Coriolis Flow Meter Startup with Steady-State Zero-Point Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Coriolis flow meters face challenges in accurately determining the zero point due to variations in mechanical properties of interchangeable measuring tube arrangements, which are difficult to reproduce and correct, especially in pharmaceutical bioprocess applications.
Innovation Solution
A method for putting a Coriolis flow meter into operation that includes inserting a measuring tube arrangement into a carrier device, exciting it with an excitation signal, determining a state variable to check for a steady state, and adjusting the zero point after installation-related disturbances subside, using reference values and sensors to ensure accurate mass flow rate measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable measuring tube arrangements are used to adapt to different mechanical properties, then versatility is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to zero point deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a steady-state check and zero-point adjustment before actual measurement begins. The system waits for vibration signals to stabilize after installing an interchangeable measuring tube arrangement, ensuring that transient disturbances from installation do not affect the zero point determination. This preliminary stabilization phase resolves the contradiction by preparing the system in advance for accurate measurement despite mechanical property variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the steady-state condition of the measuring tube arrangement and using this information to determine when zero-point adjustment should be performed. The system evaluates whether the arrangement has reached a stable state based on vibration signal characteristics, and only proceeds with measurement after confirmation of stability. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate zero point determination regardless of the specific mechanical properties of the interchangeable measuring tube arrangement.
2Productivity
If zero point adjustment is performed immediately after installation, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to installation-related disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary stabilization by waiting for the measuring tube arrangement to reach a steady state before proceeding with zero-point adjustment. This preliminary action phase, though adding some time, ensures that installation-related disturbances have subsided, preventing the need for re-adjustment and ultimately improving productivity by avoiding measurement errors that would require corrective actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the zero-point adjustment process adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically determines whether the measuring tube arrangement has reached a stable state based on real-time vibration signal analysis, and only proceeds with adjustment when stability criteria are met. This dynamic approach balances productivity and precision by automatically adapting the timing of zero-point adjustment to the actual physical state of the system.
3Reliability
If fastening force of measuring tube arrangement is increased to improve stability, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to difficult-to-reproduce fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically detect and compensate for variations in fastening force through steady-state monitoring and adaptive zero-point adjustment. The system does not require precise manual control of fastening force; instead, it autonomously adapts to the actual mechanical state after installation. This self-service capability resolves the contradiction by making the system reliable regardless of the specific fastening force applied, eliminating the need for complex fastening control mechanisms.
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
The method reduces deviations in zero point determination by ensuring the measuring tube is in a stable state before measuring, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of mass flow rate measurements in pharmaceutical bioprocess applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vibration exciter that is configured to excite the measuring tube arrangement, in particular the measuring tube, to vibrate, in particular comprising an excitation magnet and an excitation coil
Implementation Method 2
at least one vibration sensor that is configured to detect the vibrations of the at least one measuring tube, in particular comprising a sensor magnet and a sensor coil
Implementation Method 3
An evaluation unit can then determine the mass throughflow, the viscosity, and/or the density of the medium from the measurement signal(s)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for putting a Coriolis flow meter into operation, in particular a Coriolis flow meter for pharmaceutical bioprocess applications, the method comprising the method steps of: inserting the measuring tube arrangement into the receptacle of the carrier device; causing the measuring tube to vibrate by means of the excitation signal arriving at the vibration exciter and provided by the operating circuit; determining a measurement value of a state variable that is used as a measure for checking whether the measuring tube in the carrier device is in a steady state; and determining the mass flow rate measurement value when a difference between the measurement value of the state variable and a reference value of a reference variable lies below an upper limit value and exceeds a lower limit value.