Vibronic module and modular measuring system

Abstract

The invention relates to a vibronic module (VM) of a modular Coriolis mass flow meter for measuring a first measurement variable of a fluid medium, the vibronic module comprising: • - at least one measuring tube (31, 32) for conducting the medium, • - at least one exciter magnet (22) which is arranged on the measuring tube (31, 32) and is designed to cause the measuring tube (31, 32) to vibrate, • - at least one sensor magnet (24) which is arranged on the measuring tube (31, 32), • - a process connection (PA) which is connected to the at least one measuring tube (31, 32), the process connection (PA) having an inlet channel (101) for introducing the medium into the at least one measuring tube (31, 32), the process connection (PA) having a first sub-section (TA1) in which the inlet channel (101) is exclusively curved, • - a first sensor (S1) for determining a second measurement variable of the medium, the first sensor (S2) being arranged in the first sub-section (TA1).

Description

[0001] Vibronics module and modular measuring system

[0002] The invention relates to a vibronic module of a modular measuring system, in particular a modular Coriolis mass flow meter, for measuring a first measured variable of a fluid measuring substance and for use in biopharmaceutical applications and a modular measuring system, in particular a Coriolis mass flow meter, for measuring a measured variable of a fluid measuring substance.

[0003] From WO 2019 / 017891 A1 or WO 2021 / 121867 A2 as well as the German patent applications DE 102021105397, DE 102020133614, DE 102020132685, DE 102020133851, DE 102020133566, DE 102020132986, DE 102020132686, DE 102020132685, DE 102020131452, DE 102020132223, DE 102020127356, DE 102020114519 and DE 102020112154, modular, namely (Modular) vibronic measuring systems are known which are formed by means of a base module, a vibronic module which is mechanically connected to the base module and a measuring system electronics which is electrically connected to the base module and which are used to record at least one measured variable of a fluid measuring medium flowing in a (measuring material) line, namely to determine measured values ​​for one or more measured variables, for example a mass flow, a volume flow, a density and / or a viscosity, of the measuring material.

[0004] The basic module of such a (modular) vibronic measuring system comprises a housing with at least one chamber at least partially enclosed by a housing wall, as well as one or more electrical coils, for example cylindrical and / or designed as air-core coils, which are placed (spaced apart from one another) within the chamber of the housing and are at least indirectly mechanically connected to the housing wall. Each of the coils is also electrically connected to the measuring system electronics. The measuring system electronics can be housed at least partially within the housing and / or at least partially outside the housing, for example, in a separate electronics housing.The base module is also specifically designed to accommodate the vibronic module of the measuring system and to be mechanically connected thereto (forming a vibration-type transducer) in a rigid yet detachable manner, in particular to form the vibronic measuring system itself; this is particularly also done in such a way that the vibronic module is locked in the base module and is not movable.

[0005] The vibronic module of the respective measuring system, in turn, is also designed to be replaceable, such that it can be inserted into the chamber, in particular on-site, from outside the housing of the base module or through a (sliding) opening provided in the housing wall of the housing, and that it can be removed from the base module again non-destructively, if necessary even without tools, in particular from outside the housing and / or through the (sliding) opening of the housing, or without the base module itself having to be handled or removed from the (process) system. This also makes it possible, among other things, to subsequently insert a vibronic module on-site, namely into an already installed base module, or to replace a defective or worn vibronic module on-site with a new, intact vibronic module that can be used only once or only for a specified period of time (“disposable”).In the measuring systems in question, each vibronic module further comprises a measuring tube module with at least one, in particular metallic, measuring tube and a process connection, in particular made of a plastic, which can be connected or is connected to the measuring tube module, in particular in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner.The vibronic module further comprises one or more, for example cylindrical, permanent magnets and is also designed to be installed in the base module in such a way that each of the permanent magnets is placed within the aforementioned chamber, yet is spaced apart from the housing wall, in particular in such a way that each of the permanent magnets is held in a static installation position predetermined with regard to an orientation and / or a smallest distance from one of the electrical coils of the base module, and that a respective imaginary longitudinal axis of each of the permanent magnets and an imaginary longitudinal axis of at least one of the electrical coils are aligned with one another or extend parallel to one another.

[0006] In the measuring systems in question, each vibronic module further comprises at least one measuring tube, for example at least partially straight and / or at least partially curved, with a tube wall forming an outer surface of the tube, in particular made of a metal or a plastic, and with a lumen enclosed by the same tube wall, in particular two essentially identical parallel measuring tubes, and each of the aforementioned permanent magnets is fixed to the outside of the tube wall, in particular to a middle segment of the tube wall extending between a first segment end and a second segment end remote therefrom, in particular is integrally connected to the tube wall. In addition, the vibronic module or its at least one measuring tube is designed so that, if necessary,to be installed into the housing without tools in such a way that the tube is positioned at least partially, in particular completely, within the chamber, yet is spaced from the housing wall, and that each of the permanent magnets, in the respective installation position, together with the respective electrical coil, forms a voice coil, particularly useful as an electrodynamic vibration exciter, and / or a plunger coil, particularly useful as an electrodynamic vibration sensor. In the case of a measuring tube that is bent at least in sections, the aforementioned segment can, for example, be substantially U-shaped or V-shaped.In such a vibronic measuring system, each of the aforementioned measuring tubes is additionally designed to guide a fluid measuring substance flowing within the lumen during operation, in particular with a predeterminable flow direction and / or pointing from the first segment end to the second segment end, and to be vibrated during this time in order to generate measuring effects correlated with one or more measured variables of the measuring substance, in particular in such a way that the middle segment executes oscillating movements about a static rest position and / or that the measuring tube is driven by means of at least one of the aforementioned (energized) moving coils and / or that a (measurement) voltage representing oscillating movements of the at least one tube and thus serving as an oscillation signal is generated by means of the aforementioned moving coils.The measuring system electronics of such a measuring system is in turn set up accordingly to feed electrical power into the at least one electrical coil forming the aforementioned moving coil by means of an electrical driver signal, in particular with an impressed alternating current and / or an impressed (alternating current) frequency substantially corresponding to a resonance frequency of the at least one tube, and / or to determine measured values ​​for the one or more measured variables to be recorded of the medium flowing through the measuring tube or tubes on the basis of the (measurement) voltage generated by the at least one electrical coil forming the aforementioned moving coil, in the case of a Coriolis mass flow measuring device ora measuring system designed as a Coriolis mass flow / density measuring device, for example, to generate (mass flow) measured values ​​representing the mass flow based on a (measurement) phase difference between two of the aforementioned vibration signals caused by Coriolis forces in the medium flowing through the vibrating pipe, as well as a phase difference to the measured value characteristic function set up in the measuring system electronics. The phase difference to the mass flow measured value characteristic function can, for example, be a (linear) parameter function with a (scale) zero point that corresponds to a (measurement) phase difference between the two vibration signals that is measurable when the medium is at rest or when the mass flow is zero, and with a gradient that corresponds to a (measurement) sensitivity of the measuring system or a change in the (measurement) phase difference related to a change in the mass flow.Since one or more resonance frequencies of the at least one pipe depend in particular on the instantaneous density of the respective measuring medium, such a measuring system can be used to directly measure not only the mass flow but also the density of the measuring medium flowing through it based on the (alternating current) frequency of the driver signal and / or on a (signal) frequency of at least one of the oscillation signals. Accordingly, the measuring system electronics of measuring systems of the type in question are typically also configured to generate (density) measured values ​​representing the density based on the aforementioned (alternating current) frequency of the driver signal and / or on a corresponding signal frequency of at least one of the oscillation signals, for example using a useful frequency to measured value characteristic function set up accordingly in the measuring system electronics.Furthermore, it is also possible to directly measure the viscosity of the flowing medium using vibronic measuring systems of the type in question, for example, based on the excitation energy or excitation power required to maintain the useful vibrations and / or based on the damping of the excited (resonance) vibrations resulting from the dissipation of vibration energy, or using a damping-to-measurement characteristic function configured accordingly in the measuring system electronics. Furthermore, other derived measured variables, such as the Reynolds number, can be readily determined from the aforementioned flow and / or material parameters using such vibronic measuring systems.

[0007] To simplify the commissioning of a measuring system formed in this way, the vibronic module can further comprise at least one identification element relating to or carrying identifying information about the vibronic module, for example a barcode, QR code or radio label (RFID TAG) attached to at least one pipe, and / or the base module can comprise at least one light-emitting semiconductor element positioned within the housing and connected to the measuring system electronics, for example a light-emitting diode (LED), and / or one or more radio transmitters / receivers (RF transceivers) and / or photosensors, for example one or more CCD photosensors and / or one or more CMOS photosensors, each positioned within the housing and connected to the measuring system electronics.

[0008] The demand for disposable sensors in biotechnological applications has increased in recent years. The increase in the number of different sensors in the tubing system has also led to an increase in the complexity of commissioning the tubing system and the tubing system itself.

[0009] The invention is based on the object of providing a simpler solution.

[0010] The problem is solved by the vibronic module according to claim 1 and the modular measuring system according to claim 10.

[0011] The vibronic module according to the invention of a modular measuring system, in particular a modular Coriolis mass flow meter, for measuring a first measured variable of a fluid medium, comprising:

[0012] - at least one measuring tube for conveying the measured material,

[0013] - at least one, in particular cylindrical, excitation magnet, which is arranged on the measuring tube and is designed to cause the measuring tube to oscillate when it is exposed to a time-varying magnetic field of an excitation coil of a base module,

[0014] - at least one, in particular cylindrical, sensor magnet, which is arranged on the measuring tube,

[0015] - a process connection which is connected to the at least one measuring tube, wherein the process connection has an inlet channel for introducing the measuring substance into the at least one measuring tube, wherein the process connection has a first partial section in which the inlet channel is exclusively curved, - a first sensor for determining a second measured variable of the measuring substance, wherein the first sensor is arranged in the first partial section.

[0016] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0017] One embodiment provides that the process connection in the first subsection has a first opening which connects the inlet channel to a first cavity, wherein the first sensor is connected to the first cavity.

[0018] One embodiment provides that the process connection has an outlet channel for discharging the measuring substance from the at least one measuring tube, wherein the process connection has a second subsection in which the outlet channel is bent, wherein a second sensor is arranged in the second subsection.

[0019] One embodiment provides that the process connection in the second subsection has a second opening which connects the output channel to a second cavity, wherein the second sensor is connected to the second cavity.

[0020] One embodiment provides that the first sensor and / or the second sensor is or are selected from the following list:

[0021] - a temperature sensor,

[0022] - a pressure transducer,

[0023] - a conductivity sensor,

[0024] - a pH probe,

[0025] - a turbidity sensor.

[0026] One embodiment provides that the second sensor is a pressure transducer, wherein the pressure transducer of the first sensor and the pressure transducer of the second sensor together form a differential pressure transducer.

[0027] One embodiment provides that the at least one measuring tube comprises a first measuring tube and a second measuring tube, wherein the input channel in the first subsection is divided into two transition channels, which respectively merge into the first measuring tube and second measuring tube and / or wherein the output channel in the second subsection is divided into two transition channels, which respectively merge into the first measuring tube and second measuring tube.

[0028] One design provides that the vibronic module further includes:

[0029] - an identifier, wherein calibration data for the first sensor and / or second sensor are stored in the identifier.

[0030] One design provides that the vibronic module further includes:

[0031] - a connection for connecting the first sensor to a measuring system electronics of the modular measuring system, wherein the connection is connected to the first sensor and / or second sensor.

[0032] The modular measuring system according to the invention, in particular a Coriolis mass flow meter, for measuring a measured variable of a fluid medium comprises:

[0033] - a vibronic module according to any one of the preceding claims; and

[0034] - a basic module which includes:

[0035] - a measuring system electronics;

[0036] - a housing with at least one chamber at least partially enclosed by a housing wall,

[0037] - at least one excitation coil, in particular cylindrical and / or designed as an air coil, placed in particular within the chamber of the housing, which is at least indirectly mechanically connected to the housing wall and electrically connected to the measuring system electronics, and

[0038] - at least one sensor coil, in particular placed within the chamber of the housing, in particular cylindrical and / or designed as an air coil and / or structurally identical to the excitation coil, which is in particular positioned away from the excitation coil and at least indirectly mechanically connected to the housing wall, which is electrically connected to the measuring system electronics; wherein the base module is designed to accommodate the vibronic module, in particular in the chamber, and to be mechanically firmly yet detachably connected thereto, in particular to form a vibration-type measuring sensor or a vibronic measuring system and / or in such a way that the vibronic module is locked in the base module.is not movable, wherein the vibronic module is designed to be installed in the base module in such a way that its excitation magnet is placed within the chamber, but is nevertheless spaced from the housing wall, in particular in a predetermined position with regard to an orientation and / or a smallest distance from the excitation coil and / or is held with the static installation position and / or in such a way that an imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation magnet and an imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation coil are aligned with one another or run parallel to one another in an extension.

[0039] One embodiment provides that the measuring system electronics is in electrical connection with the first sensor and / or second sensor via a connection of the vibronic module.

[0040] One design provides that the modular measuring system further includes:

[0041] - a detector for reading the identification factor of the vibronic module.

[0042] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. They show:

[0043] Fig. 1 : a part of a vibronic module, namely the measuring tube module, and a base module;

[0044] Fig. 2 : a first embodiment of the process connection of the vibronic module according to the invention; and

[0045] Fig. 3: a second embodiment of the process connection of the vibronic module according to the invention.

[0046] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. The figures illustrate some, but not all, embodiments of the disclosure. Indeed, these disclosures may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Different embodiments, each illustrating individual details of the inventive subject matter, may be combined with one another to form new embodiments not shown in the figures. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0047] The components illustrated in the figures represent components that may or may not be present in various embodiments of the present disclosure described herein, so that the embodiments may include fewer or more components than those illustrated in the figures without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Some components may be omitted or shown in phantom in one or more figures to reveal underlying components.

[0048] The phrases "in an exemplary embodiment," "some embodiments," "various embodiments," and the like generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure. Such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0049] The word "example" or "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0050] If the description of the figures states that a component, part, or feature is "preferably," "possibly," "typically," "optionally," or "for example" (or other such wording) included, or that a feature "may" be included, or that a feature "could" or "should" have a property, it is not required that a specific component or feature be included or exhibit the feature. Such components or features may be optionally included in some embodiments, but they may also be excluded. An embodiment not included in the figures may also include all features—provided they do not contradict each other—of the embodiments shown.

[0051] Fig. 1 shows part of a vibronic module, namely the measuring tube module MM and a base module BM. No process connection is connected to the measuring tube module MM. This is designed as a separate component (see Figs. 2 and 3) and is mechanically connected to the measuring tube module MM before use of the vibronic module. Alternatively, the measuring tube module MM and the process connection can be one piece. The measuring tube module MM comprises at least one, in particular metallic, measuring tube 31, 32 for guiding the medium to be measured. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the measuring tube module MM has two measuring tubes 31, 32 which run essentially parallel to one another and are bent in sections. The measuring tubes 31, 32 can be U-shaped or V-shaped.

[0052] At least one, in particular cylindrical, excitation magnet 22 is arranged on the at least one measuring tube 31, 32. This is designed to cause the at least one measuring tube 31, 32 to oscillate when it is exposed to a time-varying magnetic field of an excitation coil 12 of the base module BM. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, both measuring tubes 31, 32 each have an excitation magnet 22, which is arranged on the outer surface of the corresponding measuring tube 31, 32 and which are attached to opposite sides of the measuring tube 31, 32. The excitation magnet of the measuring tube 32 is concealed by the measuring tube 32 itself. Furthermore, at least one, in particular cylindrical, sensor magnet 24 is arranged on the at least one measuring tube 31, 32. In the case of an oscillating measuring tube 31, 32, the sensor magnet 24 generates a time-varying magnetic field that depends on the oscillation behavior of the at least one measuring tube 31, 32.In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the two measuring tubes 31, 32 each have two sensor magnets 24, 26 (partially concealed by measuring tube 32) which are arranged on the outer surface 31+, 32+ of the measuring tubes 31, 32. The excitation magnets 22 and also the sensor magnets 24, 26 can be attached directly to the outer surface 31+, 32+ of the measuring tubes 31, 32, e.g. by means of a material fit, or indirectly via a connecting element which is itself connected to the corresponding measuring tube 31, 32 by means of a material fit, a force fit and / or a form fit. The connecting element can be a magnetic cup, for example, which is designed not only to hold the corresponding magnet but also to protect it.Advantageously, the sensor magnets 24, 26 and the excitation magnets 22 are arranged on the outer surface 31+ of the measuring tube 31, 32 in such a way that a collision with the housing wall 11+ can be avoided when the vibronic module VM is arranged in the chamber 11*. The sensor magnets 24, 26 are arranged offset in the flow direction of the measured medium through the measuring tube 31, 32. The excitation magnet 22 is always positioned between the two sensor magnets 24, 26 in the flow direction of the measured medium in the measuring tube 31, 32. In the solution shown, the excitation magnet 22 is arranged in a section of the measuring tube 31, 32 in which the measuring tube 31, 32 is bent.

[0053] The vibronic module VM shown does not have any coils, i.e., neither the excitation coil nor the sensor coil are part of the vibronic module VM, but only of the base module. Thus, the vibronic module VM also does not have any electrical conductors (e.g., cables) for the excitation and / or sensor system, which would otherwise be necessary to electrically connect the coils to the measuring system electronics ME. Furthermore, no temperature sensor is arranged on one of the measuring tubes 31, 32. Thus, the measuring tube module MM itself also does not have any electrical conductors (e.g., cables), which would otherwise be necessary to electrically connect the temperature sensor to the measuring system electronics ME.

[0054] Furthermore, the measuring tube module MM comprises a connecting body 50, which is mechanically connected to the at least one measuring tube 31, 32 (e.g. via a material-to-material connection) and via which the at least one measuring tube 31, 32 can be mechanically connected to the base module BM. The connecting body 50 connects the two ends of the at least one measuring tube 31, 32 to one another. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the connecting body 50 is planar. Furthermore, the connecting body 50 connects the ends of the measuring tube 31 and the ends of the measuring tube 32 to one another and to one another. The two measuring tubes 31, 32 extend through openings in the connecting body 50. The fixing of the connecting body 50 to the measuring tubes 31, 32 is realized via a material-to-material connection (welded or soldered connection).The vibronic module VM shown also has four couplers 110i, which are designed to mechanically couple the two measuring tubes 31, 32 to each other in the coupling areas. The two couplers 110a, 110b couple the two measuring tubes 31, 32 in the inlet area, and the remaining two couplers couple the two measuring tubes 31, 32 in the outlet area.

[0055] The base module BM has a measuring system electronics ME and a housing 11 with at least one chamber 11* at least partially enclosed by a housing wall 11+. The measuring system electronics ME is arranged separately in a measuring system electronics housing. Alternatively, the housing can have a measuring system electronics chamber in which the measuring system electronics ME is arranged, separate from the chamber 11*. The measuring system electronics ME comprises electrical components (e.g., active components, passive components, discrete components, and integrated components) that are arranged on at least one printed circuit board and interact with one another in such a way that they are suitable for operating the base module BM. Furthermore, the measuring system electronics ME can comprise at least one microprocessor or microcontroller.

[0056] Within the chamber 11* there is at least one cylindrical and / or air-core coil excitation coil 12, which is at least indirectly mechanically connected to the housing wall 11+ and electrically connected to the measuring system electronics ME. The excitation coil 12 can be arranged in an opening in the housing wall 11+, as shown, or can be positioned separated from the chamber 11* by the housing wall 11+. Alternatively, the excitation coil 12 can also be placed on the front surface of the housing wall 11+ facing the chamber 11*. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the base module BM has one excitation coil 12 for each measuring tube 31, 32 (i.e., a total of two excitation coils), which are arranged opposite one another on an excitation coil axis, which itself runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chamber 11*.The measuring system electronics ME is configured to operate the at least one excitation coil 12 with an operating signal which is designed such that the at least one excitation coil 12 generates a time-varying magnetic field.

[0057] Furthermore, at least one sensor coil 14, 16, in particular a cylindrical one and / or designed as an air-core coil and / or structurally identical to the excitation coil 12, is arranged within the chamber 11* of the housing 11. This sensor coil is positioned, in particular, remote from the excitation coil 12 and is at least indirectly mechanically connected to the housing wall 11+, which is electrically connected to the measuring system electronics ME. The at least one sensor coil 14, 16 can be arranged, as shown, in an opening in the housing wall 11+, or can be positioned separated from the chamber 11* by the housing wall 11+. Alternatively, the at least one sensor coil 14, 16 can also be placed on the front surface of the housing wall 11+ facing the chamber 11*. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the base module BM has two sensor coils 14, 16 for each measuring tube 31, 32 (i.e., a total of four sensor coils).Two of the four sensor coils 14, 16 are arranged on one side of the chamber 11, opposite each other. The measuring system electronics ME is configured to read the voltages induced at the sensor coils 14, 16 and to determine a phase shift between the measurement signals provided at the individual sensor coils 14, 16.

[0058] The base module M1 is designed to accommodate the vibronic module VM or the measuring tube module, in particular in the chamber 11*, and to be mechanically connected thereto in a secure yet releasable manner, in particular to form a vibration-type measuring sensor or a vibronic measuring system and / or such that the vibronic module VM is locked in the base module BM or is immobile. For this purpose, the base module BM can have fastening means or a fastening device (not shown) - as disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2020 114 519 A1.The vibronic module VM is designed to be installed in the base module BM such that its excitation magnet 22 is placed within the chamber, yet is spaced apart from the housing wall 11+, in particular in a predetermined orientation and / or minimum distance from the excitation coil 12 and / or is held in the static installation position and / or such that an imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation magnet 22 and an imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation coil 12 are aligned with one another or extend parallel to one another.Furthermore, the vibronic module VM is configured to be installed in the base module BM such that its sensor magnet 24, 26 is placed within the chamber, yet is spaced from the housing wall 11+, in particular, namely in a predetermined orientation and / or minimum distance from the sensor coil 14, 16 and / or is held in the static installation position, and / or such that an imaginary longitudinal axis of the sensor magnet 24, 26 and an imaginary longitudinal axis of the sensor coil 14, 16 are aligned with one another or extend parallel to one another. Furthermore, an optical unit 181 is part of the base module BM. The optical unit 181 can have a camera for detecting a code and / or an infrared camera for determining a temperature of the vibronic module, in particular of the at least one measuring tube 31, 32. In this case, the code is arranged on the at least one measuring tube 31, 32.

[0059] The embodiment of Fig. 1 discloses a modular measuring system in which the vibronic module VM is inserted into and removed from the chamber 11* in a direction perpendicular to its own longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the housing 11 can also be designed such that the vibronic module VM is inserted into the chamber 11* in the direction of its own longitudinal axis. Such a solution is taught, for example, in DE 10 2020 133 851 A1.

[0060] Furthermore, the measuring tube module has an identifier ID, which is attached to the outer surface 31+ of the measuring tube 31. Alternatively, the identifier can also be arranged on the process connection (not shown, see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3). The identifier ID can be, for example, an optical identifier, e.g. a bar code or QR code. Alternatively, the identifier can also be a transmitter that is configured to send the stored data wirelessly, e.g. via Near Field Communication (NFC), to a receiver 120. Calibration data - such as a correction factor or a zero point - is stored in the identifier ID. Further information, such as the sensor number, can also be stored.

[0061] Fig. 2 shows a cross-section through a first embodiment of the process connection PA of the vibronic module according to the invention. To form the vibronic module, the process connection PA is mechanically connected to a measuring tube module (not shown, see Fig. 1). The connection can be a positive, non-positive and / or material connection. The measuring tube module itself has at least one measuring tube. In customer use, a hose system is attached to the process connection PA, in particular to the inlet area, through which the medium is introduced into the vibronic module. The process connection PA comprises an inlet channel 101 in the inlet area for introducing the medium into the at least one measuring tube. The inlet channel 101 is cylindrical in the inlet area with an imaginary longitudinal axis LA. From the inlet area, the medium is guided into the at least one measuring tube or a measuring tube channel of the at least one measuring tube.The process connection PA itself is designed such that the inlet channel 101 is exclusively curved in a first section TA1.

[0062] The process connection PA shown is designed such that it can be connected to a measuring tube module with a first measuring tube and a second measuring tube (measuring tubes not shown, see Fig. 1 reference numerals 31, 32). The inlet channel 101 divides in the first section TA1 into two transition channels, which transition into the first measuring tube and second measuring tube, respectively. The first measuring tube and the second measuring tube are curved and have a U- or V-shape. Furthermore, the outlet channel 102 divides in the second section TA2 into two transition channels, which also transition into the first measuring tube and second measuring tube, respectively. The outlet channel 102 itself is cylindrical in the outlet area. The imaginary longitudinal axis runs through the inlet channel 101 and through the outlet channel 102.The PA process connection is a distributor piece which is used to divide the medium to be fed into at least two measuring tubes.

[0063] The process connection PA shown has a first sensor S1 for determining a second measured variable of the medium, which is arranged in the first subsection TA1. This has the advantage that the medium impinges on the first sensor S1 head-on when it is guided through the inlet channel 101. Alternatively, the first sensor S1 can also be arranged in the second subsection TA2. In the illustrated embodiment, the process connection PA has a first opening 103 in the wall in the first subsection TA1, which connects the inlet channel 101 to a first cavity 105. The first sensor S1 is arranged in the cavity 105 itself. The first opening 103 is designed as a differential pressure channel and prevents the first sensor S1 from being damaged by pressure surges. Alternatively, further openings can be provided in the wall. The first sensor S1 itself can be integrally formed in the process connection PA, i.e.that the first sensor S1 is encapsulated with the material of the process connection PA during the manufacturing process of the process connection PA (e.g., by injection molding) and thus secured in the process connection PA. The first sensor S1 can also be enclosed by the wall of the process connection PA in such a way that only the measuring range of the first sensor S1 is exposed.

[0064] The first sensor S1 can be a pressure transducer for determining the absolute pressure in the medium, a temperature sensor for determining the medium temperature, a conductivity sensor for determining the electrical conductivity of the medium, a pH probe for determining the pH value of the medium, or a turbidity sensor for determining the turbidity of the medium. Such sensors are typically integrated into the hose system as separate sensors. Integrating the sensors into the process connection PA simplifies installation.

[0065] The process connection PA has a connection 110 for connecting the first sensor S1 to a measuring system electronics of the modular measuring system. The connection 110 can be part of the first sensor S1 or can be integrated separately in the process connection PA. The connection 110 can be integrated into the process connection body by integrating the connection 110 into the injection mold used to manufacture the process connection PA. By overmolding the connection 110 during the injection molding process, the connection is permanently connected to the process connection body. If the connection 110 is arranged separately from the first sensor S1, an electrical connection can be provided between the first sensor S1 and the connection 110. The connection 110 can, for example, be an I2C interface.

[0066] The illustrated embodiment shows a process connection PA that is constructed from multiple parts. The process connection comprises an inlet nozzle, an outlet nozzle, and a main body. A suitable variant of the process connection is disclosed in EP 4187210 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0067] Furthermore, the illustrated embodiment includes a support unit 120 that connects the first subsection TA1 to the second subsection TA2. The support unit 120 serves to compensate for excessive loads acting on one subsection by transferring the local force to the other subsection.

[0068] Fig. 3 shows a cross-section through a second embodiment of the process connection PA of the vibronic module according to the invention. To form the vibronic module, the process connection PA is mechanically connected to a measuring tube module (not shown, see Fig. 1). The connection can be a positive, non-positive and / or material connection. The measuring tube module itself has at least one measuring tube. In customer use, a hose system is attached to the process connection PA, in particular to the inlet area, through which the medium is introduced into the vibronic module. The process connection PA comprises an inlet channel 101 in the inlet area for introducing the medium into the at least one measuring tube. The inlet channel 101 is cylindrical in the inlet area with an imaginary longitudinal axis LA. From the inlet area, the medium is guided into the at least one measuring tube or a measuring tube channel of the at least one measuring tube.The process connection PA itself is designed such that the inlet channel 101 is exclusively curved in a first section TA1.

[0069] The process connection PA shown is designed such that it can be connected to a measuring tube module with a first measuring tube and a second measuring tube (measuring tubes not shown, see Fig. 1 reference numerals 31, 32). The inlet channel 101 divides in the first section TA1 into two transition channels, which transition into the first measuring tube and second measuring tube, respectively. The first measuring tube and the second measuring tube are curved and have a U- or V-shape. Furthermore, the outlet channel 102 divides in the second section TA2 into two transition channels, which also transition into the first measuring tube and second measuring tube, respectively. The outlet channel 102 itself is cylindrical in the outlet area. The imaginary longitudinal axis runs through the inlet channel 101 and through the outlet channel 102.The PA process connection is a distributor piece which is used to divide the medium to be fed into at least two measuring tubes.

[0070] The process connection PA shown has a first sensor S1 for determining a second measured variable of the medium, which is arranged in the first subsection TA1. This has the advantage that the medium impinges on the first sensor S1 head-on when it is guided through the inlet channel 101. Alternatively, the first sensor S1 can also be arranged in the second subsection TA2 - which is located in the outlet area. In the illustrated embodiment, the process connection PA has a first opening 103 in the wall in the first subsection TA1, which connects the inlet channel 101 via a first intermediate channel 111 to a first cavity 105 located in a first chamber 131. The first intermediate channel 111 is designed or constructed as a differential pressure channel. The chamber 131 is connected to the inlet channel wall via a first connecting neck 141. The first sensor S1 is arranged in the cavity 105 itself.The first opening 103 is designed as a differential pressure channel and prevents the first sensor S1 from being damaged in the event of pressure surges. Alternatively, further openings can be provided in the wall. The first sensor S1 itself can be integrally formed in the process connection PA, in particular in the first chamber 131, i.e. the first sensor S1 is cast in the material of the process connection PA during the manufacturing process of the process connection PA (e.g. by means of injection molding) and is thus fastened in the process connection PA, in particular in the chamber 131. The first sensor S1 can also be enclosed by the wall of the process connection PA in such a way that only a measuring range of the first sensor S1 is exposed.The first sensor S1 can be a pressure transducer for determining the absolute pressure in the medium, a temperature sensor for determining the medium temperature, a conductivity sensor for determining the electrical conductivity of the medium, a pH probe for determining the pH value of the medium, or a turbidity sensor for determining the turbidity of the medium. Such sensors are typically integrated into the hose system as separate sensors. Integrating the sensors into the process connection PA simplifies installation.

[0071] The illustrated embodiment shows a process connection PA that is constructed from multiple parts. The process connection comprises an inlet nozzle, an outlet nozzle, and a main body. A suitable variant of the process connection is disclosed in EP 4187210 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0072] Furthermore, the illustrated embodiment includes a support unit 120 that connects the first subsection TA1 to the second subsection TA2. The support unit 120 serves to compensate for excessive loads acting on one subsection by transferring the local force to the other subsection.

[0073] The process connection PA shown has, in addition to the inlet channel 101, an outlet channel 102 for discharging the measured medium from the at least one measuring tube 31, 32. This outlet channel has a second sub-section TA2 in which it is curved. A second sensor S2 is arranged in this second sub-section TA2. A second opening 104 is located in the outlet channel wall. This opens into a second intermediate channel 112 of a second connecting neck 142, which connects the outlet channel 102 to a second chamber 132, in which the second sensor S2 is arranged. The second intermediate channel 112 is designed or configured as a differential pressure channel. The second chamber 132 has a second cavity 106, to which the second sensor S2 is connected.

[0074] The first sensor S1 and / or the second sensor S2 are selected from the following list: a temperature sensor, a pressure transducer, a conductivity sensor, a pH probe, and / or a turbidity sensor. The first sensor S1 can be different from the second sensor S2. Both sensors S1, S2 can each have separate connections 110 or a common connection, with which they can be electrically connected to the measuring system electronics via an electrical connector or a signal cable. The connection 110 can be, for example, an I2C interface.

[0075] Alternatively, the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2 can each be a pressure transducer. Together, the pressure transducer of the first sensor S1 and the pressure transducer of the second sensor S2 can form a differential pressure transducer configured to determine a differential pressure between the pressure in the inlet channel and the outlet channel. The first connecting neck 141, the second connecting neck 142, the first chamber 131, the second chamber 132, and the two sensors S1, S2 act in such a way that a force acting on the section TA1 due to the flowing medium is absorbed by the arrangement, thus enabling more stable measurements. Thus, the above arrangement supports the support unit 120.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Vibronic module (VM) of a modular measuring system, in particular a modular Coriolis mass flow meter, for measuring a first measured variable of a fluid, comprising: - at least one measuring tube (31, 32) for guiding the measuring medium, - at least one, in particular cylindrical, excitation magnet (22) which is arranged on the measuring tube (31, 32) and is designed to cause the measuring tube (31, 32) to oscillate when it is exposed to a time-varying magnetic field of an excitation coil (12) of a base module (BM), - at least one, in particular cylindrical, sensor magnet (24) which is arranged on the measuring tube (31, 32), - a process connection (PA) which is connected to the at least one measuring tube (31, 32), wherein the process connection (PA) has an inlet channel (101) for introducing the measured substance into the at least one measuring tube (31, 32), wherein the process connection (PA) has a first section (TA1) in which the inlet channel (101) is exclusively curved, - a first sensor (S1) for determining a second measured variable of the measured substance, wherein the first sensor (S2) is arranged in the first subsection (TA1).

2. Vibronic module (VM) according to claim 1, wherein the process connection (PA) in the first section (TA1) has a first opening (103) which connects the inlet channel (101) to a first cavity (105), the first sensor (S1) being connected to the first cavity (105).

3. Vibronic module (VM) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the process connection (PA) has an outlet channel (102) for discharging the measured substance from the at least one measuring tube (31, 32), wherein the process connection (PA) has a second sub-section (TA2) in which the outlet channel (102) is curved, wherein a second sensor (S2) is arranged in the second sub-section (TA2).

4. Vibronic module (VM) according to claim 3, wherein the process connection (PA) in the second section (TA2) has a second opening (104) which connects the output channel (102) to a second cavity (106), the second sensor (S2) being connected to the second cavity (106).

5. Vibronic module (VM) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sensor (S1) and / or the second sensor (S2) is / are selected from the following list: - a temperature sensor, - a pressure transducer, - a conductivity sensor, - a pH probe, - a turbidity sensor.

6. Vibronic module (VM) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the second sensor (S2) is a pressure transducer, the pressure transducer of the first sensor (S1) and the pressure transducer of the second sensor (S2) together forming a differential pressure transducer.

7. Vibronic module (VM) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one measuring tube (31, 32) comprises a first measuring tube (31) and a second measuring tube (32), wherein the inlet channel (101) in the first section (TA1) is divided into two transition channels, which respectively merge into the first measuring tube (31) and second measuring tube (32) and / or wherein the outlet channel (102) in the second section (TA2) is divided into two transition channels, which respectively merge into the first measuring tube (31) and second measuring tube (32).

8. Vibronic module (VM) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - an identifier (ID), wherein calibration data for the first sensor (S1) and / or second sensor are stored in the identifier (ID).

9. Vibronic module (VM) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - a connection (110) for connecting the first sensor (S1) to a measuring system electronics (ME) of the modular measuring system, wherein the connection (110) is connected to the first sensor (S1) and / or second sensor (S2).

10. Modular measuring system, in particular a Coriolis mass flow meter, for measuring a measured variable of a fluid, comprising: - a vibronic module (VM) according to one of the preceding claims; and - a basic module (BM), which includes: - a measuring system electronics (ME); - a housing (11) with at least one chamber (11*) at least partially enclosed by a housing wall (11+), - at least one excitation coil (12), in particular placed within the chamber (11*) of the housing (11), in particular cylindrical and / or designed as an air coil, which is at least indirectly mechanically connected to the housing wall (11+) and electrically connected to the measuring system electronics (ME), and - at least one sensor coil (14), in particular placed within the chamber (11*) of the housing (11), in particular cylindrical and / or designed as an air coil and / or structurally identical to the excitation coil (12), which is positioned, in particular, remote from the excitation coil (12) and is at least indirectly mechanically connected to the housing wall (11+), which is electrically connected to the measuring system electronics (ME); wherein the base module (BM) is designed to receive the vibronic module (VM), in particular in the chamber (11*), and to be mechanically firmly but also detachably connected thereto, in particular to form a vibration-type measuring sensor or a vibronic measuring system and / or in such a way that the vibronic module (VM) is locked in the base module (BM).is not movable, wherein the vibronic module (VM) is designed to be installed in the base module (BM) in such a way that its excitation magnet (22) is placed within the chamber, but is nevertheless spaced from the housing wall (11 +), in particular in a predetermined position with regard to an alignment and / or a smallest distance from the excitation coil (12) and / or is held with the static installation position and / or in such a way that an imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation magnet and an imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation coil (12) are aligned with one another or run parallel to one another in an extension.

11. Modular measuring system according to claim 10, wherein the measuring system electronics (ME) is in electrical connection with the first sensor (S1) and / or second sensor (S2) via a connection (110) of the vibronic module (VM).

12. Modular measuring system according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising: - a detector for reading the identification factor of the vibronic module (VM).

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