Method for installing a clamp-on ultrasonic measuring device, and clamp-on ultrasonic measuring device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for installing a clamp-on ultrasonic measuring device (1) on a pipeline (200) in order to measure a media property of a medium flowing through the pipeline, wherein the clamp-on ultrasonic measuring device has at least one clamp-on ultrasonic transducer (10). The pipeline has a wall (210) with an outer surface (211), and the outer surface has a surface roughness with an average roughness value of at least 10 micrometers. In a first step (101), a sealing layer (20) comprising a flowable compound (21) is applied onto a wall section; in a second step (102), the sealing layer is cured; and in a third step (103) during or after the curing step, one of the at least one clamp-on ultrasonic transducers is positioned and establishes an acoustic and mechanical contact with the separating device or the contacting element.

Description

[0001] Method for setting up a clamp-on ultrasonic measuring device and a clamp-on ultrasonic measuring device

[0002] The invention relates to a method for setting up a clamp-on ultrasonic measuring device on a pipeline for measuring a media property of a medium flowing through the pipeline and to such a clamp-on ultrasonic measuring device, wherein the clamp-on ultrasonic measuring device has at least one clamp-on ultrasonic transducer.

[0003] Clamp-on ultrasonic measuring devices and devices for contacting clamp-on ultrasonic transducers to a pipeline are already known, as shown, for example, in DE102020111122B4. However, the contacting or acoustic coupling of clamp-on ultrasonic transducers is problematic in pipelines with rough outer surfaces, such as those containing fibers such as those made of asbestos cement, because long-term stable solutions are difficult to implement. For example, when applying grease to such pipelines, the grease penetrates the pipe wall, thus losing the original coupling function.

[0004] The object of the invention is therefore to propose a robust and long-term stable method for setting up a clamp-on ultrasonic measuring device and such a clamp-on ultrasonic measuring device.

[0005] The object is achieved by a method according to independent claim 1 and by a clamp-on ultrasonic measuring device according to independent claim 14.

[0006] In a method according to the invention for setting up a clamp-on ultrasonic measuring device on a pipeline for measuring a media property of a medium flowing through the pipeline, the clamp-on ultrasonic measuring device has at least one clamp-on ultrasonic transducer, wherein the pipeline has a wall with an outer surface, wherein in a first method step a sealing layer comprising a flowable mass is applied to a section of the outer surface, wherein in a second method step the sealing layer hardens or is caused to harden, wherein in a third method step during or after hardening one of the at least one clamp-on ultrasonic transducer is positioned on the sealing layer.

[0007] In this way, a good acoustic, long-term stable contact between the clamp-on ultrasonic transducer and the pipeline can be achieved while the clamp-on ultrasonic transducer can be easily removed.

[0008] In this context, curing means that a flowable mass becomes an elastic mass, which, depending on the starting material, has an elasticity like rubber or even like metal.

[0009] In one embodiment, the flowable mass is a plastic, self-curing mass and comprises at least one of the following materials:

[0010] Silicone, acrylic, PU, ​​adhesives such as one- or two-component adhesives, putty, epoxy, varnish, paint, concrete, mortar.

[0011] In one embodiment, the flowable mass is brought into a flowable state by heating, hardens by cooling and comprises at least one of the following materials:

[0012] A solder, a glass, a hot melt adhesive.

[0013] In one embodiment, curing is controlled by UV light.

[0014] In one embodiment, the sealing layer is applied by additive manufacturing such as build-up welding, sintering such as laser sintering or vulcanization.

[0015] In one embodiment, a separating device is installed between the clamp-on ultrasonic transducer and the mass.

[0016] Using the separator, the geometric shape of a plastic, self-curing compound can be influenced during or after curing, or the clamp-on ultrasonic transducer can be prevented from sticking to the compound. For example, in materials that are liquid before curing, such as solder, surface roughness caused by curing can be neutralized.

[0017] In one embodiment, the separating device comprises a sheet or a foil or a fabric and has a thickness of at most 10 millimeters, and in particular at most 3 millimeters and preferably at most 1 millimeter.

[0018] In one embodiment, the separating device is disc-shaped and in particular matched to the geometric dimensions of the clamp-on ultrasonic transducer.

[0019] In one embodiment, the separating device comprises at least one of the following materials: a plastic such as PET, PE, PVC, PS, PEI, PI, a metal such as aluminum, copper or stainless steel, metal alloys such as bronze or brass, a ceramic or a glass.

[0020] In one embodiment, the separating device has a coating on at least one side, which coating is self-adhesive, adhesion-enhancing or adhesion-reducing.

[0021] In one embodiment, the separating device has a volume or forms a volume in which the curable mass is arranged.

[0022] This ensures that the mass does not change its position before or during curing.

[0023] In one embodiment, the clamp-on ultrasonic transducer comprises the following: a transducer element; a coupling body with a first side facing away from the pipeline and a second side facing the pipeline, wherein the transducer element is arranged on the first side; a base arranged on the second side of the coupling body, wherein the base is made of a plastic or elastic material such as silicone or acrylic, wherein upon positioning of the clamp-on ultrasonic transducer, the base forms the acoustic and mechanical contact with the separating device or the sealing layer.

[0024] A clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter according to the invention, configured according to a method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: at least one clamp-on ultrasonic transducer with a transducer element, a coupling body with a first side facing away from the pipeline and a second side facing the pipeline, wherein the transducer element is arranged on the first side, a base arranged on the second side of the coupling body, wherein upon positioning of the clamp-on ultrasonic transducer, the base forms the acoustic and mechanical contact with the separating device or the sealing layer; an electronic measuring / operating circuit configured to operate the at least one clamp-on ultrasonic transducer, evaluate measurement signals from the at least one clamp-on ultrasonic transducer, and provide measured values ​​of a measured variable.

[0025] In the following, the invention is described using exemplary embodiments.

[0026] Fig. 1 describes an exemplary method according to the invention;

[0027] Fig. 2 shows a sketch of a section of a front view of an exemplary clamp-on ultrasonic transducer configured according to the invention;

[0028] Fig. 3 shows a section through a schematic clamp-on ultrasonic transducer;

[0029] Fig. 4 outlines an example clamp-on ultrasonic measuring device.

[0030] In a method 100 according to the invention for setting up a clamp-on

[0031] Ultrasonic measuring device 1 as outlined in Fig. 1, in a first method step 101 a flowable mass 21 is applied to an outer surface 211 of a wall 210 of a pipeline 200 with a rough surface, which mass forms a sealing layer 20.

[0032] In one embodiment, the flowable mass is a plastic, self-curing mass and comprises at least one of the following materials:

[0033] Silicone, acrylic, PU, ​​adhesives such as one- or two-component adhesives, putty, epoxy, varnish, paint, concrete, mortar.

[0034] In one embodiment, the flowable mass is brought into a flowable state by heating, hardens by cooling and comprises at least one of the following materials:

[0035] A solder, a glass, a hot melt adhesive.

[0036] Upon curing, for example, through cooling, heating, or waiting, the formerly fluid mass assumes an elastic state, with the sealing layer adapting to the surface finish of the outer surface of the pipeline and sealing it. This ensures a long-term, stable acoustic coupling between the pipeline and the clamp-on ultrasonic transducer.

[0037] In one embodiment, a separating device 30 can be applied to the mass 21, which can be designed, for example, as a sheet or foil, a fabric, or a disc. The separating device can comprise at least one of the following materials: a plastic such as PET, PE, PVC, PS, PEI, PI; a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel; a ceramic; or a glass.

[0038] After the compound 21 has hardened, the separating device can be removed so that the ultrasonic transducer can make direct mechanical contact with the sealing layer without the risk of sticking. This can be advantageous, for example, with sealing layers that are soft and elastic after hardening, such as silicone. However, after the compound has hardened, the separating device can also remain in place. This can be advantageous with hard, elastic sealing layers, such as concrete. In this case, a disc-shaped separating device made of metal, ceramic, or glass can be advantageous. In the case of a plastic, self-hardening compound, the separating device can be used to influence the geometric shape of the compound during or after hardening, or to prevent the clamp-on ultrasonic transducer from sticking to the compound.For example, in the case of materials that are liquid before curing, such as solder, surface roughness caused by curing can be rendered harmless.

[0039] In a third process step during or after curing, one of at least one clamp-on ultrasonic transducer 10 of the clamp-on ultrasonic measuring device 1 is positioned on the separating device or the sealing layer.

[0040] In this way, a robust and long-term stable procedure for setting up a clamp-on ultrasonic measuring device can be implemented.

[0041] Fig. 2 shows a sketch of a section of a front view of an exemplary clamp-on ultrasonic transducer configured according to the invention, wherein a sealing layer 20 comprising a compound 21 is applied to a pipeline 200 having a wall 210 and an outer surface of the wall 211, wherein the compound is cured according to the invention. With curing, a clamp-on ultrasonic transducer 10 is positioned on the sealing layer, wherein, as shown here, a separating device 30 can be arranged between the sealing layer and the ultrasonic transducer. Alternatively, however, the separating device can be omitted or it can be removed before positioning the clamp-on ultrasonic transducer. The separating device can, for example, form a convex envelope on a side of the sealing layer facing away from the pipeline and encompass the sealing layer, wherein a side facing the pipeline remains free.The separating device can have a coating 31, which has a self-adhesive, adhesion-enhancing, or adhesion-reducing effect. The adhesive properties of the coating can thus be adapted to the sealing layer and / or to the clamp-on ultrasonic transducer. Fig. 3 shows a section through an exemplary clamp-on ultrasonic transducer 10, which has a transducer element 11, a coupling body 12, and a base 13. The transducer element 11 is arranged on a first side 12.1 of the coupling body facing away from the pipeline. The base 13 is arranged on a second side 12.2 of the coupling body facing toward the pipeline.

[0042] Ultrasonic signals can be generated and received by the transducer element. Clamp-on ultrasonic transducers typically also have a housing 14, which guides and positions the coupling element and, if necessary, forms the separating device in sections. Clamp-on ultrasonic transducers are typically pressed against the outer surface of the pipeline, for example, by means of a screw connection or a spring device.

[0043] Fig. 4 outlines an exemplary clamp-on ultrasonic measuring device 1 with two ultrasonic transducers 10 offset along a pipeline axis and an electronic measuring / operating circuit 40 which is configured to operate the clamp-on ultrasonic transducers, evaluate measuring signals from the clamp-on ultrasonic transducers and provide measured values ​​of a measured variable.

[0044] The clamp-on ultrasonic measuring device shown here can, for example, be an ultrasonic flowmeter based on the transit time or transit time difference principle. Alternatively, the invention can also be applied to clamp-on ultrasonic measuring devices based on the Doppler principle. The person skilled in the art is not limited to flow measurement, but can also apply the invention, for example, to level measurements or similar applications.

[0045] List of reference symbols

[0046] I Clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter

[0047] 10 clamp-on ultrasound transducers

[0048] II converter element

[0049] 12 coupling bodies

[0050] 12.1 first page

[0051] 12.2 second page

[0052] 13 Base

[0053] 14 housings

[0054] 20 sealing layer

[0055] 21 Mass

[0056] 30 Separator

[0057] 31 Coating

[0058] 40 electronic measuring / operating circuit

[0059] 100 procedures

[0060] 101 first procedural step

[0061] 102 second procedural step

[0062] 103 third procedural step

[0063] 200 pipeline

[0064] 210 wall

[0065] 211 exterior area

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method (100) for setting up a clamp-on ultrasonic measuring device (1) on a pipeline (200) for measuring a media property of a medium flowing through the pipeline, wherein the clamp-on ultrasonic measuring device has at least one clamp-on ultrasonic transducer (10), wherein the pipeline has a wall (210) with an outer surface (211), wherein in a first method step (101) a sealing layer (20) comprising a flowable mass (21) is applied to a section of the outer surface, wherein in a second method step (102) the sealing layer hardens or is caused to harden, wherein in a third method step (103) one of the at least one clamp-on ultrasonic transducer is positioned during or after hardening.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the flowable mass is a plastic, self-curing mass and comprises at least one of the following materials: Silicone, acrylic, PU, ​​adhesives such as one- or two-component adhesives, putty, epoxy, varnish, paint, concrete, mortar.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the flowable mass is brought into a flowable state by heating and hardens by cooling and comprises at least one of the following materials: A solder, a glass, a hot melt adhesive, a metal, wax or bitumen.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the curing is controlled by electromagnetic radiation such as UV, infrared or microwave.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing layer is applied by additive manufacturing such as deposition welding, sintering such as laser sintering or vulcanization.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a separating device (30) is arranged between the clamp-on ultrasonic transducer (10) and the mass (21).

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the separating device (30) comprises a sheet or a foil or a fabric and has a thickness of at most 10 millimeters, and in particular at most 3 millimeters and preferably at most 1 millimeter.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separating device (30) is disc-shaped and in particular is matched to geometric dimensions of the clamp-on ultrasonic transducer (10).

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separating device (30) comprises at least one of the following materials: a plastic such as PET, PE, PVC, PS, PEI, PI, a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel, a ceramic or a glass.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separating device (30) has a coating (31) on at least one side, which coating is self-adhesive, adhesion-enhancing or adhesion-reducing.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separating device (31) has or forms a volume in which the curable mass (21) is arranged.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamp-on ultrasonic transducer (10) comprises: a transducer element (11); a coupling body (12) with a first side (12.1) facing away from the pipeline and a second side (12.2) facing the pipeline, wherein the transducer element is arranged on the first side; a base (13) which is arranged on the second side of the coupling body, wherein the base is made of a plastic or elastic material such as silicone or acrylic, wherein upon positioning of the clamp-on ultrasonic transducer, the base forms the acoustic and mechanical contact with the separating device (30) or the sealing layer (31).

13. Method according to one of claims 6 to 12, wherein a side of the separating device facing the pipeline is geometrically adapted to the outer surface of the pipeline and / or is geometrically adapted to the clamp-on ultrasonic transducer on the side facing the clamp-on ultrasonic transducer.

14. Clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter (1) configured according to a method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: at least one clamp-on ultrasonic transducer (10) with a transducer element (11), a coupling body (12) with a first side (12.1) facing away from the pipeline and a second side (12.2) facing the pipeline, wherein the transducer element is arranged on the first side, a base (13) arranged on the second side of the coupling body, wherein upon positioning of the clamp-on ultrasonic transducer, the base forms the acoustic and mechanical contact with the sealing layer; an electronic measuring / operating circuit (40) configured to operate the at least one clamp-on ultrasonic transducer, measuring signals of the to evaluate at least one clamp-on ultrasonic transducer and to provide measured values ​​of a measured quantity.

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