Coriolis Flow Meter Deposit Detection via Thermal Profile Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow measuring devices, particularly Coriolis flowmeters, face challenges in detecting deposit formation and abrasion on measuring tubes, which can lead to measurement errors and contamination of the medium, especially in applications like food technology, and existing methods are not reliable or easy to implement without dismantling the device.
Innovation Solution
A method using temperature sensors to detect changes in heat transfer properties by comparing temporal temperature profiles between a first temperature sensor on the measuring tube and a second temperature sensor thermally coupled to the medium, allowing for early and reliable detection of deposit formation or abrasion without disrupting the flow measurement process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If temperature measurement method is used to detect deposit formation, then detection capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates when flow is undiminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (deposit layer) as the object of detection. Instead of directly measuring flow changes caused by deposits, the method measures temperature changes in the intermediary deposit layer itself, which provides a more sensitive and earlier indication of deposit formation before it significantly impacts flow measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/flow-based detection system with a thermal measurement system. Instead of relying on mechanical flow disturbances or pressure changes to detect deposits, the invention uses temperature field measurements to sense deposit formation, providing earlier and more precise detection capability.
2Reliability
If flow meter is dismantled for inspection, then detection reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow meter performs self-diagnosis by continuously monitoring its own thermal characteristics. The temperature sensors detect changes in the thermal behavior of the measuring tube that indicate deposit formation or abrasion, allowing the system to monitor its own condition without external intervention or dismantling, thus maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring by constantly measuring temperature profiles and comparing them against reference values. When deviations exceed threshold values, the system generates alerts or shutdown signals, providing ongoing reliability assurance without requiring periodic manual inspection or system downtime.
3Ease of operation
If existing temperature gradient method is used, then implementation simplicity is improved, but detection reliability deteriorates for early-stage deposits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature measurement into multiple discrete measurement points along the measuring tube. By measuring temperature at multiple locations (not just inlet and outlet) and analyzing the temperature profile distribution, the system can detect localized thermal changes caused by early-stage deposits with higher reliability while maintaining implementation simplicity through the use of multiple standard temperature sensors.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable detection of deposit formation and abrasion on measuring tubes, even when flow is undiminished, and can be implemented cost-effectively, parallel to flow measurement, or during temperature changes, ensuring accurate measurement variables like mass flow, density, and viscosity.
Implementation Method 1
Recording a first, temporal temperature profile by a first temperature sensor arranged on the first measuring tube such that at least one measuring tube wall of the first measuring tube is formed between the first temperature sensor and the medium
Implementation Method 2
recording a second, temporal reference temperature profile by a second temperature sensor spaced apart from the first temperature sensor and thermally coupled to the medium
Implementation Method 3
Determining at least one quantity characteristic of the heat transfer from the medium via the measuring tube wall to the first temperature sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for detecting a deposit formation or an abrasion on a first measuring tube (A) of a flow meter (2) through which a medium flows. A first temperature time curve is detected by means of a first temperature sensor (30), which is arranged on the first measuring tube (A) in such a way that at least one measuring tube wall of the first measuring tube (A) is formed between the first temperature sensor (30) and the medium. At the same time, a second reference temperature time curve is detected by a second temperature sensor (38) that is at a distance from the first temperature sensor (30), which second temperature sensor is thermally coupled to the medium. From this, at least one variable that is characteristic for a heat exchange from the medium via the measuring tube wall to the first temperature sensor (30) is determined and a deposit formation or an abrasion on the first measuring tube (A) is detected, if the at least one measured characteristic variable or a variable derived therefrom differs by more than one threshold value from a pre-determined reference variable.