Magnetic-induction Flow Meter Electrode Anchor for High Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic-induction flow meters face challenges in anchoring measuring electrodes in high-pressure applications, with existing solutions either resulting in excessive casing dimensions or issues with tightness and pressure stability.

Innovation Solution

A multi-part electrode anchor system for magnetic-induction flow meters, featuring a coupling fitting with a groove and a coupling insert with anchoring wings that engage via partial rotation, providing secure attachment and high pressure stability with a compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If screw connections or screw inserts are used to anchor the measuring electrode, then the electrode can be securely attached, but problems with tightness occur under high pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode attachment strengthVSAvoidtightness under pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode anchor is divided into multiple components: a coupling fitting that connects to the measuring tube, and a coupling insert that secures the measuring electrode. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the coupling fitting providing pressure-tight connection to the tube and the coupling insert providing secure electrode anchoring, thereby resolving the contradiction between attachment strength and tightness reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling fitting acts as an intermediary component between the measuring tube and the measuring electrode. It provides a same-substance connection (welded or mechanically coupled) to the measuring tube, ensuring pressure tightness, while simultaneously providing a mounting interface for the electrode through the coupling insert, thus mediating between the requirements for tightness and electrode security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If a yoke assembly is used for electrode anchoring, then the electrode can be attached, but the casing dimensions become excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode attachment capabilityVSAvoidcasing volume
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor system is segmented into a compact coupling fitting that integrates directly with the measuring tube wall and a smaller coupling insert that mounts the electrode. This eliminates the need for a large external yoke assembly, significantly reducing the casing volume while maintaining electrode attachment capability through the integrated same-substance connection of the coupling fitting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling fitting merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides structural support, ensures pressure tightness through same-substance connection with the measuring tube, and provides the mounting interface for the electrode. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate yoke assemblies, reducing overall casing volume while maintaining attachment strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If a mushroom-head electrode geometry is used, then the electrode connects to the measuring tube, but pressure stability is insufficient for high pressure applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode connection simplicityVSAvoidpressure stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into a coupling fitting welded to the measuring tube and a separate coupling insert that secures the electrode. This allows the coupling fitting to provide robust pressure-tight anchoring through same-substance connection, while the coupling insert provides secure electrode holding, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and high pressure stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor system uses composite construction with the coupling fitting made from the same material as the measuring tube (for pressure tightness and strength) and the coupling insert providing additional securing function. This composite approach ensures pressure stability while maintaining ease of assembly through standardized coupling interfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS9568346B2Magnetic-induction flow meter, particularly for high pressure applications
Publication Date: 2017.02.14 ENDRESS HAUSER FLOWTEC AG
  • US9568346B2 patent drawing
  • US9568346B2 patent drawing
  • US9568346B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An assembly procedure for an electrode anchor, and a magnetic-induction flow meter, particularly for high pressure applications with medium pressures above 5.1 MPa (51 bar), having a measuring tube on which a multi-part electrode anchor for securing a measuring electrode is arranged. Included are: a) a coupling fitting, which is materially bonded to the measuring tube wherein the coupling fitting comprises a groove, or forms a groove together with the measuring tube; and b) a coupling insert for guiding and/or securing the measuring electrode the coupling insert being connected to the coupling fitting by way of a coupling. The coupling insert comprises anchoring wings which engage in the groove by a partial rotation and thereby effect the coupling.