Vibronic module and coriolis mass flow meter
The modular Coriolis mass flow meter addresses seal integrity issues by employing a multi-part process connection with a sealing bridge and labyrinth seal, enhancing the sealing effectiveness and reducing leakage.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ENDRESS HAUSER FLOWTEC AG
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-11
Smart Images
Figure EP2025082410_11062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Vibronic 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 quantity of a fluid medium and two modular measuring systems, in particular Coriolis mass flow meters, for measuring a measured quantity 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 designs are available, namely by means of a A (modular) vibronic measuring system is known, consisting of a base module, a vibronic module mechanically connected to the base module, and electronic measuring system electronics electrically connected to the base module, and serving to detect at least one measured quantity of a fluid medium flowing in a (measuring material) line, namely to determine measured values for one or more measured quantities, 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, and one or more electrical coils, for example cylindrical and / or designed as air coils, which are placed (spaced apart from each other) 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 specifically designed to accommodate the vibronic module of the measuring system and to connect it mechanically firmly, yet releasably (forming a vibration-type measuring transducer), in particular forming the vibronic measuring system itself; this is done in such a way that the vibronic module is locked in the base module or is not movable.
[0005] The vibronic module of the respective measuring system is also designed to be interchangeable, such that it can be inserted into the chamber from outside the housing of the base module, particularly on-site, or through an opening in the housing wall for insertion. It can also be removed from the base module without damage, and potentially without tools. Specifically, it can be removed from outside the housing and / or through the opening without having to handle the base module itself or remove it from the (process) system. This makes it possible, among other things, to retrofit a vibronic module on-site into an already installed base module, or to replace a defective or worn vibronic module on-site with a new, intact vibronic module, which may also be a disposable module intended for one-time use or for a specific period.In the measuring systems in question, each vibronic module further comprises a measuring tube module with at least one measuring tube, in particular made of metal, and a process connection, in particular made of plastic, which can be connected or is connected to the measuring tube module, in particular by force and / or form locking.The vibronic module further comprises one or more permanent magnets, for example cylindrical ones, 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 away from the housing wall, in particular in such a way that each of the permanent magnets is held in a static installation position specified with regard to an orientation and / or a minimum distance to one of the electrical coils of the base module, and that an 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 each other or run parallel to each other in extension.
[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 central segment of the tube wall extending between a first segment end and a second segment end located therefrom, in particular being bonded to the tube wall. Furthermore, the vibronic module or at least one of its measuring tubes is designed, if necessary, to...The tube can also be installed in the housing without tools in such a way that it is placed at least partially, and in particular completely, within the chamber, yet spaced away from the housing wall, and that each of the permanent magnets, in its respective installation position, together with its respective electrical coil, forms a voice coil, particularly suitable as an electrodynamic vibration exciter, and / or a moving coil, particularly suitable as an electrodynamic vibration sensor. In the case of a measuring tube that is at least partially bent, the aforementioned central segment can, for example, be essentially U-shaped or V-shaped.In such a vibronic measuring system, each of the aforementioned measuring tubes is also configured to guide a fluid measuring substance flowing within the lumen during operation, in particular with a predefinable flow direction and / or a flow direction pointing from the end of the first segment to the end of the second segment, and to be vibrated during this process in order to generate measurement effects correlated with one or more measured quantities of the measuring substance, in particular such that the central segment performs oscillatory movements around a static equilibrium position and / or that the measuring tube is driven by means of at least one of the aforementioned (energized) voice coils and / or that a (measuring) voltage representing oscillatory movements of the at least one tube, and thus serving as a vibration signal, is generated by means of the aforementioned moving coils.The electronics of such a measuring system are accordingly configured to supply electrical power to the at least one electrical coil forming the aforementioned voice coil by means of an electrical driver signal, in particular with an impressed alternating current and / or an impressed (alternating current) frequency essentially corresponding to a resonance frequency of the at least one tube, and / or to determine measured values for the one or more measured quantities of the fluid flowing through the measuring tube(s) on the basis of the (measuring) voltage generated by the at least one electrical coil forming the aforementioned moving coil, in the case of a Coriolis mass flow meter or...The measuring system, designed as a Coriolis mass flow / density measuring device, is used, for example, to generate mass flow-representing measured values based on a (measurement) phase difference between two of the aforementioned vibration signals caused by Coriolis forces in the fluid flowing through the oscillating tube, and a phase difference to measured value characteristic function established in the measuring system electronics. The phase difference to mass flow-measurement characteristic function can, for example, be a (linear) parameter function with a (scale) zero point corresponding to a (measurement) phase difference between the two vibration signals that can be measured when the fluid is at rest or the mass flow is zero, and with a slope corresponding to the (measurement) sensitivity of the measuring system or to a change in the (measurement) phase difference related to a change in the mass flow.Since one or more resonant frequencies of at least one tube depend in particular on the instantaneous density of the respective fluid being measured, such a measuring system can be used to directly measure not only the mass flow but also the density of the fluid flowing through it, based on the (AC) frequency of the driver signal and / or on a (signal) frequency of at least one of the vibration signals. Accordingly, the electronics of measuring systems of the type in question are typically also configured to generate density-representing measured values based on the aforementioned (AC) frequency of the driver signal and / or on a corresponding signal frequency of at least one of the vibration signals, for example, by using a frequency-to-measurement characteristic curve function appropriately configured in the electronics of the measuring system.Furthermore, it is also possible to directly measure the viscosity of the fluid flowing through the system 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 vibrational energy, or by using a damping function appropriately configured in the measuring system electronics to determine the measured value characteristic curve. In addition, further measured quantities, such as the Reynolds number, can be readily determined from the aforementioned flow and / or material parameters using such vibronic measuring systems. To simplify the commissioning of such a measuring system, the vibronic module can also include at least one function related to the vibronic module itself.The base module may have an identifying element carrying identifying information, for example a barcode, QR code or radio frequency identification tag (RFID tag) attached to at least one tube, and / or it may have at least one light-emitting semiconductor element, for example a light-emitting diode (LED), positioned inside the housing and connected to the measuring system electronics, 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 inside the housing and connected to the measuring system electronics.
[0007] Coriolis mass flow meters with two measuring tubes are known, featuring an intermediate channel connecting the outlet of the first measuring tube to the inlet of the second. Such meters face the challenge of achieving a sufficient seal between the intermediate channel and the inlet or outlet.
[0008] The invention is based on the objective of providing a remedy for this problem.
[0009] The problem is solved by the vibronic module according to claim 1, the modular measuring system according to claim 13 and the Coriolis mass flow measuring device according to claim 14.
[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 quantity of a fluid medium, comprising:
[0011] - a measuring tube module with at least two measuring tubes for guiding the substance being measured, 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 vibrate 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 measured 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 conveying the measured 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 multiple parts and comprises at least an inlet part and a main part, wherein a sealing bridge is arranged between the inlet channel and the intermediate channel, which is configured to reduce or prevent the transfer of the measured substance from a first partial area of the process connection, through which the inlet channel extends at least partially, to a second partial area of the process connection, through which the intermediate channel extends at least partially, wherein an end face of the sealing bridge is in contact with the inlet part or the main part at least partially.
[0015] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.
[0016] One embodiment provides that the main part has a first depression which, together with a first depression of the inlet part, forms a section of the inlet channel, wherein the main part has a second depression which, together with a second depression of the inlet part, forms a section of the intermediate channel.
[0017] One design provides for a labyrinth seal between the first recess and the second recess of the main part and / or the inlet part.
[0018] One embodiment provides that the labyrinth seal includes at least one recess which is located in the inlet part and / or the main part.
[0019] One embodiment provides that the labyrinth seal includes at least one raised section, which is located in the inlet part and / or the main part.
[0020] One design provides that at least one survey extends into at least one depression.
[0021] One embodiment provides that the labyrinth seal comprises at least two protrusions which are arranged in the inlet part and / or the main part, with the sealing rib extending between the at least two protrusions.
[0022] One embodiment provides that the labyrinth seal is designed and configured to increase the pressure loss of a leakage current from the inlet channel to the intermediate channel when the measuring medium is guided.
[0023] One embodiment provides that at least in some sections there is a gap between the main part and the inlet part. One embodiment provides that the gap has a width of at least 0.01 millimeters and at most 0.3 millimeters, in particular at least 0.05 millimeters and at most 0.2 millimeters.
[0024] One embodiment provides that the process connection has at least one projection, wherein the at least one projection is located on a collar of the main part and a sealing, in particular ultrasonically welded, material-bonded connection is realized via this projection in conjunction with an edge of the inlet part, or wherein the at least one projection is located on a collar of the inlet part and a sealing, in particular ultrasonically welded, material-bonded connection is realized via this projection in conjunction with an edge of the main part.
[0025] One embodiment provides that the inlet part and the main part are joined together by means of a material bond, in particular by ultrasonic welding.
[0026] The modular measuring system according to the invention, in particular a Coriolis mass flow meter, for measuring a measured quantity of a fluid medium, comprises:
[0027] - a vibronic module according to the invention; and
[0028] - a basic module which includes:
[0029] - a measuring system electronics;
[0030] - a housing with at least one chamber at least partially enclosed by a housing wall,
[0031] - 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
[0032] - at least one sensor coil, in particular cylindrical and / or designed as an air coil and / or structurally identical to the excitation coil, which is positioned, in particular remotely from the excitation coil and is at least indirectly mechanically connected to the housing wall, and which is electrically connected to the measuring system electronics (ME); wherein the base module is configured to receive the vibronic module, in particular into the chamber, and to be mechanically firmly yet releasably connected to it, in particular by forming a vibration-type 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 arranged to be installed in the base module in such a way that its excitation magnet is placed inside the chamber, yet is spaced away from the housing wall, in particular namely in a position predetermined with respect to an orientation and / or a minimum distance to the excitation coil and / or is held in the static installation position and / or such that an imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation magnet and an imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation coil are aligned with each other or run parallel to each other in extension.
[0033] The Coriolis mass flow measuring device according to the invention for measuring a measured quantity of a fluid medium comprises:
[0034] - a basic module which includes:
[0035] - a measuring system electronics;
[0036] - a housing with at least one chamber at least partially enclosed by a housing wall,
[0037] - a vibronic module according to the invention, wherein at least one excitation coil, in particular cylindrical and / or designed as an air coil, which 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 cylindrical and / or designed as an air coil and / or structurally identical to the excitation coil, which, in particular positioned remotely from the excitation coil, is at least indirectly connected to one of the at least two measuring tubes and which is electrically connected to the measuring system electronics; and wherein the base module is configured to receive the vibronic module, in particular into the chamber, and thus mechanically firmly, in particular materially bonded, namely by forming a vibration-type sensor or a vibronic measuring system and / or in such a way that the vibronic module is locked in the base module or is not movable.
[0038] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. They show:
[0039] Fig. 1 : a perspective view of an embodiment of the vibronic module according to the invention;
[0040] Fig. 2: a longitudinal section through the main part;
[0041] Fig. 3a: a front view of the main part of a first embodiment;
[0042] Fig. 3b: a perspective view of an inlet or outlet part of the first embodiment;
[0043] Fig. 4a: a front view of the main part of a second embodiment;
[0044] Fig. 4b: a perspective view of an inlet or outlet part of the second embodiment;
[0045] Fig. 4: A perspective view of a measuring tube module and a base module. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. The figures show some, but not all, embodiments of the disclosure. In fact, these disclosures can be embodied in many different forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments presented here. Different embodiments, each showing individual details of the subject matter of the invention, can be combined with one another to form new embodiments not shown in the figures. Identical numbers refer throughout to identical elements.
[0046] 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 quantity of a fluid. The vibronic module VM comprises a measuring tube module MM with at least two measuring tubes 31, 32 for guiding the flowable fluid and a process connection PA, which is connected to the measuring tube module MM.
[0047] 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 of plastic or glass. At least one excitation magnet 22, in particular cylindrical, is arranged on each of the at least two measuring tubes 31, 32. This magnet is configured to cause the measuring tube module MM to vibrate when it is exposed to a time-varying magnetic field from an excitation coil, in particular from a base module. Furthermore, at least one sensor magnet 24, in particular cylindrical, 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, which are arranged opposite each other. The excitation magnet 22 is arranged such that it is positioned between the two sensor magnets 24, 26 in the flow direction of the measured medium.The excitation magnet 22 can be a permanent magnet arranged in a non-magnetic magnetic cup. The sensor magnets 24, 26 can also be permanent magnets arranged in a non-magnetic magnetic cup.
[0048] The vibronic module VM is connected to a hose system or pipe via the process connection PA. The sample is introduced into the first measuring tube 31 via an inlet channel 101. 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 within the process connection PA. The process connection PA can be made of a plastic. Suitable manufacturing methods would be injection molding or 3D printing. The process connection PA can be positively and / or force-fit connected to the measuring tube module MM, in particular to the connecting element 15. Alternatively, the process connection PA can be material-fit 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 at least two measuring tubes 31, 32 extend. However, the connecting element 15 can also take the form of a cuboid or other shapes.
[0049] The sample is discharged from the second measuring tube 32 via an outlet channel 102. 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 within the process connection PA.
[0050] According to the invention, the process connection PA has an intermediate channel 103 for guiding the fluid, 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 within the process connection PA. The intermediate channel 103 ensures that the fluid always passes through both measuring tubes 31 and 32. According to the invention, the process connection PA is multi-part and comprises at least an inlet part ET and a 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] Figures 2, 3a, and 3b show details of the process connection PA of Figure 1. Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section through the main part HT of the process connection PA of Figure 1. The inlet and outlet sections are not shown. The focus is on the intermediate channel 103, which connects an outlet of the first measuring tube (also not shown) to an inlet of the second measuring tube when the process connection PA is coupled to the measuring tube module. The intermediate channel 103 serves to guide the fluid exiting the outlet of the first measuring tube to the inlet of the second measuring tube. The intermediate channel 103 is integrated into the process connection PA, and the wall surrounding the intermediate channel 103 radially is monolithically connected to the rest of the main part HT; that is, the main part shown is entirely monolithic.
[0052] Fig. 3a shows a front view of the main part HT of the process connection shown in Fig. 1. The inlet part ET and outlet part AT are not connected to the main part HT in this figure. Fig. 3b shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the inlet or outlet part ET, AT, which is compatible with the main part of Fig. 3a. As in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the inlet part ET can be identical 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 section (ET, see Fig. 3b), forms a section of the inlet channel 101. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the inlet channel 101 initially runs in a straight line. It then bends 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 section (AT, see Fig. 3b), can form a section of the outlet channel 102. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the outlet channel 102 runs in a straight line out of the outlet of the second measuring tube 32 until the point where the channel axis bends by approximately 90° essentially in a plane. The channel axis then bends again by approximately 90° perpendicular to the previous flow direction. Towards the end, output channel 102 runs in a straight line 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 section of the intermediate channel 103.
[0055] Between the inlet channel 101 or the outlet channel and the intermediate channel is a sealing bridge 300, which is designed to reduce or prevent the transfer of the measured substance from a first sub-section TB1 of the process connection PA, through which the inlet channel 101 or the outlet channel 102 extends at least partially, to a second sub-section TB2 of the process connection PA, through which the intermediate channel 103 extends at least partially. The sealing bridge 300 can be a sealing element in the form of a compressible sealing lip. Alternatively, the sealing bridge 300 can also be part of the main part HT and monolithically bonded to it. The sealing bridge 300 can be made of an incompressible plastic, which is also used for the body of the main part HT.The sealing rib 300 has an end face SF which, in the assembled state of the main part HT and inlet part ET, is at least partially in contact with the inlet part ET.
[0056] 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 lengthening the flow path of the fluid through the gap to be sealed, thereby increasing the flow resistance. This lengthening of the flow path can be achieved by interlocking or intermeshing of the shaped elements of the main part HT and the inlet part ET or AT.
[0057] 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. Simultaneously, the labyrinth seal LD comprises at least one projection 203, 204, in particular two projections 203, 204, which are arranged in the inlet part ET and / or the main part HT. The at least one projection 203, 204 has a rectangular cross-section that is complementary to the at least one recess 201, 202. If main part HT and inlet part ET or outlet part AT are connected together, the at least one elevation 203, 204 extends into the at least one depression 201, 202, in particular the elevation 203 extends into the depression 201 and the elevation 204 into the depression 202.The dimensioning of the labyrinth seal LD, in particular 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 the 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 fluid is being carried. Alternatively, the main part HT can have the depressions 201, 202 and the inlet part ET or the outlet part AT the protrusions 203, 204. Alternatively, the main part can have one depression and one protrusion, while the inlet part or outlet part, complementarily, has one protrusion and one depression.
[0058] The sealing rib 300 extends between the protrusion 203 and the protrusion 204. The sealing rib 300 has a width of 0.5 to 1.5 millimeters. The height of the sealing rib 300 is significantly smaller than the height of the protrusion 203 or the protrusion 204. The sealing rib 300 extends from an inner side of the collar 303 of the main part to an essentially opposite inner side of the same collar 303. If the inlet part or the outlet part is connected to the main part, the sealing rib 300 comes into contact with an inner front surface FF of the inlet part ET or the outlet part AT. By means of an ultrasonic welding process, the sealing rib 300 can form a material-bonded connection with the inlet part ET or the outlet part AT. This ensures a seal between the inlet channel 101 or outlet channel 102 and the intermediate channel 103.
[0059] The main part HT has a collar 303 which laterally encloses the first recess HV1, the second recess HV2 of the main part, the sealing rib 300, and the labyrinth seal LD. In the final assembled state—i.e., the inlet part ET and the outlet part AT are connected to the main part AT—the inlet part ET or the outlet part AT rests on the collar 303 with its support edge 304. The support edge 304 can be designed as a step towards the edge 302. When the inlet part ET or the outlet part AT is joined to the main part HT—e.g., by means of an ultrasonic welding process—a metallurgical bond is created between the support edge 304 and the collar 303.
[0060] When the main part HT and the inlet part ET or the outlet part AT are joined together, a gap forms between the main part HT and the inlet part ET or outlet part AT, at least in some sections, due to tolerances. This gap can have a width of at least 0.01 millimeters and at most 0.3 millimeters, in particular at least 0.05 millimeters and at most 0.2 millimeters.
[0061] The process connection PA further features at least one projection 301a, 301b, 301c, 301d in the form of a tapered rib. The illustrated embodiment has exactly four projections 301a, 301b, 301c, 301d, which are part of the main part HT. Furthermore, the main part HT has a collar 303 in the form of a wall that frames a section of the main part HT. The at least one projection 301a, 301b, 301c, 301d is located on this collar 303. If the inlet part ET or outlet part is connected to the main part HT, there is a gap between the collar 303 and the edge 302 of the inlet part ET or the outlet part AT, respectively. The gap is interrupted by at least one projection 301 a, 301 b, 301 c, 301 d. If the inlet part ET or the outlet part AT is welded to the main part HT, in particular by means of an ultrasonic welding process, a sealing, material-bonded connection is formed between the edge 302 of the inlet part ET or the outlet part HT.Outlet section and projection 301 a, 301 b, 301 c, 301 d of the main part HT. As an alternative to the described configuration, the inlet section ET or the outlet section can also have a collar which, in the final assembled state, is in contact with an edge or with the at least one projection of the main part.
[0062] Fig. 4a shows a front view of the main part HT of the process connection shown in Fig. 1. The inlet part ET and outlet part AT are not connected to the main part HT in this figure. Fig. 4b shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the inlet or outlet part ET, AT. As in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the inlet part ET can be identical to the outlet part AT. This simplifies assembly and reduces manufacturing costs.
[0063] The main part HT has a first recess HV1, which, together with a first recess EV1 of the inlet part (ET, see Fig. 4b), forms a section of the inlet channel 101. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the inlet channel 101 initially runs in a straight line. It then bends 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. 4b), can form a section of the outlet channel 102. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the outlet channel 102 runs in a straight line out of the outlet of the second measuring tube 32 until the point where the channel axis bends by approximately 90° essentially in a plane. The channel axis then bends again by approximately 90° perpendicular to the previous flow direction. Towards the end, output channel 102 runs in a straight line again.
[0064] 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 section of the intermediate channel 103.
[0065] Between the inlet channel 101 or the outlet channel and the intermediate channel is a sealing bridge 300, which is designed to reduce or prevent the transfer of the measured substance from a first subsection TB1 of the process connection PA, through which the inlet channel 101 or the outlet channel 102 extends at least partially, to a second subsection TB2 of the process connection PA, through which the intermediate channel 103 extends at least partially. The sealing bridge 300 can be a sealing element in the form of a compressible sealing lip. Alternatively, the sealing bridge 300 can also be part of the main part HT or the inlet part ET or outlet part AT and be monolithically integrated with it.
[0066] 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 lengthening the flow path of the fluid through the gap to be sealed, thereby increasing the flow resistance. This lengthening of the flow path can be achieved by interlocking or intermeshing of the shaped elements of the main part HT and the inlet part ET or AT.
[0067] 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. Simultaneously, the labyrinth seal LD comprises at least one projection 203, 204, in particular two projections 203, 204, which are arranged in the inlet part ET and / or the main part HT. The at least one projection 203, 204 has a rectangular cross-section that is complementary to the at least one recess 201, 202. If main part HT and inlet part ET or outlet part AT are connected together, the at least one elevation 203, 204 extends into the at least one depression 201, 202, in particular the elevation 203 extends into the depression 201 and the elevation 204 into the depression 202.The dimensioning of the labyrinth seal LD, in particular 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 the 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 fluid is being carried. Alternatively, the main part HT can have the depressions 201, 202 and the inlet part ET or the outlet part AT the protrusions 203, 204. Alternatively, the main part can have one depression and one protrusion, while the inlet part or outlet part, complementarily, has one protrusion and one depression.
[0068] The sealing rib 300 extends between the recess 201 and the recess 202. The sealing rib 300 has a width of 0.5 to 1.5 millimeters. The height of the sealing rib 300 is significantly less than the height of the protrusion 203 or the protrusion 204. The sealing rib 300 extends from one side of the edge 302 of the inlet part ET or the outlet part AT to an essentially opposite side of the same edge 302. If the inlet part ET or the outlet part AT is connected to the main part HT, the sealing rib 300 comes into contact with an inner front surface FF of the main part HT. The sealing rib 300 can form a material-bonded connection with the main part HT by means of an ultrasonic welding process. This ensures a seal between the inlet channel 101 or outlet channel 102 and the intermediate channel 103.The main part HT has a collar 303 which laterally encloses the first recess HV1, the second recess HV2 of the main part, and the labyrinth seal LD. In the final assembled state—i.e., the inlet part ET and the outlet part AT are connected to the main part AT—the inlet part ET or the outlet part AT rests on the collar 303 with its support edge 304. The support edge 304 can be designed as a step towards the edge 302. When the inlet part ET or the outlet part AT is joined to the main part HT—e.g., by means of an ultrasonic welding process—a metallurgical bond is created between the support edge 304 and the collar 303.
[0069] When the main part HT and the inlet part ET or the outlet part AT are joined together, a gap forms between the main part HT and the inlet part ET or outlet part AT, at least in some sections, due to tolerances. This gap can have a width of at least 0.01 millimeters and at most 0.3 millimeters, in particular at least 0.05 millimeters and at most 0.2 millimeters.
[0070] The process connection PA further features at least one projection 301a, 301b, 301c, 301d in the form of a tapered rib. The illustrated embodiment has exactly four projections 301a, 301b, 301c, 301d, which are part of the inlet section ET or the outlet section AT. Furthermore, the main section HT has a collar 303 in the form of a wall that frames a section of the main section HT. The inlet section ET or the outlet section AT has a lateral edge 302. The at least one projection 301a, 301b, 301c, 301d is located on this edge 302. If the inlet part ET or outlet part is connected to the main part HT, a gap forms between the collar 303 and the edge 302 of the inlet part ET or outlet part AT due to tolerances. The gap is interrupted by at least one projection 301a, 301b, 301c, 301d. If the inlet part ET orWhen the outlet section AT is welded to the main section HT, particularly by means of an ultrasonic welding process, a sealing, material-bonded connection is formed between the collar 303 of the main section HT and the projection 301a, 301b, 301c, 301d of the inlet section ET or the outlet section AT. Alternatively to the described configuration, the inlet section ET or the outlet section AT can also have a collar with at least one projection, which collar or which at least one projection is in contact with an edge of the main section in the final assembled state. Fig. 5 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 measuring tube 31, 32, in particular a metallic one, for guiding the fluid being measured. In the configuration shown in Fig.Figure 5 shows that the measuring tube module MM has two measuring tubes 31, 32 that are essentially parallel to each other and partially curved. The measuring tubes 31, 32 can have a U or V shape. 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 each other. The outlets A1, A2 are also arranged directly next to each other. At least one, in particular cylindrical, excitation magnet 22 is arranged on the at least one measuring tube 31, 32. This magnet is configured to cause the at least one measuring tube 31, 32 to vibrate when it is exposed to a time-varying magnetic field from an excitation coil 12 of the base module BM. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the measuring tubes 31, 32 are arranged in a U or V shape.In section 5, both measuring tubes 31, 32 each have an excitation magnet 22, which is arranged on the outer surface of the respective measuring tube 31, 32 and is mounted on opposite sides of the measuring tube 31, 32. The excitation magnet of 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 shown in Fig. 5, the two measuring tubes 31, 32 each have two sensor magnets 24, 26 (partially obscured by measuring tube 32) 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 mounted directly onto the outer surface 31+, 32+ of the measuring tubes 31, 32, e.g.The sensor magnets 24, 26 and the excitation magnets 22 are attached either directly or indirectly via a connecting element, which itself is connected to the corresponding measuring tube 31, 32 by a material, force, and / or form-fit connection. The connecting element can, for example, be a magnetic cup designed not only to hold the 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 such that a collision with the housing wall 11+ can be avoided when the vibronic module VM is placed in chamber 11*. The sensor magnets 24, 26 are offset in the flow direction of the measured substance 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 measured substance in the measuring tube 31, 32.In the illustrated solution, the excitation magnet 22 is arranged in a section of the measuring tube 31 , 32 in which the measuring tube 31 , 32 is bent.
[0071] The vibronic module VM shown has no coils; that is, neither the excitation coil nor the sensor coil is part of the vibronic module VM. Therefore, 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 either of the measuring tubes 31, 32. Therefore, 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.
[0072] Furthermore, the measuring tube module MM comprises a connecting body 50, which is mechanically connected (e.g., via a metallurgical bond) to the at least one measuring tube 31, 32 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 each other. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the connecting body 50 is planar. The connecting body 50 also connects the ends of the measuring tube 31 and the ends of the measuring tube 32 to each other and to each other. The two measuring tubes 31, 32 extend through openings in the connecting body 50. The connecting body 50 is fixed to the measuring tubes 31, 32 via a metallurgical bond (welded or soldered connection).The vibronic module VM shown also has four couplers 110i, which are configured to mechanically couple the two measuring tubes 31, 32 to each other in their respective 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.
[0073] The basic module BM comprises a measurement system electronics ME and a housing 11 with at least one chamber 11* at least partially enclosed by a housing wall 11+. The measurement system electronics ME is arranged separately in a measurement system electronics housing. Alternatively, the housing can have a measurement system electronics chamber in which the measurement system electronics ME is arranged separately from the chamber 11*. The measurement 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 each other in such a way that they are suitable for operating the basic module BM. Furthermore, the measurement system electronics ME can comprise at least one microprocessor or microcontroller.
[0074] Within chamber 11*, at least one cylindrical and / or air-core excitation coil 12 is located, 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 positioned separately from 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 chamber 11*. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the basic module BM has one excitation coil 12 (i.e., a total of two excitation coils) for each measuring tube 31, 32, arranged opposite each other on an excitation coil axis that is itself perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of chamber 11*.The measuring system electronics ME is designed 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.
[0075] Within the chamber 11* of the housing 11, at least one sensor coil 14, 16, in particular cylindrical and / or designed as an air coil and / or structurally identical to the excitation coil 12, is arranged, which is positioned, in particular remotely 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 in an opening in the housing wall 11+ as shown, or 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 shown in Fig. 5, the base module BM has two sensor coils 14, 16 (i.e., a total of four sensor coils) for each measuring tube 31, 32.Two of the four sensor coils 14, 16 are arranged on one side of chamber 11, opposite each other. The measuring system electronics ME is configured to read out 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.
[0076] The base module M1 is designed to accommodate the vibronic module VM or the measuring tube module, particularly in chamber 11*, and to connect them mechanically in a secure yet releasable manner, specifically forming a vibration-type sensor or a vibronic measuring system and / or such that the vibronic module VM is locked in the base module BM or is not movable. For this purpose, the base module BM may include fastening means or a fastening device (not shown) – such as that disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2020 114 519 A1.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 inside the chamber, yet is spaced away from the housing wall 11+, in particular in a position specified with respect to an orientation and / or a minimum distance to the excitation coil 12 and / or is held in the static installation position and / or in such a way that an imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation magnet 22 and an imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation coil 12 are aligned with each other or run parallel to each other in extension.Furthermore, the vibronic module VM is configured to be installed in the base module BM such that its sensor magnet 24, 26 is positioned within the chamber, yet spaced away from the housing wall 11+, in particular in a position predetermined with respect to an orientation and / or a minimum distance to the sensor coil 14, 16 and / or held in a 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 each other or run parallel to each other in extension. Furthermore, an optical unit 181 is part of the base module BM. The optical unit 181 can include a camera for detecting a code and / or an infrared camera for determining the 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.
[0077] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, a modular measuring system is disclosed 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. Alternatively (not shown), the vibronic module according to the invention can also be bonded to the material (e.g.,
[0078] The excitation coil must be connected to the base module BM (by soldering or welding), and the resulting modular measuring system must not be designed as a disposable solution with replaceable vibronic modules. Alternatively to the configuration shown, 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 quantity of a fluid substance, 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 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), 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 measured 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 multiple parts and comprises at least an inlet part (ET) and a main part (HT), wherein a sealing bridge (300) is located between the inlet channel (101) and intermediate channel (103) is arranged, which is designed toto reduce or prevent the transfer of the measured substance from a first sub-area (TB1) of the process connection (PA), through which the inlet channel (101) extends at least partially, into a second sub-area (TB2) of the process connection (PA), through which the intermediate channel (103) extends at least partially, wherein an end face (SF) of the sealing rib (300) is in contact with the inlet part (ET) or the main part (HT) at least partially.
2. Vibronic module (VM) according to claim 1, wherein the main part (HT) has a first recess (HV1) which together with a first recess (EV1) of the inlet part (ET) form a subsection 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) form a subsection of the intermediate channel (103).
3. Vibronic module (VM) according to claim 2, 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).
4. Vibronic module (VM) according to claim 3, 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).
5. Vibronic module (VM) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the labyrinth seal (LD) comprises at least one protrusion (203, 204) which is arranged in the inlet part (ET) and / or the main part (HT).
6. Vibronic module (VM) according to claims 4 and 5, wherein the at least one elevation (203, 204) extends into the at least one depression (201, 202).
7. Vibronic module (VM) according to claims 4 and 5, wherein the labyrinth seal (LD) comprises at least two protrusions (203, 204) which are arranged in the inlet part (ET) and / or the main part (HT), wherein the sealing web (300) extends between the at least two protrusions (203, 204).
8. Vibronic module (VM) according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the labyrinth seal (LD) is designed and configured to increase the pressure loss of a leakage current from the inlet channel (101) to the intermediate channel (103) when the measuring medium is guided.
9. Vibronic module (VM) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least in sections a gap exists between the main part (HT) and the inlet part (ET).
10. Vibronic module (VM) according to claim 9, wherein the gap has a gap dimension of at least 0.01 millimeters and a maximum of 0.3 millimeters, in particular at least 0.05 millimeters and a maximum of 0.2 millimeters.
11. Vibronic module (VM) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the process connection (PA) has at least one projection (301 a, 301 b, 301c, 301 d), wherein the at least one projection (301a, 301 b, 301c, 301 d) is located on a collar (303) of the main part (HT) and a sealing, in particular by means of ultrasonic welding, material-bonded connection is realized via an edge (302) of the inlet part (ET), or wherein the at least one projection (301a, 301b, 301c, 301d) is located on an edge (302) of the inlet part (ET) and a sealing, in particular by means of ultrasonic welding, materially bonded connection is realized via a collar (303) of the main part (HT).
12. Vibronic module (VM) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet part (ET) and the main part (HT) are joined together by a material bond, in particular by ultrasonic welding.
13. Vibronic module (VM) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing web (300) is materially bonded to the main part (HT) or to the inlet part (ET) at least section by section, in particular by ultra welding.
14. Modular measuring system, in particular a Coriolis mass flow meter, for measuring a quantity of a fluid, comprising: - a vibronic module (VM) according to any of the preceding claims; and - a basic module (BM) which includes: - a measurement 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 cylindrical and / or designed as an air coil, placed in particular within the chamber (11*) of the housing (11), which is at least indirectly mechanically connected to the housing wall (11+) and electrically connected to the measuring system electronics (ME), and - at least one sensor coil (14), in particular cylindrical and / or designed as an air coil and / or identical in construction to the excitation coil (12), which is positioned in particular remotely from the excitation coil (12) and is at least indirectly mechanically connected to the housing wall (11+), and which is electrically connected to the measuring system electronics (ME); wherein the base module (BM) is configured to receive the vibronic module (VM), in particular into the chamber (11*), and to be mechanically firmly yet releasably connected to it, in particular by forming a vibration-type sensor or a vibronic measuring system and / or such that the vibronic module (VM) is locked in the base module (BM).is not movable, wherein the vibronic module (VM) is arranged to be installed in the base module (BM) in such a way that its excitation magnet (22) is placed inside the chamber, yet is spaced away from the housing wall (11 +), in particular namely in a predetermined orientation and / or minimum distance to 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 and a. The imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation coil (12) aligns with each other or runs parallel to each other in extension.
15. Coriolis mass flow meter for measuring a quantity of a fluid, comprising: - a basic module (BM) which includes: - a measurement 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 cylindrical and / or designed as an air coil, 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 cylindrical and / or designed as an air coil and / or structurally identical to the excitation coil (12), which is positioned in particular remotely from the excitation coil (12), is at least indirectly connected to one of the at least two measuring tubes (31, 32) and which is electrically connected to the measuring system electronics (ME); and wherein the base module (BM) is configured to receive the vibronic module (VM), in particular into the chamber (11*), and thus mechanically firmly, in particular by material bonding, namely by forming a vibration-type sensor.a vibronic measuring system and / or such that the vibronic module (VM) is locked in the base module (BM) or is not movable.