Mounting tool for mounting plug-in flow meter and method for setting such flow meter

Abstract

The invention relates to an installation tool (10) configured to install a measuring device (1), such as a flow meter, in particular a thermal or magnetic induction flow meter, insertable into a pipe (20), comprising:-a receiving device (11) configured to receive a sensor neck (2.1) of the measuring device; -a pointer device (12) configured to indicate the alignment of the mounting tool and which is fastened to the receiving device; -a fastening device (13), said receiving device having a main body (11.1) with two end faces (11.11) extending parallel to one another, which are in particular identical and are arranged one above the other, and an edge surface (11.12) connecting the end faces, the main body having a first marking (11.14) on at least one of the end faces, the first marking (11.14) having a second marking (11.16) on at least one of the end faces, and the edge surface (11.12) having a second marking (11.16) on at least one of the end faces. According to the invention, the mounting tool has a first marking (2.11) which is designed to be aligned with a second marking (2.11) of the sensor neck (2.1), and a pointer device (12.1) which has a laser (12.1) by means of which the alignment of the mounting tool can be adjusted.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting tool for mounting and aligning a flowmeter that can be inserted into a pipeline, and to a method for setting such a flowmeter. Background Art

[0002] Generally, such a flowmeter tube has a sensor neck with markings by means of which the orientation of the sensor of the flow measuring device can be adjusted to an accuracy of a few degrees. DE102017112622A1 discloses an example of such a thermal flowmeter. It has been shown that such a relatively rough setting accuracy is generally not sufficient to achieve good measurement accuracy of the measured parameters. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the object is to achieve a robust and precise alignment of a flowmeter that can be inserted into a pipeline.

[0004] This object is achieved by the mounting tool according to independent claim 1, by the mounting arrangement according to independent claim 13, and by the method according to independent claim 14.

[0005] The mounting tool according to the invention is designed to mount a measuring device that can be inserted into a pipeline, such as a flowmeter, in particular a thermal or magnetic induction flowmeter, and includes: - a receiving device configured to receive the sensor neck of the measuring device, - a pointer device configured to indicate the alignment of the mounting tool and fastened to the receiving device, - a fastening device designed to fasten the mounting tool to the sensor neck via at least three contact areas, wherein the receiving device has a body and an edge surface, the body has two parallel end faces, the edge surface connects the end faces, the two parallel end faces are in particular identical and arranged one above the other, wherein the body has a recess for receiving the sensor neck, and wherein the edge surface has at least two of the at least three contact areas, wherein the body has a first marking on at least one of the end faces, the first marking being configured to be aligned with a second marking on the sensor neck, wherein the pointer device has a laser configured to project a light marking, in particular a light marking in the form of a point or a line, by means of which the alignment of the mounting tool can be adjusted.

[0006] In this way, the mounting tool can be used to precisely and robustly align a sensor that can be inserted into a pipeline.

[0007] In one embodiment, the fastening device has a screw device with a screw, which is designed to press the sensor neck against the contact area of the edge surface, wherein the screw forms one of the contact areas in the contact area.

[0008] In this way, the mounting tool can be precisely mounted and fixed on the sensor neck.

[0009] In one embodiment, the screw has a screw axis, wherein the contact area of the edge surface is arranged axially symmetrically with respect to the screw axis.

[0010] In this way, the mounting tool can be positioned even more precisely on the sensor neck.

[0011] In one embodiment, the laser is configured to project a linear light mark, wherein, in order to project the linear light mark, the laser has an aperture angle of at least 10 degrees in a first plane extending through the light mark, and an aperture angle of less than 1 degree in a second plane extending through the laser and perpendicular to the first plane.

[0012] In this way, a clearly visible light mark can be produced, via which the misalignment inaccuracy can be further minimized. During rotation, with the absolute tangential uncertainty of the mark, the longer the pointer, the higher the accuracy in terms of angular error.

[0013] In one embodiment, the body has a first mark on each end face, wherein the first marks are particularly identical in the projection on a plane passing through one of the end faces.

[0014] This simplifies the operation of the mounting tool because the user always has the first mark in sight.

[0015] In one embodiment, the receiving device has at least one of the following materials: a metal such as stainless steel, plastic, wood, composite material.

[0016] In one embodiment, the receiving device has a surface coating, in particular a hydrophobic surface coating.

[0017] This ensures the long-term mechanical stability of the receiving device.

[0018] In one embodiment, the screw tip has a material that is softer than the sensor neck.

[0019] In this way, damage to the sensor neck can be avoided.

[0020] In one embodiment, the body is designed such that, with respect to the contact area, when the installation tool is positioned on the sensor neck, it encapsulates the sensor neck over at least 200 degrees, and in particular over at least 210 degrees, and preferably over at least 220 degrees and / or not exceeding 260 degrees, and in particular not exceeding 250 degrees, and preferably not exceeding 240 degrees.

[0021] In this way, a firm and robust fit of the installation tool on the sensor neck can be ensured.

[0022] In one embodiment, the installation tool includes a separate aiming device that is designed to be positioned at a distance greater than 50 cm from the pointer device and provides a light mark with optimal alignment. Wherein the laser is configured to point at the aiming device.

[0023] In one embodiment, the aiming device has means for checking horizontal or vertical alignment in particular.

[0024] The means for alignment can for example have a spirit level, or a shelf or holder for an electronic position measuring device (such as a smart phone), or a recess suitable for the sensor neck, where the recess can be placed against the sensor neck and thus forced into the correct alignment. Depending on the alignment of the sensor neck, the target alignment of the aiming device can also deviate from the horizontal or vertical.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first end of the first mark facing the sensor neck is at most 5 mm, and in particular at most 3 mm, away from the wall of the sensor neck in the installed state.

[0026] This minimizes the adjustment uncertainty of the installation tool on the sensor neck.

[0027] The installation arrangement according to the invention comprises: A pipe for conveying a medium; A measuring device, such as a flow meter, in particular a thermal or magnetic induction flow meter, that can be inserted into the pipe; The installation tool according to any one of the preceding claims, the installation tool being arranged on the sensor neck of the measuring device to align the measuring device relative to the pipe.

[0028] This allows the measuring device to be aligned relative to the pipe.

[0029] In a method for setting a measuring device (in particular a flowmeter, preferably a thermal flowmeter) that can be inserted into a pipeline according to the present invention, the measuring device includes the following components: - A sensor for providing a measurement signal of a flow parameter, the sensor particularly having at least two probes, wherein at least one of the probes is designed to heat the medium flowing through the pipeline, and wherein at least one of the probes is designed to detect the temperature of the medium, - A housing with an electronic measurement / operation circuit, the electronic measurement / operation circuit being arranged in the housing to operate the probes, to evaluate the measurement signals from the probes, and to provide a measured value of the parameter, - A sensor neck that connects the sensor to the housing and guides electrical wires between the electronic measurement / operation circuit and the probes, wherein the sensor neck is designed to be guided through an opening in the pipe wall and sealed to the pipe wall in a medium-tight manner, wherein, in a first method step, the installation tool is aligned and fastened to the sensor neck on the sensor neck, wherein, in a second method step, the sensor is guided through the opening in the pipe wall, and the pointer device is aligned, for example, parallel to the pipe axis, wherein, in a third method step, the sensor neck is tightly sealed to the pipe wall by means of a closing mechanism.

[0030] In one embodiment, the second method step includes positioning the aiming device before aligning the pointer device. Description of the Drawings

[0031] The present invention will be described below with reference to exemplary embodiments.

[0032] Figure 1 An example of an installation tool according to the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 An enlarged cross-section of the shown installation tool;

[0034] Figure 3 Shows an enlarged cross-section of the shown installation tool mounted on the sensor neck; Figure 1 An enlarged cross-section of the shown installation tool;

[0035] Figure 4 Outlines an installation arrangement with a measuring device that can be inserted into a pipeline and has a sensor neck, to which an installation tool according to the present invention is fastened;

[0036] Figure 5 An embodiment of an installation tool according to the present invention is outlined;

[0037] Figure 6 A measuring device is outlined, which can be inserted into a pipeline and has a sensor neck, to which the installation tool according to the present invention is fastened;

[0038] Figure 7 A perspective view of a measuring device that can be inserted into a pipeline is shown;

[0039] Figure 8 The sequence of a method for setting a measuring device that can be inserted into a pipeline according to the present invention is outlined. Detailed Description

[0040] Figure 1 A plan view of an installation tool 10 according to the present invention is shown, which installation tool 10 includes: a receiving device 11 for receiving a sensor neck 2.1 (not shown here) of a measuring device that can be inserted into a pipeline; a pointer device 12 having a pointer 12.1 for aligning the installation device; and a fastening device 13 for fastening to the sensor neck. The receiving device includes a body 11.1 having two end faces 11.11 extending parallel to each other - here, they are in particular identical and superimposed - and an edge surface 11.12 connecting the end faces, wherein the body has a recess 11.13 for receiving the sensor neck.

[0041] The laser 12.1 of the pointer device is configured to project a light mark, in particular a light mark in the form of a point or a line, by means of which the alignment of the installation tool can be adjusted. In this way, a sufficiently accurate alignment of the measuring device can be achieved in a simple manner, because when rotating with an absolute tangential uncertainty, the pointer positioning becomes increasingly accurate as the length of the pointer increases with respect to the angular error.

[0042] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 An enlarged cross-section of the shown installation tool in the region of the receiving device.

[0043] According to the present invention, the body has a first mark 11.14 on at least one of the end faces 11.11, which first mark 11.14 has a first end 11.141 designed to be aligned with a second mark 2.11 of the sensor neck 2.1; also see in this regard Figure 3 , which shows an enlarged detail of the installation tool fastened to the sensor neck 2.1. The fastening device 13 having a screw device 13.1 is designed to be via at least three contact areas 14 between the installation tool 10 and the sensor neck 2.11 (also seeFigure 3 )Fasten the installation tool to the sensor neck, wherein the edge surface in the region of the recess comprises at least two of the at least three contact regions 14, and wherein the screw tip 13.112 of the screw 13.11 forms another contact region 14.

[0044] In one embodiment, the body 11 is configured such that when the installation tool 10 is positioned on the sensor neck, with respect to the contact regions 14, relative to the center point of the sensor neck, over at least 200 degrees, and in particular over at least 210 degrees, and preferably over at least 220 degrees and / or not exceeding 260 degrees, and in particular not exceeding 250 degrees, and preferably not exceeding 240 degrees, the sensor neck 2.1 is enclosed.

[0045] In this way, when fastening via, for example, three contact regions, a firm fitting of the installation tool on the sensor neck can be ensured.

[0046] In one embodiment, the screw 13.11 has a screw axis 13.111, wherein the contact regions 14 of the edge surface 11.12 are arranged axially symmetrically with respect to the screw axis.

[0047] In one embodiment, the screw tip has a softer material than the sensor neck, such that damage to the sensor neck is avoided.

[0048] In one embodiment, the body has a first marking on each end face, wherein the first markings are in particular identical in the projection on a plane passing through one of the end faces. This simplifies the operation of the installation tool, since the user always has the first marking in sight.

[0049] In one embodiment, the receiving device has at least one of the following materials: a metal such as stainless steel, plastic, wood, composite material.

[0050] In one embodiment, the receiving device has a surface coating, in particular a hydrophobic surface coating. This ensures the long-term mechanical stability of the receiving device.

[0051] In the Figure 3 In the embodiment of the installation tool as shown, the first end 11.141 of the first marking 11.14 facing the sensor neck 2.1 is at most 5 mm, and in particular at most 3 mm, away from the wall of the sensor neck in the installed state. In this way, the alignment error of the installation tool with respect to the sensor neck can be reduced.

[0052] Figure 4Shows a schematic perspective view of an installation arrangement 40 with a measuring device 1 inserted into a pipe, the installation arrangement 40 comprising: a housing 3 in which an electronic measuring / operating circuit is arranged (see Figure 6 ); a sensor for generating a measuring signal of a parameter, wherein the sensor and the housing are connected via a sensor neck 2.1, and an exemplary installation tool 10 according to the invention is fastened to the sensor neck 2.1. In this example, the laser 12.1 is configured to generate a dot-shaped light mark. As shown, for example, on the pipe 20, a aiming device 30 can be arranged, which indicates the target alignment of the laser by means of a mark on the screen 34 of the aiming device. In this way, the measuring device 1 can be easily aligned. For the purpose of correcting (e.g., horizontal) alignment, the aiming device can have an alignment device (such as a spirit level 31), or a platform for an electronic position measuring device (such as a smart phone), or a recess suitable for the sensor neck, where the recess can be placed against the sensor neck, and the aiming device can thus be aligned relative to the sensor neck; also see in this regard Figure 5 .

[0053] Figure 5 Outlines an embodiment of the aiming device 30, in which, as shown here, for example, the feet 32 of the aiming device have a recess 33, which can be fitted against a part of the sensor neck 2.1, so that alignment relative to the axis of the sensor neck can be achieved. For example, the aiming device can then be brought to the desired distance or minimum distance from the pointer device using a mark.

[0054] Figure 6 Outlines a perspective view corresponding to Figure 4 as an exemplary embodiment of the installation tool according to the invention, wherein the laser 12.1 is set to generate a linear light mark 12.11, the laser having an aperture angle of at least 10 degrees in a first plane passing through the light mark and an aperture angle of less than 1 degree in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane and passing through the laser. In this way, even without an aiming device, the correct alignment of the installation tool 10 can be detected very accurately, especially if the pipe has a curved surface, such as in the case of a circular measuring pipe. In this case, the linear light mark is only straight if it extends parallel to the axis of the measuring pipe.

[0055] The plug-in measuring device 1 can be, for example, a flow meter, in particular a thermal or magnetic induction flow meter.

[0056] Figure 7 Outlines an exemplary measuring device 1, which can be inserted into a pipe and can be installed via an installation tool 10 according to the invention, as Figures 1 to 5as shown. This measuring device has a housing 3 for operating an electronic measuring / operating circuit 4 of the measuring device, such as the electronic measuring / operating circuit 4, a sensor 2 and a sensor neck, and the sensor neck 2.1 connects the sensor to the housing.

[0057] Figure 8 The sequence of an exemplary method according to the present invention is outlined, wherein, in a first method step 101, the installation tool is aligned with and fastened to the sensor neck, and wherein, in a second method step 102, the sensor is guided through an opening in the pipe wall, and the pointer device is aligned in the direction of the target alignment, for example parallel to the pipe axis, and wherein, in a third method step 103, the sensor neck is tightly sealed to the pipe wall via a closing mechanism. The closing mechanism is shown as a nut, and the closing mechanism is used to tightly seal the sensor neck to the pipe wall of the pipe. For example, the sensor can first be guided through the opening in the pipe wall, and then the installation tool can be placed on the sensor.

[0058] In this way, the sensor of the measuring device can be accurately and firmly aligned in the measuring tube.

[0059] List of reference numerals

[0060] 1 Measuring device

[0061] 2 Sensor

[0062] 2.1 Sensor neck

[0063] 2.11 Second mark

[0064] 2.12 Center point

[0065] 3 Housing

[0066] 4 Electronic measuring / operating circuit

[0067] 10 Installation tool

[0068] 11 Receiving device

[0069] 11.1 Body

[0070] 11.11 End face

[0071] 11.12 Edge surface

[0072] 11.13 Recess

[0073] 11.14 First mark

[0074] 11.141 First end of the first mark

[0075] 12 Pointer device

[0076] 12.1 Laser

[0077] 12.11 Optical Mark

[0078] 13 Fastening Device

[0079] 13.1 Screw Device

[0080] 13.11 Screw

[0081] 13.111 Screw Axis

[0082] 13.112 Screw Tip

[0083] 14 Contact Area

[0084] 20 Pipe

[0085] 21 Pipe Wall

[0086] 21.1 Opening

[0087] 30 Aiming Device

[0088] 31 Level

[0089] 32 Foot

[0090] 33 Recess

[0091] 34 Screen

[0092] 40 Installation Arrangement

[0093] 100 Method

[0094] 101 First Method Step

[0095] 102 Second Method Step

[0096] 103 Third Method Step

Claims

1. Mounting tool (10), said mounting tool being designed to mount a measuring device (1), such as a flowmeter, in particular a thermal or magnetic induction flowmeter, which can be inserted into a pipe (20), comprising: - A receiving device (11), which is configured to receive the sensor neck (2.1) of the measuring device, - A pointer device (12), which is configured to indicate the alignment of the installation tool and is fastened to the receiving device, - A fastening device (13), which is designed to fasten the installation tool to the sensor neck via at least three contact areas (14), wherein the receiving device has a body (11.1) and an edge surface (11.12), the body (11.1) has two parallel end faces (11.11), the two parallel end faces (11.11) are particularly identical and are arranged one above the other, the edge surface connects the end faces, wherein the body has a recess (11.13) for receiving the sensor neck, and wherein the edge surface has at least two of the at least three contact areas, wherein the body has a first mark (11.14) on at least one of the end faces, and the first mark is configured to be aligned with a second mark (2.11) of the sensor neck (2.1), wherein the pointer device has a laser (12.1), and the laser (12.1) is configured to project a light mark (12.11), particularly a light mark in the form of a point or a line, by means of which the alignment of the installation tool can be adjusted.

2. The mounting tool according to claim 1, wherein, The fastening device (13) has a screw device (13.1) with a screw (13.11), and the screw is designed to press the sensor neck against the contact area (14) of the edge surface (11.12), and wherein the screw forms one of the contact areas (14).

3. The mounting tool according to claim 2, wherein, The screw (13.11) has a screw axis (13.111), and the contact areas (14) of the edge surface (11.12) are arranged axially symmetrically with respect to the screw axis.

4. The mounting tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the laser (12.1) is configured to project a linear light mark (12.11), and for the purpose of projecting the linear light mark, the laser has an aperture angle of at least 10 degrees in a first plane passing through the light mark and an aperture angle of less than 1 degree in a second plane passing through the laser, the second plane being perpendicular to the first plane.

5. The mounting tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The body (11.1) has a first mark (11.14) on each end face (11.11), and the first marks are particularly identical in the projection on a plane passing through one of the end faces.

6. The mounting tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The receiving device (11) is made of at least one of the following materials: a metal such as stainless steel, plastic, wood, composite material.

7. The mounting tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The receiving device (11) has a surface coating, particularly a hydrophobic surface coating.

8. The mounting tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The screw tip (13.112) has a material softer than the sensor neck.

9. The mounting tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The body (11) is configured such that, with respect to the contact areas (14), when the installation tool (10) is positioned on the sensor neck, the sensor neck (2.1) is encapsulated over at least 200 degrees, particularly over at least 210 degrees, preferably over at least 220 degrees and / or not exceeding 260 degrees, particularly not exceeding 250 degrees, preferably not exceeding 240 degrees.

10. The mounting tool according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an aiming device (30), said aiming device (30) being designed to be positioned at a distance greater than 20 cm and in particular greater than 50 cm from the pointer device (12) and to provide an optimal alignment of the light mark, wherein, The laser (12.1) is configured to be aligned in the direction of the aiming device.

11. The installation tool according to claim 10, wherein, The aiming device has means for alignment, in particular relative to a horizontal or vertical line or on the sensor neck.

12. The installation tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In the installed state, the first end (11.141) of the first marker (11.14) that will face the sensor neck (2.1) is at a distance of at most 5 mm, in particular at a distance of at most 3 mm.

13. The installation arrangement (40) comprises: A pipe (20) for conveying a medium; A measuring device (1) that can be inserted into the pipe, such as a flow meter, in particular a thermal or magnetic induction flow meter; The installation tool (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the installation tool (10) being arranged on the sensor neck of the measuring device for aligning the measuring device relative to the pipe.

14. A method (100) for setting a measuring device (1) which is insertable into a pipeline, said measuring device being, for example, a flowmeter, in particular a thermal or magnetic induction flowmeter, wherein, The measuring device comprises: - A sensor (2) for providing a measurement signal of a flow parameter, in particular having at least two probes, wherein at least one of the probes is designed to heat the medium flowing through the pipe, and wherein at least one of the probes is designed to detect the temperature of the medium, - A housing (3) having an electronic measurement / operation circuit (4), the electronic measurement / operation circuit (4) being arranged in the housing for operating the sensor and in particular the probes, for evaluating the measurement signal from the sensor, and for providing a measured value of the parameter, - A sensor neck (2.11) that connects the sensor to the housing and guides the wires between the electronic measurement / operation circuit and the probes, wherein the sensor neck is designed to be guided through an opening (21.1) in the pipe wall (21) and sealed to the pipe wall in a medium-tight manner, Wherein, in a first method step (101), the installation tool is aligned and fastened to the sensor neck on the sensor neck, Wherein, in a second method step (102), the sensor is guided through the opening in the pipe wall, and the pointer device is aligned in the direction of the target alignment, for example parallel to the pipe axis, Wherein, in a third method step (103), the sensor neck is tightly sealed to the pipe wall via a closing mechanism.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The second method step (102) includes aligning the aiming device (30) before positioning the pointer device (12).

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