Measurement system for determining physical parameters of a pipe fluid system

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a measurement system for determining a physical parameter of a pipe fluid system, the measurement system comprising: - a clamping element (3, 3a, 3b) arranged around the pipe fluid system (150) and comprising a first clamping element (3a) and a second clamping element (3b), wherein the first clamping element (3a) and the second clamping element (3b) form a measurement section (4) corresponding to a section (2a) of the pipe fluid system (150); - an excitation system (5) configured to excite the pipe fluid system (150) and to induce vibrations of the measurement system (150); - a vibration sensing element (6) configured to measure the induced vibrations, - wherein the clamping element (3, 3a, 3b) comprises at least two clamping parts (3c, 3d), wherein the two clamping parts (3c, 3d) are joined at at least one connection point (10, 10a, 10b) by using a joining element (9).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a measurement system for determining the physical parameters of a pipeline fluid system. Background Technology

[0002] By measuring the frequency variation of a selected circumferential vibration mode in a pipe fluid system, changes in the fluid's physical properties, such as density, pressure, viscosity, and flow parameters, can be measured. For this purpose, devices with constraint elements, such as constraint clamps, impact excitation devices, and (vibration) measurements, are used.

[0003] Constraint fixtures in a measurement system are crucial because they define vibration nodes and thus the operating frequency of the system. When a modified clamping system is used, the fixture is typically made of at least two separate halves or clamping components, which are joined together by fastening or engagement elements.

[0004] However, during thermal transients, the temporary thermal expansion differences that may occur between the piping and the restraining clamps in a piping fluid system during operation pose a significant risk to the restraining function. At certain temperature differences, the clamps may loosen and cease to provide the required restraint, or they may tighten beyond the yield strength of the piping, leading to irreversible damage. Both situations are undesirable because they can result in loss of function: either causing significant changes in the vibrational spectrum, leading to measurement errors, or even damage to the piping fluid system.

[0005] To prevent this, in the prior art, a resilient structure is typically added to provide compliance with the system. However, the clamp half coupled to the resilient system (which can be relatively soft compared to the clamp itself) does not act as a rigid ring.

[0006] Therefore, the clamp is equivalent to two independent halves that can vibrate separately, introducing additional vibration modes into the pipe and reducing the constraint mass. This leads to unpredictable frequency shifts. Depending on the elasticity of the clamp components, the vibration frequency may change, and variations in spring force caused by thermal gradients in the structure can result in measurement errors.

[0007] These problems need to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a concept of a reliable and robust measurement system for determining the physical properties or physical parameters of fluids in a pipe fluid system, and to minimize measurement errors in the presence of temperature differences.

[0009] The object of the invention is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims, wherein other embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims.

[0010] In a first aspect of the invention, a measurement system for determining physical parameters of a pipeline fluid system is provided, the measurement system comprising: - A clamping element, arranged around a pipe fluid system, and including a first clamping element and a second clamping element, wherein the first clamping element and the second clamping element form a measuring portion corresponding to a section of the pipe fluid system; - An excitation system, configured to excite the pipeline fluid system and induce vibrations in the measurement system; - A vibration sensing element, configured to measure the vibrations caused by vibrations. - The clamping element includes at least two clamping parts, wherein the two clamping parts are engaged at at least one connection point by means of a coupling element.

[0011] In other words, an important aspect of the present invention is the ability to reliably measure the physical properties or physical parameters of a fluid (e.g., liquid, gas) in a pipe fluid system during thermal transients, where a significant temperature difference may occur between the pipe and the clamping element.

[0012] The present invention provides the pipe with sufficient radial compliance to maintain low clamping force variation over a relevant temperature range, which, depending on the process, can be, for example, in the range of 10-40°C or higher, and is still rigid enough to prevent the clamp half from losing alignment due to the elasticity of the engagement element.

[0013] Therefore, the measurement system according to the invention maintains a constant constraint mass so that the vibration frequency changes minimally with the clamping force.

[0014] Therefore, the present invention is able to advantageously handle temperature variations, which can significantly affect the accuracy of vibration-based clamping characteristic measurements due to the interaction between the clamping elements during thermal transients. The solution to achieve this effect is achieved through the mechanical design details of the clamping elements, as described in detail below, involving, for example, elastic and guiding elements.

[0015] According to one example, at least one elastic element is arranged between the engaging element and the clamping component. In this way, the physical properties of the fluid can be measured reliably and robustly.

[0016] As an example, the elastic element is configured as a cup-shaped spring element. In this way, the physical properties of the fluid can be measured reliably and robustly.

[0017] According to one example, the stiffness of the cup-shaped spring element is lower than that of the engaging element, and / or the cup-shaped spring element has a travel path between the piping fluid system and the clamping component within the thermal operating range of the piping fluid system. In this way, the physical properties of the fluid can be measured reliably and robustly.

[0018] In one example, the connecting element is configured as a bolt. In this way, the physical properties of the fluid can be measured reliably and robustly.

[0019] As one example, the bolt is made of at least metal. In this way, the physical properties of the fluid can be measured reliably and robustly.

[0020] According to one example, the measurement system includes at least a linear guide element located at the connection point between two clamping components and configured to keep the clamping components parallel to each other. In this way, the physical properties of the fluid can be measured reliably and robustly.

[0021] According to one example, at least one linear guiding element is a locating pin and / or locating screw configured to prevent angular deviation between the two clamping components. In this way, the physical properties of the fluid can be measured reliably and robustly.

[0022] According to one example, the measurement system includes a temperature sensing device located outside the measuring section, configured to measure the temperature of the pipe fluid system. In this way, the physical properties of the fluid can be measured reliably and robustly.

[0023] As one example, the temperature sensing device is mounted on the surface of the pipe fluid system outside the measuring section, or the temperature sensing device is configured to measure the temperature of the surface of the pipe fluid system in a non-contact manner. In this way, the physical properties of the fluid can be measured reliably and robustly. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic measurement system for a pipeline fluid system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c A schematic clamping element for a pipe fluid system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0027] Figure 3a , Figure 3b A side view of a clamping element of a pipeline fluid system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic measurement system 100 for a pipeline fluid system 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] The measurement system 100 for determining the physical parameters of the pipeline fluid system 150 includes: - Clamping elements 3, 3a, 3b are arranged around the pipeline fluid system 150 and include a first clamping element 3a and a second clamping element 3b, wherein the first clamping element 3a and the second clamping element 3b form a measuring portion 4 corresponding to a section 2a of the pipeline fluid system 150; - Excitation system 5 is configured to excite the pipeline fluid system 150 and cause vibration of the measurement system 150; - Vibration sensing element 6 is configured to measure the resulting vibration. - The clamping elements 3, 3a, 3b include at least two clamping parts 3c, 3d, wherein the two clamping parts 3c, 3d are engaged at at least one connection point 10, 10a, 10b by using the engaging element 9.

[0030] The clamping components or clamping members 3c and 3d can be two halves of the first clamping element 3a and the second clamping element 3b (see [reference]). Figures 2a to 2c This means that the first clamping element 3a includes a first clamping member 3c and a second clamping member 3d. The same applies to the second clamping element 3b. However, the clamping elements 3a and 3b may be formed from multiple individual or separate clamping components.

[0031] The physical parameters or properties of fluid 1 can be, for example, its density, viscosity, pressure, or flow rate. Fluid 1 can be a liquid or a gas.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the excitation system 5 may include a cantilever 8 for fixing the excitation system 5. However, other forms of means for holding the excitation system 5 are also possible.

[0033] Optionally, at least elastic elements 12, 12a, and 12b are arranged between the engaging element 9 and the clamping members 3c and 3d.

[0034] Alternatively, the sensing element 6 can also be a microphone.

[0035] In addition, in alternative embodiments, the sensing element 6 (e.g., a vibration sensor) may also be attached to the pipe 2, or the vibration may be measured without direct contact with the pipe 2, such as by a microphone or electromagnetic or optical vibration / position sensing.

[0036] Optionally, the elastic elements 12, 12a, and 12b are configured as cup-shaped spring elements.

[0037] Optionally, the coupling element 9 is configured as a bolt.

[0038] Optionally, the bolts are made of at least metal, but if preferred, they may also be made of different metals.

[0039] Optionally, the measurement system 100 includes at least a linear guide element 13 located at connection points 10, 10a, 10b between the two clamping members 3c, 3d, and configured to keep the clamping members 3c, 3d parallel to each other.

[0040] Optionally, at least one linear guide element 13 is a locating pin and / or locating screw configured to prevent angular deviation between the two clamping parts 3c, 3d.

[0041] Optionally, the measurement system 100 includes a temperature sensing device located outside the measurement section 4, the temperature sensing device being configured to measure the temperature of the pipe fluid system 150.

[0042] Alternatively, the temperature sensing device may be mounted on the surface of the pipe fluid system 150 outside the measuring section 4, or the temperature sensing device may be configured to measure the temperature of the surface of the pipe fluid system 150 in a non-contact manner. An example could be infrared temperature measurement.

[0043] Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c A schematic clamping element of a pipeline fluid system 150 is shown.

[0044] exist Figure 2a In the configuration, a first clamping element 3a and a second clamping element 3b are arranged around the pipe 2. At the first connection points 10, 10a and the second connection points 10, 10b, the two clamping or restraining elements 3a, 3b are engaged by a coupling element 9. The coupling element 9 at the connection points 10a, 10b can be a bolt with defined stiffness and can be any suitable material to withstand, for example, the temperature difference that may occur between the measuring system 100 and the pipe fluid system 150.

[0045] exist Figure 2b In another embodiment of the present invention, at the first connection point 10, 10a and the second connection point 10, 10b between the two clamping elements 3a, 3b, the two clamping elements 3a, 3b are joined or fixed around the pipe 2 by the engaging element 9. However, with Figure 2a Compared to the previous embodiment, an elastic element 12a is now used, which is preferably placed below the head of each engaging element or bolt 9. However, the elastic element 12a can also be placed at different locations on the engaging element 9 if appropriate.

[0046] exist Figure 2c Another embodiment of the invention is described herein, and Figure 2bCompared to the previous embodiment, the elastic element 12b used at connection points 10a and 10b is configured as a cup-shaped spring element.

[0047] Optionally, the stiffness of the cup-shaped spring element may be lower than that of the connecting element or bolt 9. In another example, the cup-shaped spring element has a travel path within the thermal operating range of the pipe fluid system 150 between the pipe fluid system 150 and the clamping members 3c, 3d. In another example, the travel path of the cup-shaped spring element may be greater than the full range of thermal expansion differences of the pipe fluid system 150.

[0048] therefore, Figure 2b and Figure 2c The elastic elements 12a and 12b used in the embodiments can be used as temperature compensation elements.

[0049] The clamping members or clamp halves 3c, 3d are joined, for example, along the clamping length on each side by at least two rigid bolts 9 (i.e., at least four bolts in total). Each of these bolts can carry an elastic element 12a with high stiffness, for example, about 5% of the bolt stiffness, preferably up to 10% (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2b ).

[0050] Figure 2c The cup-shaped spring element used in the embodiments can provide a flat characteristic, that is, relatively small force variation over a relatively large travel path.

[0051] For example, for M8 bolts, a cup spring stack stiffness of approximately 30 kN / mm is recommended, with a stroke of at least 0.2 mm, preferably 0.4 mm, to cover the expected thermal expansion difference between the pipe 2 and the clamping element 3.

[0052] Figure 3a , Figure 3b A side view of a clamping element 3 for a pipe fluid system 150 or a clamping element 3 for a pipe fluid system 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0053] according to Figure 3a In this embodiment, the clamping parts 3c and 3d of each clamping element 3a, 3b are possible to be tilted, as indicated by the tilting direction arrow 20. Arrow 17 indicates the direction of thermal expansion difference compensation.

[0054] To prevent relative tilting of the clamping parts 3, 3c, 3d of each clamping element 3a, 3b, at least a linear guide element 13 is used when engaging the clamp halves 3c, 3d. This linear guide element 13 is preferably located at the connection points 10, 10a, 10b between the two clamping parts 3c, 3d of each clamping element 3a, 3b, and is configured to keep the clamping parts 3c, 3d parallel to each other or in a parallel position.

[0055] The guide element 13 may be at least a tight locating pin and / or a locating screw to prevent the clamp halves 3c, 3d from tilting relative to each other in vibration mode. Furthermore, the guide element 13 is configured to prevent angular misalignment between the two clamping parts 3c, 3d.

[0056] Using this guide element 13 ensures the guidance of elastic displacement, restricting it to pure radial motion, and preventing tilting of the interdependent clamp halves. The result is a constant constraint mass and a reduction in frequency variation, which is a function of spring force variation during thermal transients. Figure Labels

[0057] 1: Fluid

[0058] 2: Pipeline

[0059] 2a: Pipeline section

[0060] 3: Clamping elements / constraint devices

[0061] 3a: First clamping element

[0062] 3b: Second clamping element

[0063] 3c, 3d: Clamping components

[0064] 4: Measurement Section

[0065] 5: Incentive System

[0066] 6: Vibration sensing element

[0067] 8: Cantilever

[0068] 9: Connecting elements

[0069] 10, 10a, 10b: Connection points

[0070] 12, 12a, 12b: Elastic elements

[0071] 13: Linear guiding element

[0072] 16: Gap

[0073] 17: Thermal expansion difference compensation

[0074] 18: Compensation for difference in thermal expansion

[0075] 20: Inclination direction

[0076] 100: Measurement System

[0077] 150: Piping fluid system

Claims

1. A measurement system (100) for determining physical parameters of a pipeline fluid system (150), comprising: - Clamping elements (3, 3a, 3b) are arranged around the pipe fluid system (150) and include a first clamping element (3a) and a second clamping element (3b), wherein the first clamping element (3a) and the second clamping element (3b) form a measuring portion (4) corresponding to a segment (2a) of the pipe fluid system (150). - An excitation system (5) is configured to excite the pipeline fluid system (150) and cause vibration of the measurement system (150); - Vibration sensing element (6), configured to measure the resulting vibration, - The clamping element (3, 3a, 3b) includes at least two clamping parts (3c, 3d), wherein the two clamping parts (3c, 3d) are engaged at at least one connection point (10, 10a, 10b) by means of a coupling element (9).

2. The measuring system (100) according to claim 1, wherein at least the elastic elements (12, 12a, 12b) are arranged between the engaging element (9) and the clamping member (3c, 3d).

3. The measuring system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the elastic element (12, 12a, 12b) is configured as a cup-shaped spring element.

4. The measuring system (100) according to claim 3, wherein the stiffness of the cup spring element is lower than that of the engagement element (9), and / or wherein the cup spring element has a travel path between the pipe fluid system (150) and the clamping member (3c, 3d) within the thermal operating range of the pipe fluid system (150).

5. The measuring system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling element (9) is configured as a bolt.

6. The measuring system (100) according to claim 5, wherein the bolt is made of at least metal.

7. The measurement system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims includes at least a linear guide element (13) located at the connection point (10, 10a, 10b) between the two clamping members (3c, 3d) and configured to keep the clamping members (3c, 3d) parallel to each other.

8. The measurement system (100) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one linear guide element (13) is a locating pin and / or locating screw configured to prevent angular deviation between the two clamping parts (3c, 3d).

9. The measurement system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims includes a temperature sensing device outside the measurement portion (4), and the temperature sensing device is configured to measure the temperature of the pipe fluid system (150).

10. The measurement system (100) according to claim 9, wherein the temperature sensing device is mounted on a surface of the pipe fluid system (150) outside the measuring portion (4), or the temperature sensing device is configured to measure the temperature of the surface of the pipe fluid system (150) in a non-contact manner.

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