Optical Temperature Sensing for Condensate on Coriolis Measuring Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Coriolis flowmeters with disposable measuring tube modules face issues with condensate formation due to humidity ingress, leading to asymmetrical mass distribution and measurement errors, and existing temperature sensors are not suitable for disposable applications or biopharmaceutical processes as they require electrical contact or are prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
A contactless optical temperature sensor, such as an infrared sensor, is used to detect condensate formation on the measuring tube surface by emitting a light beam, receiving the reflected beam, and analyzing the output signal for deviations from a tolerance range, with the sensor positioned to avoid mechanical contact and humidity exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional temperature sensor with electrical contact is used, then temperature measurement is achieved, but the sensor cannot be used in disposable applications and requires complex electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electrical contact temperature sensors with an optical temperature sensor that measures temperature contactlessly using light. This substitution eliminates the need for electrical connections and makes the sensor suitable for disposable measuring tube modules, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability for disposable applications and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the 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 patent positions the optical temperature sensor in a different spatial dimension - on the housing wall rather than inside the housing facing the measuring tube. This dimensional relocation allows the sensor to measure temperature through the housing wall without being in the path of the measuring tube insertion, thus maintaining measurement precision while ensuring sensor durability.
3Ease of operation
If the measuring tube module is made interchangeable and disposable, then ease of replacement and cleaning is improved, but humidity can enter the receptacle and condense on the measuring tubes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection of condensate formation on the measuring tube using the optical temperature sensor. By monitoring temperature changes that indicate condensation before it affects measurement accuracy, the system can alert operators to take preventive actions, thus maintaining the benefits of disposable modules while mitigating the harmful effect of humidity ingress.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a dew point sensor is added to the receptacle to detect humidity, then condensate detection is possible, but the carrier module cannot be cleaned and the measurement reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the proposed dew point sensor with an optical temperature sensor that detects condensate formation indirectly through temperature measurement. This substitution maintains condensate detection capability while preserving the ability to clean the carrier module, as the optical sensor does not require contact with the measuring tube or exposure to humidity.
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
This method allows for accurate temperature measurement without damaging the sensor or requiring electrical contact, suitable for disposable applications and biopharmaceutical processes, ensuring reliable mass flow determination by preventing condensate-related measurement errors.
Implementation Method 1
an optical temperature sensor for the contactless detection of a temperature of the measuring tube
Implementation Method 2
receiving a light beam, emitted from the measuring tube surface of the measuring tube, by means of the temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the contactless determination of a condensate formation on a measuring tube surface of an, in particular metallic, measuring tube by means of an optical temperature sensor for the contactless detection of a temperature of the measuring tube of a modular Coriolis flowmeter includes identifying a condensate on the measuring tube surface when an output signal and/or a temporal change of the output signal of the optical temperature sensor is outside a tolerance range.