Device for arrangement on a fluid guiding line and for attaching a fluid meter and method for detecting a measured variable of a fluid

Abstract

The present application relates to a device (10) for arrangement on a fluid-conducting line and for attachment of a flow meter (21), in particular an ultrasonic flow meter, for detecting a measured variable of a fluid conducted by the line, having a first connection (12) and a second connection (14) by means of which the measured variable of the fluid conducted by the line is connected to the first connection (12) and the second connection (14), the device (10) is connectable to a fluid conducting line; a measurement region (16) arranged between the first connection (12) and the second connection (14) and coupleable to a flow meter in order to detect a measurement variable, where the first connection (12), the measurement region (16) and the second connection (14) define a flow path (A) for a fluid through the device (10); and a flow-influencing element (22) which is arranged in and / or on the flow path (A) and which is arranged in front of the measuring region (16) in the flow direction of the fluid along the flow path (A) and which is at a distance from the measuring region (16), the flow-influencing element (22) being formed integrally with the first connection (12) or the second connection (14), and wherein the flow-influencing element (22) is arranged in the flow path (A) and / or on the flow path and is arranged in front of the measuring region (16) in the flow direction of the fluid along the flow path (A). The flow influencing element (22) is designed such that the fluid flowing into the device (10) via the first connection (12) has a substantially turbulent flow in the measurement region (16), the fluid flowing into the device (10) in a substantially laminar flow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The application relates to a device for arrangement on a fluid-conducting line and for attaching a flow meter and to a method for detecting a measured variable of a fluid conducted by the line. Background Art

[0002] In a large number of methods in the automation of industrial or laboratory processes, flow measurements are performed in pipeline, tube and hose systems to monitor the processes. Among them, online flow measuring devices and clamp-on flow measuring devices are used for flow measurement. Online flow measuring devices have a measuring sensor that is installed in the flow profile of the fluid or medium to be measured, while clamp-on flow measuring devices are placed from the outside and clamped onto the pipeline, pipe or hose that conducts the fluid or medium.

[0003] Clamp-on flow measuring devices are also known, in which the device is mounted in a plastic hose that guides a fluid or medium in such a way that the fluid or medium flows through the device. A flow measuring device is fastened to the device, which inputs a suitable input signal, such as an ultrasonic signal, into the device built into the plastic hose and performs flow measurement using an output signal received via the device. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present application is to provide a device for being arranged on a fluid conducting line and for attaching a flow meter, which device is capable of improving the accuracy of flow measurement. In addition, the object of the present application is to propose a method for detecting a measured variable of a fluid conducted by a pipeline, which method enables the measured variable to be detected as accurately as possible.

[0005] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are presented in the dependent claims.

[0006] A first aspect relates to a device for arrangement on a fluid-conducting line and for attaching a flow meter, in particular an ultrasonic flow meter, for detecting a measured variable of a fluid conducted by the line, wherein the device has:

[0007] a first connection and a second connection, by means of which the device can be connected to the fluid conducting line,

[0008] a measuring region arranged between the first connection and the second connection and connectable to the flow meter in order to detect the measured variable, wherein the first connection, the measuring region and the second connection define a flow path for the fluid through the device,

[0009] a flow influencing element which is arranged in and / or on the flow path and in front of the measuring region along the provided flow direction of the fluid along the flow path and at a distance from the measuring region,

[0010] wherein the flow influencing element is formed integrally with the first connecting portion or the second connecting portion, and

[0011] Therein, the flow influencing element is designed in such a way that a fluid flowing into the device via the first connection has a substantially turbulent flow in the measuring region, wherein the fluid has a substantially laminar flow in the device.

[0012] Advantageously, the arrangement of the flow influencing element makes it possible to improve the measurement accuracy of the detected measured variable even at a low flow velocity of the fluid and / or at a low volume flow rate of the fluid along the flow path. Preferably, the bandwidth of the flow velocity of the fluid and / or the bandwidth of the volume flow rate of the fluid can be increased, wherein the measured variable can be detected more accurately. The bandwidth can be understood as an area limited by a lower value at the bottom and a higher value at the top. For example, the bandwidth of the flow velocity can be limited downward by a lower flow velocity value and upward by a higher flow velocity value. The bandwidth of the volume flow rate can also be limited downward by a lower volume flow value and upward by a higher volume flow value. In particular, it has been recognized that there is a substantially turbulent flow rather than a laminar flow in the measurement region, which can improve the measurement accuracy. Without explicitly committing to a specific theory, it is assumed that due to the presence of turbulence, each layer of the fluid or medium has a similar flow velocity in the direction of the flow path when observed across a cross section of the flow path, thereby improving the measurement accuracy. In other words, the fluid or medium has a substantially similar or constant flow velocity on the cross section of the flow path. In contrast, in laminar flow, the flow velocity decreases from the center of the flow path cross section to the outer region of the flow path cross section, so that the corresponding flow velocity distribution across the cross section is approximately parabolic. The cross section of the flow path may in particular correspond to a plane portion through the device at an angle of 90° to the longitudinal axis or (main) flow direction of the fluid through the device, and may refer to the area enclosed by the device, in particular the inner cross section of the device.

[0013] In particular, the Reynolds number can be used to distinguish between laminar and turbulent flows. Assuming an ideal pipe flow, it is assumed that the critical Reynolds number for the expected change from laminar to turbulent flow is about 2300. Since the Reynolds number is affected by the density of the fluid, the average flow velocity of the fluid relative to the device, the characteristic length of the device or the flow path and the dynamic viscosity of the fluid, the position and size of the flow influencing element must be adapted to the application, for example, the expected viscosity of the fluid or the flow velocity of the fluid, wherein the corresponding position and size relationship of the flow influencing element can be determined by computer-aided simulation. Preferably, the position and design of the flow influencing element are such that a Reynolds number of at least 2300 is achieved before the measurement area.

[0014] Advantageously, the one-piece design of the flow influencing element with the first connection or the second connection allows the flow influencing element to be arranged at a fixed distance relative to the measuring area. Surprisingly, it has been found that the fixed positioning of the flow influencing element relative to the measuring area leads to a reliable formation of a suitable flow distribution or turbulence in the measuring area, especially in large flow velocity areas of the fluid and / or a large temperature range and / or different fluid viscosities. In particular, it has been recognized that even with increasing fluid flow rates and different viscosities, there is a turbulent distribution in the measuring area. This makes the device easy to use because the distance of the flow influencing element relative to the measuring area does not need to be adjusted while ensuring a suitable flow distribution in the measuring area. In particular, "one-piece" means that the flow influencing element is formed integrally with the first connection or the second connection and / or the flow influencing element is firmly or integrally connected to the first connection or the second connection. The one-piece design also makes it easy to calibrate the flow meter.

[0015] Preferably, the device can be provided with an available bandwidth for the flow velocity and / or an available bandwidth for the volume flow, at which the measured variable is detected. In particular, the measured variable can be detected exclusively within the available bandwidth. Preferably, the flow influencing element is designed such that the fluid has a turbulent flow in the measuring region starting from a volume flow of approximately 10% to 20% of the upper limit value of the available bandwidth, for example a maximum volume flow of the available bandwidth that limits the upward volume flow.

[0016] Preferably, the available bandwidth of the volume flow can be approximately >0 ml / min to 4000 ml / min, particularly preferably approximately >0 ml / min to 5000 ml / min.

[0017] Preferably, the device can be used for fluids having a (dynamic) viscosity of 0.6 mPa·s (cP) to 4.2 mPa·s (cP), preferably 0.8 mPa·s (cP) to 4.0 mPa·s (cP).

[0018] In particular, the first connection part and the second connection part and the measuring area arranged between the first connection part and the second connection part may have a channel or flow channel, which defines a flow path and through which a fluid or medium flows. As a fluid guiding pipeline that can be connected to the first connection part and the second connection part, a pipe or a hose made of plastic, for example, can be provided. For example, in order to attach the device to the pipeline, it can be arranged to disconnect the pipeline so that the first open end of the pipeline is connected to the first connection part and the second open end of the pipeline is connected to the second connection part, so that the device connects the first open end and the second open end of the pipeline.

[0019] Preferably, the flow path or channel is formed in an elongated manner and extends approximately in a straight line. In particular, it can be provided that the flow path is not curved or bent, for example does not have a 90° bend, so that the main flow direction of the fluid or medium through the device is approximately constant.

[0020] In particular, the fluid or medium may be a liquid, and the fluid or medium may also have solid components, such as particulate or cellular components. However, the present application is not limited to fluids in liquid form.

[0021] Preferably, the flow influencing element is designed such that the point of transition from laminar flow to turbulent flow is located in front of the measuring region when viewed in the flow direction. Advantageously, turbulent flow can thus be present in the entire measuring region.

[0022] Preferably, the flow meter can connect an input signal, such as an ultrasonic signal, into the measuring region and receive an output signal based on the input signal via the measuring region. Using the input signal and the output signal, the flow meter can detect a measurement variable related to flow measurement, such as a volume flow or mass flow measurement. In particular, the flow meter can be a clamp-on flow meter.

[0023] Preferably, the first connection and the second connection can have a substantially circular (inner) cross section along the flow path at least in cross section. In addition, the measuring region can have a substantially rectangular, in particular square (inner) cross section at least in cross section, or preferably a hexagonal (inner) cross section along the flow path.

[0024] Preferably, the flow influencing element can be designed as a cross-sectional constriction of the flow path, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path immediately before and after the flow influencing element is larger than the (smallest) cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the flow influencing element. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the flow influencing element can be approximately 6% to 20% smaller, preferably approximately 8% to 15% smaller, in particular approximately 8.5% to 12% smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path immediately before and after the flow influencing element. In addition, the flow path can be characterized by a sharp transition to and from the flow influencing element.

[0025] Advantageously, the change from laminar flow to turbulent flow can be achieved by the flow influencing element correspondingly reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path.

[0026] Preferably, the flow influencing element can be designed as a projection extending from a wall surrounding the flow path into the flow path, the projection being formed by the first and second connection portions and the measuring region.

[0027] In particular, the flow influencing element can be designed as a substantially annular constriction, which is preferably configured. For example, the flow influencing element can be formed completely on the inner side of the wall surrounding the flow path and aligned transversely with the longitudinal direction of the device or the flow direction. The constriction can also be configured in the shape of a crown plug. In addition, the size of the flow influencing element in the flow direction can be smaller than or equal to the size of the flow influencing element protruding from the wall into the flow path.

[0028] Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the flow influencing element may be at least about 30% smaller, preferably at least about 40% smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the first connection where the flow path begins. In addition, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the flow influencing element may be at most about 70% smaller, preferably at most about 65% smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the first connection where the flow path begins.

[0029] Preferably, the first connection and / or the second connection may each have a channel forming at least part of a flow path, wherein a fluid may flow into or out of the device at a first end of the channel, and the measuring region is arranged at a second end of the channel. Preferably, the first connection through which the fluid or medium flows into the device has a flow influencing element. In addition, the second connection may also have another flow influencing element. Advantageously, this eliminates the need to consider the direction of fluid flow when installing the device in a pipeline. Preferably, the other flow influencing element may be formed integrally with the second connection.

[0030] In particular, the channel of the first connection part and the second connection part can have a substantially circular (inner) cross section, wherein the cross section tapers gradually in the direction of the flow influencing element starting from a first end of the channel, and wherein, preferably, the cross section of the channel widens starting from the flow influencing element in the direction of the second end of the channel.

[0031] In addition, the first connection part and / or the second connection part can be removably connected to the measuring region to achieve a modular design of the device. In particular, the first connection part and the second connection part and the measuring region can each be designed as an elongated hollow body that can be removably connected to each other. In addition, the first connection part and the second connection part can be designed to be rotationally symmetrical with respect to their respective longitudinal axes, and the longitudinal axis extends approximately parallel to the main flow direction of the medium flowing through the device.

[0032] Preferably, the channel of the first connection part or the second connection part may taper conically starting from a first end of the channel in the direction of the flow influencing element. Advantageously, the conical design of the channel allows the flow velocity of the fluid to increase in front of the flow influencing element, which increases the effect of the flow influencing element. In addition, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path at the first end of the channel may be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the flow influencing element.

[0033] In addition, the channel of the first connection part or the second connection part can taper and taper conically starting from the second end of the channel in the direction of the flow influencing element. Thus, the channel tapers conically from two directions towards the flow influencing element. In addition, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path at the first end and / or the second end of the channel can be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the flow influencing element. Advantageously, the conical design of the channel allows easy production of the first connection part or the second connection part, in particular if the first connection part or the second connection part is produced by an injection molding process.

[0034] In addition, the first connection part and / or the second connection part and the measuring region can be manufactured using an injection molding process and made of a plastic material. Advantageously, due to the tapered shape of the first connection part and / or the second connection part from each end of the connection part towards the flow influencing element, the first connection part and / or the second connection part can be easily produced by an injection molding process. Alternatively, the first connection part and / or the second connection part and / or the measuring region can be produced using a 3D printing method.

[0035] Preferably, the first and / or second connection part can be designed such that the fluid-conducting line can be arranged thereon in a self-locking manner, wherein the first and / or second connection part can in particular be designed as a hose olive or hose spike.

[0036] In addition, the measuring region may have a channel which at least partially forms part of the flow path. In this case, the channel may extend between two openings, wherein a first connection receptacle for the first connection is arranged at the first opening of the two openings and a second connection receptacle for the second connection is arranged at the second opening of the two openings. Thus, the device has a modular structure and can be assembled by connecting the first connection, preferably removably connected to the first connection receptacle and connecting the second connection, preferably removably connected to the second connection receptacle, so that the measuring region is located between the first connection and the second connection.

[0037] In particular, the first connection part receiver and the second connection part receiver can be designed to be conically shaped in the longitudinal direction of the device or the measuring area, and it can be further arranged that the first connection part and the second connection part have complementary cones and are inserted into the corresponding connection part receivers so as to be connected to the measuring area.

[0038] Preferably, it can be provided that the first connection part and / or the second connection part can each be fixed to the measurement region by a fixing element. The fixing element, such as a coupling nut or a lock, is used to removably fasten the first connection part and / or the second connection part to the measurement region.

[0039] Advantageously, the modular design allows the device to be adapted to a specific application. Thus, depending on the application, the device can be configured with a connection having the desired flow influencing elements.

[0040] Preferably, it can be provided that the measuring region has at least two contact surfaces, which extend at least partially along the flow path, wherein the contact surfaces can be coupled to a flow meter, which flow meter is preferably designed as a clamping flow meter. In particular, the contact surfaces can be arranged outside the measuring region, wherein the normal vector of the contact surfaces is preferably approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device or the flow direction. In order to couple the flow meter and perform the flow measurement, it can be provided that a corresponding signal converter or sensor of the flow meter contacts the contact surfaces, preferably over a large area, in order to input a signal, such as an ultrasonic signal, into the device, wherein the signal is detected by the flow meter after passing through the flow path. The measured variable can be determined by comparing the input signal with the detection signal. Preferably, the at least two contact surfaces are arranged relative to each other with respect to the flow path. Preferably, the measuring region has six contact surfaces, which are arranged in a substantially hexagonal shape when viewed from the flow direction.

[0041] Preferably, the measuring region can be spaced from the flow influencing element by 5 to 60 times the diameter of the flow influencing element in the direction of the fluid flow through the device. The diameter is understood to be the smallest diameter of the flow influencing element transversely to the longitudinal direction or flow direction of the device. In addition, the distance refers to the distance between the end of the flow influencing element located in the main flow direction and the beginning of the measuring region or the contact surface located opposite to the main flow direction.

[0042] In addition, the flow meter can have two housing halves which are movable relative to each other, by means of which the flow meter can be opened and closed. When the flow meter is open, the flow meter can be coupled to a measuring region, wherein the measuring region is arranged on a measuring region receptacle of the flow meter. By closing the flow meter, the measuring region is fixed in the flow meter, in particular in the measuring region receptacle, so that a sensor system of the flow meter can contact the measuring region, in particular the contact surface. In particular, a flow measurement can be performed when the flow meter is closed.

[0043] A second aspect relates to a system having a device according to the first aspect and a flow meter.In addition, the flow meter can be designed as described above.

[0044] A third aspect relates to a method for detecting a measured variable of a fluid conducted by a pipeline, comprising:

[0045] arranging the device according to the first aspect on a fluid conducting line;

[0046] Arrange flow meters in the measurement area;

[0047] passing a fluid through a flow path; and

[0048] Perform flow measurement.

[0049] Otherwise, the flow meter may be designed as described above.

[0050] Furthermore, the method can provide that the flow characteristics of the fluid flowing into the device via the first connection are influenced by the flow influencing element such that the fluid or medium has a turbulent flow in the measuring region.

[0051] A fourth aspect relates to the use of the device according to the first aspect for measuring a fluid flow rate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Other features, details and advantages of the present application are obtained from the following description and the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments of the present application. In all the drawings, corresponding objects or elements have the same reference numerals. In the drawings:

[0053] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device for arrangement on a fluid conducting line and for attaching a flow meter;

[0054] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the device is shown;

[0055] Figure 3 The measurement area of ​​the device is shown;

[0056] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view showing the measurement area;

[0057] Figure 5 The connecting portion of the device is shown;

[0058] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B shows the measurement results of a conventional device;

[0059] 7A to 7C A first design of a flow influencing element and associated measurement results are shown;

[0060] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C A second design of a flow influencing element and associated measurement results are shown;

[0061] 9A to 9CA third design of a flow influencing element and associated measurement results are shown;

[0062] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C A fourth design of a flow influencing element and associated measurement results are shown; and

[0063] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C A fifth design of a flow influencing element and the associated measurement results are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Figure 1 A perspective view of a device 10 is shown for arrangement on a fluid conducting line (not shown) and for attaching a flow meter (not shown). The device 10 has a first connection 12 and a second connection 14, with which the device 10 can be arranged on a fluid conducting line or between two fluid conducting lines. A measuring region 16 is arranged between the first connection 12 and the second connection 14, at which a flow meter can be arranged.

[0065] The first connection 12, the measuring region 16 and the second connection 14 define a flow path A through which a fluid or medium can flow through the device 10. For example, the first connection 12 can be connected to a fluid conducting line, such as a plastic hose, through which the fluid or medium can be supplied to the device 10. In addition, the second connection 14 can also be connected to a fluid conducting line, into which the fluid or medium flows from the device 10 via the second connection 14. In particular, it can be provided that the fluid is in liquid form and that solid particles, such as cell parts, can also be present in the fluid.

[0066] In particular, the first connection 12 and the second connection 14 and the measuring region 16 may form a channel 24 / 30 defining a flow path A, through which a fluid or medium may flow. In particular, the flow path A or the channel may be formed in an elongated manner. Preferably, the flow path A is substantially rectilinear, so that the main flow direction A of the fluid or medium through the device 10 is substantially constant.

[0067] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the device 10 has a modular structure, wherein the first connection part 12 and the second connection part 14 can each be removably connected to the measuring region 16. A fixing element 18 is provided for fastening or fixing the first connection part 12 and the second connection part 14 to the measuring region 16. In the embodiment shown, the fixing element 18 is designed as a coupling nut, with which the first connection part 12 and the second connection part 14 can be fastened to the measuring region 16.

[0068] The measuring region 16 has at least two contact surfaces 20 which extend at least partially along the outside of the measuring region 16 along the flow path A or the main flow direction A. Preferably, the contact surfaces 20 are arranged opposite one another with respect to the flow path A and extend in particular parallel to one another. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the measuring region 16 has six contact surfaces 20, which are arranged in a hexagonal manner. In particular, two opposing contact surfaces 20 form a contact surface pair, so that the measuring region 16 has three contact surface pairs.

[0069] like Figure 2 The device 10 shown in the cross-sectional view has a flow influencing element 22 arranged in or on the flow path A. The flow influencing element 22 is arranged in front of the measuring region 16 along the main flow direction A and is designed so that the fluid or medium flowing into the device 10 has a basic turbulent flow in the measuring region 16, and the fluid or medium flows into the device 10 in a basically laminar flow. By influencing the flow of the fluid or medium to turbulence, the measurement accuracy of the flow measurement can be improved. In the embodiment shown, the flow influencing element 22 is formed on the inner side of the channel 30 of the first connection part 12 and can extend in particular into the flow path A, where the flow influencing element 22 causes the cross section of the flow path A to narrow. In particular, the flow influencing element 22 can be formed in one piece with the first connection part 12. It is also conceivable that the flow influencing element 22 can be formed in one piece with the second connection part 14.

[0070] By arranging the flow meter 21 at the measuring region 16, the contact surface 20 can be coupled to the flow meter 21. In addition, the flow meter 21 can have a corresponding sensor system 23, by which the flow meter 21 inputs an input signal, such as an ultrasonic signal, into the measuring region 16 via the contact surface 20 and receives an output signal based on the input signal. Based on the comparison of the input signal and the output signal, a measured variable of the fluid or medium flowing through the measuring region 16 can be determined.

[0071] Figure 3 An example of an embodiment of the measuring region 16 is shown. The measuring region 16 is designed as an elongated hollow body and has a channel 24 defining a portion of the flow path. A connection receptacle 28 is provided at each of the longitudinal ends 26 of the measuring region 16, each of the connection receptacles 28 being able to receive a connection 12 / 14, such as a first connection 12 or a second connection 14. The contact surface 20 of the measuring region 16 is arranged between the connection receptacles 28.

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown, the figure shows the Figure 3In the cross section taken along the CC line of the measurement area 16 shown, six contact surfaces 20 are arranged in a hexagonal manner. The contact surface 20 is preferably rectangular, wherein the longitudinal direction of the contact surface 20 extends substantially parallel to the main flow direction A of the fluid or medium through the device 10 or extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the device. In addition, the shape of the inner cross section of the measurement area 16 surrounded by the contact surface 20 is also hexagonal.

[0073] in addition, Figure 5 An example of a connection that can be used as, for example, a first connection 12 and / or a second connection 14 is shown. The connection 12 / 14 is designed as an elongated hollow body and has a channel 24 that defines a portion of the flow path. In particular, the connection 12 / 14 can be rotationally symmetrical relative to its longitudinal axis. The first end 32 (the end on the measuring area side) located in the longitudinal direction of the connection 12 / connection 14 can be designed to be received by a connection receiver 28. The second end 34 (the pipeline side end) of the connection 12 / 14 is opposite to the first end 32 in the longitudinal direction and can be designed to be connected to the pipeline. In particular, the second end 34 can have a hose olive 36 or a hose spike 36, through which the pipeline can be fixed to the connection 12 / 14 or the device 10.

[0074] In addition, the connection portion 12 / 14 has a flow influencing element 22 which is arranged approximately centrally in the connection portion 12 / 14 when viewed in the longitudinal direction A and extends from a wall 38 of the connection portion 12 / 14 surrounding the flow path A into the flow path A. In addition, the connection portion 12 / 14 has an approximately circular inner cross section, wherein the cross section of the flow path A tapers from the first end 32 in the direction of the flow influencing element 22 and from the second end 34 in the direction of the flow influencing element 22, respectively. In addition, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path A immediately before and after the flow influencing element 22 is larger than the cross-sectional area in the region of the flow influencing element 22. In particular, starting from each of the first end 32 and the second end 34, the flow path A can be designed to taper in the direction of the flow influencing element 22.

[0075] Reference FIG. 6A to FIG. 11C , the flow influencing element 22 and the effects of various embodiments of the flow influencing element 22 are discussed below.

[0076] Here, Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The standard deviation of the measurement signal of a conventional device without the flow influencing element 22 according to the application is shown. Fig. 6A The measurement signal is shown for the positive flow direction, i.e. when the fluid or medium is flowing along Figure 1 When the flow through the device 10 is in the direction of the main flow direction A shown, and Figure 6B The measurement signal for the opposite flow direction is shown. Here, at a volume flow of 400 to 450 ml / min, a non-linear behavior of the flow meter can be seen. In addition, the standard deviation of the measurement signal shown, 40, indicates a strong signal noise at a volume flow of 400 to 450 ml / min.

[0077] 7A to 7C This relates to a first embodiment of the flow influencing element 22. Fig. 7A As shown, the flow influencing element 22 is formed completely as an annular constriction on the inside of the channel 30 .

[0078] and Fig. 6A and Figure 6B compared to, Fig. 7A The illustrated embodiment shows a significant improvement in flow measurement. Figure 7B and Figure 7C shows that the transition point from laminar to turbulent flow has shifted to lower volume flow rates. Now, in the forward flow direction ( Figure 7B ) and negative or reverse flow direction ( Figure 7C ) In both, the transition point is 100-150 ml / min. In addition, the linearity in the region of the transition point has been improved and the signal noise has been reduced by an order of magnitude.

[0079] In particular, the flow influencing element 22 can be considered a constriction if the dimension of the flow influencing element 22 in the longitudinal direction of the connection 12 / 14 is smaller than or approximately equal to the dimension of the flow influencing element 22 protruding from the interior of the channel 30 into the flow path A. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path A of the flow influencing element 22 can be approximately 6% to 20% smaller, preferably approximately 8% to 15% smaller, in particular approximately 8.5% to 12% smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path A immediately before and after the flow influencing element 22. In addition, the flow path A can be characterized by a sharp transition to and from the flow influencing element 22.

[0080] Preferably, the flow influencing element 22 is arranged approximately centrally in the longitudinal extension of the connecting portion 12 / 14. In the context of the present disclosure, the arrangement of the flow influencing element 22 around the longitudinal center point of the connecting portion 12 / 14 in a region of at most ±15%, preferably at most ±10%, of the length of the connecting portion 12 / 14 is considered to be approximately central.

[0081] Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path A in the region of the flow influencing element 22 may be reduced by at least about 40%, preferably by at least about 45%, compared to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path at the first end 32 and / or the second end 34 of the connection 12 / 14. In particular, the first end and the second end 32 / 34 are regarded as the longitudinally positioned start end and the longitudinally positioned end end of the connection 12 / 14, respectively.

[0082] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C This relates to a second embodiment of the flow influencing element 22, in which the constriction shown in the first embodiment is more pronounced. Fig. 8A As shown, the flow influencing element 22 is completely formed as an annular constriction on the inner side of the channel 30. In particular, if the dimension of the flow influencing element 22 in the longitudinal direction of the connection 12 / 14 is smaller than or approximately equal to the dimension of the flow influencing element 22 extending from the interior of the channel 30 into the flow path A, the flow influencing element 22 can be regarded as a constriction. Fig. 7A Compared to the flow influencing element 22 shown, Fig. 8A The flow influencing element 22 shown has a reduced cross-sectional area. In other words, the flow influencing element 22 extends further into the flow path A from the inside of the channel 39.

[0083] and Fig. 6A and Figure 6B compared to, Fig. 8A The illustrated embodiment shows a significant improvement in flow measurement. Figure 8B and Figure 8C shows that the transition point from laminar to turbulent flow has shifted to lower volume flow rates. Now, in the forward flow direction ( Figure 8B ) and negative or reverse flow direction ( Figure 8C ) on both, the transition point is 100-150 ml / min. In addition, the linearity in the transition point region has been improved and the signal noise has been reduced by an order of magnitude.

[0084] Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path in the region of the flow influencing element 22 may be reduced by at least about 50% compared to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path at the first end 32 and / or the second end 34 of the connecting portion 12 .

[0085] 9A to 9C This relates to a third embodiment of the flow influencing element 22. Fig. 9AAs shown, the flow influencing elements 22 are completely formed as an annular distribution on the inside of the channel 30. Preferably, the flow influencing elements 22 are arranged approximately centrally in the longitudinal extension of the connecting part 12 / 14. In the context of the present disclosure, an arrangement of the flow influencing elements 22 around the center of the longitudinal extension of the connecting part 12 / 14 in a region of at most + / -15%, preferably at most + / -10%, of the length of the connecting part 12 / 14 is considered to be approximately central.

[0086] In particular, the flow influencing element 22 can be considered distributed if the dimension of the flow influencing element 22 in the longitudinal direction of the connection 12 / 14 is greater than the dimension of the flow influencing element 22 protruding from the interior of the channel 30 into the flow path A. Preferably, the dimension of the flow influencing element 22 in the longitudinal direction of the connection 12 / 14 is at least twice the dimension of the flow influencing element 22 protruding from the interior of the channel 30 into the flow path A.

[0087] and Fig. 6A and Figure 6B compared to, Fig. 9A The illustrated embodiment shows a significant improvement in flow measurement. Fig. 9B and Fig. 9C shows that the transition point from laminar to turbulent flow has shifted to lower volume flow rates. Now, in the forward flow direction ( Fig. 9B ) and negative or reverse flow direction ( Fig. 9C ) on both, the transition point is 100-150 ml / min. In addition, the linearity in the region of the transition point has been improved and the signal noise has been reduced by an order of magnitude.

[0088] Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path A in the region of the flow influencing element 22 may be reduced by at least about 40%, preferably by at least about 45%, compared to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path A at the first end 32 and / or the second end 34 of the connection 12. In particular, the first end 32 / 34 is regarded as the longitudinally positioned start end and the longitudinally positioned end end of the connection 12 / 14, respectively.

[0089] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C A fourth embodiment relates to the flow influencing element 22. Similar to the first embodiment, the flow influencing element 22 is completely formed as a constriction inside the channel 30, wherein the flow influencing element 22 is additionally designed and has a groove so that the inner diameter of the flow path A in the region of the flow influencing element 22 is not equal at different angles around the longitudinal axis of the connection 12 / 14. Fig. 10A As can be seen in FIG. 2 , the structure of the flow influencing element 22 is shaped like a crown cork when viewed in the longitudinal direction.

[0090] and Fig. 6A and Figure 6B compared to, Fig. 10A The illustrated embodiment shows a significant improvement in flow measurement. Fig. 10B and Fig. 10C shows that the transition point from laminar to turbulent flow has shifted to lower volume flow rates. Now, in the forward flow direction ( Fig. 10B ) and negative or reverse flow direction ( Fig. 10C ) on both, the transition point is 100-150 ml / min. In addition, the linearity in the transition point region has been improved and the signal noise has been reduced by an order of magnitude.

[0091] Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path A in the region of the flow influencing element 22 may be reduced by at least about 45% compared to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path A at the first end 32 and / or the second end 34 of the connection 12 / 14 .

[0092] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C A fifth embodiment relates to the flow influencing element 22. Similar to the fourth embodiment, the flow influencing element 22 is configured in the shape of a crown plug. The structure in the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion 12 / 14 is formed to be longer than in the fourth embodiment. In particular, the size of the flow influencing element 22 in the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion 12 / 14 may be at least three times larger than the size of the flow influencing element 22 protruding from the inside of the channel 30 into the flow path A.

[0093] and Fig. 6A and Figure 6B compared to, Fig.11A The illustrated embodiment shows a significant improvement in flow measurement. Fig. 11B and Fig. 11C shows that the transition point from laminar to turbulent flow has shifted to lower volume flow rates. Now, in the forward flow direction ( Fig. 11B ) and negative or reverse flow direction ( Fig. 11C ) on the transition point is 100-150 ml / min. In addition, the linearity in the transition point region has been improved and the signal noise has been reduced by an order of magnitude.

[0094] Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path A in the region of the flow influencing element 22 may be reduced by at least about 45% compared to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path at the first end 32 and / or the second end 34 of the connecting portion 12 .

[0095] Reference Figures 3 to 5 , the implementation of the device 10 is described in more detail. For example, Figure 3The measuring region 16 shown has a length L1 of 30 mm to 40 mm, preferably about 35 mm. Viewed in the longitudinal direction A, the contact surface 20 is arranged centrally on the measuring region 16 and has a length L2 of between 10 mm and 14 mm. In addition, the connection part receptacle 28 can have a length of 6 mm to 10 mm, so that the first connection part 12 and the second connection part 14 can be inserted into the connection part receptacle 28 to a corresponding depth along the longitudinal direction A. In addition, the opposite sides of the hexagonal inner cross section (see Figure 4 ) can have a distance A1 between each other, which is between 3 mm and 3.4 mm, preferably about 3.18 mm. In addition, embodiments with a distance A1 of up to 9 mm are conceivable.

[0096] Figure 5 The connection 12 / 14 shown can have a length L3 of 25 mm to 33 mm, preferably about 28.8 mm. The diameter D1 of the flow path A at the first end 32 on the measuring region side can be between 2.87 mm and 3.27 mm, preferably 3.07 mm. The diameter D2 of the flow path A at the second end 34 on the pipeline side can be between 3.17 mm and 3.57 mm, preferably 3.37 mm. In particular, the flow influencing element 22 can be designed as a constriction (as described above).

[0097] The flow influencing element 22 may completely protrude from the interior of the channel 30 into the flow path A by between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, preferably 0.2 mm. Specifically, the diameter D3 of the flow path A in the region of the flow influencing element 22 may be between 2.0 mm and 2.4 mm, preferably about 2.2 mm. In addition, the flow influencing element 22 may be spaced apart from the first end 32 on the measurement region side by a length L4 of 11.9 mm to 15.9 mm, preferably 13.9 mm.

[0098] Description of Reference Numerals

[0099] 10 Device for arrangement on a fluid conducting line

[0100] 12 First connection

[0101] 14 Second connection

[0102] 16 Measurement area

[0103] 18 Fixing elements

[0104] 20 Contact surface

[0105] 21 Flow meter

[0106] 22 Flow influencing elements

[0107] 23 Sensor system

[0108] 24 channels for measuring area

[0109] 26 End of the measuring area

[0110] 28 Connector Receiver

[0111] 30 Channel of the connection part

[0112] 32 First end of the connection part (measurement area side)

[0113] 34 Second end of the connection (pipeline side)

[0114] 36 Hose olive or hose puncture needle

[0115] 38 From the wall of the connecting part

[0116] 40 Standard deviation of the measured signal

[0117] A The flow path or main flow direction / longitudinal direction of the device

[0118] Other features, characteristics and advantages of the present application will be described with reference to the following points:

[0119] 1. A device for arrangement on a fluid-conducting line and for attaching a flow meter, in particular an ultrasonic flow meter, for detecting a measured variable of a fluid conducted by the line, wherein the device comprises:

[0120] a first connection and a second connection, by means of which the device can be connected to the fluid conducting line,

[0121] a measuring region arranged between the first connection and the second connection and connectable to the flow meter for detecting the measured variable, wherein the first connection, the measuring region and the second connection define a flow path for the fluid through the device,

[0122] a flow influencing element which is arranged in and / or on the flow path and in front of the measuring region along the provided flow direction of the fluid along the flow path and at a distance from the measuring region,

[0123] Therein, the flow influencing element is designed in such a way that the fluid flowing into the device via the first connection has a substantially turbulent flow in the measuring region, wherein the fluid flows into the device in a substantially laminar flow.

[0124] 2. The device according to point 1, wherein the flow path along the first connection has a substantially circular cross-section at least in section, and / or

[0125] wherein the flow path along the second connection portion has a substantially circular cross section at least in cross section, and / or

[0126] Therein, the flow path has, at least in cross section along the measuring region, an approximately rectangular, in particular square, or an approximately hexagonal cross section.

[0127] 3. A device according to point 1 or 2, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the flow influencing element is approximately 6% to 20% smaller, preferably approximately 8% to 15% smaller, in particular approximately 8.5% to 12% smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path immediately before and preferably immediately after the flow influencing element.

[0128] 4. The device according to any of the preceding points, wherein the measuring region is spaced apart from the flow influencing element in the flow direction by between 5 and 60 times the diameter of the flow influencing element.

[0129] 5. The device according to any of the preceding points, wherein the flow influencing element is designed as a projection which extends from a wall surrounding the flow path into the flow path.

[0130] 6. The device according to any of the preceding points, wherein the flow influencing element is designed as a substantially annular constriction and wherein the constriction is preferably constructed in an annular manner.

[0131] 7. The device according to any of the preceding points, wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path before and after the flow influencing element, in particular before and after the flow influencing element, is greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path in the region of the flow influencing element.

[0132] 8. The device according to any of the preceding points, wherein the first connection part has a channel forming at least part of the flow path, wherein the fluid flows in at a first end of the channel, and the measuring area is arranged at a second end of the channel, and

[0133] Therein, the first connection has a flow influencing element.

[0134] 9. A device according to point 8, wherein the channel has a substantially circular cross-section at least in section, wherein the cross-section tapers gradually in the direction of the flow influencing element starting from the first end of the channel, and wherein, preferably, the cross-section of the channel widens starting from the flow influencing element in the direction of the second end of the channel.

[0135] 10. A device according to any of the preceding points, wherein the first connection part and / or the second connection part is designed so that the fluid guiding pipeline can be arranged on the first connection part and / or the second connection part in a self-locking manner, wherein the first connection part and / or the second connection part is particularly designed as a hose olive-shaped part.

[0136] 11. The device according to any of the preceding points, wherein the measuring region has at least two contact surfaces, which extend at least partially along the flow path, wherein the contact surfaces are coupleable to the flow meter.

[0137] 12. The device according to any of the preceding points, wherein the first connection part is removably connectable to the measurement region and / or wherein the second connection part is removably connectable to the measurement region.

[0138] 13. The device according to any of the preceding points, wherein the first connection part and / or the second connection part can each be fixed to the measurement region by a fixing element.

[0139] 14. A method for detecting a measured variable of a fluid conducted by a pipeline, comprising:

[0140] arranging the device according to any of points 1 to 13 on the fluid conducting line;

[0141] Arrange flow meters in the measurement area;

[0142] passing a fluid through a flow path; and

[0143] Perform flow measurement.

[0144] 15. Use of the device according to any of the preceding points 1 to 13 for measuring a fluid flow rate.

Claims

1. A device (10) for being arranged on a fluid conducting line and for attaching a flow meter (21), in particular the flow meter is an ultrasonic flow meter, the device (10) for detecting a measured variable of a fluid conducted by the line, wherein: The device (10) comprises: a first connection portion (12) and a second connection portion (14), by means of which the device (10) can be connected to the fluid conducting line; a measuring region (16) arranged between the first connection (12) and the second connection (14) and connectable to the flow meter for detecting the measured variable, wherein the first connection (12), the measuring region (16) and the second connection (14) define a flow path (A) for the fluid through the device (10); and a flow influencing element (22) arranged in and / or on the flow path (A) and arranged in front of the measuring region (16) in the flow direction of the fluid along the flow path (A) and at a distance from the measuring region (16), wherein the flow influencing element (22) is formed integrally with the first connecting portion (12) or the second connecting portion (14); and The flow influencing element (22) is designed so that the fluid flowing into the device (10) via the first connection portion (12) has a substantially turbulent flow in the measuring region (16), and the fluid flows into the device (10) in a substantially laminar flow.

2. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The flow path (A) has a substantially circular cross section at least in cross section along the first connection portion (12), and / or wherein the flow path (A) has a substantially circular cross section at least in section along the second connection portion (14), and / or Therein, the flow path (A) has, at least in cross section along the measuring region (16), a substantially rectangular cross section, in particular a square cross section or a substantially hexagonal cross section.

3. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path (A) of the flow influencing element (22) is approximately 6% to 20% smaller, preferably approximately 8% to 15% smaller, in particular approximately 8.5% to 12% smaller, than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path (A) immediately before the flow influencing element (22) and preferably immediately after the flow influencing element (22).

4. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The measuring region (16) is spaced apart from the flow influencing element (22) in the flow direction (A) by between 5 and 60 times the diameter of the flow influencing element (22).

5. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The flow influencing element (22) is designed as a projection extending from a wall (32) surrounding the flow path (A) into the flow path (A).

6. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The flow influencing element (22) is designed as a substantially annular constriction, and wherein, preferably, the constriction is structured.

7. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Before and after the flow influencing element (22), in particular immediately before and after the flow influencing element (22), the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path (A) is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path in the region of the flow influencing element (22).

8. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first connection part (12) has a channel (30) which forms at least part of the flow path (A), wherein the fluid flows into a first end of the channel (30), and the measuring region (16) is arranged at a second end of the channel (30), and wherein the first connection part (12) has the flow influencing element (22).

9. The device (10) according to claim 8, wherein: The channel (30) has, at least in section, a substantially circular cross section, wherein the cross section tapers starting from a first end of the channel (30) in the direction of the flow influencing element (22), and wherein, preferably, the cross section of the channel (30) widens starting from the flow influencing element (22) in the direction of a second end of the channel (30), and / or wherein the channel (30) of the first connecting portion (12) tapers conically in the direction of the flow influencing element (22) starting from a first end of the channel (30), and wherein, preferably, the channel (30) of the first connecting portion (12) tapers conically in the direction of the flow influencing element (22) starting from a second end of the channel (30).

10. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first connection part (12) and / or the second connection part (14) are designed so that the fluid-conducting line can be arranged on the first connection part (12) and / or the second connection part (14) in a self-locking manner, wherein the first connection part (12) and / or the second connection part (14) are particularly designed as a hose olive (36).

11. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The measuring region (16) has at least two contact surfaces (20), which extend at least partially along the flow path (A), wherein the contact surfaces (20) are coupleable to the flow meter.

12. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first connection part (12) is removably connectable to the measurement region (16), and / or, wherein the second connection part (14) is removably connectable to the measurement region (16).

13. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first connection part (12) and / or the second connection part (14) can each be fixed to the measuring region (16) by a fixing element (18).

14. A method for detecting a measured variable of a fluid conducted by a pipeline, comprising: Arranging the device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 on a fluid-conducting line; A flow meter (21) is arranged at the measuring area (16); passing a fluid through a flow path (A); and The flow measurement is performed.

15. Use of the device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 13 for measuring a fluid flow.

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