Coriolis Flow Meter Viscosity via Central Sensor Phase

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Solution Overview

Problem

Coriolis mass flow meters face challenges in accurately measuring viscosity independently of amplitude measurements, as they typically rely on frequency and time-based measurements for essential variables.

Innovation Solution

A method using a Coriolis mass flow meter to determine viscosity by exciting bending vibrations and detecting phase relationships or time delays between central and symmetrically arranged vibration sensors, allowing for viscosity calculation without direct amplitude measurement, and accounting for density cross-sensitivity through polynomial normalization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If viscosity is measured using traditional Coriolis mass flow meter methods based on amplitude measurements, then viscosity can be determined, but measurement precision deteriorates because amplitude measurements are not the essential measurement variables and are prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviscosity measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional amplitude-based viscosity measurement with a phase relationship-based measurement method. Instead of relying on mechanical amplitude measurements which are prone to errors, the invention uses phase differences detected by vibration sensors at different positions along the measuring tube to determine viscosity, thereby improving measurement precision and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the measurement parameter from amplitude to phase relationship. By measuring the phase difference between vibration signals at different positions along the measuring tube and using this phase information to calculate viscosity, the system achieves more reliable and precise measurements that are not affected by amplitude measurement errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a central vibration sensor is added to the measuring tube center, then viscosity measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensor and signal processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviscosity measurement capabilityVSAvoidsensor arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The central vibration sensor serves multiple functions: it detects vibration phase at the tube center, enables viscosity measurement through phase relationship analysis with inlet and outlet sensors, and provides additional data points for monitoring oscillation behavior changes. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive measurement capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The central vibration sensor acts as an intermediary measurement point between the inlet and outlet sensors. By providing phase information from the center position, it enables the calculation of phase relationships that would otherwise require complex signal processing from just the end sensors, simplifying the overall measurement approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 precise viscosity measurement independent of amplitude, improving accuracy and reliability by leveraging phase relationships and time delays in Coriolis mass flow meters.

Implementation Method 1

at least one exciter for exciting bending vibrations of the measuring tube in a symmetrical bending vibration wanted mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBending vibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

for ascertaining points in time of the zero crossings of the measuring tube at the positions of an inlet-side vibration sensor and an outlet-side vibration sensor based on signals of the inlet-side and the outlet side vibration sensors, and for ascertaining a phase relationship or a time delay between the points in time of the zero crossings of the inlet-side and outlet-side vibration sensors and the point in time of the zero crossing of the measuring tube in the measuring tube center

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase relationship measurement:

Implementation Method 3

ascertaining the viscosity of the medium as a function of this phase relationship or time delay

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscosity measurement through phase relationship:

Data Source

PatentUS11326919B2Coriolis mass flow meter having a central vibration sensor and method for determining the viscosity of the medium using Coriolis mass flow meter

Publication Date: 2022.05.10 ENDRESS HAUSER FLOWTEC AG

AI summary

A method for determining the viscosity of a medium using a Coriolis mass flow meter comprises exciting bending vibrations in the measuring tube in a symmetrical bending vibration use mode using an exciter arranged symmetrically in relation to a longitudinal direction of the measuring tube; detecting sensor signals of a central vibration sensor also arranged symmetrically in relation to a longitudinal direction of the measuring tube; detecting sensor signals of a vibration sensor on the inlet side and of a vibration sensor on the outlet side; determining a phase relation or time delay between the sensor signals of the central vibration sensor and a symmetrical function of the sensor signals on the inlet-side and outlet-side vibration sensors; and determining the viscosity of the medium as a function of the phase relation or time delay.