube, two auxiliary sensor components are also provided for each measuring tube. Alternatively, when the auxiliary exciter component 13 and the auxiliary sensor component 14 are arranged between the two measuring tubes, exactly one auxiliary exciter component 13 can also be provided for the two main exciter components 23, and correspondingly, exactly one auxiliary sensor component 13 can also be provided for the two main sensor components 23. In any case, the auxiliary sensor component 14 is arranged on the support module 10 in such a way that the main sensor component 24 interacts with the auxiliary sensor component 14, in particular magnetically, when the measuring tube module 4 is arranged in the receptacle 11. The auxiliary exciter component 13 is arranged on the support module 10 so that the main exciter component 23 interacts with the auxiliary exciter component 13, in particular magnetically, when the measuring tube module 4 is arranged in the receptacle 11. Coils are suitable as auxiliary sensor components 14 and auxiliary exciter components 13. The auxiliary sensor components 14 and the auxiliary exciter components 13 are electrically connected to a control unit 26 and are thereby controlled by the control unit 26 or provide measured values ​​to the unit. The control unit 26 is suitable for and is configured to process and evaluate the established measured values. For this purpose, the control unit 26 has at least one processor and a plurality of electronic components.

[0056] Figure 2A technical simulation of the vibration behavior of a connecting element 5, which is essentially a cuboid except for the rounded corners, when two measuring tubes are excited to vibrate is shown. The measuring tubes are taken into account in the simulation, but are not shown for the purpose of explaining the invention. However, the connecting element openings 15, 16 are shown for this purpose. The connecting element 5 is graphically divided into a plurality of subsections K, L, M, N, O, P, X, Y and Z, each subsection differing due to a different deflection of the connecting element 5. Subsections with the same pattern are assigned or can be assigned the same letter (K, L, M, N, O, P, X, Y, Z). According to the invention, the connecting element 5 has a connecting element contact portion 6, which has a deflection of less than 1‰, in particular less than 0.1‰, and preferably less than 0.01‰ relative to the maximum deflection of the at least one measuring tube 3 when the at least one measuring tube 3 is excited by mechanical vibrations. Therefore, according to the embodiment shown, the connecting element contact portion 6 is located in the subsection with the letters X, Y and Z. The vibration frequency of the mechanical vibration is less than 1,000 Hz and greater than 100 Hz, in particular less than 750 Hz and greater than 150 Hz, and preferably less than 500 Hz and greater than 200 Hz. Connector elements (see Figure 3) and the connecting element 5 are two separate components and, according to the invention, are designed such that the mechanical contact between the connector element and the connecting element 5 occurs, in particular exclusively, in the connecting element contact portion 6. For the illustrated embodiment, this means that the contact between the connecting element 5 and the connector element is only made in the sub-portions X, Y and / or Z. The at least one measuring tube or the two measuring tubes each have a longitudinal axis V, W in the inlet region and the outlet region. Two parallel planes A, B delimit the following area on the connecting element 5, in which the connecting element contact portion 6, in particular the first contact surface, is located. The longitudinal axes V, W are each located in one of the two planes A, B. Additional contact points can be provided independently of the first contact surface. Therefore, the two parallel planes A, B can also delimit the following area on the connecting element 5, in which the second contact surface is located. This means that the second contact surface is located outside the area delimited by the two planes A, B. Thus, when a medium (particularly with a flow rate of at least 1 m / s and / or a medium pressure of greater than 1 bar, in particular greater than 2 bar) flows through the connector element channel 18 of the connector element 2, the connector element only contacts the connecting element contact portion 6. In addition, it is required that the connecting element 5 has a connecting element portion 29, which, when the at least one measuring tube is excited with mechanical vibrations, has a deflection relative to the maximum deflection greater than 1‰, in particular greater than 0.1‰, and preferably greater than 0.01‰. The connector element and the connecting element 5 are designed so that within the connecting element portion 29, there is no mechanical contact between the connector element and the connecting element 5. In the embodiment shown, these are sub-portions with the letters K, L, M, N, O and P.

[0057] Connector element 2 is not in Figure 1 and Figure 2 is shown in Figure 3 Shown in. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the bottom of a connector element 2 according to the invention. The connector element 2 can be designed as a dispensing device. The connector element 2 has at least two connector element openings 27, 28, through which the corresponding inlet and outlet sections of the at least one measuring tube extend. In the illustrated design with exactly two measuring tubes, the connector element 2 has exactly four connector openings. The connector element 2 has a connector element channel 18 through which the medium flows. The connector element channel 18 is connected or connectable to the at least one measuring tube 3. The connector element 2 can comprise metal, glass and / or plastic.

[0058] The connector element 2 has at least a first contact surface 7 which is in contact with a connecting element contact portion of a connecting element according to the invention (see Figure 2). The first contact surface 7 occupies at most 10%, in particular at most 5%, and preferably at most 3% of the entire projected area, which is generated by the orthogonal projection of all sections through the connector element 2 onto the projection plane. In the embodiment shown, the connector element 2 has a plurality of raised portions 8, in particular exactly four raised portions 8 including the first contact surface 7, which are arranged to form at least twofold symmetry, and in particular at least threefold symmetry, around the longitudinal axis of the measuring tube module. The plurality of raised portions 8 each have a partial surface of the first contact surface 7, which together provide the entire first contact surface 7. Alternatively, the connector element 2 can also have only one raised portion 8 around the first contact surface 7. In the embodiment shown, the first contact surface 7 consists of four annular partial contact surfaces.

[0059] The connector element 2 also has a second contact surface 17, which only contacts the connecting element contact portion 6 when a medium, in particular a medium with a flow rate of at least 1 m / s and / or a medium pressure of greater than 1 bar, in particular greater than 2 bar, flows through the connector element channel 18. For this purpose, one or more raised portions 30 with a second contact surface can then be provided. In the embodiment shown, the second contact surface 17 consists of four square partial contact surfaces.

[0060] Figure 4 A detailed view of a cross section through an assembled connector element 2 and a connecting element 6 is shown. The connector element 2 is fastened to the connecting element 6 by a fastening device 22. The fastening device 22 extends through the fastening device opening of the connector element 2 and the fastening device opening of the connecting element 6. The gap is at least partially located between the rear surface of the connector element 2 facing the connecting element 6 and the surface of the connecting element 6 facing the connector element 2, that is, the connector element and the connecting element are at least partially spaced apart from each other. The only contact point between the connector element 2 and the connecting element 6 is located on the raised portion 8 of the connector element. Alternatively, the connecting element may also have a raised portion. The connector element 2 also has at least one additional raised portion 30 that is not in permanent contact with the connecting element 6. However, the mechanical contact between the raised portion 30 and the connecting element 6 occurs only when a medium having a flow rate of at least 1m / s and / or a medium pressure greater than 1 bar, particularly greater than 2 bar, flows through the connector element channel of the connector element 2. In this case, the connector is deformed and the raised portion 30 contacts the connecting element 2.

[0061] The measuring tube module also has at least one sealing device 19, which is at least partially arranged between the connector element 2 and the connecting element 5. The sealing device 19 is designed and dimensioned so that the connecting element 5 and the connector element 2, in particular the rear surface of the connector element 2 and the surface of the connecting element 6, are at least partially spaced apart from the connecting element 5. As shown in the figure, the sealing device 19 can be a sealing ring arranged in a sealing device receiving portion of the connector element.

[0062] Figure 5 The invention is shown for designing a modular Coriolis flow meter (see Figures 1 to 4 ) method chain for measuring tube modules used in

[0063] In a first method step I, the deflection of the connecting element is determined during a mechanical vibration of the at least one measuring tube. For this purpose, the measuring tube is vibrated at a vibration frequency of less than 1,000 Hz and greater than 100 Hz, in particular less than 750 Hz and greater than 150 Hz, and preferably less than 500 Hz and greater than 200 Hz. The vibration behavior is determined using simulation methods. Simulation methods based on finite element calculations are particularly suitable for this purpose. Examples thereof are described in Figure 2 . The vibration frequency used here is approximately 303 Hz. In order to simulate the vibration behavior of the connecting element, the measuring tube module is arranged in the receiving part of the support module. The connector element is omitted. The measuring tube module therefore consists only of two measuring tubes, four couplings, the connecting element, two main exciter components and four main sensor components. In addition, a defined prestress is applied to the measuring tube module in order to simulate the forces acting on the measuring tube module when it is fixed in the support module.

[0064] If the vibration behavior of the connecting element is known, in a second method step II, a connecting element contact portion is determined in which the deflection of the connecting element relative to the maximum deflection of the at least one measuring tube is less than 1‰, in particular less than 0.1‰ and preferably less than 0.01‰.

[0065] In a third method step III, the connector element is designed in such a way that it is ensured that, when the connector element is arranged on the measuring tube and the connecting element, mechanical contact takes place exclusively within the established contact section of the connecting element.

[0066] In a fourth method step IV, a connector element is connected to the connecting element and to the at least one measuring tube such that mechanical contact between the connector element and the connecting element occurs only within the connecting element contact section.

[0067] Alternatively or additionally, in a method step, a deformation of the connector element can be established, which deformation of the connector element is produced when a medium, in particular a medium with a flow rate of at least 1 m / s and / or a medium pressure of more than 1 bar, in particular more than 2 bar, flows through the connector element channel of the connector element. Starting from the established deformation, a further design of the connector element may be required in order to ensure that if the connector element is deformed by the medium to be conducted, a new mechanical contact between the connection element and the connector element also only occurs within the connection element contact section.

[0068] Reference numerals list

[0069] 1 Modular Coriolis Flow Meter

[0070] 2 Connector elements

[0071] 3 measuring tube

[0072] 4 measuring tube modules

[0073] 5. Connecting elements

[0074] 6Connection element contact part

[0075] 7First contact surface

[0076] 8.30 raised part

[0077] 9Entrance Area

[0078] 10 Support modules

[0079] 11 Accommodation part

[0080] 12Exit Area

[0081] 13 Auxiliary exciter components

[0082] 14 Auxiliary sensor components

[0083] 15, 16 Connection element openings

[0084] 17 Second contact surface

[0085] 18 connector element channels

[0086] 19 Sealing device

[0087] 20 Connecting element surfaces

[0088] 21 Connector component surface

[0089] 22 Fastening device

[0090] 23 Main exciter components

[0091] 24 Main sensor components

[0092] 25 Fastening device surface

[0093] 26Control Unit

[0094] 27, 28 Connector element opening

[0095] A and B planes

Claims

1. A modular Coriolis flowmeter (1) for determining a process variable of a flowable medium, comprising: - Measuring tube (4), comprising: - at least one measuring tube (3), the at least one measuring tube (3) being used to conduct the medium; - main exciter component (23); - Main sensor component (24); - a connector element (2) for detachably connecting the measuring tube module (4) to a process line; - a connecting element (5) for connecting the at least one measuring tube (3) to the connector element (2), wherein the connecting element (5) is connected to the at least one measuring tube (3), in particular is integrally bonded to the at least one measuring tube (3), Wherein, the connecting element (5) and the connector element (2) are composed of at least two parts; - A support module (10), comprising: - a receiving portion (11), the receiving portion (11) being used to detachably fix the measuring tube module (4) in the supporting module (10), - an auxiliary exciter component (13) which is complementary to the main exciter component (23), - an auxiliary sensor component (14) which is complementary to the main sensor component (24), Features The connecting element (5) has a connecting element contact portion (6) which, when the at least one measuring tube (3) is excited by mechanical vibrations, has a deflection of less than 1‰, in particular less than 0.1‰, and preferably less than 0.01‰ relative to the maximum deflection* of the at least one measuring tube (3), and The connector element (2) and the connecting element (5) are designed such that the mechanical contact between the connector element (2) and the connecting element (5) occurs, in particular occurs exclusively, in the connecting element contact portion (6).

2. The modular Coriolis flow meter (1) according to claim 1, in, The vibration frequency of the mechanical vibration is less than 1,000 Hz and greater than 100 Hz, in particular less than 750 Hz and greater than 150 Hz, and preferably less than 500 Hz and greater than 200 Hz.

3. The modular Coriolis flow meter (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The connector element (2) has at least a first contact surface (7) which is in contact with the connection element contact portion (6).

4. The modular Coriolis flow meter (1) according to claim 3, in, The first contact surface (7) occupies at most 10%, in particular at most 5%, and preferably at most 3% of the entire projected area resulting from the orthogonal projection of all section planes through the connector element onto the projection plane.

5. The modular Coriolis flow meter (1) according to claim 3 or 4, in, The connector element (2) has a raised portion (8) comprising the first contact surface (7).

6. Modular Coriolis flow meter (1) according to at least one of claims 3 to 5, in, The connector element (2) has a plurality of raised portions, each of which comprises a partial surface of the first contact surface (7).

7. Modular Coriolis flow meter (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, The at least one measuring tube (3) is curved, The at least one measuring tube (3) has a straight inlet region (9) and a straight outlet region (12), The connecting element (5) has two connecting element openings (15, 16). wherein the at least one measuring tube (3) extends through one of the two connecting element openings (15, 16) in each of the inlet region (9) and the outlet region (12), wherein the at least one measuring tube (3) has a longitudinal axis in each of the inlet region (9) and the outlet region (12), wherein two planes (A, B) extending parallel to each other delimit the following area on the connecting element (5), in which the connecting element contact portion (6), in particular the first contact surface (7), is located, Therein, the longitudinal axes each lie in one of the two planes (A, B).

8. Modular Coriolis flow meter (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, The connector element (2) has a second contact surface (17), which is in contact with the connecting element contact portion (6) only when a medium, in particular a medium with a flow rate of at least 1 m / s and / or a medium pressure greater than 1 bar, in particular greater than 2 bar, flows through the connector element channel (18) of the connector element (2).

9. The modular Coriolis flow meter (1) according to claim 8, in, The at least one measuring tube (3) is curved, The at least one measuring tube (3) has a straight inlet region (9) and a straight outlet region (12), The connecting element (5) has two connecting element openings (15, 16). wherein the at least one measuring tube (3) extends through one of the two connecting element openings (15, 16) in each of the inlet region (9) and the outlet region (12), wherein the at least one measuring tube (3) has a longitudinal axis in each of the inlet region (9) and the outlet region (12), wherein two planes (A, B) extending parallel to one another delimit a region on the connecting element (5) in which the second contact surface (17) is located, Therein, the longitudinal axes each lie in one of the two planes (A, B).

10. Modular Coriolis flow meter (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, The measuring tube module (4) has at least one sealing device (19), at least part of which is arranged between the connector element (2) and the connecting element (5). The sealing device (19) is designed so that the connecting element (5) and the connector element (2), in particular the lower connecting element surface (20) inclined toward the connector element (2) and the connector element surface (21) inclined toward the connecting element (5), are at least partially spaced apart.

11. Modular Coriolis flow meter (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, The connector element (2) is connected to the connecting element (5) by means of at least one fastening device (22), in particular in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner.

12. The modular Coriolis flow meter (1) according to claim 11, wherein: in, The first contact surface (7) is designed such that it surrounds the fastening device surface (25), Wherein, the fastening device (22) extends through the fastening device surface (25).

13. Modular Coriolis flow meter (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, The measuring tube module (4) has at least one contact device which is arranged between the connecting element (5) and the connector element (2) and facilitates mechanical contact.

14. Modular Coriolis flow meter (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, The measuring tube module (4) comprises a first, in particular curved, measuring tube. The measuring tube module (4) comprises a second, in particular curved, measuring tube. The connecting element (5) has two openings (15, 16), through which the first measuring tube extends. Therein, the connecting element (5) has two further openings (27, 28) through which the second measuring tube extends.

15. Modular Coriolis flow meter (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, The connecting element (5) has a connecting element portion (29) which, when the at least one measuring tube (3) is excited by the mechanical vibrations, has a deflection relative to the maximum deflection of greater than 1‰, in particular greater than 0.1‰, and preferably greater than 0.01‰, The connector element (2) and the connecting element (5) are designed such that no mechanical contact occurs between the connector element (2) and the connecting element (5) within the connecting element portion (29).

16. A method for designing a measuring tube module (4) for use in a modular Coriolis flowmeter (1), in particular a modular Coriolis flowmeter (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The measuring tube module (4) comprises at least one measuring tube (3), a connector element (2) and a connecting element (5), wherein the connector element (2) is used to detachably connect the measuring tube module (4) to a process pipeline, and the connecting element (5) is used to connect the at least one measuring tube (3) to the connector element (2). The method comprises the following method steps: - when the at least one measuring tube (3) is mechanically vibrated, a deflection of the connecting element (5) is established; - establishing the contact part (6) of the connecting element, wherein the deflection of the connecting element (5) in the connecting element contact portion (6) relative to the maximum deflection of the at least one measuring tube (3) is less than 1‰, in particular less than 0.1‰, and preferably less than 0.01‰; and - connecting the connector element (2) to the connecting element (5) and the at least one measuring tube (3) such that the mechanical contact between the connector element (2) and the connecting element (5) occurs, in particular exclusively, in the connecting element contact portion (6).

17. The method of claim 16, wherein: in, The vibration frequency of the mechanical vibration is less than 1,000 Hz and greater than 100 Hz, in particular less than 750 Hz and greater than 150 Hz, and preferably less than 500 Hz and greater than 200 Hz.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, in, In order to produce the deflection of the connecting element (5), the measuring tube module (3) is arranged in a receptacle of a support module of the Coriolis flowmeter.

19. The method according to claim 18, in, A defined prestress is applied to the measuring tube module (3), in particular to the connecting element (5), in order to establish the deflection of the connecting element (5).

20. The method according to at least one of claims 16 to 19, in, The deflection of the connecting element (5) is established for a measuring tube module (3) which does not comprise a connector element (2).

21. The method according to at least one of claims 16 to 20, in, The deflection of the connecting element (5) is established by means of a simulation method.

22. The method according to at least one of claims 16 to 21, in, The simulation method includes finite element calculation.

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