Vibronic module of a modular measuring system, and modular measuring system

Abstract

The invention relates to a vibronic module (VM) of a modular measuring system, in particular a modular Coriolis mass flow meter, for measuring a first measurement variable of a fluid substance to be measured, comprising: - a measuring tube module (MM) having at least one metal measuring tube (31, 32), in particular at least one measuring tube (31, 32) made of a 1.4435 or 1.4404 (AISI 316L) stainless steel, for guiding the substance to be measured, - at least one exciter magnet (22), in particular at least one cylindrical exciter magnet, which is connected to the at least one measuring tube (31) and is designed to cause the measuring tube module (MM) to vibrate when the measuring tube module is exposed to a magnetic field of an exciter coil (12), in particular of a base module (BM), said magnetic field being variable over time, - at least one sensor magnet (24), in particular at least one cylindrical sensor magnet, which is at least indirectly connected to the at least one measuring tube (31), and - a process connection (PA) comprising a process connection body (PAK) which is connected to the measuring tube module (MM), said process connection body (PAK) comprising a plastic.

Description

[0001] Vibronic module of a modular measuring system 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 measured variable of a fluid medium and a modular measuring system, in particular a Coriolis mass flow meter, for measuring a measured variable of a fluid medium.

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

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

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

[0006] DE 10 2019 135 303 A1 teaches a sensor for a Coriolis mass flow meter that has a process connection made of a plastic, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), polyethersulfone (PESU), polysulfone (PSU), or polyarylamide (PARA). A disadvantage of this is that gamma sterilization of these polymers can release chlorine (present in the plastic as a substituent or as a byproduct during production), which deposits on the measuring tube.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of providing a remedy.

[0008] The object is achieved by the vibronic module of a modular measuring system according to claim 1 and the modular measuring system according to claim 12.

[0009] 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, comprises:

[0010] - a measuring tube module with at least one metallic measuring tube, in particular with at least one measuring tube made of 1.4435 or 1.4404 (AISI 316L) stainless steel for guiding the measuring medium,

[0011] - at least one, in particular cylindrical, excitation magnet, which is connected to the at least one measuring tube 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,

[0012] - at least one, in particular cylindrical, sensor magnet, which is at least indirectly connected to the at least one measuring tube,

[0013] - a process connection with a process connection body which is at least indirectly connected to the measuring tube module, wherein the process connection body comprises a plastic.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0015] One embodiment provides that the process connection body comprises an aromatic polycarbonate, in particular a bisphenol A polycarbonate.

[0016] One embodiment provides that the process connection body is formed entirely from a bisphenol A polycarbonate, in particular from a Makrolon® Rx1805.

[0017] One embodiment provides that the polycarbonate contains Makrolon® Rx1805, Makrolon® Rx3440, Makrolon® Rx2235, Makrolon® 2458, Makrolon® Rx2530, Bayblend® M850XF and / or Apec® 1745.

[0018] One embodiment provides that the process connection body is free of chemically and / or physically bound chlorine. One embodiment provides that chlorine is chemically and / or physically bound in the plastic.

[0019] One embodiment provides that the process connection body comprises an aryl-SO2-aryl subunit, in particular of a polysulfone, a polyethersulfone, or a polyphenylsulfone. One embodiment provides that the process connection comprises a protective layer applied to the process connection body and configured to reduce the release of chlorine from the process connection body.

[0020] One embodiment provides that the measuring tube module comprises a protective layer which is applied to the at least one measuring tube and is designed to protect the at least one measuring tube from contact with chlorine.

[0021] One embodiment provides that the protective layer comprises a parylene, in particular a parylene C.

[0022] One design provides that the vibronic module meets the requirements of ISO 10993-1 (2018) and / or USP <88> Class VI fulfilled.

[0023] 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:

[0024] - an ibronik 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; 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.

[0030] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. They show:

[0031] Fig. 1 : a cross-section through an embodiment of a vibronic module of a modular measuring system;

[0032] Fig. 2 : a partially sectioned view of an embodiment of a modular measuring system; and

[0033] Fig. 3a, b: each a partial view of an embodiment of the vibronic module.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a configuration of a vibronic module VM of a modular measuring system, in particular a modular Coriolis mass flow meter, for measuring a measured variable of a fluid. The term "modular" in the context of the invention refers to a structure consisting of several specific functional components, some of which can be disassembled, but not necessarily.

[0035] The vibronic module VM comprises a measuring tube module MM with at least one metallic measuring tube 31 for conveying the medium to be measured. The at least one measuring tube 31 can be, for example, a measuring tube 31 made of 1.4435 or 1.4404 (AISI 316L) stainless steel. Additional metallic components, such as couplers 6 or a connecting plate 7, can be attached to the at least one measuring tube 31. These components establish mechanical contact between the vibronic module VM and a base module (BM, see Fig. 2) in its final assembly state. Thus, the vibronic module VM can rest with the connecting plate 7 on a support surface of the base module, specifically the housing of the base module.

[0036] The vibronic module VM further comprises at least one, in particular cylindrical, excitation magnet 22, which is at least indirectly connected to the at least one measuring tube 31 and is configured to cause the measuring tube module MM to vibrate when it is exposed to a time-varying magnetic field of an excitation coil (12, see Fig. 2), in particular of a base module (BM, see Fig. 2). The excitation magnet can be arranged in a magnetic cup, which in turn is integrally connected to the outer surface of the at least one measuring tube 31.

[0037] The vibronic module VM further comprises at least one, in particular cylindrical, sensor magnet 24, which is at least indirectly connected to the at least one measuring tube 31. The vibronic module VM of the illustrated embodiment comprises two sensor magnets 24, 25, which are arranged offset in the flow direction of the measured substance in the measuring tube.

[0038] The vibronic module VM further comprises a process connection PA with a process connection body PAK, which is connected to the measuring tube module MM and is designed to connect the measuring tube module MM to a process line (e.g. a hose system).

[0039] According to the invention, the process connection body PAK is formed at least in sections, and preferably completely, from a plastic, while the at least one measuring tube 31 is formed from metal.

[0040] The process connection body PAK can comprise an aromatic polycarbonate, in particular a bisphenol A polycarbonate and preferably a Makrolon® Rx1805 (ISO molding compound designation: ISO 7391-PC,M,(,,)-09-9), or even be formed entirely from a bisphenol A polycarbonate, in particular from a Makrolon® Rx1805 (ISO molding compound designation: ISO 7391-PC,M,(,,)-09-9). Makrolon® Rx1805 is a trademark for a polycarbonate from Covestro AG, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Allee 60, 51373 Leverkusen, Germany (September 13, 2021).

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, the plastic can contain Makrolon® Rx3440. Makrolon® Rx3440 is a trademark for a polycarbonate manufactured by Covestro AG, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Allee 60, 51373 Leverkusen, Germany (February 16, 2023).

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the plastic can contain Makrolon® Rx2235. Makrolon® Rx2235 is a trademark for a polycarbonate manufactured by Covestro AG, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Allee 60, 51373 Leverkusen, Germany (September 13, 2021).

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, the plastic can contain Makrolon® Rx2530 (ISO 7391-PC,MR,(,,)-18-9). Makrolon® Rx2530 is a trademark for a polycarbonate manufactured by Covestro AG, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Allee 60, 51373 Leverkusen, Germany (February 9, 2022).

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, the plastic may contain Makrolon® 2458 (ISO 7391-PC,MR,(,,)-18-9). Makrolon® Rx2458 is a brand name for a polycarbonate from Covestro AG, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Allee 60, 51373 Leverkusen, Germany (February 9, 2022). Alternatively or additionally, the plastic may contain Bayblend® M850XF. Bayblend® M850XF is a blend of a polycarbonate with an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer from Covestro AG, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Allee 60, 51373 Leverkusen, Germany (December 14, 2022).

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, the plastic may contain Apec® 1745. Apec® 1745 is a trademark for a polycarbonate manufactured by Covestro AG, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Allee 60, 51373 Leverkusen, Germany (November 18, 2022).

[0046] The PAK process connection body can be free of chemically and / or physically bound chlorine. To achieve this, it must be ensured that the polymer used does not contain chlorine substituents or that no chlorine is used in the polymer's production.

[0047] Alternatively, chlorine can be chemically and / or physically bound in the plastic. The chlorine can be organic or inorganic. Physically bound chlorine, as defined by the invention, is organic or inorganic chlorine that is held in place in the polymer matrix.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the process connection body PAK may comprise an aryl-SO2-aryl subunit, in particular of a polysulfone, a polyethersulfone or a polyphenylsulfone.

[0049] If chlorine is present in the PAK process connection body, it is advantageous if a protective layer (SS1, see Fig. 3a) is applied at least partially to the outer surface MF1 of the PAK process connection body. The protective layer SS1 is designed to reduce the release of chlorine (e.g., during gamma sterilization) from the PAK process connection body. This prevents the chlorine from depositing on an inner and / or outer surface of the at least one measuring tube 31.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, the measuring tube module MM may comprise a protective layer (SS2, see Fig. 3b) which is applied to the at least one measuring tube 31 and is designed to protect the at least one measuring tube 31 from chlorine.

[0051] The protective layer S1 or the protective layer S2 can be a parylene layer, in particular a parylene C layer, which is produced, for example, by a vapor deposition process.

[0052] The vibronic module VM can meet requirements according to ISO 10993-1 from 2018 and / or USP <88> Class VI, thus being suitable for biomedical applications. Fig. 2 shows a design of a modular measuring system (MMS), in particular a Coriolis mass flow meter, for measuring a measured variable of a fluid.

[0053] The modular measuring system MMS comprises a base module BM, which 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+.

[0054] Furthermore, the base module BM comprises at least one excitation coil 12, which is placed in particular 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.

[0055] Furthermore, the base module BM comprises 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 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.

[0056] The base module BM is designed to accommodate a vibronic module VM (see also Fig. 1), particularly in the chamber 11*, and to be mechanically connected to it in a secure yet releasable manner, particularly 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 a fastening device BV, via which a detachable positive and / or non-positive connection can be created between the base module BM and the vibronic module VM.

[0057] The vibronic module VM, on the other hand, is designed to be installed in the base module BM in such a way that its excitation magnet 22 is placed within the chamber 11*, but is nevertheless spaced from the housing wall 11+, in particular in a predetermined 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 extend parallel to one another.

[0058] According to the illustrated embodiment, the measuring tube module MM has two measuring tubes 31, 32 running essentially parallel to one another. These are referred to below as the first measuring tube 31 and a second measuring tube 32. The first measuring tube 31 and the second measuring tube 32 are curved. Alternatively, they can also be completely straight. Furthermore, the first measuring tube 31 and the second measuring tube 32 are connected to one another via—in this specific case—six couplers 6 and a connecting plate 7.

[0059] The process connection PA is designed as a distributor piece VS, which is configured to divide an inlet channel EK or an outlet channel AK into respective inlets or outlets of the first and second measuring tubes 31, 32. During operation of the modular measuring system MMS, the medium is guided from the process line into the inlet channel and from there distributed to the first and second measuring tubes 31, 32.

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 one metallic measuring tube (31, 32), in particular with at least one measuring tube (31, 32) made of 1.4435 or 1.4404 (AISI 316L) stainless steel for guiding the measuring medium, - at least one, in particular cylindrical, excitation magnet (22) which is connected to the at least one measuring tube (31) 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 the at least one measuring tube (31), - a process connection (PA) with a process connection body (PAK) which is at least indirectly connected to the measuring tube module (MM), wherein the process connection body (PAK) comprises a plastic.

2. Vibronic module (VM) according to claim 1, wherein the process connection body (PAK) comprises an aromatic polycarbonate, in particular a bisphenol A polycarbonate.

3. Vibronic module (VM) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the process connection body (PAK) is formed entirely from a bisphenol A polycarbonate, in particular from a Makrolon® Rx1805.

4. Vibronic module (VM) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the polycarbonate contains Makrolon® Rx1805, Makrolon® Rx3440, Makrolon® Rx2235, Makrolon® 2458, Makrolon® Rx2530, Bayblend® M850XF and / or Apec® 1745.

5. Vibronic module (VM) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the process connection body (PAK) is free of chemically and / or physically bound chlorine.

6. Vibronic module (VM) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein chlorine is chemically and / or physically bound in the plastic.

7. Vibronic module (VM) according to claim 6, wherein the process connection body (PAK) comprises an aryl-SO2-aryl subunit, in particular a polysulfone, a polyethersulfone or a polyphenylsulfone.

8. Vibronic module (VM) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the process connection (PA) comprises a protective layer (SS1) which is applied to the process connection body (PAK) and which is designed to reduce the release of chlorine from the process connection body (PAK).

9. Vibronic module (VM) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the measuring tube module (MM) comprises a protective layer (SS2) which is applied to the at least one measuring tube (31, 32) and is designed to protect the at least one measuring tube (31, 32) from contact with chlorine.

10. Vibronic module (VM) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the protective layer (S1, S2) comprises a parylene, in particular a parylene C.

11. Vibronic module (VM) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vibronic module (VM) meets the requirements of ISO 10993-1 (2018) and / or USP <88> Class VI fulfilled.

12. 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), particularly located within the chamber (11*) of the housing (11), particularly cylindrical and / or designed as an air-core coil and / or structurally identical to the excitation coil (12), which is particularly positioned remotely from the excitation coil (12) and 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 configured to accommodate the vibronic module (VM), particularly in the chamber (11*), and to be mechanically firmly yet detachably connected thereto, particularly forming 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, 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.

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