Coriolis Flow Meter Disposable Tube Connection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Coriolis flow meters lack a standardized method for connecting disposable measuring tube arrangements to hose and plastic pipe systems, particularly in biopharmaceutical applications where biocompatibility and gamma sterilizability are crucial, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for versatile and secure connections.
Innovation Solution
A Coriolis flow meter design featuring a measurement tube arrangement with a connecting device made from materials like steel, plastic, or ceramic, which includes a fixing body arrangement and a locking device that securely attaches to the measuring pipes, allowing for connection to hose and plastic pipe systems with variable nominal widths, ensuring biocompatibility and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a disposable measuring tube assembly is used, then ease of operation and hygiene are improved, but the ability to connect to hose and plastic pipe systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A connecting device serves as an intermediary component between the disposable measuring tube assembly and the hose/plastic pipe system. This mediator enables secure attachment while maintaining the disposable nature of the measuring tube, allowing universal connectivity without compromising ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device is designed with universal adaptability to connect to various types of hoses and plastic pipes with different nominal diameters. This multi-functional design allows a single connecting device to interface with multiple pipe types, enhancing versatility while keeping the measuring tube assembly disposable.
2Reliability
If the measuring tube assembly is made from biocompatible materials, then reliability for biopharmaceutical applications is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The material selection focuses on specific parameters such as biocompatibility and gamma radiation resistance. By optimizing for these specific parameters rather than attempting to satisfy all possible requirements, the manufacturing process remains relatively simple while ensuring reliability for biopharmaceutical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring tube assembly is designed as a disposable component made from biocompatible materials that can withstand gamma sterilization. This approach ensures reliability through proper material selection while avoiding the complexity of making the entire system reusable, as the disposable nature simplifies manufacturing and eliminates the need for complex cleaning and sterilization infrastructure.
3Reliability
If a secure connection is provided between the connecting device and fixing body arrangement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is segmented into distinct functional elements such as locking lugs, sealing surfaces, and positioning features. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function efficiently, providing secure connection through multiple independent mechanisms rather than a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple connection functions (mechanical locking, sealing, positioning) are merged into a single integrated closure device assembly. This combining of functions into one compact unit provides reliable secure connection while actually reducing overall complexity compared to having separate components for each function.
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 solution provides a secure, biocompatible, and easily assembled connection system for Coriolis flow meters, reducing zero-point errors and enabling efficient measurement of mass flow, viscosity, and density in biopharmaceutical applications, while meeting the requirements for gamma sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first excitation component of a vibration exciter for exciting the at least one measuring tube to vibrate
Implementation Method 2
at least one first sensor component of a vibration sensor for detecting the vibrations of the at least one measuring tube
Implementation Method 3
a closure device, wherein a positive and/or non-positive connection is formed between the connecting device and the fixing body arrangement via the closure device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a measuring sensor (69) of a measuring device (2), comprising: - a measuring tube assembly (4) for conducting a flowable medium, comprising at least one measuring tube (3); - at least one first exciter component of a vibration exciter (7) for vibrating the at least one measuring tube (3); - at least one first sensor component of a vibration sensor (8) for detecting the vibrations of the at least one measuring tube (3); - a fixing body assembly (5) which is connected to the at least one measuring tube (3) and by means of which a releasable connection to a support device (16) can be produced; - a connection device (63) for releasably connecting the measuring tube assembly (4) to a process line; and - a closure device (71), wherein a form-fitting and/or force-fitting connection is produced between the connection device (63) and the fixing body assembly (5) via the closure device (71). The invention also relates to a measuring device for detecting a mass flow rate, a viscosity, a density, and/or a variable derived therefrom of a flowable medium, in particular a Coriolis flow meter.