Immersion, flow or additional measurement system in analytical process technology

Abstract

The invention relates to immersion, flow or additional measurement systems in analytical process technology. The measurement system comprises: an optical sensor for measuring a variable of the medium in the process vessel; a collapsible fitting for mounting an optical sensor, the collapsible fitting comprising a hollow cylindrical housing having a housing wall, the collapsible fitting comprising a service chamber and an immersion tube within the housing, the immersion tube being axially movable within the housing between a service position in which the immersion tube is retracted from the medium and a process position in which the immersion tube is retracted from the medium. A process position in which the immersion tube is in the medium, where the optical sensor is disposed in the immersion tube, and where the housing wall comprises an opening adjacent to the service chamber; and a calibration unit movably mounted in the opening between a rest position and a calibration position, the calibration unit being external to the service chamber in the rest position, and the calibration unit being in optical contact with the optical sensor in the calibration position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to immersion, flow or addition measurement systems in analytical process technology, in particular to the inclusion of an optical sensor in a retractable fitting. BACKGROUND

[0002] Sensors have to be calibrated regularly and, if necessary, adjusted and verified. This also applies to optical sensors, such as spectroscopic sensors, in particular Raman spectroscopic sensors. These are also referred to as Raman analyzers.

[0003] During the lifetime of a Raman analyzer, the entire analysis system will need to be recalibrated or verified, either due to replacement of components or due to customer programs or regulations. If the analyzer system uses an in-situ probe, the probe has to be removed from the process, which can lead to process shutdown, additional cleaning / pollution protocols, etc. This removal often requires the shutdown of the entire process or at least of the bypass where the probe can be installed. Therefore, it is desirable to minimize and preferably eliminate non-productive time. In the past, the removal of the process was performed manually, which is error-prone and time-consuming. Once the probe is reinstalled, the process integrity has to be restored. Therefore, the calibration / verification is a time-consuming process. SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide a simple way to calibrate an optical sensor without having to stop the process using the sensor.

[0005] In one aspect, an immersion, flow or addition measurement system in analytical process technology comprises: an optical sensor designed to measure at least one variable of a medium in a container; a retractable fitting for mounting the optical sensor, the retractable fitting comprising a substantially hollow cylindrical housing having a housing wall, a service cavity formed in the interior in a region of the housing and a immersion tube axially translatable in the housing between a service position, in which the immersion tube is translated out of the medium, and a process position, in which the immersion tube is translated into the medium, wherein the immersion tube is at least partially positioned in the service cavity in the service position, wherein the optical sensor is arranged in the immersion tube, wherein an opening is provided in the housing wall in the vicinity of the service cavity; and a calibration unit movably mounted in the opening between a rest position and a calibration position, the calibration unit being arranged outside the service cavity in the rest position, wherein in the calibration position, with the retractable fitting in the service position, the calibration unit is in optical contact with the optical sensor, in particular the calibration unit is at least partially arranged within the service cavity.

[0006] The present disclosure enables removal of a probe from a process while maintaining process integrity integrity by providing a system that maintains process integrity integrity while removing the probe from the process. The system according to the present disclosure provides means for inserting a calibration device and / or a light source for calibration into the optical path of the optical sensor. The system utilizes optional automated cleaning of the Raman probe to enable fully automated calibration and verification procedures. This reduces downtime, effort and resource usage, saving the user a significant amount of time and money.

[0007] In another aspect, the retractable fitting comprises one or more seals in the area of the opening, which seal the environment with respect to the service cavity.

[0008] In another aspect, the retractable fitting is configured such that in the process position, the calibration unit cannot be moved into the calibration position.

[0009] In another aspect, the retractable fitting is configured such that in the calibration position of the calibration unit, the retractable fitting cannot be moved into the process position.

[0010] In another aspect, the calibration unit comprises at least one light source, which emits light in the direction of the optical sensor in the calibration position.

[0011] In another aspect, the calibration unit comprises at least one reference material, by which the optical sensor is calibrated.

[0012] In another aspect, the retractable fitting comprises at least one flushing connection to the service cavity, preferably two flushing connections.

[0013] In another aspect, the optical sensor is configured as a spectroscopic sensor, for example a Raman spectroscopic sensor.

[0014] In another aspect, the measurement system comprises a data processing unit, which controls the translation of the immersion tube between the process position and the service position, the translation of the calibration unit between the rest position and the calibration position, and a calibration procedure of the optical sensor using the calibration unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] The described embodiments contained herein and other features, advantages, and disclosures, and the manner of attaining them, will become apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 A perspective view of a measurement system with a retractable fitting according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0017] Figure 2 A perspective view of a measurement system with a retractable fitting according to the present disclosure is shown; Figure 1 A perspective view of a measurement system with a retractable fitting according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the collapsible fitting adjacent to the medium is shown.

[0019] In the drawings, identical features are labeled with identical reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] To facilitate an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will, nevertheless, be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is intended by the specification of these embodiments.

[0021] According to the present disclosure, the measurement system 100 comprises a collapsible fitting 1, an optical sensor 16 and a calibration unit 20. Figure 1 A measurement system 100 with a collapsible fitting 1 is shown; in Figure 2 A sensor 16 with a collapsible fitting 1 is shown in cross-section; and the calibration unit 20 is shown in Figure 3 A measurement system 100 with a collapsible fitting 1 is shown; in

[0022] The sensor 16 is arranged in the collapsible fitting 1. The sensor 16 is operable to measure one or more physical, chemical or biological parameters of the measurement medium 14. The sensor 16 is a spectroscopic sensor, e.g. configured as a Raman spectroscopic sensor.

[0023] In the context of the present disclosure, “top”, “above” and related terms mean the direction away from the measurement medium 14. For the purposes of the present disclosure, “bottom”, “below” and related terms mean the direction facing the medium 14.

[0024] The collapsible fitting is indicated by reference numeral 1 in its entirety. The collapsible fitting 1 comprises a substantially cylindrical housing 2 which can be connected to a process vessel 15 via a connection device 13. The housing 2 is defined by a housing wall 2a. The connection device 13 can be a flange connection made of, e.g., stainless steel. However, other configurations and structures are possible as well. The measurement medium 14 to be measured is in the process vessel 15. The process vessel 15 can be a container, a tank, a pipe, a line, etc.

[0025] Figure 1 A collapsible fitting 1 in a process position is shown; Figure 2 A collapsible fitting 1 in a service position is shown, as described in more detail herein.

[0026] The immersion tube 3 is translatable and guided within the housing 2. An optical sensor 16 is arranged within the immersion tube 3. The sensor 16 is connected to the immersion tube 3 via a socket, which is not described in detail, for example by means of screws. In the process position, the sensor 16 accesses the medium 14 via an opening 8 at or near the bottom of the immersion tube 3. The opening 8 is configured such that it opens in the flow direction of the medium 14, for example, in particular when a collapsible fitting 1 is employed in the pipeline (for example, the process vessel 15 is a pipeline), i.e. the sensor 16 is optimally exposed to the flow of the measuring medium 14.

[0027] The sensor 16 can be connected to a cable 19, as shown in Figure 2 In certain embodiments, the cable 19 is connected to a transmitter, for example a conventional transmitter (not shown) known in the art of process analytics.

[0028] The immersion tube 3 can be made of different materials. In the prior art, the immersion tube 3 is made of steel or stainless steel. However, there are a wide range of applications, in particular in the chemical industry, where high-chemical-resistant materials are used. Therefore, the immersion tube 3 can also be made of a plastic such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFA), perfluoroalkoxy polymer (PFA), another plastic or a resistant metal such as Hastelloy. Ceramics can also be used. Another possibility is the use of a coating of one or more of the aforementioned polymers. The same materials and / or coatings can be used for the housing 2.

[0029] The immersion tube 3 is axially displaceable (for example, translatable, movable) along the central axis L in the direction of the medium 14 or in the direction away from the medium 14. The immersion tube 3 is movable between a service position (as shown in Figure 2 ) when retracted into the housing 2 and a process position (as shown in Figure 1 ) when extended from the housing 2. In the process position, a measurement of the medium 14 is carried out, wherein the sensor 16 accesses the medium 14 via the opening 8 in the immersion tube 3, for example a cage-like opening. In the service position, various service tasks are enabled and carried out, such as cleaning and calibration, for example both including rinsing. A rinsing, cleaning, calibration and / or sterilization medium can be fed into the service chamber 11 through the connection piece 7 (for example, an inlet). The rinsing, cleaning, calibration and / or sterilization medium can be a liquid or a gas. The liquid can be discharged again through a corresponding connection piece 22 (for example, an outlet), which can be arranged axially and radially offset from the connection piece 7. The flushing direction can also be reversed, for example from the connection piece 22 to the connection piece 7.

[0030] The immersion tube 3 is translated by a drive unit 18 which is arranged above the service chamber 11. The drive unit 18 can be part of the housing 2. The housing 2 defines a housing interior 12. The translation of the immersion tube 3 is for example performed by an automated drive, such as by a supply of energy. If the supply of energy is introduced through the connection 4, the immersion tube 3 is translated from the service position to the process position. In such an operation, the connection 5 then serves as an outlet. If the supply of energy is introduced through the connection 5, the immersion tube 3 is translated from the process position to the service position, in which operation the connection 4 then serves as an outlet. For example, pneumatic, hydraulic or electric actuators are known from the prior art. The illustrated collapsible fitting 1 is configured for a pneumatic actuator. In alternative embodiments, a manual operation is also possible. The process of translating the immersion tube 3 using a pneumatic drive is explained in more detail herein.

[0031] In embodiments of the collapsible fitting 1 configured for a pneumatic drive, a piston is permanently connected to or forms an integral part of the immersion tube 3. The piston can be configured as an annular piston and is part of the drive unit 18. The piston divides the drive section of the housing interior 12 into an upper region and a lower region. The immersion tube 3 can be moved via the connection 4 in the upper region above or below the piston and the connection 5 in the lower region. For example, if compressed air is delivered through the connection 4 into the upper region, the immersion tube 3 is moved in the direction of the medium 14, while air flows from the lower region through the connection 5. Air can also be actively sucked out of the lower region in order to facilitate the movement in the direction of the medium 14. If compressed air is delivered through the connection 5 into the lower region, the immersion tube 3 is moved away from the medium 14, while air from the upper region flows through the connection 4. Air can also be actively sucked out of the upper region to facilitate the movement.

[0032] Suitable seals (not shown) must be used to ensure that compressed air does not escape and is only fed and discharged through the connections 4, 5.

[0033] The connections 4 and 5 are attached to the side of the housing 2. The connection 4 can be arranged above the piston (immersion tube 3 in service position) and the connection 5 can be arranged below the piston (immersion tube 3 in process position). In certain embodiments, both connections 4 and 5 on the housing 2 are arranged above or below the piston and the wires inside the housing 2 are routed to the other region to achieve the described proper function of the drive unit 18. Figure 1 The connections 4, 5 are shown arranged next to each other above the piston (service position). Figure 2 The connections 4 and 5 are shown arranged above and below each other. As described, there are corresponding wires within the housing 2 to lead the connection 5 into the lower region of the housing interior 12. The connections 4, 5 do not necessarily have to be in the same front face.

[0034] A service cavity 11 is arranged in the interior 12 of the housing 2 and is delimited by the wall 2a. In Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment, the service cavity 11 is arranged directly above the connection device 13. As shown, the service cavity 11 has an inlet at the connection 7 and an outlet at the connection 22.

[0035] When the immersion tube 3 is in the service position, a portion of the immersion tube 3, in particular the sensor 16, is arranged in the service cavity 11 for rinsing, cleaning, calibration, sterilization, etc. The sealing element 9 is located at the lower end of the immersion tube 3 to enable the sealing process. The sealing element 9 isolates the service cavity 11 from the process and thus from the measuring medium 14. The measuring medium 14 can be hot, toxic, corrosive, carcinogenic or harmful to humans and the environment. This combination of exemplary medium properties also often exists in chemical plants. Therefore, the housing wall 2a and the sealing element 9 complement each other to ensure that the sealing element 9 seals firmly and reliably. For this purpose, one or more of various sealing devices can be fitted to the housing 2, for example, one or more medium seals 10 can be used. In Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the medium seal 10 is arranged on the housing 2. Alternatively, the medium seal 10 can be arranged in the lower end region of the immersion tube 3 (not shown).

[0036] At least one seal 17, for example, in the exemplary embodiment, two seals 17, 23, are arranged on the upper region of the immersion tube 3. The at least one seal 17, 23 is configured to seal the service cavity 11 from the drive unit 18, in particular when moving from the service position to the process position, and vice versa. In the service position, the upper seal 17 is arranged above the connection 22 and the lower seal 23 is arranged at the same height or below the connection 22.

[0037] As Figure 1 shown, the opening 6 can be arranged in the housing wall 2a in the vicinity of, for example, adjacent to, the service cavity 11. The opening 6 is not visible in Figure 2 as it is, for example, arranged with a 90° offset to the two connections 7, 22. Other configurations are possible. In Figure 3 the embodiment shown in cross-section, the connection 7, the connection 22 are not visible, only the opening 6.

[0038] The measuring system 100 comprises a calibration unit 120, which is movably, for example, operable to translate, mounted in the opening 6, as Figure 3The calibration unit 20 is translatable between a rest position and a calibration position. In the rest position, the calibration unit 20 is substantially arranged outside the service cavity 11. On the other hand, in its calibration position, the calibration unit 20 is in optical contact with the optical sensor 16, e.g. at least partially within the service cavity 11 and thus within the housing wall 2a, when the collapsible fitting 1 is in its service position.

[0039] In the process position of the collapsible fitting 1, the calibration unit 20 cannot be moved into its calibration position. Similarly, when the calibration unit 20 is in the calibration position, the collapsible fitting 1 cannot be moved into the process position.

[0040] The calibration unit 20 comprises at least one light source 26 configured and operable to emit light in the direction of the optical sensor 16 in the calibration position. The calibration unit 20 can further comprise at least one reference material 24 through which the optical sensor 16 is calibrated. Thus, the calibration unit 20 comprises the light source 26 or the reference material 24 or both. It has to be ensured that the service cavity 11 is sealed from the environment. In certain embodiments, the calibration unit 20 comprises more than one light source 26 or more than one calibration material 24 or a combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the calibration unit 20 comprises a combination of the reference material 24 and the light source 16 required for the calibration of the optical sensor 16 and, if necessary, adjustment and verification. The various elements can then be controlled accordingly and directed with the optical sensor 16 towards the desired operation.

[0041] The calibration unit 20 is translated via the opening 6 into the interior of the collapsible fitting 1, more precisely into the service cavity 11. The mechanical configuration of the calibration unit 20 and the opening 6, e.g. dimensions, sealing surfaces and elements, stops and seating surfaces, etc., ensures process integrity throughout the calibration procedure.

[0042] As described herein, the connections 7, 22 for supplying rinsing, cleaning and calibration fluids are used to flush the service cavity 11. Thus, the sensor 16 or the service cavity 11 can be cleaned. To this end, the measurement system 100 comprises a system that supplies the required fluids to the connections 7, 22 at the desired time. Such operations and functions can be controlled, e.g. in an automated manner, via a data processing unit 110, which can comprise a processor and a memory, such as a programmable logic control (PLC) and / or a distributed control system (DCS).

[0043] At least one seal 25, for example an O-ring, is provided at the opening 6. The seal 25 seals the service cavity 11 against the drive unit 18, in particular during a movement from the service position to the process position, and vice versa. Furthermore, the seal 25 seals the service cavity 11 against the environment surrounding the measurement system 100, in particular when the calibration unit 20 is moved from the rest position to the calibration position, and vice versa.

[0044] As mentioned above, the measurement system 100 comprises a data processing unit 110, which controls the movement of the immersion tube 3 and the movement of the calibration unit 20 as well as the calibration procedure. Figure 3 Connection lines from the data processing unit 110 to the sensor 16 and the calibration unit 20 are symbolically shown. The data processing unit 110 can also take over the data processing of the sensor 16 or at least forward the measurement data.

[0045] While various embodiments of the measurement system and methods of using and constructing the same have been described in considerable detail herein, these embodiments are provided by way of non-limiting examples of the disclosure described herein. Thus, various changes and modifications can be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it is intended that the present disclosure encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0046] Furthermore, in describing representative embodiments, the present disclosure can have presented the method and / or process as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process depends on the performance of certain steps, the method or process is not limited to the performance of the steps in the order described. Other sequences of steps can also be possible and are hence still within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An immersion, flow or additional measuring system for an analytical process technology, the measuring system comprising: an optical sensor configured to measure at least one variable of a medium in a process vessel; a retractable fitting configured to mount the optical sensor, the retractable fitting comprising: a substantially hollow cylindrical housing having a housing wall defining an interior region of the housing; a service cavity within the interior region; and an immersion tube configured to axially translate within the housing between a service position, in which the immersion tube is withdrawn from the medium in the process vessel, and a process position, in which the immersion tube is introduced into the medium, wherein, in the service position, the immersion tube is at least partially disposed in the service cavity, wherein the optical sensor is disposed in the immersion tube, and wherein the housing wall comprises an opening in the vicinity of the service cavity; and a calibration unit movably mounted in the opening and configured to translate between a rest position and a calibration position, wherein, in the rest position, the calibration unit is arranged outside the service cavity, and wherein, in the calibration position, the calibration unit is in optical contact with the optical sensor, in particular, the calibration unit is at least partially arranged within the service cavity, with the retractable fitting being positioned in the service position.

2. The measurement system of claim 1, wherein, the retractable fitting comprises one or more seals at or in the vicinity of the opening, the one or more seals being configured to seal the service cavity from an environment surrounding the measuring system.

3. The measurement system of claim 1 or 2, wherein, the retractable fitting is configured to prevent the calibration unit from being translated into the calibration position when the retractable fitting is in the process position.

4. The measurement system of any of the preceding claims, wherein, the retractable fitting is configured to prevent the retractable fitting from being translated into the process position when the calibration unit is in the calibration position.

5. The measurement system of any of the preceding claims, wherein, the calibration unit comprises at least one light source configured to emit light in the direction of the optical sensor in the calibration position.

6. The measurement system of any of the preceding claims, wherein, the calibration unit comprises at least one reference material by which the optical sensor is calibrated and / or verified.

7. The measurement system of any of the preceding claims, wherein, the retractable fitting comprises at least one flushing connection to the service cavity.

8. The measurement system of claim 7, wherein, the at least one flushing connection comprises two flushing connections.

9. The measurement system of any of the preceding claims, wherein, the optical sensor is configured as a spectroscopic sensor, in particular a Raman spectroscopic sensor.

10. The measuring system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a data processing unit configured to control: the translation of the immersion tube between the process position and the service position; the translation of the calibration unit between the rest position and the calibration position; and a calibration procedure of the optical sensor using the calibration unit.

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