Modular Coriolis Flowmeter With Contactless Tube Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Coriolis flowmeters with integrated temperature sensors are unsuitable for disposable applications due to potential damage during module replacement and are not cleanable, making them inadequate for biopharmaceutical uses.
Innovation Solution
A modular Coriolis flowmeter design featuring a contactless temperature sensor, such as an infrared sensor, positioned in the electronics chamber and separated by protective glass, allowing for non-invasive temperature measurement without damaging the sensor during module replacement and enabling cleaning for biopharmaceutical compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a soldered temperature sensor is attached to the measuring tube, then temperature measurement is achieved, but the sensor is damaged during module replacement and cannot be cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
A protective glass window is introduced as an intermediary element between the temperature sensor and the measuring tube. The sensor remains in the electronics chamber while the glass window is positioned on the measuring tube surface, allowing infrared radiation to pass through for temperature measurement without direct contact between the sensor and the replaceable measuring tube module.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical soldered connection between the temperature sensor and measuring tube is replaced with an optical measurement system. The contactless infrared temperature sensor detects temperature through electromagnetic radiation (infrared light) passing through the protective glass window, eliminating the need for physical contact and mechanical attachment.
2Measurement precision
If an optical temperature sensor is placed inside the housing facing the measuring tube, then temperature measurement is possible, but the sensor is damaged when the measuring tube module is inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The protective glass window serves as a mediator that separates the measuring tube module from the temperature sensor. The window is attached to the measuring tube module and positioned in front of the sensor, allowing optical contact for measurement while preventing physical collision damage during insertion and removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature measurement system is segmented into two separate parts: the contactless infrared sensor remains in the fixed electronics chamber, while the protective glass window is attached to the replaceable measuring tube module. This segmentation allows the measuring tube module to be replaced without affecting the sensor.
3Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is integrated with the measuring tube module, then temperature measurement is achieved, but the device cannot be cleaned for biopharmaceutical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The protective glass window acts as a cleanable intermediary surface that is in direct contact with the measuring tube module. This window can be cleaned and sterilized for biopharmaceutical applications, while the electronic temperature sensor remains protected in the electronics chamber, separating the cleanable components from the electronic components.
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 reliable temperature measurement for disposable applications while maintaining cleanliness and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards, preventing sensor damage and facilitating easy module replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a contactless temperature sensor which is arranged in the electronics chamber and orientated in such a way that, when the measuring tube module is arranged in the support module, in particular in the recess, the temperature sensor is directed towards a surface of the measuring tube module, in particular a measuring tube surface of the at least one measuring tube, and receives a light beam emitted from the surface of the measuring tube module, in particular the measuring tube surface of the measuring tube, through the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A modular Coriolis flowmeter for determining a process variable of a flowable medium includes: a measuring tube module having a measuring tube for guiding the medium; and a support module having a recess in which the measuring tube module can be arranged with a detachable connection, an electronics chamber in which electronics components for operating the flowmeter are arranged, a support module wall bordering the electronics chamber and the recess and having a through-opening connecting the recess to the electronics chamber, and a contactless temperature sensor arranged in the electronics chamber and orientated such that, when the measuring tube module is arranged in the support module, the temperature sensor is directed towards a measuring tube module surface and receives light emitted from the measuring tube module surface through the opening.