Pressure measurement cell comprising an amorphous metal

Abstract

The invention relates to a pressure measurement cell (100) for determining a pressure of a medium (510). The pressure measurement cell comprises: a main body (110) having a diaphragm seal chamber (112) which is formed therein and which is at least partially filled with a diaphragm seal medium (113); and a diaphragm (120) which is arranged on the main body (110) on an outer side of the main body, wherein a first side (122) of the diaphragm (120) is designed to be in contact with the medium (510), and wherein a second side (124), which is located opposite the first side (122), faces the diaphragm seal chamber (112), with the result that a pressure exerted by the medium (510) on the diaphragm (120) is at least partially transmitted to the diaphragm seal medium (113) in the diaphragm seal chamber (112). The pressure measurement cell also comprises a sensor element (130), which is arranged at least partially in the diaphragm seal chamber, for determining the pressure of the medium (510) based on a determination of the pressure of the diaphragm seal medium (113) in the diaphragm seal chamber (112), wherein at least part of the main body (110) and / or at least part of the diaphragm (120) is made of amorphous metal.

Description

PRESSURE MEASURING CELL WITH AMORPHOUS METAL TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of industrial process measurement technology and / or process automation. In particular, the invention relates to a pressure measuring cell for determining the pressure of a medium, for example, in a vessel, pipe, container, tank, or the like. The pressure measuring cell is made at least partially of an amorphous metal. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Various sensors or field devices, such as pressure sensors or level gauges, are used in almost all areas of process measurement technology and / or process automation to determine a wide variety of process parameters and / or process variables. The term "process automation in industrial environments" can be understood as a branch of technology that includes measures for operating machines and systems without human intervention. One goal of process automation is to automate the interaction of individual components of a plant in the chemical, food, pharmaceutical, petroleum, paper, cement, shipping, mining, and other industries. A wide variety of sensors can be used for this purpose, each of which is specifically adapted to the specific requirements of the process industry, such as mechanical stability, resistance to contamination, extreme temperatures, and extreme pressures.

[0003] A distinction is regularly made between non-contact and contact measurement for sensors and field devices. With non-contact measurement, a process variable or process parameter is measured without contact and / or contact between the sensor and the medium. With contact measurement, however, the process variable is measured with contact between at least part of the sensor and the medium.

[0004] Pressure measuring cells, in particular, are at least partially in direct contact with the medium being measured and can therefore be directly exposed to the mechanical and / or chemical stresses of the medium. Depending on the process, the medium can be chemically aggressive and / or abrasive, which can increase wear on pressure measuring cells and reduce their service life.

[0005] To increase robustness, service life, and mechanical and chemical stability, pressure measuring cells are often made at least partially of a steel material, for example, a diaphragm and / or a steel base body, such as stainless steel. Despite the use of robust materials, sensor devices or pressure measuring cells can still malfunction, especially when used in environments or processes where the sensor devices are subject to mechanical and / or chemical stress.

[0006] Ceramic measuring cells are also frequently used. However, ceramic cells generally have significantly rougher surfaces than metallic cells, which can be disadvantageous in the food, pharmaceutical, and hygiene sectors, especially for food and / or hygiene applications. SUMMARY OF REVELATION

[0007] It may therefore be desirable to provide a pressure measuring cell with increased mechanical and / or chemical robustness, and therefore, for example, increased service life.

[0008] This is provided by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous further developments and exemplary embodiments are specified in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a pressure measuring cell for determining the pressure of a medium, for example in a vessel, pipe, container, silo, tank, dump, or the like. The pressure measuring cell comprises a base body, also referred to as a base, with a diaphragm seal chamber formed therein, which is at least partially filled with a diaphragm seal medium. Furthermore, the pressure measuring cell has a diaphragm which is arranged and / or fastened to an outer side of the base body, wherein a first side of the diaphragm is designed to be in contact with the medium, and wherein a second side, opposite the first side, faces the diaphragm seal chamber, such that a pressure exerted by the medium on the diaphragm is at least partially transferred to the diaphragm seal medium of the diaphragm seal chamber.Furthermore, the pressure measuring cell has a sensor element arranged at least partially in the diaphragm seal chamber for determining the pressure of the medium based on a determination of the pressure of the pressure medium in the diaphragm seal chamber. At least part of the base body and / or at least part of the membrane is made of amorphous metal and / or metallic glass.

[0010] Amorphous metals, also known as metallic glasses or non-crystalline metals, are metal alloys that exist in an amorphous state and are electrically conductive. Unlike conventional crystalline metals, in which the atoms are arranged in a regular lattice pattern, amorphous metals exhibit a disordered, glassy structure. This structure can arise, for example, from the rapid cooling of a molten metal alloy, which does not allow the atoms sufficient time to arrange themselves into an ordered crystal structure.

[0011] Due to their disordered structure, amorphous metals can exhibit greater hardness and strength than conventional metals. Furthermore, amorphous metals are characterized by improved elastic deformation. In particular, amorphous metals can deform more effectively under stress and then return to their original shape. Furthermore, the disordered structure of amorphous metals can lead to improved corrosion resistance, as there are no crystal boundaries that could be susceptible to corrosion. Furthermore, the tendency to crack formation in amorphous metals can be reduced, making them resistant to material fatigue.

[0012] Non-limiting, merely exemplary amorphous metals are zirconium-nickel-titanium-copper-beryllium alloys, iron-cobalt-silicon-boron alloys, palladium alloys and Magnesium-zinc-calcium alloys. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these amorphous metals.

[0013] Overall, amorphous metals therefore have better chemical and mechanical wear properties than conventional metals. Constructing at least part of the base body and / or the diaphragm of the pressure measuring cell from amorphous metal can therefore improve the mechanical stability, robustness, corrosion resistance, and service life of the pressure measuring cell.

[0014] If the diaphragm is constructed at least partially from amorphous metal, the improved deformation properties of amorphous metals can be utilized to increase measurement accuracy. In particular, the use of amorphous metal can provide better protection against environmental and media influences than with conventional metals. This can also allow the pressure measuring cell to be used in extremely aggressive and / or abrasive media and / or at higher pressures.

[0015] In the context of the present disclosure, the medium can be any desired medium, for example a liquid, fluid, at least partially gaseous, pasty, granular medium, or a combination thereof. The medium can also be a vaporous medium and / or a foam, thus a fluid that can be largely mixed with air. In particular, the medium can be a fluid, a liquid, or a bulk material. In the case of a bulk material, strong abrasive forces can sometimes act on the pressure measuring cell, which the pressure measuring cell can withstand due to the use of the amorphous metal. Liquids or gases, on the other hand, can sometimes contain aggressive chemicals that can attack the material of the pressure measuring cell. The pressure measuring cell according to the invention can also withstand such stresses well due to the use of the amorphous metal for at least part of the measuring part.

[0016] The medium can be arranged, for example, in a vessel, tank, pipe, line, hose, receptacle, container, pit, silo, stockpile, and / or storage facility. Likewise, the pressure measuring cell can also be arranged at least partially in the vessel, tank, pipe, line, hose, receptacle, container, pit, silo, stockpile, and / or storage facility.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the diaphragm is coated with an amorphous metal at least on the side facing the medium. In particular, the coating can follow a shape, geometry, and / or contour of the diaphragm, which can, for example, be wave-shaped on the side facing the medium. A coating can protect the diaphragm comprehensively, effectively, and cost-efficiently. For example, the pressure measuring cell can thus withstand increased process pressures and / or measure them more precisely. Furthermore, a coating can also be applied to existing pressure measuring cells.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the diaphragm is made entirely of amorphous metal. This allows for the increased hardness and improved deformation properties of amorphous metal compared to conventional metals. For example, the pressure measuring cell can withstand increased process pressures and / or measure them more precisely.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the base body is coated with the amorphous metal at least on one side facing the medium or is made of the amorphous metal. For example, the base body can be made at least partially, in particular entirely, of the amorphous metal. By using an amorphous metal, the corrosion and wear properties as well as the hardness of the base body can be significantly improved. Thus, the properties of a ceramic or glass can be achieved with a metallic material. For example, the pressure measuring cell can thus withstand increased process pressures.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the membrane and the base body are formed at least partially, in particular entirely, from amorphous metal. The membrane and the base body can be made of identical or different amorphous metals. When formed from identical amorphous metal, identical material properties can be ensured for the membrane and the base body, which can, for example, enable a more stable connection between the membrane and the base body.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the membrane is welded to the base body along an outer circumference. Optionally, the membrane can be attached to the base body with an adhesive containing amorphous metal. In other words, a weld seam can contain amorphous metal. This can ensure a stable and reliable connection between the membrane and the base body. Alternatively or additionally, the membrane made of an amorphous metal can be attached to the base body with an adhesive.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the pressure measuring cell further comprises a process connection, such as a flange or a screw thread, for attaching the pressure measuring cell, for example to a container, pipe, or the like, and a sealing region for sealing the process connection. The sealing region is at least partially formed from amorphous metal and / or is at least partially coated with amorphous metal. A coating and / or formation made of amorphous metal can thus be drawn over the media-contacting region of the sealing surface and / or the sealing region. As a result, only the coating or the amorphous metal can have contact with the medium to be measured, and the process connection and other components of the pressure measuring cell can be effectively protected against media influences.

[0023] The advantages of the present disclosure and exemplary embodiments are summarized below. The excellent corrosion and abrasion properties of metallic glasses or amorphous metals can be combined with the weldability of the metal alloys. The membrane and / or the base body can be made of an amorphous metal and / or metallic glass. Depending on the pressure to be measured, the membrane can be a thin disc. The base body, however, can be a solid component so that it can withstand the process pressures.

[0024] By using the same materials or amorphous metals for the diaphragm and the base body, the two components can also be weldable. Both the base body and the diaphragm can be in contact with the medium to be measured. By using amorphous metal, the components can exhibit very good abrasion properties, even when used in highly aggressive process conditions. The significantly increased hardness and strength compared to conventional steel are also advantageous.

[0025] For example, both the base body and the membrane can be made of one and / or the same amorphous metal. Both components can be welded together. By using an amorphous metal, the corrosion and wear properties, as well as the hardness, can be significantly improved. It is also possible to achieve the properties of a ceramic or glass with a metallic material. If the base body and membrane are made of the same material, it can be ensured that both components have identical material properties. This can have advantages when it comes to resistance to certain chemicals. This eliminates the possibility that one of the two components is resistant to a certain chemical while the other is not.

[0026] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to the use of a pressure measuring cell, which is at least partially formed from amorphous metal, for determining a pressure of a medium.

[0027] Any description described above and below with respect to one aspect of the present disclosure applies equally to all other aspects of the present disclosure.

[0028] In the following, embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the figures. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a pressure measuring cell according to an embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 2 shows pressure measuring cells according to an embodiment.

[0031] Similar, similarly acting, identical, or identically functioning elements are provided with similar or identical reference numerals in the figures. The figures are merely schematic and not to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Figure 1 shows a pressure measuring cell 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 shows the use of pressure measuring cells 100 according to Figure 1 for determining the pressure of a medium 510 in a container 500 and / or a pipeline 505.

[0033] By way of example, Figure 2 shows a pressure measuring cell 100 for measuring pressure in the pipeline 505 and another pressure measuring cell 100 for measuring pressure in the container 500. The pressure measuring cells 100 of Figures 1 and 2 can be designed identically, so that the following description applies equally to Figures 1 and 2.

[0034] The pressure measuring cell 100 has a base body 110 or base 110 with a diaphragm seal chamber 112 formed therein. The diaphragm seal chamber 112 can be formed approximately in a channel shape within the base body 110 and extend therethrough in the longitudinal direction. The diaphragm seal chamber 112 is at least partially filled with a diaphragm seal medium 113, for example, oil 113.

[0035] On an outer side, which is on an outer side 111 of the base body 110, for example a side of the base body 110 facing the medium 510, a membrane 120 is attached to the base body 110 arranged and / or attached to it. The membrane 120 defines the diaphragm seal chamber 112 on the outer side 11 of the base body.

[0036] A first side 122 of the membrane 120 is designed to be in contact with the medium 510. The first side 122 can thus designate an outer side of the membrane 120 and / or a side of the membrane 120 facing the medium. A second side 124 of the membrane 120, opposite the first side 122, faces the diaphragm seal chamber 112 and / or is at least partially in contact with the diaphragm seal medium 113, so that a pressure exerted by the medium 510 on the membrane 120 is at least partially transferred to the diaphragm seal medium 113 of the diaphragm seal chamber 112.

[0037] Furthermore, the pressure measuring cell 100 has a sensor element 130, which is arranged at least partially in the diaphragm seal chamber 112. For example, the sensor element 130 can be a piezo element. The sensor element 130 is configured to determine the pressure of the medium 510 based on a determination of the pressure of the pressure medium 113 in the diaphragm seal chamber 112.

[0038] For evaluation of the measurement signal of the sensor element 130 and actual pressure determination, the sensor element 130 can optionally be coupled to a sensor electronics 140.

[0039] To increase the service life and robustness of the pressure measuring cell 100, the diaphragm 120 and the base body 110 are made of amorphous metal. Alternatively, both or one component can be coated with amorphous metal.

[0040] In particular, the membrane 120 and the base body 110 can be made of identical amorphous metal alloys.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the membrane 120 can have a wave-shaped profile in cross-section and be substantially disc-shaped. An edge region 150 and / or outer peripheral region 150 of the membrane 130 can be welded to the base body 110. In other words, the membrane 120 can be welded to the base body 110 along an outer circumference. Optionally, the welded joint can also contain or consist of amorphous metal. In particular, identical amorphous metal can be used for the membrane 120, the base body 110, and the welded joint 150.

[0042] Additionally, it should be noted that the terms "comprising" and "having" do not exclude other elements, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features described with reference to one of the above embodiments can also be used in combination with other features of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

CLAIMS 1 . Pressure measuring cell (100) for determining a pressure of a medium (510), comprising: a base body (110) with a pressure transmitter chamber (112) formed therein, which is at least partially filled with a pressure transmitter medium (113); a membrane (120) which is arranged on an outer side of the base body on the base body (110), wherein a first side (122) of the membrane (120) is designed to be in contact with the medium (510), and wherein a second side (124), opposite the first side (122), faces the pressure transmitter chamber (112), so that a pressure exerted by the medium (510) on the membrane (120) is at least partially transferred to the pressure transmitter medium (113) of the pressure transmitter chamber (112); and a sensor element (130) arranged at least partially in the pressure medium chamber for determining the pressure of the medium (510) based on a determination of the pressure of the pressure medium (113) in the pressure medium chamber (112);and wherein at least a part of the base body (110) and / or at least a part of the membrane (120) is formed from amorphous metal.; 2. Pressure measuring cell (100) according to claim 1, wherein the membrane (120) is coated with an amorphous metal at least on the side facing the medium (510).

3. Pressure measuring cell (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the membrane (120) is made entirely of amorphous metal.

4. Pressure measuring cell (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (110) is coated with the amorphous metal or is made of the amorphous metal at least on one side facing the medium (510).

5. Pressure measuring cell (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (110) is made at least partially, in particular completely, from the amorphous metal.

6. Pressure measuring cell (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the membrane (120) and the base body (110) are at least partially formed from amorphous metal.

7. Pressure measuring cell (100) according to claim 6, wherein the membrane (120) and the base body (110) are formed from mutually identical amorphous metals.

8. Pressure measuring cell (100) according to claim 6, wherein the membrane (120) and the base body (110) are made of different amorphous made of metals.

9. Pressure measuring cell (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the membrane (120) is welded to the base body (110) along an outer circumference.

10. Pressure measuring cell (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the membrane (120) is attached to the base body (110) with an adhesive containing amorphous metal.

11. Use of a pressure measuring cell (100) which is at least partially made of amorphous metal for determining a pressure of a medium (510).

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