HYGIENIC PIPE CAPTER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a pipe adapter for conveying a medium, having the features of the preamble of the first claim, an arrangement for determining and / or monitoring at least one process variable with a sensor and a pipe adapter according to the invention, and a method for producing a pipe adapter according to the invention. The sensor can be inserted, in particular, into the pipe adapter, which in turn can be integrated, for example, into an existing piping system.

[0002] DE 10 2017 115 139 A1 describes a generic pipe adapter.

[0003] Measuring arrangements comprising a sensor and a pipe adapter are used in automation technology in conjunction with a variety of measuring devices and / or field devices for determining various process variables, a wide variety of which are manufactured and distributed by the applicant. The process variable is, for example, the flow rate or fill level of a flowing fluid, or the pressure, density, viscosity, conductivity, temperature, or pH value of a fluid. Optical sensors, such as turbidity or absorption sensors, are also known and fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0004] In many cases, the sensors are integrated into the pipe adapters using suitable sealing mechanisms, either positively and / or non-positively, or they are directly welded and / or glued to them. Furthermore, those skilled in the art are aware of numerous means by which a pipe adapter can be integrated into an existing piping system.

[0005] When inserting the respective sensor into a pipe adapter, disadvantageous gaps, joints, and / or dead spaces can arise. For a number of applications, such as in sterile process engineering, for example, in the pharmaceutical, food, and / or beverage industries, such gaps, joints, and / or dead spaces between the individual components are unacceptable or only acceptable to a very limited extent. Such connection areas are potential reservoirs for harmful germs. To prevent, for example, deposits or the formation of biofilm within a pipeline, cleaning should be ensured with as little residue as possible.

[0006] In this context, various international and national regulatory authorities have developed standards, including for the manufacture and design of equipment approved for sterile processing. Examples include the respective standards of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), in particular the so-called "ASME Bioprocessing Equipment - Standard" (BPE), the 3-A Sanitary Standards Incorporation (3-A), and the European Hygienic Design Group (EHEDG). The ASME, BPE, and 3A standards are particularly relevant for the American region, while the EHEDG standard is predominantly applicable in Europe. Typical requirements formulated in these standards for a component concern, in particular, the geometry and / or surface of the respective component, which should be designed in such a way that no deposits can form and the respective component is easy to clean and / or sterilize.For example, there should be no narrow gaps.

[0007] With regard to measuring devices compliant with these standards, reference is made, for example, to DE102013100158A1, which describes a one-piece device comprising a sensor and a T-shaped pipe section. The sensor is arranged in a partial area of ​​the adapter such that the end face of the sensor facing the medium is flush with the inner surface of the first partial area of ​​the adapter. The end face of the sensor is thus virtually an integral part of the inner surface of the first partial area of ​​the adapter.

[0008] DE102016121643A1 also discloses a measuring arrangement with a sensor that can be removably inserted into an opening in a pipeline section. To avoid gaps in the connection areas, at least one component of the sensor is designed such that, when installed, it is flush with an inner wall of the pipeline section. The at least one component of the sensor is thus adapted to the geometry of the pipeline section.

[0009] DE102017115139A1, in turn, describes a measuring tube configured such that, in a transition region between a pipe section and a tubular body connected thereto, all points of at least a first partial region of the wall, in particular the inner wall, of the pipe section defining the opening are located in one plane. This achieves a gap- and dead-space-free transition between the respective sensor and the measuring tube.

[0010] Measuring tubes designed for the electrodes of an MID can be found in WO 2009 / 119132 A1, US 2009 / 0188328 A1 or JP H07 12605 A.

[0011] Based on the above-mentioned prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a measuring point which meets the usual hygiene requirements in a particularly simple manner.

[0012] This object is achieved by the pipe adapter according to claim 1, by the arrangement according to claim 6 and by the method according to claim 8.

[0013] With regard to the pipe adapter, the problem is solved by a pipe adapter having the features of the first claim. If the second channel is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first channel with respect to its longitudinal axis, the pipe adapter is a T-piece.

[0014] The protrusions serve to prevent dead spaces and / or gaps in the transition area, particularly if a device for determining and / or monitoring a process variable is incorporated into the pipe adapter. A protrusion within the meaning of the present invention is a predeterminable volume of the pipe section in the transition area that is removed from the walls of the first and / or second channel. The exact geometry of the protrusion depends, among other things, on the geometry of the pipe section and the respective manufacturing process used.

[0015] The walls of the two tubular channels are usually curved, in particular they have circular cross-sectional areas. Accordingly, the opening through which the two channels are connected to one another is also curved. This can disadvantageously lead to the formation of deposits in the transition area between the tube adapter and a device introduced into the tube adapter. However, such adverse effects can be significantly reduced by the at least two formations in the transition area between the two channels. Thus, the inventive design of the tube adapter ensures a gap- and / or dead-space-free transition between the wall, in particular the inner wall of the first channel, and a component of a measuring device that can be introduced into the second channel.

[0016] Advantageously, no further modification of the respective sensor is required to comply with current hygiene requirements. The component, or a front surface of the sensor component, can be positioned so that it is essentially flush with the wall of the first channel in the area of ​​the opening at or into which the second channel opens. Thus, current hygiene regulations can be met without any special requirements for the sensor; for example, a gap-free transition between the component and the wall of the first channel can be ensured.

[0017] The pipe adapter comprises two additional openings in the region of the first channel, for example, for inserting the pipe adapter into an existing piping system. In the case of a straight pipe section, these two openings are typically arranged along a common longitudinal axis of the pipe section. However, the present invention is by no means limited to such pipe sections. Rather, the pipe section can also have at least one curved segment.

[0018] For attaching the pipe section to an existing piping system, all fastening methods generally known to those skilled in the art are conceivable, such as flange, weld, or clamp connections. The length of the channels or the dimensioning of the pipe section can be adapted to the desired application. For example, for some applications, it may be advantageous to minimize the length of the first channel.

[0019] It should also be noted that the pipe adapter according to the invention can be either a single-piece component or one assembled from multiple components. This can vary depending on the manufacturing process used. For example, the pipe adapter, or at least individual components of the pipe adapter, can be turned and / or milled components. Individual components can also be welded together, for example. However, other suitable manufacturing processes well known to those skilled in the art, such as generative or additive manufacturing processes, are also possible for producing a pipe adapter according to the invention. In the case of a generative or additive manufacturing process, such as a 3D printing process, the components are produced in a primary forming process.Such generative manufacturing processes, which essentially represent an industrialized and mass-market development of so-called rapid prototyping, have been increasingly used in industrial production for several years. The various common manufacturing processes are well known to experts and therefore will not be discussed in detail here.

[0020] In one embodiment, a thread is introduced into a wall of the second channel in an end region of the second channel, particularly in the region of a further opening of the second channel. A measuring device or a component of a measuring device can be removably inserted into the pipe adapter by means of the thread.

[0021] In a further embodiment, a volume and / or a geometry of at least one formation is selected depending on a diameter of the first and / or second channel. Preferably, the volume of the formation is also adapted to a diameter of a device introduced into the second channel for determining and / or monitoring a process variable. In particular, the volume of the formation is selected such that the component introduced into the second channel is substantially flush with a wall of the first channel in the transition region.

[0022] To prevent dead spaces and / or gaps in the transition area, regardless of the diameters of the first and second channels, the volumes and, if necessary, the geometry of the moldings must be appropriately adapted. The nature of the transitions depends on the diameters of the two channels. Thus, when the two channels have different diameters, different geometric properties of the transition areas must be considered than when the two channels have identical diameters.

[0023] A preferred embodiment includes the pipe adapter comprising a third, tubular channel, which is arranged at a second predeterminable angle to the first channel and is connected to the first channel. The longitudinal axes of the second and third channels preferably run parallel to one another, in particular, they are aligned with one another, so that the second and third channels are opposite one another relative to the first channel. In this case, for example, two measuring devices or two components of one or two measuring devices can be inserted into the pipe adapter.

[0024] It is advantageous if the two formations are arranged opposite each other with respect to the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel. It is also advantageous if the two formations are arranged opposite each other with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first channel. The formation of deposits or dead spaces is particularly likely in these areas.

[0025] Finally, it is advantageous if a first enlargement of the diameter of the first channel due to the first formation and a second enlargement of the diameter of the first channel due to the second formation, in particular in the transition region, are of different sizes. In this way, for example, the formation of a siphon in the transition regions of the two channels can be prevented. This applies in particular to the case in which the second channel is oriented horizontally. This corresponds to a horizontal or lateral installation of the respective device for determining and / or monitoring a process variable. In this case of a horizontal orientation of the second channel, the first formation arranged below the first channel preferably has a smaller volume than the second formation arranged above the second channel.

[0026] In another embodiment of the pipe adapter, an extension region is provided at least in an edge region of at least one formation, which extension region adjoins the formation, in particular tangentially. The extension region can also be configured such that it connects the two formations to one another.

[0027] The object underlying the present invention is further achieved by an arrangement for determining and / or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium in a pipeline, comprising a device for determining and / or monitoring the at least one process variable, and a pipe adapter according to the invention.

[0028] At least one component of the device can be or is introduced into the second channel of the pipe adapter. In one embodiment, the at least one component of the measuring device is a component of a sensor element. In particular, the component is a component which, during continuous operation of the measuring device, is in contact with the process, i.e., in contact with the medium, at least temporarily and / or partially, in particular in the region of an end face. In this respect, it is advantageous if the pipe adapter comprises a fastening unit, in particular a thread, for fastening the at least one component to or in the pipe adapter. The fastening unit is preferably arranged in the end region of the second channel facing away from the first channel.

[0029] Since the device or component of the device is essentially flush with the wall of the first channel due to the inclusion of the recesses in the tube adapter, the contact area between the device and the medium is advantageously limited to this surface. The flush arrangement thus ensures essentially residue-free cleaning of the device, which is particularly relevant for applications in sterile process engineering.

[0030] The second and, if applicable, the third channel is / are advantageously dimensioned such that the device or component of the device, which is introduced into the second channel, can be inserted therein with a precise fit. In the case of a cylindrical design of the device or component, the second channel also has a cylindrical geometry, with the cross-sectional area adapted to the dimensions of the device or component of the device. In one embodiment, the second channel can also be at least part of a housing of the component.

[0031] In one embodiment of the arrangement, a transition between the pipe adapter and the device in the region of the first channel is essentially gap-free and / or free of dead space. Thus, when inserted into the second channel, the device or component is essentially flush with the wall of the first channel. Accordingly, no deposits or contaminants can accumulate between the device or component and the wall of the first channel.

[0032] The device or component can be introduced into the second channel, for example, by means of a sealing element. It is advantageous if the sealing element is an O-ring.

[0033] A further embodiment provides that the device is a capacitive and / or conductive measuring device. The sensor element of the device then comprises at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode electrically insulated from the first electrode. The second electrode is generally also referred to as a guard electrode. In this embodiment, it is therefore a flush-mounted, capacitive and / or conductive sensor, which is preferably used to detect a predeterminable fill level or the conductivity of the medium. Such sensors, also referred to as multisensors, are described, for example, in the documents DE102011004807A1, DE102013102055A1, or DE102013104781A1, which are hereby incorporated by reference. A corresponding sensor is also manufactured and sold by the applicant under the designation FTW33.

[0034] The at least one component of the measuring device is then preferably the electrode assembly with a, in particular circular, end face, wherein at least one electrode of the electrode assembly is substantially flush with the end face. The end face can be either planar or at least partially curved. When inserted into the tube adapter, the electrode assembly advantageously ends substantially flush with the wall of the first channel.

[0035] However, it can also be a different type of measuring device. Another example of a measuring device is a device for determining and / or monitoring the pressure of a medium.

[0036] The object underlying the invention is further achieved by a method for producing a pipe adapter according to the invention comprising the following method steps: Providing a pipeline section with a tubular, first channel and a tubular second channel, which is arranged at a first predeterminable angle to the first channel and is connected to the first channel, and milling at least two formations into a wall of the first and / or second channel in a transition region between a wall of the first and a wall of the second channel.

[0037] Advantageously, the at least two formations can be milled into the transition area between the two channels after the pipe section has been manufactured. This means that existing pipe adapters with two connected channels can be subsequently machined and thus designed for use in sterile processing technology. However, various advantages also arise from the complete production of a pipe adapter according to the invention. In a first production step, the two channels are introduced into a pipe section. No special measures are required for this, so that, for example, turning processes can be used to introduce the channels. This type of production is quick and easy to implement and requires only little effort. The at least two formations are then introduced in a second work step.For this purpose, a milling cutter can be advantageously inserted through an opening in the tube adapter to mill a recess. This also allows the geometry of the internal volume of the tube adapter to be easily adjusted to ensure use in sterile process engineering. This eliminates the need for complex and time-consuming, multi-stage manufacturing processes.

[0038] It is advantageous to use a ball-end cutter and / or a circular segment cutter for milling. These cutters allow for a particularly simple introduction of a shape into the transition area. In particular, a crescent-shaped shape can be created.

[0039] It is also advantageous if a tool, in particular a cutting or machining tool, for milling the at least two formations is introduced into an internal volume of the pipe adapter through a first and / or second opening in the first channel, which serves to introduce the pipe adapter into the pipeline, or through an opening in the second channel. By introducing the milling cutter through the opening in the second channel, it is possible, for example, to produce a continuous surface of revolution and thus several, in particular separate, formations. When introducing the milling cutter through at least one opening in the first channel, it is again possible, for example, for the milling cutter to be introduced into the first channel through the same opening throughout the entire milling process of a formation.However, it is also conceivable that the milling cutter is temporarily inserted through different openings, in particular the first channel, to produce a shape.

[0040] A preferred embodiment of the method involves defining an imaginary guide curve for producing the shaped portion, which in particular comprises two, in particular mirror-symmetrical, straight sections connected to each other by a curved section. In this case, the surface of the shaped portion corresponds to the geometry of the guide curve.

[0041] The embodiments specified in the course of the pipe adapter according to the invention are also applicable, mutatis mutandis, to the arrangement according to the invention and the method according to the invention and vice versa.

[0042] The invention is described below with reference to the figures Fig. 1 - Fig. 7 explained in more detail. It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a front-flush capacitive and / or conductive sensor according to the state of the art, Fig. 2 : a pipe adapter according to the state of the art, Fig. 3 : three possible designs of a pipe adapter according to the invention with two formations, Fig. 4 : two sectional views of a pipe adapter without (a) and with (b) protrusions to illustrate the effect of the protrusions, Fig. 5 an embodiment of the pipe adapter according to the invention with a second and a third channel, Fig. 6 a schematic illustration of the manufacturing process by means of a milling process along an imaginary guide curve, and Fig. 7 a possible embodiment of a pipe adapter according to the invention with two formations and two connecting areas.

[0043] The present invention is applicable to a variety of different sensors 1. Without limiting the generality, however, the following description refers for the sake of simplicity to the case of a flush-mounted capacitive and / or conductive sensor 1, as in Fig. 1 shown schematically. Furthermore, the present invention can be used for a variety of different configurations, in particular geometries, for the tube adapter 7. Likewise, without limiting its generality, the following description, for the sake of simplicity, refers exclusively to a T-shaped tube adapter 7. The considerations can be applied analogously to other measuring devices 1 and other configurations of the tube adapter 7.

[0044] The measurement processes underlying a capacitive and / or conductive measuring device, in particular a level measuring device, are known from the prior art. Corresponding field devices are manufactured and marketed by the applicant, for example, under the name LIQUIPOINT. A schematic representation of a corresponding measuring device 1 is shown in Fig. 1 shown. The sensor 1 comprises a sensor unit 2, which, when the field device 1 is inserted into a pipeline, is essentially flush with the front of the pipeline, and an electronics unit 3, which can be detachably connected, for example, to an external unit (not shown here) via a connecting cable 3a.

[0045] The sensor unit 2 is essentially coaxial and comprises an electrode assembly 4, which in the example shown comprises a measuring electrode 5a, a guard electrode 5b, and a ground electrode 5c. However, electrode assemblies 4 with fewer or more electrodes 5a-5c are also possible. A housing 6 is connected to the electrode assembly 4, in which, among other things, the electronics unit 3 is arranged. Furthermore, the process connection 6a serves for the detachable attachment of the sensor 1 to a process connection or a pipe adapter 7, as shown in the figures. Fig. 2 bis Fig. 7 shown.

[0046] In Fig. 2 a pipe adapter 7 for a pipeline [not shown] is shown with a pipeline section 8 according to the prior art, which has a tubular, first channel K1 for introducing the pipeline section 8 into the pipeline and a tubular second channel K2, which is arranged perpendicular to the first channel K1 and is connected to the first channel K1. Fig. 2a shows a perspective view and Fig. 2b a sectional view of the pipe adapter 7. Fig. 2c shows the same pipe adapter 7 with a measuring device 1 inserted into the second channel K2 as shown in Fig. 1 is shown.

[0047] Both channels K1 and K2 have circular cross-sectional areas. Accordingly, a circumferential line in the area of ​​the opening O1 between the first K1 and second channel K2 is curved. If a sensor 1 is used as shown in Fig. 1 shown, fastened in the second channel K2, dead spaces can arise in the transition area between the surface of the electrode assembly 4 facing the medium M and the wall of the first channel K1. The electrode assembly 4 inserted into the opening O1 generally has a different geometry than the partial area of ​​the wall of the first channel K1 surrounding the opening O1. As a result, deposits and / or media residues can easily form within the pipe adapter 7, in particular in the transition area 9 between the end face of the electrode assembly 4 of the sensor 1 and the wall of the first channel K1. The use of such an arrangement in the field of sterile process engineering is therefore not readily possible.

[0048] In order to avoid this problem, according to the invention, at least one formation A1 is introduced into a wall of the first K1 and / or second channel K2 in a transition region between the wall of the first K1 and the wall of the second channel K2, as shown in the figures Fig. 3 - Fig. 7 shown.

[0049] A pipe adapter 7 with two formations 10a and 10b is in Fig. 3 As in the case of the Fig. 2 a perspective view (a), a sectional view and a view with sensor 1 inserted into the second channel K2 (c) are shown. In contrast to the Fig. 2 shown variant for a pipe adapter 7 are for the pipe adapter 7 made of Fig 3 two formations 10a and 10b are introduced in the transition area 9 between the first K1 and second channel K2.

[0050] The volumes V1, V2 and / or geometries of the formations 10a, 10b can each be selected depending on a diameter d1 of the first channel K1 and / or a diameter d2 of the second channel K2. Preferably, in particular, an adjustment of the volumes V1 and V2 and / or geometries takes place in the event that the two diameters d1 and d2 of the two channels are different, as exemplified in the embodiment according to Figures Fig. 3d und Fig. 3e shown. For the variant shown, a diameter d1 of the first channel K1 is smaller than a diameter d2 of the second channel K2. In order to be able to ensure an essentially flush installation of a device (not shown here) for determining and / or monitoring a process variable in this case too, the following procedure can be used: The ratio between the volumes V1 and V2 and a cross-sectional area of ​​the first channel K1 is selected to be greater, the smaller the diameter d1 and / or the greater the ratio of the diameters d1 and d2 of the two channels K1, K2.

[0051] According to the invention, the volumes V1 and V2 of the two formations 10a and 10b are chosen to be different, as shown in the figures Fig. 3f und Fig. 3g The two illustrations shown refer to the case of horizontal installation of the respective sensor. In this case, this procedure can prevent the formation of a siphon.

[0052] The volumes V1 and V2 are selected such that a first enlargement Δd1 of the diameter d1 of the first channel K1 due to the first formation 10a and a second enlargement Δd2 of the diameter d1 of the first channel K1 due to the second formation 10b are of different sizes, particularly in the transition region 9. As a result, in the transition region 9 between the first channel K1 and second channel K2, a parallel displacement of a horizontal axis B running through the center point M of the first diameter d1 occurs relative to a central, horizontal axis A of the second channel K2. In this context, horizontal means that the respective axis is parallel to a longitudinal axis through the second channel.

[0053] For the arrangement according to the invention shown, the volume V1 of the first formation 10a, which runs in the lower region of the second channel K2, is smaller than the volume V2 of the second formation 10b, which runs above the second channel K2. In this way, a depression of the lower wall of the second channel K2, i.e. the wall in the region of the second formation 10a, relative to the partial regions of the lower wall of the second channel K2 arranged outside the transition region 9 can be avoided, and the formation of a siphon in the lower transition region 9 can thereby be prevented. Such a siphon or the presence of medium M in the siphon can lead to falsifications when recording the respective process variable by means of a measuring device installed in the second channel K2, which can be avoided by the asymmetric design of the two formations 10a, 10b.

[0054] In all Fig. 3 In the embodiments shown, the formations 10a and 10b ensure that deposits cannot adhere in the transition areas 9. This effect is in Fig. 4 clarified again.

[0055] Fig. 4a shows a further sectional view of a pipe adapter 7 without (a) and with (b) the two formations 10a and 10b, thus corresponding to the Fig. 2 (a) and Fig. 3 (b) shown versions. In case Fig. 4a Dead spaces 11 arise in the transition area 9 due to the different geometries of the tube adapter 7 in the transition area and the sensor 1 in the area of ​​the electrode assembly 4. In the case of Fig. 4b In contrast, the two crescent-shaped formations 10a and 10b ensure a transition area 9 that is essentially free of gaps and dead spaces.

[0056] It should be noted that the present invention is by no means limited to embodiments with two formations 10a and 10b. Rather, numerous embodiments with different numbers, but at least one, of formations 10 are possible and also fall within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is by no means limited to the geometries of the formations 10 as shown in the figures. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are shown. Any other geometries are also possible and fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0057] In Fig. 5 A further embodiment of a pipe adapter 7 according to the invention is shown, which has a second channel K2 and a third channel K3. The second K2 and third channel K3 are arranged opposite one another and are aligned with one another. In the area of ​​the inner walls of the second K2 and third channel K3, an internal thread 12a and 12b is also provided, which serves to fasten the sensor 1 in the respective channel K2 and K3. Otherwise, the embodiment corresponds to Fig. 5 which is shown in the figures Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown embodiments with two formations 10a and 10b each for the second K2 and third channel K3.

[0058] In Fig. 6 the production of the two formations 10a and 10b is illustrated. The tool used in each case, in particular a cutting or machining tool, is inserted through one of the openings O2a, O2b into the pipe adapter 7. The tool is guided in such a way that the surface of each of the two formations 10a and 10b follows the guide curve L. If a ball milling cutter is used to mill the formations 10a and 10b, a sickle-shaped geometry of the formations 10a and 10b is easily achieved, for example. However, other geometries for the formations 10a and 10b are also possible and can also be produced, for example, by defining a guide curve L.

[0059] In Fig. 7 Finally, a further embodiment of a pipe adapter 7 according to the invention with two formations 10a and 10b is shown, wherein the two formations 10a and 10b are adjoined by two extension regions 13a and 13b, which are arranged in the edge regions of the two formations 10a and 10b. This measure allows the quality of the transition region 9 to be further improved with regard to fulfilling hygiene requirements.

[0060] Finally, it should be noted that the length of the channels K1-K3 can vary depending on the application. For some applications, it may be appropriate to at least partially minimize the length of the channels K1-K3. The length of the channels K1-K3 can also vary depending on the manner in which the pipe adapter 7 is fastened in the respective pipeline. For fastening the pipe adapter 7 in a pipeline in the region of the two openings O2a and O2b of the first channel, all fastening methods known to those skilled in the art, in particular clamp connections, are conceivable and fall within the scope of the present invention. Bezugszeichenliste

[0061] 1 Capacitive / conductive sensor 2 Sensor unit 3 Electronics unit 4 Electrode assembly 5 a-5 c Electrodes 6 Housing 6 a Process connection 7 Pipe adapter 8 Pipe section 9 Transition area 10, 10a, 10b Formations 11 Dead spaces 12, 12a, 12b Thread 13, 13a, 13b Connection area K1,K2,K3Channels 01,02,03Openings LGuide curve MMedium

Claims

1. Pipe adapter (7) for a pipe for guiding a medium (M), comprising a pipeline section (8) with a tubular first channel (K1) for introducing the pipeline section (8) into the pipeline, and a tubular second channel (K2) which is arranged at a first predeterminable angle to the first channel (K1) and is connected to the first channel (K1), wherein in a transition region (9) between a wall of the first channel (K1) and a wall of the second channel (K2) at least two formations (10a, 10b) are made in a wall of the first (K1) and / or second channel (K2), wherein the two formations (10a, 10b) have a crescent-shaped geometry, characterized in in that a volume of the first shaping (10a) and a volume of the second shaping (10b) are of different sizes.

2. Pipe adapter according to claim 1, comprising a third, tubular channel (K3), which is arranged at a second, predeterminable angle to the first channel (K1) and is connected to the first channel (K1).

3. Pipe adapter (7) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the two formations (10a, 10b) are arranged opposite one another in relation to a cross-sectional area of the second channel (K2).

4. Pipe adapter (7) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a first enlargement (Δd1) of a diameter (d1) of the first channel (K1) due to the first shaping (10a) and a second enlargement (Δd2) of a diameter (d1) of the first channel (K1) due to the second shaping (10b) are of different sizes.

5. Pipe adapter (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an extension region (13) is provided at least in an edge region of a shaping (10a, 10b), which in particular adjoins the shaping (10a, 10b) tangentially.

6. Arrangement for determining and / or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium (M) in a pipeline, comprising - a device (1) for determining and / or monitoring the process variable, and - a pipe adapter (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Arrangement according to claim 6, wherein a transition between the tube adapter (7) and the device (1) in the region of the first channel (K1) is gap-free and / or free of dead space.

8. A method of manufacturing a pipe adapter (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising the following process steps: - Providing a pipeline section (8) with a tubular first channel (K1) and a tubular second channel (K2), which is arranged at a first predeterminable angle to the first channel (K1) and is connected to the first channel (K2), and - Milling of at least two formations (10a, 10b) in a wall of the first channel (K1) and / or second channel (K2) in a transition region (9) between a wall of the first channel (K1) and a wall of the second channel (K2).

9. Method according to claim 8, whereby a ball end mill and / or a circular segment cutter is used.

10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a tool for milling the formations (10a, 10b) is introduced into an inner volume of the tube adapter (K1) through a first opening (O2a) and / or a second opening (O2b) of the first channel (K1) or through an opening of the second channel (K2).