Clamping type ultrasonic flowmeter

Abstract

The invention relates to a clamped ultrasonic flow meter (1) comprising:-at least one pair of ultrasonic transducers (10) attached to a pipe (11) having an in particular circular cross-section or to a measuring tube (12) of the flow meter, which is integrated in the pipe and has an in particular circular cross-section,-an electronic measuring / operating circuit (20) connected to the at least one pair of ultrasonic transducers (10) and electrically connected to the at least one pair of ultrasonic transducers (10) and electrically connected to the at least one pair of ultrasonic transducers (10) and electrically connected to the at least one pair of ultrasonic transducers (10). A plurality of ultrasonic transducers for operating the ultrasonic transducers, analyzing measurement signals from the ultrasonic transducers and providing measurement values, in which: each pair of ultrasonic transducers is attached to a measurement tube or pipe, respectively; the pipeline or the measuring tube has a vertical diameter (13.1) in the cross section; the invention relates to an ultrasonic transducer, in the associated cross-section, which is peripherally spaced apart from one another with respect to the vertical diameter, characterized by a counterweight (14), in particular exactly one counterweight (14), which is assigned to each ultrasonic transducer and is at a distance from the ultrasonic transducer and is opposite the ultrasonic transducer with respect to the vertical diameter, the ultrasonic transducer and the associated counterweight (14) are connected by a flexible, in particular elastic, connecting element (15), such as a belt, a cable, a chain or a spring, which connecting element (15) extends over the measuring tube or pipe, in particular only over the measuring tube or pipe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter, which is used for measuring the flow rate or volume flow rate of a medium flowing through a pipeline. Background Art

[0002] Such a device is known, for example, from DE 10 20 20 11 6 181 A1. For example, the ultrasonic transducer is connected to the measuring tube or pipe using a tensioning band or a magnet. One problem with such a device is the attachment of the individual ultrasonic transducers to the measuring tube or pipe, in particular when the ultrasonic transducer is far from a vertical line of the cross section of the measuring tube or pipe. In this case, for example, the tensioning band loosens or slips due to temperature fluctuations or the magnet slips due to vibrations, causing the ultrasonic transducer to be displaced in the direction of gravity. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to propose a robust and safe attachment for a clamp-on ultrasonic transducer.

[0004] This object is achieved by a clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter according to independent claim 1 .

[0005] The clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter according to the present invention is used to measure the flow rate or volume flow rate of a medium flowing through a pipeline, and comprises:

[0006] - at least one ultrasonic transducer, in particular at least one pair of ultrasonic transducers, wherein the at least one ultrasonic transducer is attached to a pipeline having a particularly circular cross section or to a measuring tube of a flow meter, the measuring tube being integrated in the pipeline and having a particularly circular cross section,

[0007] - an electronic measuring / operating circuit for operating at least one ultrasonic transducer, analyzing a measurement signal from at least one ultrasonic transducer and providing a measurement value,

[0008] wherein the pipeline or measuring tube, in cross section, has a diameter in a longitudinal section containing the pipeline axis or measuring tube axis, wherein in the associated cross section at least one ultrasonic transducer is spaced peripherally relative to the diameter,

[0009] And it is characterized by

[0010] A counterweight, in particular exactly one counterweight (14), is assigned to each ultrasonic transducer and is located at a distance from the ultrasonic transducer and opposite the ultrasonic transducer with respect to the vertical diameter,

[0011] Therein, the ultrasonic transducer and the associated counterweight are connected via a flexible, in particular elastic, connecting element, such as a belt, a cable, a chain or a spring, which extends over, in particular only over, the measuring tube or the pipeline,

[0012] When the clamp-on flow meter is arranged on a pipeline or a measuring tube, the flexible connecting element is in a tensioned state through the ultrasonic transducer and the counterweight.

[0013] In this way, influences such as temperature fluctuations or vibrations on the position of the ultrasonic transducer are reduced.

[0014] The flexible connecting element has a spring constant in the longitudinal direction of more than 50 Newtons per millimeter, and in particular more than 80 Newtons per millimeter, and preferably more than 100 Newtons per millimeter.

[0015] In one embodiment, a pair of centered ultrasonic transducers are located at a first peripheral distance from the starting point to the center of gravity of the corresponding ultrasonic transducer, wherein the associated counterweight is located at a second peripheral distance from the perpendicular diameter,

[0016] Therein, the quantities of the first peripheral distance and the second peripheral distance deviate from an average value of these quantities by less than 20%.

[0017] In this way, the influence of the displacement on the ultrasonic transducer can be reduced.

[0018] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer in a pair has a first mass,

[0019] The counterweight has a second mass, wherein the first mass and the second mass deviate from an average of the masses by less than 20%.

[0020] In this way, the influence of the displacement on the ultrasonic transducer can be reduced.In one embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer is attached to the measuring tube or pipe, for example by means of a magnet or a tensioning band surrounding the measuring tube or pipe.

[0021] In one embodiment, the counterweight has a non-slip surface which comes into contact with the measuring tube or pipe.

[0022] This better prevents displacement of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0023] In one embodiment, anti-slip is provided by:

[0024] Surface structures, such as pyramids or needles,

[0025] Elastomers, such as acrylonitrile butadiene rubber or silicone)

[0026] or self-adhesive coating.

[0027] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer and the weight are attached to the tensioning belt separately, for example by crimping or screwing.

[0028] In one embodiment, the tensioning band forms the flexible connecting element.

[0029] In one embodiment, the flexible connecting element is made of at least one of the following materials:

[0030] Metallic materials, such as steel or in particular stainless steel, or glass, carbon, polymers or natural materials, such as hemp.

[0031] In one embodiment, the flexible connecting element has a spring constant in the longitudinal direction of the connecting element of more than 50 N / mm, and in particular more than 80 N / mm, and preferably more than 100 N / mm without tensioning straps or chains.

[0032] In the case of ribbons or cables as flexible connecting elements, the material can be processed in the form of fibers.

[0033] In one embodiment, in the presence of a tensioning belt or chain, the flexible connecting element has a spring constant in the longitudinal direction of the connecting element of greater than 500 Newtons per millimeter, and in particular greater than 800 Newtons per millimeter, and preferably greater than 1000 Newtons per millimeter,

[0034] and / or

[0035] Therein, the flexible connecting element has a spring constant in the longitudinal direction of the connecting element which is at least 2 times greater and in particular at least 4 times greater than the spring constant of the tensioning belt or chain in the corresponding longitudinal direction.

[0036] In one embodiment, the clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter comprises at least two pairs of ultrasonic transducers, wherein one ultrasonic transducer in each of the two pairs of ultrasonic transducers forms a counterweight for the other ultrasonic transducer in the two pairs of ultrasonic transducers.

[0037] In one embodiment, the counterweight is not designed and / or not suitable for generating ultrasonic waves or receiving ultrasonic waves.

[0038] In one embodiment, the counterweight does not have an ultrasonic transducer or an ultrasonic transducer is not arranged on the counterweight.

[0039] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer, the weight and the connecting element are designed such that the ultrasonic transducer remains in its installed position during mechanical deformations of the pipeline or measuring tube, in particular due to temperature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The invention will now be described with reference to exemplary embodiments.

[0041] Figure 1 is a side view of an exemplary schematic clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter according to the prior art;

[0042] Figure 2 is a front view of an exemplary schematic implementation of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Figure 1 An exemplary clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter with two ultrasonic transducers is shown, which are arranged on a measuring tube 12 integrated into the pipeline or on a pipeline 11 and are configured to send and receive ultrasonic signals to each other. The electronic measurement / operation circuit 20 is configured to operate the ultrasonic transducers, analyze the measurement signals from the ultrasonic transducers and provide measurement values. For example, the flow velocity or sound velocity of the medium can be determined based on the travel time difference of the ultrasonic signal in the pipeline along the flow direction of the medium and the flow direction opposite to the medium. Clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters are known, in which the ultrasonic signal passes through the measuring tube or pipeline once or multiple times. Such a measuring device can have one or more pairs of ultrasonic transducers. Doppler measurement devices that only require ultrasonic transducers for flow measurement are also known.

[0044] Figure 2 is a front view of an exemplary clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter according to the present invention, which has a pair of ultrasonic transducers arranged one after the other and transmits ultrasonic signals having an even-numbered measuring tube or pipe cross-section number through a medium. Figure 1 same.

[0045] The pipeline 11 or the measuring tube 12, in cross section, in a longitudinal section containing the pipeline axis or the measuring tube axis, respectively, has a diameter 13.1, wherein, in the associated cross section, the ultrasonic transducer is located at a peripheral distance 13.2 relative to the diameter, wherein a counterweight according to the invention is assigned to each ultrasonic transducer and is at a certain distance from the ultrasonic transducer and opposite the ultrasonic transducer relative to the perpendicular diameter.

[0046] Furthermore, according to the invention, the ultrasonic transducer and the associated counterweight are connected by a flexible connection element 15, such as a belt or cable, which extends over the measuring tube or pipe, wherein the flexible connection element is in tension by the ultrasonic transducer and the counterweight. In this way, the amplitude of the circumferential component of the weight of the ultrasonic transducer 10 is reduced and the risk of displacement of the sensor is therefore prevented.

[0047] In one embodiment, the weight 14 has an anti-slip surface 14.1, which is in contact with the measuring tube 12 or the pipe 11. In this way, the ultrasonic transducer can be further stabilized because the weight has a fixed position. The anti-slip is provided by a surface structure, such as a pyramid or needle structure, or by an elastomer, such as acrylonitrile butadiene rubber or silicone, or by a self-adhesive coating.

[0048] In one embodiment, each of the pair of ultrasonic transducers is at a first peripheral distance 13.2 from the vertical diameter, wherein the counterweight is at a second peripheral distance from the vertical diameter, wherein the magnitudes of the first peripheral distance and the second peripheral distance deviate from the average of these magnitudes by less than 20%. This helps to better compensate for the circumferential component of gravity of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0049] In one embodiment, the pair of ultrasonic transducers each has a first mass, wherein the counterweight has a second mass, wherein the first mass and the second mass deviate from an average value of the masses by less than 20%. This helps to better compensate for the circumferential component of the gravity of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0050] As shown, the ultrasonic transducer 10 can be connected to the measuring tube 12 or the pipeline 11 by means of a magnet 16 and / or a tensioning belt 17 . 1 or a chain 17 . 2 which surrounds the measuring tube or the pipeline.

[0051] Both the ultrasonic transducer and the counterweight can be connected to the tensioning belt by crimping or screwing.

[0052] In one embodiment, a tensioning belt 17 . 1 or a chain 17 . 2 forms the flexible connecting element 15 .

[0053] In one embodiment, the spring constant of the flexible connecting element in the longitudinal direction of the connecting element is greater than 50 Newtons / mm, and in particular greater than 80 Newtons / mm, and preferably greater than 100 Newtons / mm.

[0054] In one embodiment, the flexible connecting element has a spring constant in the longitudinal direction of the connecting element of greater than 500 Newtons / mm, and in particular greater than 800 Newtons / mm, and preferably greater than 1000 Newtons / mm,

[0055] and / or

[0056] The flexible connecting element has a spring constant in the longitudinal direction of the connecting element which is at least 2 times greater and in particular at least 4 times greater than the spring constant of the tensioning belt or chain in the corresponding longitudinal direction.

[0057] The ultrasonic signals generated by the ultrasonic transducer can pass through the measuring tube or pipeline once or multiple times, ie they can be single or multiple traverses of the system. Figure 2The number and arrangement of ultrasonic transducers shown in the diagram are exemplary only. The present invention is applicable to all ultrasonic transducer arrangements. For example, a clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter can include multiple pairs of ultrasonic transducers, wherein each ultrasonic transducer in two different pairs forms a counterweight for another ultrasonic transducer in two different pairs.

[0058] In one embodiment, the counterweight is not designed and / or is not suitable for generating or receiving ultrasonic waves. Therefore, the counterweight itself is not an ultrasonic transducer as in the above embodiments, but a simple inactive body, ie an acoustic inactive body.

[0059] In one embodiment, the counterweight does not have an ultrasonic transducer, or no ultrasonic transducer is arranged on the counterweight. Therefore, the counterweight is also not an adapter sensor adapter for accommodating an ultrasonic transducer or the like.

[0060] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer, the counterweight and the connecting element are designed such that the ultrasonic transducer remains in its installed position during mechanical deformations of the pipeline or measuring tube, in particular due to temperature. When the device is installed on the pipeline or measuring tube, the ultrasonic transducer is in its installed position. If the diameter of the pipeline or measuring tube changes due to temperature or pressure-related influences, according to the invention, the ultrasonic transducer does not slip but remains fixed in its original installed position. In this case, the position of the ultrasonic transducer can change radially towards the center, but not in the circumferential direction.

[0061] Reference numerals list

[0062] 1 Clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter

[0063] 10 Ultrasonic transducer

[0064] 11 Pipeline

[0065] 12 Measuring tube

[0066] 13.1 Diameter

[0067] 13.2 Peripheral distance

[0068] 14 Counterweight

[0069] 14.1 Non-slip surface

[0070] 15 Flexible connection element

[0071] 16 Magnet

[0072] 17.1 Tension belt

[0073] 17.2 Chain

[0074] 20 Electronic measurement / operation circuits

Claims

1. A clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter (1) for measuring the flow rate or volume flow of a medium flowing through a pipeline (11), the ultrasonic flow meter comprising: - at least one ultrasonic transducer, in particular at least one pair of ultrasonic transducers (10), wherein the at least one ultrasonic transducer is attached to a pipeline (11) having a particularly circular cross section or to a measuring tube (12) of a flow meter, the measuring tube being integrated in the pipeline and having a particularly circular cross section, - an electronic measuring / operating circuit (20) for operating the at least one ultrasonic transducer, analyzing a measurement signal from the at least one ultrasonic transducer and providing a measurement value, wherein the pipeline or the measuring tube has in cross section a diameter (13.1) in a longitudinal section containing the pipeline axis or the measuring tube axis, wherein in the associated cross section the at least one ultrasonic transducer is spaced peripherally relative to the diameter, It is characterized in that A counterweight (14), in particular exactly one counterweight (14), is assigned to each ultrasonic transducer and is located at a distance from the ultrasonic transducer and opposite the ultrasonic transducer with respect to the vertical diameter, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is connected to the associated counterweight (14) via a flexible, in particular elastic, connecting element (15), such as a belt, cable, chain or spring, which extends over the measuring tube or the pipeline, in particular only over the measuring tube or the pipeline, When the clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter (1) is arranged on the pipeline or the measuring tube, the flexible connecting element (15) is in a tensioned state through the ultrasonic transducer and the counterweight.

2. The clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter according to claim 1, in, Each ultrasonic transducer starts from the starting point until the center of gravity of the corresponding ultrasonic transducer is at a first peripheral distance (13.2) from the vertical diameter, wherein the counterweight (14) is at a second peripheral distance (13.2) from the vertical diameter, Wherein, the deviation of the quantities of the first peripheral distance and the second peripheral distance from an average value of these quantities is less than 20%.

3. The clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter according to claim 1 or 2, in, Each ultrasonic transducer (10) has a first mass, wherein the counterweight (14) has a second mass, Therein, the first mass and the second mass deviate from an average value of these masses by less than 20%.

4. A clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The at least one ultrasonic transducer is attached to the measuring tube or the pipeline by means of a magnet (16) or a tensioning belt (17.1) or a chain (17.2) which surrounds the measuring tube or the pipeline.

5. A clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The counterweight (14) has an anti-slip surface (14.1) which is in contact with the measuring tube (12) or the pipeline (11).

6. The clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter according to claim 5, in, Slip resistance is provided by: Surface structures, such as pyramids or needles, Elastomers, such as acrylonitrile butadiene rubber or silicone, or self-adhesive coating.

7. The clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter according to claim 4 or 6, in, The ultrasonic transducer (10) and the counterweight (14) are respectively attached to the tensioning belt by attachment such as crimping, screwing, bonding, welding or riveting.

8. The clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter according to claim 4 or 7, in, The tensioning belt (17) forms the flexible connecting element (15).

9. A clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The flexible connecting element (15) is made of at least one of the following materials: Metallic materials, such as steel or in particular stainless steel, or glass, carbon, polymers.

10. A clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter according to any one of the preceding claims except that which directly or indirectly depends on claim 4, in, The flexible connecting element (15) has a spring constant in the longitudinal direction of the connecting element (15) of greater than 50 Newtons / mm, in particular greater than 80 Newtons / mm and preferably greater than 100 Newtons / mm.

11. The clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter according to any one of claims 4 to 9 except claim 7, in, The flexible connecting element (15) has a spring constant in the longitudinal direction of the connecting element (15) of greater than 500 Newtons / mm, in particular greater than 800 Newtons / mm and preferably greater than 1000 Newtons / mm, and / or The flexible connecting element (15) has a spring constant in the longitudinal direction of the connecting element (15) which is at least 2 times greater, and in particular at least 4 times greater, than the spring constant of the tensioning belt or the chain in the corresponding longitudinal direction.

12. A clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter according to any one of the preceding claims, It comprises at least two pairs of ultrasonic transducers, wherein: One ultrasonic transducer (10) in each of the two pairs of ultrasonic transducers forms a counterweight (14) for the other ultrasonic transducer in the two pairs of ultrasonic transducers.

13. The clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter according to claim 1 or 11, in, The counterweight (14) is not designed and / or is not suitable for generating or receiving ultrasonic waves.

14. The clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter according to claim 13, in, The counterweight (14) does not have an ultrasonic transducer, or no ultrasonic transducer is arranged on the counterweight (14).

15. A clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The ultrasonic transducer, the counterweight (14) and the connecting element (15) are designed such that the ultrasonic transducer remains in its installed position during mechanical deformations of the pipeline or the measuring tube, in particular due to temperature.

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