Vibronic module and coriolis mass flow meter

Abstract

The invention relates to a vibronic module (VM) of a modular measuring system, comprising: - a measuring tube module (MM) having a first and second measuring tube (31, 32); - an exciter magnet (22) on one of the at least two measuring tubes (31, 32), which is configured to cause the measuring tube module (MM) to oscillate when it is exposed to a time-varying magnetic field; - at least one sensor magnet (24) which is at least indirectly connected to one of the at least two measuring tubes (31, 32); - a process connection (PA), which is connected to the measuring tube module (MM), wherein the process connection (PA) comprises an inlet channel (101) for introducing the medium to be measured into the first measuring tube (31), an intermediate channel (103) that connects an outlet (A1) of the first measuring tube (31) to an inlet (E2) of the second measuring tube (32), and an outlet channel (102) for discharging the medium from the vibronic module (VM), wherein the process connection (PA) is formed in several parts and comprises an inlet part (ET) and a main part (HT), wherein the main part (HT) has a first recess (HV1), which together with a first recess (EV1) of the inlet part (ET) forms a partial section of the inlet channel (101), wherein the main part (MT) has a second recess (HV2), which together with a second recess (EV2) of the inlet part (ET) forms a partial section of the intermediate channel (103).

Description

[0001] Vibronics module and Coriolis mass flow meter

[0002] The invention relates to a vibronic module of a modular measuring system, in particular a modular Coriolis mass flow meter, for measuring a measured variable of a fluid medium and two modular measuring systems, in particular Coriolis mass flow meters, for measuring a measured variable of a fluid medium.

[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, and that it can be removed from the base module non-destructively, if necessary even without tools, in particular from outside the housing and / or through the (sliding) opening in 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 medium flowing through it 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-measured value characteristic function set up accordingly in the measuring system electronics. Furthermore, further derived measured variables, such as the Reynolds number, can be easily determined from the aforementioned flow and / or material parameters using such vibronic measuring systems. To simplify the commissioning of a measuring system formed in this way, the vibronic module can furthermore have at least oneidentifying information-bearing identification element, for example a barcode, QR code or radio label (RFID TAG) attached to at least one pipe, and / or the base module can have 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.

[0007] Coriolis mass flow meters with two measuring tubes are known, which have an intermediate channel that connects the outlet of the first measuring tube with the inlet of the second measuring tube.

[0008] The invention is based on the object of providing an alternative solution.

[0009] The object is achieved by the vibronic module according to claim 1, the modular measuring system according to claim 10 and the Coriolis mass flow meter according to claim 11.

[0010] The vibronic module according to the invention of a modular measuring system, in particular a modular Coriolis mass flow meter, for measuring a measured variable of a fluid medium, comprising:

[0011] - a measuring tube module with at least two measuring tubes for guiding the measuring substance, wherein the at least two measuring tubes comprise a first measuring tube and a second measuring tube;

[0012] - at least one, in particular cylindrical, excitation magnet, which is connected to one of the at least two measuring tubes and is designed to cause the measuring tube module to oscillate when it is exposed to a time-varying magnetic field of an excitation coil, in particular of a base module,

[0013] - at least one, in particular cylindrical, sensor magnet, which is at least indirectly connected to one of the at least two measuring tubes,

[0014] - a process connection which is connected to the measuring tube module, wherein the process connection has an inlet channel for introducing the measuring substance into the first measuring tube, wherein the inlet channel is connected to an inlet of the first measuring tube, wherein the process connection has an intermediate channel which connects an outlet of the first measuring tube to an inlet of the second measuring tube.wherein the process connection comprises an outlet channel for discharging the measuring substance from the vibronic module, wherein the outlet channel is connected to an outlet of the second measuring tube, wherein the process connection is designed in several parts and comprises at least one inlet part and a main part, wherein the main part has a first recess which together with a first recess of the inlet part forms a partial section of the inlet channel, wherein the main part has a second recess which together with a second recess of the inlet part forms a partial section of the intermediate channel.

[0015] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0016] One embodiment provides that a labyrinth seal is located between the first recess and the second recess of the main part and / or the inlet part.

[0017] One embodiment provides that the labyrinth seal comprises at least one recess which is arranged in the inlet part and / or the main part.

[0018] One embodiment provides that the labyrinth seal comprises at least one elevation which is arranged in the inlet part and / or the main part.

[0019] One embodiment provides that the at least one elevation extends into the at least one depression.

[0020] One embodiment provides that the labyrinth seal is designed and configured to increase a pressure loss of a leakage current from the inlet channel to the intermediate channel when the measuring medium is guided.

[0021] One embodiment provides that at least in sections there is a gap between the main part and the inlet part.

[0022] One embodiment provides that the gap has a gap dimension of at least 0.05 millimeters and a maximum of 0.3 millimeters, in particular at least 0.1 millimeters and a maximum of 0.2 millimeters.

[0023] One embodiment provides that a volume defined by the main part and the inlet part is free of a separate seal or a separate sealing element. The modular measuring system according to the invention, in particular a Coriolis mass flow meter, for measuring a measured variable of a fluid, comprises:

[0024] - a vibronic module according to the invention; and

[0025] - a basic module which includes:

[0026] - a measuring system electronics;

[0027] - a housing with at least one chamber at least partially enclosed by a housing wall,

[0028] - 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

[0029] - 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 (ME); wherein the base module is designed to accommodate the vibronic module, in particular in the chamber, 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 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.

[0030] The Coriolis mass flow meter according to the invention for measuring a measured variable of a fluid medium, comprising:

[0031] - a basic module which includes:

[0032] - a measuring system electronics; - a housing with at least one chamber at least partially enclosed by a housing wall,

[0033] - a vibronic module according to the invention, wherein at least one excitation coil, in particular a cylindrical coil and / or an air-core coil, is at least indirectly connected to one of the at least two measuring tubes and is connected to the measuring system electronics, wherein a sensor coil, in particular a cylindrical coil and / or an air-core coil and / or structurally identical to the excitation coil, is at least indirectly connected to one of the at least two measuring tubes, in particular positioned remotely from the excitation coil, and is electrically connected to the measuring system electronics; and wherein the base module is configured to receive the vibronic module, in particular in the chamber, and thus mechanically fixed, in particular materially bonded, namely forming 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 or is immobile.

[0034] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. They show:

[0035] Fig. 1: a perspective view of an embodiment of the vibronic module according to the invention;

[0036] Fig. 2: a longitudinal section through the main part;

[0037] Fig. 3a: a front view of the main part;

[0038] Fig. 3b: a perspective view of an inlet or outlet part; and

[0039] Fig. 4: a perspective view of a measuring tube module and a base module.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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 understood as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the vibronic module VM according to the invention of a modular measuring system, in particular a modular Coriolis mass flow meter, for measuring a measured variable of a fluid. The vibronic module VM comprises a measuring tube module MM with at least two measuring tubes 31, 32 for conveying the fluid and a process connection PA connected to the measuring tube module MM.

[0046] The at least two measuring tubes 31, 32 comprise a first measuring tube 31 and a second measuring tube 32. These can be made of metal or be made of plastic or glass. At least one, in particular cylindrical, excitation magnet 22 is arranged on each of the at least two measuring tubes 31, 32. This is designed to cause the measuring tube module MM to oscillate when it is exposed to a time-varying magnetic field of an excitation coil, in particular of a base module. Furthermore, at least one, in particular cylindrical, sensor magnet 24 is arranged on the at least two measuring tubes 31, 32. In the embodiment shown, each measuring tube 31, 32 of the measuring tube module MM has two sensor magnets 24, 26 arranged opposite one another. The excitation magnet 22 is arranged such that it is located between the two sensor magnets 24, 26 in the flow direction of the measured substance.

[0047] The vibronic module VM is connected to a hose system or a pipeline via the process connection PA. The medium to be measured is introduced into the first measuring tube 31 via an inlet channel 101 for guiding the medium to be measured. For this purpose, the inlet channel 101 is connected to an inlet (see Fig. 4) of the first measuring tube 31. The inlet channel 101 itself is integrally formed in the process connection PA. The process connection PA can be made of a plastic. A suitable manufacturing process would be an injection molding process or a 3D printing process. The process connection PA can be positively and / or non-positively connected to the measuring tube module MM, in particular to the connecting element 15. The connecting element 15 shown is a plate with four openings through which the inlets and outlets of the measuring tubes 31, 32 extend.

[0048] The medium is discharged from the second measuring tube 32 via an outlet channel 102 for conveying the medium. For this purpose, the outlet channel 102 is connected to the outlet (see Fig. 4) of the second measuring tube 32. The outlet channel 102 itself is integrally formed in the process connection PA.

[0049] According to the invention, the process connection PA has an intermediate channel 103 for guiding the measured medium, which connects an outlet of the first measuring tube 31 with an inlet of the second measuring tube 32. The intermediate channel 103 is integrally formed in the process connection PA. The intermediate channel 103 ensures that the measured medium always flows through both measuring tubes 31, 32.

[0050] According to the invention, the process connection PA is designed in several parts and comprises at least one inlet part ET and one main part HT. The inlet part ET and the main part HT are connected to each other, in particular by a material bond. The material bond can be achieved, for example, by ultrasonic welding.

[0051] Fig. 2, Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b show details of the process connection PA of Fig. 1 .

[0052] Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal section through the main part HT of the process connection PA of Fig. 1 . The inlet part and the outlet part are not shown. The focus is on the intermediate channel 103, which connects an outlet of the first measuring tube with an inlet of the second measuring tube when the process connection PA is coupled to the measuring tube module MM. The intermediate channel 103 serves to guide the medium leaving the outlet of the first measuring tube into the inlet of the second measuring tube. The intermediate channel 103 is integrated in the process connection PA and the wall which encloses the intermediate channel 103 in the radial direction is monolithically connected to the rest of the main part HT, i.e. the main part is monolithic. Fig. 3a shows a front view of the main part HT of the process connection in Fig. 1 . The inlet part ET and outlet part AT are not connected to the main part. Fig.Figure 3b shows a perspective view of an inlet or outlet part ET, AT. As in the embodiment of Figure 1, the inlet part ET can be designed identically to the outlet part AT. This simplifies assembly and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0053] The main part HT has a first recess HV1, which together with a first recess EV1 of the inlet part (ET, see Fig. 3b) forms a partial section of the inlet channel 101. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the inlet channel 101 initially runs in a straight line. Then there is a bend in the inlet channel in a plane, so that the flow direction points towards the inlet of the first measuring tube 31. Alternatively, the first recess HV1 in conjunction with a first recess EV1 of the outlet part (AT, see Fig. 3b) can form a partial section of the outlet channel 102. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the outlet channel 102 runs in a straight line from the outlet of the second measuring tube 32 up to the point at which the channel axis bends by approximately 90° essentially in a plane. After that, the channel axis bends again by approximately 90° perpendicular to the previous flow direction. Towards the end, the output channel 102 runs straight again.

[0054] The main part HT has a second recess HV2, which together with a second recess EV2 of the inlet part ET or the outlet part AT forms a partial section of the intermediate channel 103.

[0055] A labyrinth seal LD ​​is located between the first recess HV1, EV1 and the second recess HV2, EV2 of the main part HT and / or the inlet part ET. The sealing effect is based on the extension of the flow path of the measured medium through the gap to be sealed, whereby the flow resistance is increased. The extension of the flow path can be achieved by interlocking or intermeshing of shaped elements of the main part HT and the inlet part ET or AT, whereby a space volume delimited by the main part HT and the inlet part ET is free of a separate seal or a separate sealing element. This means that no further sealing element for the labyrinth seal is provided between the main part HT and the inlet part ET or the outlet part AT.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the labyrinth seal LD ​​comprises at least one recess 201, 202, in particular two recesses 201, 202, which are arranged in the inlet part ET and / or the main part HT. The at least one recess 201, 202 has a rectangular cross-section. At the same time, the labyrinth seal LD ​​comprises at least one elevation 203, 204, in particular two elevations 203, 204, which are arranged in the inlet part ET and / or the main part HT. The at least one elevation 203, 204 has a rectangular cross-section that is complementary to the at least one recess 201, 202. If the main part HT and the inlet part ET or outlet part AT are connected to one another, the at least one elevation 203, 204 extends in the at least one recess 201, 202, in particular the elevation 203 extends in the recess 201 and the elevation 204 extends in the recess 202.The dimensioning of the labyrinth seal LD, in particular of the flow path formed after the connection of the main part HT and the inlet part ET or the outlet part AT, is designed and configured to increase a pressure loss of a leakage current from the inlet channel 101 to the intermediate channel 103 or from the intermediate channel 103 to the outlet channel 102 when the measured medium is guided.

[0057] If the main part HT and the inlet part ET or the outlet part AT are connected, a gap forms between the main part HT and the inlet part ET or the outlet part AT, at least in some sections, due to tolerances. The gap can have a minimum gap size of 0.05 millimeters and a maximum of 0.3 millimeters, in particular a minimum gap size of 0.1 millimeters and a maximum of 0.2 millimeters.

[0058] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a measuring tube module MM and a base module BM. No process connection is connected to the measuring tube module MM. 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. 4, 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 take on the shape of a U or a V. Both measuring tubes 31, 32 each have an inlet E1, E2 and an outlet A1, A2. The inlets E1, E2 are arranged directly next to one another. The outlets A1, A2 are also arranged directly next to one another.

[0059] 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. 4, 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. 4, 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, for example, be a magnetic cup 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 medium in 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 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.

[0060] The vibronic module VM shown has no coils, i.e., neither the excitation coil nor the sensor coil are part of the vibronic module VM. Thus, the vibronic module VM also has no electrical conductors (e.g., cables) that 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 vibronic module VM also has no electrical conductors (e.g., cables) that would otherwise be necessary to electrically connect the temperature sensor to the measuring system electronics ME.

[0061] 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. 4, 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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. 4, 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.

[0064] 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. 4, 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The embodiment of Fig. 4 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.

[0067] Alternatively (not shown), the vibronic module according to the invention can also be integrally connected (e.g., by soldering or welding) to the base module BM, and the resulting modular measuring system can be configured as a non-disposable solution with a replaceable vibronic module. Alternatively to the illustrated configuration, the excitation coil can also be arranged on the measuring tube module MM or on one of the two measuring tubes 31, 32. Furthermore, at least one sensor coil, in particular two sensor coils, can also be part of the measuring tube module MM.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Vibronic module (VM) of a modular measuring system, in particular a modular Coriolis mass flow meter, for measuring a measured variable of a fluid, comprising: - a measuring tube module (MM) with at least two measuring tubes (31, 32) for guiding the measuring substance, wherein the at least two measuring tubes (31, 32) comprise a first measuring tube (31) and a second measuring tube (32); - at least one, in particular cylindrical, excitation magnet (22) which is connected to one of the at least two measuring tubes (31, 32) and is designed to cause the measuring tube module (MM) to oscillate when it is exposed to a time-varying magnetic field of an excitation coil (12), in particular of a base module (BM), - at least one, in particular cylindrical, sensor magnet (24) which is at least indirectly connected to one of the at least two measuring tubes (31, 32), - a process connection (PA) which is connected to the measuring tube module (MM), wherein the process connection (PA) has an inlet channel (101) for introducing the measuring substance into the first measuring tube (31), wherein the inlet channel (101) is connected to an inlet (E1) of the first measuring tube (31), wherein the process connection (PA) has an intermediate channel (103) which connects an outlet (A1) of the first measuring tube (31) to an inlet (E2) of the second measuring tube (32).wherein the process connection (PA) comprises an outlet channel (102) for discharging the measured substance from the vibronic module (VM), wherein the outlet channel (102) is connected to an outlet (A2) of the second measuring tube (32), wherein the process connection (PA) is designed in several parts and comprises at least one inlet part (ET) and a main part (HT), wherein the main part (HT) has a first recess (HV1) which, together with a first recess (EV1) of the inlet part (ET), forms a partial section of the inlet channel (101), wherein the main part (HT) has a second recess (HV2) which, together with a second recess (EV2) of the inlet part (ET), forms a partial section of the intermediate channel (103).

2. Vibronic module (VM) according to claim 1, wherein a labyrinth seal (LD) is located between the first recess (HV1, EV1) and the second recess (HV2, EV2) of the main part (HT) and / or the inlet part (ET).

3. Vibronic module (VM) according to claim 2, wherein the labyrinth seal (LD) comprises at least one recess (201, 202) which is arranged in the inlet part (ET) and / or the main part (HT).

4. Vibronic module (VM) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the labyrinth seal (LD) comprises at least one elevation (203, 204) which is arranged in the inlet part (ET) and / or the main part (HT).

5. Vibronic module (VM) according to claim 3 and 4, wherein the at least one elevation (203, 204) extends in the at least one depression (201, 202).

6. Vibronic module (VM) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the labyrinth seal (LD) is designed and configured to increase a pressure loss of a leakage current from the inlet channel (101) to the intermediate channel (103) when the measuring medium is guided.

7. Vibronic module (VM) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least in sections there is a gap between the main part (HT) and the inlet part (ET).

8. Vibronic module (VM) according to claim 7, wherein the gap has a gap dimension of at least 0.05 millimeters and a maximum of 0.3 millimeters, in particular at least 0.1 millimeters and a maximum of 0.2 millimeters.

9. Vibronic module (VM) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein a space volume delimited by the main part (HT) and the inlet part (ET) is free of a separate seal or a separate sealing element.

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), which is placed in particular within the chamber (11*) of the housing (11), in particular cylindrical and / or designed as an air-core 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 accommodate the vibronic module (VM), in particular in the chamber (11*), 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 (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 orientation 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. Coriolis mass flow meter for measuring a measured variable of a fluid, comprising: - 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+), - a vibronic module (VM) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one excitation coil (12), in particular a cylindrical coil and / or an air-core coil, is provided, which is at least indirectly connected to one of the at least two measuring tubes (31, 32) and is connected to the measuring system electronics (ME), wherein a sensor coil (14), in particular a cylindrical coil and / or an air-core coil and / or of identical construction to the excitation coil (12), which is positioned in particular remote from the excitation coil (12), is at least indirectly connected to one of the at least two measuring tubes (31, 32) and is electrically connected to the measuring system electronics (ME); and wherein the base module (BM) is designed to receive the vibronic module (VM), in particular in the chamber (11*), and thus to mechanically firmly, in particular materially, namely forming a measuring sensor of the vibration type ora vibronic measuring system and / or such that the vibronic module (VM) is locked in the base module (BM) or is not movable.

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