Flowmeter Inlet Element with Replaceable Inflow Shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coriolis mass flowmeters face material damage and wear issues due to erosive media in the connection area between the inlet element and measuring tubes, particularly at the flow cross-section reduction zone, where existing solutions require external, non-replaceable transition elements.
Innovation Solution
A reversibly connectable inflow element is integrated within the inlet element, providing a force-fit or form-fit connection, which can be replaced when worn or damaged, and serves as a protective shield for the inner surfaces and connections, eliminating the need for external components and reducing material exposure to erosive media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an exchangeable transition element is provided between the flange connection and external piping to protect against erosive media, then the inner surfaces and connections are protected from material damage, but an additional external component is required and integrated via a further connection in the measurement setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inlet element and transition element into a single integrated component. The inlet element is designed with an integrated transition zone that directly connects the flange connection to the measuring tube, eliminating the need for a separate transition element. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining protection against erosive media through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the flange connection interface, provides the transition zone for flow cross-section reduction, and acts as the protective element against erosive media. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective components while maintaining all necessary protective functions.
2Device complexity
If the inlet element is designed as a fixed, non-removable component, then the construction is simplified, but the inner surfaces and connections cannot be protected from erosive media damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the inlet element into a removable protective insert that can be exchanged independently. The insert is designed to fit within the inlet element and can be removed and replaced without dismantling the entire flowmeter, allowing maintenance of the protective function while keeping the overall construction simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective insert acts as an intermediary component between the erosive media and the critical inner surfaces of the inlet element. This intermediate element absorbs the erosive damage, protecting the main inlet element structure while maintaining construction simplicity through its modular design.
3Shape
If the flow cross section is reduced at the connection area, then the transition zone is created, but this area is exposed to particularly high loads and erosive media damage
Solution Approach 1:
The protective insert is designed as a sacrificial component that can be easily replaced when worn. It serves as a disposable or short-lived element that absorbs erosive damage at the high-stress transition zone, protecting the more valuable inlet element structure while maintaining the necessary flow cross-section transition shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing enhanced protection specifically at the transition zone where erosive media causes the most damage. The protective insert is strategically positioned at this critical area with appropriate material properties and geometry to withstand local erosive loads, while the rest of the inlet element maintains its standard design.
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 allows for easy replacement of the inflow element, protecting the inner surfaces and connections from erosive media, extending the lifespan of the flowmeter and preventing material damage, while maintaining measurement accuracy without additional external components.
Implementation Method 1
During operation, the measuring tube with medium flowing through it is brought to oscillation by the oscillation generator. The oscillation sensors measure the generated oscillation at the inlet side and outlet side on the measuring tube. Due to the Coriolis effect, a measurable phase difference arises between the inlet side and the outlet side oscillation.
Data Source
AI summary
The flowmeter having at least one measuring tube and having at least one inlet element, wherein the inlet element is connected to the at least one measuring tube and is arranged before the at least one measuring tube in respect to flow direction. The flowmeter that is also suitable for the verification of erosive media is achieved in that at least one inflow element is provided, wherein the inflow element is arranged at least partly within the inlet element and wherein the inflow element is detachably connectable to the inlet element.