Modular coriolis flowmeter

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular Coriolis flowmeter (1) for determining a process variable of a flowable medium, comprising: - a measuring tube module (M1), comprising a more particularly metal measuring tube (3a, 3b) for guiding the medium, a primary exciter component (23) which is arranged on the measuring tube (3a, 3b), a primary sensor component (24a, 24b) which is arranged on the measuring tube (3a, 3b), and a measuring tube module identifier (28) which has identification information; - a carrier module (M2), comprising a receptacle (11) in which the measuring tube module (M1) can be arranged or is arranged with a releasable connection in a first installation position or in a second installation position, which differs from the first installation position, in a mechanically fixed manner and yet able to be released again, an electronics chamber (30) in which evaluation electronics (ME) for determining the process variable are arranged, a secondary exciter component (13) which complements the primary exciter component (23) and a secondary sensor component (14) which complements the primary sensor component (24); - an installation position recognition device (19) which is configured to recognise the measuring tube module identifier (28), to determine the identification information and based on this to ascertain a current installation position, wherein the evaluation electronics (ME) are configured to determine the process variable depending on the recognised current installation position.

Description

[0001] Modular Coriolis flowmeter

[0002] The invention relates to a modular Coriolis flowmeter for determining a process variable of a flowable medium.

[0003] Field devices for process measurement technology with a vibration-type sensor, and in particular Coriolis flowmeters, have been known for many years. The basic design of such a measuring device is described, for example, in EP 1 807 681 A1, whereby the design of a generic field device is fully incorporated by reference in this document within the scope of the present invention.

[0004] Typically, Coriolis flowmeters have at least one or more oscillating measuring tubes, which can be set into vibration by a vibration exciter. These vibrations are transmitted along the length of the tube and are varied by the type of fluid contained in the measuring tube and its flow velocity. A vibration sensor, or in particular two spaced-apart vibration sensors, can record the varied vibrations at another location in the measuring tube in the form of one or more measurement signals. An evaluation unit can then determine the mass flow, viscosity, and / or density of the medium from the measurement signal(s).

[0005] Modular Coriolis flowmeters with interchangeable disposable measuring tube modules are known. For example, WO 2011 / 099989 A1 teaches a method for manufacturing a monolithic measuring tube module of a Coriolis flowmeter with curved measuring tubes. The measuring tube body of each measuring tube is first formed from a solid polymer, and the channel for guiding the flowable medium is then machined into the housing. WO 2011 / 099989 A1, like US Pat. No. 10,209,113 B2, teaches a connecting body designed to accommodate and support interchangeable measuring tube modules with thin-walled plastic tubes. The measuring tube module is secured in a receiving module equipped with the necessary exciters and sensors via the connecting body.

[0006] A key characteristic of single-use measuring devices is their recurring commissioning by external operators. This means that a manufacturer's installer is not present at every commissioning; instead, commissioning of the measuring tube module is usually performed by laypersons. One problem that can arise is incorrect positioning of the measuring tube module in the carrier module.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a user-friendly Coriolis flowmeter.

[0008] The object is achieved by the modular Coriolis flowmeter according to claim 1. The modular Coriolis flowmeter according to the invention for determining a process variable of a flowable medium, comprising:

[0009] - a measuring tube module comprising:

[0010] -- a measuring tube, in particular a metallic one, for conveying the medium,

[0011] -- a primary excitation component which is arranged on the measuring tube,

[0012] -- a primary sensor component which is arranged on the measuring tube,

[0013] - a carrier module comprising:

[0014] -- a receptacle in which the measuring tube module is mechanically fixed, but can be arranged or arranged with a detachable connection in a first installation position or a second installation position deviating therefrom,

[0015] -- a secondary pathogen component complementary to the primary pathogen component,

[0016] -- a secondary sensor component complementary to the primary sensor component; and

[0017] - an evaluation electronics for determining the process variable, wherein the evaluation electronics is configured to determine a current installation position of the measuring tube module in the holder, wherein the current installation position is either the first installation position or the second installation position, wherein the evaluation electronics is configured to determine the process variable taking into account the detected current installation position.

[0018] The advantage of automatic installation position detection is that it ensures correct operation of the modular Coriolis flowmeter. If the current installation position is also taken into account when determining the process variable (e.g., by considering the installation position when selecting a mathematical formula for determining the process variable, or when selecting a correction factor or a sign), this has the advantage that the process variable can be determined more precisely.

[0019] Optionally, the current installation position can also be output to the operator in the form of an installation position signal and / or an installation position indication from the evaluation electronics. If the current installation position deviates from a desired installation position, a warning can be issued, for example, acoustically or visually on a display. Optionally, the operability of the Coriolis flowmeter can be blocked until the current installation position matches the desired installation position. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0020] One embodiment provides that the measuring tube module comprises a measuring tube module identifier, in particular an optically visible one, which has identification information, wherein the identification information is used to determine the current installation position.

[0021] One embodiment provides that the carrier module comprises:

[0022] -- an electronics chamber in which the evaluation electronics are arranged,

[0023] -- a carrier module wall, in particular a metal one, wherein the carrier module wall delimits the electronics chamber and the receptacle, wherein the carrier module wall has a through opening which connects the receptacle to the electronics chamber,

[0024] -- an optical sensor which is arranged, in particular, in the electronics chamber and is oriented such that when the measuring tube module is arranged in the carrier module, in particular in the receptacle, the optical sensor is directed onto a surface of the measuring tube module such that the measuring tube module identifier is detectable for the optical sensor.

[0025] One embodiment provides that the measuring tube module comprises:

[0026] -- a connecting body, in particular one which is at least partially planar, via which a mechanical connection is formed between the measuring tube module and the carrier module and which connects an inlet region of the at least one measuring tube to an outlet region of the at least one measuring tube, wherein the measuring tube module identifier is arranged on the connecting body.

[0027] One embodiment provides that the identification information includes:

[0028] -- information regarding the current installation position.

[0029] One embodiment provides that the identification information includes:

[0030] — a first calibration factor which is assigned to the first installation position, and / or — a second calibration factor which is assigned to the second installation position and which differs in particular from the first calibration factor, wherein the determined current installation position is used in conjunction with the correspondingly assigned calibration factor to determine the process variable.

[0031] One embodiment provides that the first and / or the second calibration factor forms a zero point correction with which a measured value provided at the secondary sensor component or a measured variable dependent on the provided measured value is added, or wherein the first and / or second calibration factor forms a pre-factor with which a measured value provided at the secondary sensor component or a measured variable dependent on the provided measured value is multiplied.

[0032] One embodiment provides that the evaluation electronics is configured to determine the process variable using the first calibration factor when the measuring tube module identifier is detected and is also configured to determine the process variable using the second calibration factor when the measuring tube module identifier is not detected.

[0033] If the optical sensor cannot detect the measuring tube module identifier because it is not located in the position assigned to a target installation position, the evaluation electronics can detect this and use the calibration factor assigned to the current installation position, which deviates from the target installation position, to determine the process variable.

[0034] One embodiment provides that the measuring tube module has a predetermined flow direction of the medium.

[0035] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. They show:

[0036] Fig. 1 : a perspective view of a modular Coriolis flowmeter;

[0037] Fig. 2: a perspective view of another modular Coriolis flowmeter;

[0038] Fig. 3: four designs of the measuring tube module identifier;

[0039] Fig. 4: a perspective view of a manifold of a modular Coriolis flowmeter; and

[0040] Fig. 5: a perspective view of an electronics chamber.

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a modular Coriolis flowmeter 1 for determining a process variable of a flowable medium. The Coriolis flowmeter 1 comprises a measuring tube module M1, which has a measuring tube 3a, 3b, in particular a metallic one, for guiding the medium. Alternatively, the measuring tube can also comprise plastic, ceramic and / or glass. In the embodiment shown, the measuring tube module M1 has two curved measuring tubes 3a, 3b, which run parallel to one another at least in sections. The two measuring tubes 3a, 3b are connected to one another via four mechanical, plate-shaped couplers. The measuring tube module M1 shown further comprises a connecting body 5, which in this special case is planar, via which a mechanical connection between the measuring tube module M1 and the carrier module M2 can be formed oris shaped and connects an inlet region of the at least one measuring tube 3a, 3b with an outlet region of the at least one measuring tube 3a, 3b. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting body 5 connects the respective outlet regions of the two measuring tubes 3a, 3b to each other and also to the respective inlet regions. A distributor piece (see Fig. 4) can be connected to the connecting body 5, with which the measuring tubes 3a, 3b can be connected to a process line.

[0042] A primary excitation component 23 and a primary sensor component 24a, 24b are arranged on the measuring tube 3a, 3b. In the illustrated embodiment, a primary excitation component 23 and two primary sensor components 24a, 24b are arranged on each measuring tube 3a, 3b. The primary excitation components 23 and primary sensor components 24a, 24b can each be a permanent magnet.

[0043] A measuring tube module identifier 28 is also arranged on an outer surface of one of the measuring tubes 3a, 3b. The measuring tube module identifier 28 is positioned in a measuring tube section between a connecting body 5 and a mechanical coupler, but it can also be arranged at any other position on the measuring tube. The measuring tube module identifier 28 has identification information. The measuring tube module identifier 28 can be a barcode, a QR code, a data matrix code, an OCR font, and / or a visual code. A barcode is a strip-shaped code consisting of black and white bars that can be scanned by a barcode reader to read information such as product numbers, prices, and other details.A QR code is a square code that can be read by a QR code scanner to display information such as URLs, text, contact details, calendar entries, and much more. A data matrix code is a two-dimensional code that can store and transmit information similar to a QR code, but is generally smaller and denser than a QR code. A visual code can contain a single or multiple optical identifiers consisting of various geometric shapes (e.g., an arrow or an asymmetrical shape) and colors, including color codes and others. The identification information can be information regarding the current installation position of the measuring tube module M2.Alternatively or additionally, the identification information can further comprise a first calibration factor which is assigned to the first installation position, and / or a second calibration factor which, in particular, differs from the first calibration factor and is assigned to the second installation position. The first and / or the second calibration factor can each be a zero point correction with which a measured value provided at the secondary sensor component or a measured variable dependent on the provided measured value is added. In this case, the first and / or second calibration factor is an offset with which the measured value measured when the medium is at rest is corrected to zero. Alternatively, the first and / or second calibration factor can be a pre-factor with which a measured value provided at the secondary sensor component or a measured variable dependent on the provided measured value is multiplied.In this case it is the first and / or second calibration factor.

[0044] The Coriolis flowmeter 1 further comprises a carrier module M2 with a receptacle 11, in which the measuring tube module M1 is mechanically fixedly, yet detachably, arranged with a detachable connection in a first installation position or a second installation position that differs therefrom. Thus, the measuring tube module M1 can be replaced after each completed process and exchanged for a new measuring tube module M1. The two installation positions differ in the orientation of the measuring tube module M1 in the receptacle 11. In the first installation position, the primary excitation component 23 and the primary sensor component 24 face a first side of the receptacle 11, while in the second installation position, the primary excitation component 23 and primary sensor component 24 face a second side facing the first side. Not shown in Fig. 1 (but shown in Fig. 2) is a fastening device that fixes the measuring tube module M1 in the receptacle.The receptacle 11 is spatially delimited, at least in sections, by a support module wall 31, in particular a metallic one. The illustrated embodiment has an opening for the measuring tube module M1, into which the latter can be inserted into the support module M2. The measuring tube module M1 is inserted through the opening into the receptacle 11 in the assembly direction, perpendicular to its own longitudinal axis.

[0045] The carrier module further comprises an electronics chamber 30 in which an evaluation electronics unit ME (shown in dashed lines) for determining the process variable is arranged. The electronics chamber 30 is spatially separated from the receptacle 11 and is spatially delimited, at least in sections, by the carrier module wall 31. The evaluation electronics unit ME comprises electronic components necessary to perform computing operations. Thus, the evaluation electronics unit ME can comprise a microprocessor and electronic components (for example, comprising one or more transistors, one or more electrical resistors, one or more capacitors, one or more mixers, one or more logical electronic components, one or more filters, and / or one or more microcontrollers).

[0046] The secondary excitation component 13, which is complementary to the primary excitation component 23 and is necessary for exciting the measuring tubes 3a, 3b to vibrate, is also part of the carrier module M2. In the present embodiment, the secondary excitation component 13 is an electrical coil configured to generate a time-varying magnetic field. This magnetic field interacts with the magnet arranged on the measuring tube, the first excitation component 23, and exerts a force on the measuring tube 3a, 3b. The vibration behavior of the measuring tube 3a, 3b is recorded by a secondary sensor component 14, which is complementary to the primary sensor component 24. The secondary sensor component 14 can also be a coil configured to detect and measure a time-varying magnetic field generated by the primary sensor component 24.The secondary sensor component 14, like the secondary excitation component 23, is also part of the carrier module M2. In the illustrated embodiment, each primary sensor component 24 is assigned a secondary sensor component 14, and each primary excitation component 23 is assigned a secondary excitation component 13. Thus, the carrier module M2 has four secondary sensor components 14 and two secondary excitation components 13. The two secondary excitation components 13 are each arranged on opposite sides of the receptacle 11. The same applies to the four secondary sensor components 14, in which two sensor components 14a, 14b are arranged on one side and the two other sensor components (concealed by the wall) are arranged on the opposite side.

[0047] Also part of the carrier module M2 is an evaluation electronics ME, which is configured to recognize the measuring tube module identifier 28, in particular by means of an optical sensor 12, to determine the identification information and, based on this, to determine a current installation position. The evaluation electronics ME is in communication with the optical sensor. The identification information determined by means of the sensor 12, or the recognized current installation position, is included in the determination of the process variable or is taken into account for the determination of the process variable. The identification information can, for example, be readable or interpretable information which states that the measuring tube module is arranged in the first installation position. Alternatively, the identification information can comprise readable or interpretable information which states that the measuring tube module is arranged in the second installation position.It would also be possible for the identification information to comprise two different pieces of information, each located at a different position on the measuring tube module. The positioning of the information can be selected so that, depending on the current installation position, the information can be read and taken into account using the appropriate stored installation position, for example, with an optical sensor.

[0048] If the identification information includes the first calibration factor assigned to the first installation position and / or the second calibration factor assigned to the second installation position, the evaluation electronics ME is also configured to read out the first calibration factor and / or the second calibration factor and to provide it to the evaluation electronics ME, which is configured to take into account the determined current installation position in conjunction with the correspondingly assigned calibration factor for determining the process variable.

[0049] The evaluation electronics ME can be arranged in the receptacle 11 itself or in the electronics chamber 30. If the evaluation electronics ME is arranged in the electronics chamber 30, the carrier module wall 31 has a through opening 32 which connects the receptacle 11 to the electronics chamber 30. If the evaluation electronics ME is an optical sensor 12, it is arranged and oriented in the electronics chamber 30 such that when the measuring tube module M1 is arranged in the carrier module M2, in particular in the receptacle 11, the optical sensor 12 is directed onto a surface of the measuring tube module 4 such that the measuring tube module identifier 28 is detectable by the optical sensor 12 when the measuring tube module M1 is installed.

[0050] Additionally or alternatively, the evaluation electronics ME can be configured to determine a current zero point value, in particular a current zero point value assigned to a first measuring tube and a current zero point value assigned to a second measuring tube, when the measuring tube module M1 is present in the receptacle 11 and in the absence of the flowable medium to be monitored or when the medium is stagnant. If the measuring tube module M1 has two measuring tubes 3a, 3b, and a current zero point value can be determined independently for both measuring tubes 3a, 3b, the evaluation electronics ME is configured to determine this value for the present arrangement.The evaluation electronics ME is also configured to consider the current zero point value, in particular the current zero point value assigned to the first measuring tube 3a and the current zero point value assigned to the second measuring tube 3b, and a provided zero point value, in particular with two provided zero point values, when determining the installation position. The provided zero point value can be read optically from the measuring tube module identifier 28 or provided in another way (e.g., via RFID, from a cloud, or entered by the operator). Furthermore, the evaluation electronics ME can be configured to signal a deviating current installation position from a target installation position.

[0051] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of another modular Coriolis flowmeter 10. The Coriolis flowmeter 10 comprises a measuring tube module M1, which has a measuring tube 3a, 3b, in particular a metallic one, for guiding the medium. Alternatively, the measuring tube can also comprise plastic, ceramic and / or glass. In the embodiment shown, the measuring tube module M1 has two curved measuring tubes 3a, 3b, which run parallel to one another at least in sections. The two measuring tubes 3a, 3b are connected to one another via four mechanical, plate-shaped couplers. The measuring tube module M1 shown further comprises a connecting body 5, which in this specific case is planar, via which a mechanical connection between the measuring tube module M1 and the carrier module M2 can be formed or formed, and which connects an inlet region of the at least one measuring tube 3a, 3b to an outlet region of the at least one measuring tube 3a, 3b.In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting body 5 connects the respective outlet areas of the two measuring tubes 3a, 3b to each other and also to the respective inlet areas. A distributor piece (see Fig. 4) can be connected to the connecting body 5, with which the measuring tubes 3a, 3b can be connected to a process line. A primary excitation component 23 and a primary sensor component 24a, 24b are arranged on the measuring tube 3a, 3b. In the illustrated embodiment, one primary excitation component 23 and two primary sensor components 24a, 24b are arranged on each measuring tube 3a, 3b. The primary excitation components 23 and primary sensor components 24a, 24b can each be a permanent magnet.

[0052] A measuring tube module identifier 28 is arranged on a surface of the connecting body 5 facing the couplers or the measuring tube bends. The measuring tube module identifier 28 has identification information. The measuring tube module identifier 28 can be a barcode, a QR code (as shown), a data matrix code, an OCR font, and / or a visual code. A barcode is a strip-shaped code consisting of black and white bars that can be scanned by a barcode reader to read information such as product numbers, prices, and other details. A QR code is a square code that can be read by a QR code scanner to display information such as URLs, text, contact details, calendar entries, and much more. A data matrix code is a two-dimensional code that can store and transmit information similar to a QR code, but is generally smaller and denser than a QR code.A visual code can comprise a single or a plurality of optical identifiers consisting of various geometric shapes (e.g. an arrow or an asymmetric shape) and colors, including color code and others. The identification information can be information regarding the current installation position of the measuring tube module M2. Alternatively or additionally, the identification information can further comprise a first calibration factor, which is assigned to the first installation position, and / or a second calibration factor, which in particular differs from the first calibration factor and is assigned to the second installation position. The first and / or the second calibration factor can each be a zero point correction, with which a measured value provided at the secondary sensor component or a measured variable dependent on the provided measured value is added.In this case, the first and / or second calibration factor is an offset used to correct the measured value measured with the medium at rest to zero. Alternatively, the first and / or second calibration factor can be a prefactor by which a measured value provided by the secondary sensor component or a measured variable dependent on the provided measured value is multiplied. In this case, the first and / or second calibration factor is used.

[0053] The Coriolis flowmeter 1 further comprises a carrier module M2 with a receptacle 11 (shown in dashed lines), into which the measuring tube module M1 is mechanically fixedly yet detachably arranged with a detachable connection in a first installation position or a second installation position that differs therefrom. Thus, the measuring tube module M1 can be replaced after each completed process and exchanged for a new measuring tube module M1. The two installation positions differ in the orientation of the measuring tube module M1 in the receptacle 11. In the first installation position, the primary excitation component 23 and the primary sensor component 24 face a first side of the receptacle 11, while in the second installation position, the primary excitation component 23 and primary sensor component 24 face a second side facing the first side. The carrier module M2 has a fastening device 50 that fixes the measuring tube module M1 in position in the receptacle.The fastening device 50 can comprise a single or a plurality of known fastening means, such as screws, clamps, etc. Potential fastening devices are disclosed, for example, in US 2022 / 0236092 A1, DE 102020127356 A1, and DE 102020114519 A1. The receptacle 11 is spatially delimited, at least in sections, by a support module wall 31, in particular a metallic one. The illustrated embodiment has an opening for the measuring tube module M1, into which the latter can be inserted into the support module M2. The measuring tube module M1 is inserted through the opening into the receptacle 11 in the assembly direction, parallel to its own longitudinal axis.

[0054] The carrier module further comprises an electronics chamber 30 in which an evaluation electronics unit ME (shown in dashed lines) for determining the process variable is arranged. The electronics chamber 30 is spatially separated from the receptacle 11 and is spatially delimited, at least in sections, by the carrier module wall 31. The evaluation electronics unit ME comprises electronic components necessary to perform computing operations. Thus, the evaluation electronics unit ME can comprise a microprocessor and electronic components (for example, comprising one or more transistors, one or more electrical resistors, one or more capacitors, one or more mixers, one or more logical electronic components, one or more filters, and / or one or more microcontrollers).

[0055] The secondary excitation component 13, which is complementary to the primary excitation component 23 and is necessary for exciting the measuring tubes 3a, 3b to vibrate, is also part of the carrier module M2. In the present embodiment, the secondary excitation component 13 is an electrical coil configured to generate a time-varying magnetic field. This magnetic field interacts with the magnet arranged on the measuring tube, the first excitation component 23, and exerts a force on the measuring tube 3a, 3b. The vibration behavior of the measuring tube 3a, 3b is recorded by a secondary sensor component 14, which is complementary to the primary sensor component 24. The secondary sensor component 14 can also be a coil configured to detect and measure a time-varying magnetic field generated by the primary sensor component 24.The secondary sensor component 14, like the secondary excitation component 23, is also part of the carrier module M2. In the illustrated embodiment, each primary sensor component 24 is assigned a secondary sensor component 14, and each primary excitation component 23 is assigned a secondary excitation component 13. The carrier module M2 thus has four secondary sensor components 14 and two secondary excitation components 13. The two secondary excitation components 13 are each arranged on opposite sides of the holder 11. The same applies to the four secondary sensor components 14, in which two sensor components 14a, 14b are arranged on one side and the two other sensor components (concealed by the wall) are arranged on the opposite side. Depending on the installation position of the measuring tube module in the holder, different secondary sensor components 14 are assigned to the primary sensor components 24.

[0056] Also part of the carrier module M2 is an evaluation electronics ME, which is configured to recognize the measuring tube module identifier 28, determine the identification information, and based on this, determine a current installation position. The evaluation electronics ME can be an optical sensor. The identification information thus determined, or the recognized current installation position, is used to determine the process variable. If the identification information includes the first calibration factor and / or the second calibration factor, the evaluation electronics ME is also configured to read out the first calibration factor and / or the second calibration factor and provide it to the evaluation electronics ME, which is configured to take the determined current installation position in conjunction with the correspondingly assigned calibration factor into account for determining the process variable.

[0057] The evaluation electronics ME can be arranged in the receptacle 11 itself or in the electronics chamber 30. If the evaluation electronics ME is arranged in the electronics chamber 30, the carrier module wall 31 has a through opening 32 which connects the receptacle 11 to the electronics chamber 30. If the evaluation electronics ME is an optical sensor 12, it is arranged and oriented in the electronics chamber 30 such that when the measuring tube module M1 is arranged in the carrier module M2, in particular in the receptacle 11, the optical sensor 12 is directed onto a surface of the measuring tube module 4 such that the measuring tube module identifier 28 is detectable by the optical sensor 12 when the measuring tube module M1 is installed.

[0058] Fig. 3 shows four embodiments of the optically detectable measuring tube module identifier 28 on a side of the connecting body 5 facing the receptacle. Alternatively, the measuring tube module identifier 28 could always be arranged on a mechanical coupler. In all embodiments, the measuring tube module identifier 28 has two codes. A QR code 28* is always arranged centrally on the connecting body. However, it is not always necessary to use two codes. The installation position can also be determined with just one code or with more than two codes. The QR code 28* can contain information relating to the measuring tube module M1, such as the production number, batch number, etc. The surface on which the QR code 28* is arranged can - when the measuring tube module is arranged in the carrier module - face the receptacle or face away from the receptacle.

[0059] In a first embodiment, the measuring tube module identifier 28 has a further QR code 28', which is positioned offset from the QR code 28*. The QR code 28' serves to identify a unique installation position of the measuring tube module. For this purpose, information regarding the installation position is stored behind the QR code 28', or the evaluation electronics are configured to derive an installation position based on the QR code 28'. This means that the information regarding the installation position does not necessarily have to be explicitly stored behind the QR code 28'.

[0060] In the second configuration (to the right of the first configuration), a printed code is located next to the QR code 28*. The printed code can be any desired code, but must be interpretable by the evaluation electronics. In this example, the word "Flow" is selected as the printed code. The optical sensor reads the printed code, the evaluation electronics interprets the printed code, and from this, derives an installation position.

[0061] In the third configuration (below the first configuration), a symbol code 28+ is located next to the QR code 28*. The symbol code 28+ is an arrow. Alternatively, other geometric shapes, such as a triangle, can be chosen. However, the symbol code 28+ must be interpretable by the evaluation electronics.

[0062] In the fourth embodiment (below the second embodiment), a barcode 28- is located next to the QR code 28*. The barcode 28- is a sequence of parallel black bars arranged next to each other, separated by spaces. The number of black bars and the spacing between them encode the content behind the barcode 28-. The barcode 28-, or rather its content, must be interpretable by the evaluation electronics.

[0063] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a distributor piece 40 of a modular Coriolis flowmeter M1. The distributor piece 40 is part of the measuring tube module M1 and is connected to the connecting body 5. On the distributor piece 40 itself, there is a code 51 in the form of an arrow, which specifies a predetermined flow direction for the medium to be conveyed. The integration of the measuring tube module M1 into a process line must therefore be carried out in such a way that the medium, particularly the frequently pumped and flowing medium, enters the measuring tube module M1 through the inlet – indicated by the beginning of the arrow – and exits again through the outlet – indicated by the arrowhead.

[0064] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of an electronics chamber 30 in which an evaluation electronics unit ME and an optical sensor 12 are arranged. The electronics chamber 30 is separated from the receptacle by a carrier module wall 31. This serves to protect the components in the electronics chamber 30, as it can prevent escaping medium from coming into contact with the electronic components. The carrier module wall 31 has a through-opening in which a transparent window is arranged in a medium-tight manner. The optical sensor 12 is arranged in the electronics chamber 30 in such a way that it can detect and read the measuring tube module identifier 28 through the window. The evaluation electronics unit ME has a microprocessor MP, a temperature sensor TS and a connection 111 via which the evaluation electronics unit ME can communicate with an external unit and via which the Coriolis flowmeter is electrically supplied.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Modular Coriolis flowmeter (1) for determining a process variable of a flowable medium, comprising: - a measuring tube module (M1), comprising: -- a measuring tube (3a, 3b), in particular a metallic one, for guiding the medium, -- a primary excitation component (23) arranged on the measuring tube (3a, 3b), -- a primary sensor component (24a, 24b) arranged on the measuring tube (3a, 3b), - a carrier module (M2) comprising: -- a receptacle (11) into which the measuring tube module (M1) is mechanically fixed, yet detachably arranged, with a detachable connection in a first installation position or a second installation position deviating therefrom, -- a secondary pathogen component (13) complementary to the primary pathogen component (23), -- a secondary sensor component (14) complementary to the primary sensor component (24); and - an evaluation electronics (ME) for determining the process variable, wherein the evaluation electronics (ME) is configured to determine a current installation position of the measuring tube module (M1) in the receptacle (11), wherein the current installation position corresponds to the first installation position or the second installation position, wherein the evaluation electronics (ME) is configured to determine the process variable taking into account the detected current installation position.

2. Coriolis flowmeter (1) according to claim 1, wherein the measuring tube module (M1) comprises a measuring tube module identifier (28), in particular an optically visible one, which has identification information, The identification information is used to determine the current installation position.

3. Coriolis flowmeter (1) according to claim 2, wherein the carrier module (M2) further comprises: -- an electronics chamber (30) in which the evaluation electronics (ME) is arranged, -- a support module wall (31), in particular a metal one, wherein the support module wall (31) delimits the electronics chamber (30) and the receptacle (11), wherein the support module wall (31) has a through opening (32) which connects the receptacle (11) to the electronics chamber (30), -- an optical sensor (12) which is arranged in the electronics chamber (30) and oriented such that when the measuring tube module (M1) is arranged in the carrier module (M2), in particular in the receptacle (11), the optical sensor (12) is directed onto a surface of the measuring tube module (4) such that the measuring tube module identifier (28) is detectable for the optical sensor (12).

4. Coriolis flowmeter (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the measuring tube module (M1) comprises: -- a connecting body (5), in particular of planar design, via which a mechanical connection is formed between the measuring tube module (M1) and the carrier module (M2) and which connects an inlet region of the at least one measuring tube (3a, 3b) to an outlet region of the at least one measuring tube (3a, 3b), wherein the measuring tube module identifier (28) is arranged on the connecting body (5).

5. Coriolis flowmeter (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the identification information comprises: -- information regarding the current installation position.

6. Coriolis flowmeter (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the identification information comprises: — a first calibration factor associated with the first installation position, and / or — a second calibration factor, which in particular differs from the first calibration factor and is assigned to the second installation position, wherein the determined current installation position in conjunction with the correspondingly assigned calibration factor is used to determine the process variable.

7. Coriolis flowmeter (1) according to claim 6, wherein the first and / or the second calibration factor forms a zero point correction with which a measured value provided at the secondary sensor component or a measured variable dependent on the provided measured value is added, or wherein the first and / or second calibration factor forms a pre-factor with which a measured value provided at the secondary sensor component or a measured variable dependent on the provided measured value is multiplied.

8. Coriolis flowmeter (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the evaluation electronics (ME) is configured to determine the process variable by means of the first calibration factor upon recognition of the measuring tube module identifier (28) and is also configured to determine the process variable by means of the second calibration factor if the measuring tube module identifier (28) is not recognized.

9. Coriolis flowmeter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaluation electronics (ME) is configured to determine a current zero point value, in particular a current zero point value assigned to a first measuring tube and a current zero point value assigned to a second measuring tube, in the presence of the measuring tube module (M1) in the receptacle (11) and in the absence of the flowable medium to be monitored or in the case of a stagnant medium, wherein the evaluation electronics (ME) is configured to take into account the current zero point value, in particular the current zero point value assigned to the first measuring tube and the current zero point value assigned to the second measuring tube, and a provided zero point value, in particular with two provided zero point values, in determining the installation position.

10. A Coriolis flowmeter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring tube module (M1) has a predetermined flow direction of the medium.

11. A Coriolis flowmeter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaluation electronics (ME) are configured to signal a deviation of the current installation position from a desired installation position.

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