CN101014837A - Liner for a flow meter - Google Patents

Abstract

A flow meter assembly includes a flow meter including a tube through which a fluid flows. The flow meter is operable to measure the amount of fluid flowing through the tube. A liner is positioned within the tube and is removably coupled with the tube such that fluid flowing through the tube flows through the liner without contacting an inner surface of the tube.

Description

The bushing pipe that is used for flowmeter

Technical field

The present invention relates to flowmeter.

Related application

The application has required the U.S. Provisional Application No.60/677 of submission on May 4th, 2005,458, the U.S. Provisional Application No.60/669 that submitted on April 8th, 2005,594, the U.S. Provisional Application No.60/654 that submitted on February 18th, 2005, the U.S. Provisional Application No.60/588 that on July 15th, 327 and 2004 submitted to, 242 right of priority.The full content of these provisional application merges by reference in this application.

Background technology

Auto-filling system is used for fluid from the memory transfer to the container.Typically, these automatic systems have merged flowmeter and accurately control the amount that is incorporated into the fluid in each container by quality (weight) or volume.These systems typically are used in pharmacy, bio-pharmaceuticals, chemistry and the food packaging industry.Similarly, flowmeter also can be used for other industry, for example in water, waste water, paper, the energy and the petro chemical industry.Automatic system also usually comprises by the stop valve of flowmeter control and the fluid transfer of the amount that is used for the measuring nozzle in the container.

Usually one type the flowmeter that is used in these automatic systems is a mass flowmeter, and it measures flow performance based on the controlled generation of Coriolis force.This type of mass flowmeter is known and usually comprises the pipe of titanium, stainless steel or other long life materials, and pipe extends through the cylindrical end of empty sealing and this and is convenient to fluid and flows through right cylinder at the center.The right cylinder of sealing can comprise nitrogen, helium or other suitable gas.Make the pipe vibration and can calculate flow performance for measuring mass velocity by pipe based on the vibration of the pipe of actual measurement.For example, when no mass flow is crossed pipe, between vibration that applies and the vibration that measures, there be not differing of calculating.When having mass flow, the vibration of pipe reduces in the porch and increases in the exit.When mass velocity increased, differing also increased.The vibration of pipe uses electrodynamic transducer to measure in the porch and the exit of pipe.

In many industry, for example in pharmacy and the biological-pharmacy, permanent (being non-once process piping system) pipeline in cleaning, sterilization and the verification system importantly is to prevent being changed cross pollution when introducing different fluids and pass through system when fluid storage.This is called in industry and changes batch.When changing batch, inject cleaning chemistry goods, pure water and steam with cleaning and sterilization duct by pipeline usually.Also may need to be cleaning and sterilization dismounting pipe section.Because the pipe of mass flowmeter is the part of system, it also must cleaning and sterilization (or replacing).Also must checking cleaning and sterilization before carrying out the next one batch.This has caused time-consuming, labour intensity big and because of the process of relevant costliness with the shut-down period of system.

Typically, system along the pipeline of system added in a plurality of positions other valve and and equipment so that online cleaning (CIP) or online wet sterilization (SIP) process and allow cleaning and checking on the less part in system.For example, if total system can not be verified, pollution can be isolated to specific part and then only this specific part cleaned once more.In other words, isolation valve allows one or more parts of flow path to be cut off to allow only to require the flow path part of cleaning to clean further to this.In this way, the isolation valve upstream and downstream that can be positioned in flowmeter comes the flow path of limited flow rate meter pipe as an isolation.Cleaning, sterilization and checking between though this layout has been simplified batch, it can not eliminate expensive, that labour intensity is big and time-consuming cleaning course to flowmeter.

Flowmeter is also through being usually used in handling and transporting the application of causticity and/or Corrosive Materia (for example sewage disposal process, chemical production processes etc.).Pass in time, these harsh materials can corrode the pipe in the flowmeter or pipe is degenerated, and therefore require to change flowmeter.Such replacing is costliness and time-consuming.

Summary of the invention

The present invention is devoted to be used for the disposable bushing pipe of flowmeter, disposable lining pipe is to be replaced with the cross pollution between preventing batch, the needs of the pipe in cleaning, sterilization and the checking flowmeter have been eliminated, increased the throughput rate of fill system by the shut-down period that reduces system, and reduced and necessary cleaning work and the cost relevant additionally with proof procedure.In addition, disposable lining pipe of the present invention is to be used for reducing substantially or removing the corrosion or the degeneration of the stream pipe in the flowmeter that the application of handling causticity and/or Corrosive Materia is used.When needing, can insert and replace bushing pipe to protect the integrality of expensive stream pipe.

One embodiment of the present of invention are devoted to fill system, fluid storage that fill system is linked together with comprising fluid and flowmeter.Fluid storage is supplied with fluid and flowmeter survey flow performance to flowmeter.Flowmeter also comprises the pipe relevant with measuring flow performance and is positioned at that being suitable in the pipe comprises fluid and from the memory transfer fluid and make it pass through the removable insert or the bushing pipe of flowmeter.

In other embodiment, fill system comprise with flowmeter fluid the stop valve and the nozzle that are linked together.Therefore flowmeter control stop valve allows nozzle to introduce the amount of the only measurement of fluid to container.

In certain embodiments, flowmeter is a mass flowmeter, and it measures flow performance based on the controlled generation of Coriolis force.The pipe of mass flowmeter extends through the end of hollow closing cylinder at the center.At least one electrodynamic transducer is positioned in the right cylinder and measures flow performance with the generation based on Coriolis force.

In other embodiment, the present invention imagines the use of removable uncombined bushing pipe in the flowmeter (for example electromagnetism class flowmeter) of other types.The removable bushing pipe that uses in the flowmeter of other types can not have any supporting construction yet and self is inserted into flowmeter and removes from flowmeter, therefore allows flowmeter to operate under the situation of bushing pipe bushing pipe being arranged or do not have.

In other embodiments of the invention again, insert is a flexible pipe.Flexible pipe can be a plastics flexible tube non-reaction, pre-irradiation.Insert is inserted in the pipe of flowmeter, makes the outside surface inside surface of contact tube substantially of insert.

In another embodiments of the invention again, insert is removable shaping or shapable bushing pipe, and bushing pipe can be shaped as the inside surface that meets the pipe in the flowmeter and the no matter size and the structure of pipe.

When reading following detailed description, claims and accompanying drawing, it is obvious that other features and advantages of the present invention become to those skilled in the art.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the explanatory view of fill system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is the skeleton view of flowmeter of the fill system of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is the plan view of the first bushing pipe embodiment that is used for the fill system of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is the decomposition view of fill system, illustrates the parts of second embodiment that is used to install bushing pipe.

Fig. 5 illustrates the fill system at Fig. 4 of part assembled state.

Fig. 6 shows the skeleton view of amplification of insertion fixture of the fill system of Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is the backplan of the insertion fixture of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 shows the part skeleton view of the fixing bushing pipe in place above last insertion fixture.

Fig. 9 shows at the part skeleton view that inserts the fixing bushing pipe in place above the fixture down.

Figure 10 shows the source line of fill system and goes up the decomposition part skeleton view that inserts the connection between the fixture.

Figure 11 is the explanatory view that illustrates the air purge path of the fill system that is used for Fig. 4.

Figure 12 is the decomposition part skeleton view that illustrates the vacuum port assembly embodiment that uses with fill system.

Figure 13 shows the part skeleton view of the vacuum port assembly of Figure 12 of assembling fully.

Figure 14 shows the part skeleton view of the second vacuum port assembly that fits together with fill system.

Figure 15 is the plan view of filling pipeline that has merged the bushing pipe of Fig. 3.

Figure 16 is the cross sectional view that has merged the fill system of disposable filling pipeline, and filling pipeline is the 3rd embodiment of bushing pipe.

Figure 17 is the decomposition view of the fill system of Figure 16.

Figure 18 be the disposable filling pipeline shown in Figure 16 and Figure 17 partly be the plan view of cross sectional view.

Figure 19 is the part skeleton view that is fixed to the upper end cover fixture of flowmeter.

Figure 20 is the part skeleton view that is fixed to the bottom end cover fixture of flowmeter.

Figure 21 is the view that is similar to Figure 19, illustrates the connection of disposable filling pipeline to the upper end cover fixture.

Figure 22 is the view that is similar to Figure 20, illustrates the connection of disposable filling pipeline to the bottom end cover fixture.

Figure 23 is the explanatory view that illustrates the air purge path of the fill system that is used for Figure 16.

Figure 24 a is the plan view that is used for disposable filling pipeline is connected to the hair clip clevis of upper end cover fixture and bottom end cover fixture.

Figure 24 b be can operate with disposable filling pipeline with respect to flowmeter fixing in place the end cap fixture that substitutes and the plan view of C clamp device.

Before in detail explaining one embodiment of the present of invention, should be understood that the present invention in it is used, be not restricted to set forth in the following description or the details of illustrated structure and the layout of parts in the accompanying drawings.The present invention can be other embodiment and can implement in many ways or carry out.Also should be understood that herein the word of using and term is used for purpose of description and the system property of should not considering to exceed." comprise ", " having " and " comprising " and variant thereof mean in this use and comprise project and the equivalent of project and the additional project that is listed in thereafter.Use letter to come the key element of recognition methods or process only to be used for identification and do not mean that indicative feature should carry out with order specifically.

Embodiment

Fill system 10 according to an embodiment of the invention illustrates in Fig. 1.Fill system 10 comprises fluid storage 12, flowmeter 14, stop valve 16 and nozzle 18, is linked together their fluids.Fluid storage 12 is the containers that keep fluid.Fluid storage 12 can be case, bag, bucket or any vessel that can keep fluid.Use as used herein and in subsidiary arbitrarily claim, term " fluid " means and comprises that liquid, gas and any other can flow or flowable solid or medium (for example mud, mud, bulk material, sewage, thick cream, paste etc.) by flowmeter.Fluid in storer 12 flows out storer 12 because of the pressure that is applied in the storer 12.In other structure, system 10 can comprise pump, and peristaltic pump for example is so that fluid moves and by system 10 from storer 12.Fill system 10 can be used for pharmacy, bio-pharmaceuticals, chemistry, packaging for foodstuff and other industry.Same, the present invention's imagination is used for using in other industry, the flowmeter in water, waste water, paper, the energy, paint, cosmetics and the petro chemical industry for example, and wherein the material by flowmeter can be causticity and/or corrosive.

Flowmeter 14 by pipeline 20a fluid be connected to fluid storage 12.Flowmeter 14 comprises the hollow cylinder 22 of sealing and is positioned at middle pipe 24 that pipe 24 extends through the end of right cylinder 22 to limit passage.Right cylinder can comprise nitrogen, helium or other gas so that the operation of flowmeter 14.Insert, bushing pipe or pipeline 20b are positioned in pipe 24 the passage, and fluid be connected to pipeline 20a selectively to receive fluid from fluid storage 12.Flowmeter 14 also comprises the first electrodynamic transducer 26a and the second electrodynamic transducer 26b, and their generate and send to have represented manages 24 oscillatory signal.In illustrated embodiment, flowmeter 14 is Coriolis flowmeters, for example from Micro Motion, and obtainable Coriolis flowmeter such as Endress+Hauser.Those of ordinary skills understand the operation of Coriolis Flow Measuring System and therefore do not introduce in detail in this application.In other embodiment, also can use other Flow Measuring Systems that comprise the pipe that is used for fluid transfer.

Pipeline 20b can be with the plastic pipe that is flexible, semirigid or rigidity.For example, pipe can be made by any combination of tygon, polypropylene, polyolefin, nylon, thermoplastic elastomer or these materials.Also can use the material of other shapable corrosion resistance fluids.In certain embodiments, the outer wall of pipeline 20b sizable part of the total inner surface of contact tube 24 substantially.Formation contacts with the entity of the wall of pipe 24 and allows to take more accurate measurement by sensor 26a, 26b when fluid flows through pipeline 20b.Pipeline 20b can be by sterilization before the passage that is inserted into pipe 24.In certain embodiments, pipeline 20b can be illuminated, flushing, chemical sterilization etc.In other embodiment again, pipeline 20b by pre-sterilizing and packing to keep aseptic.Pipeline 20b can by manage 24 and pipeline 20b between be frictionally engaged, or by for example machanical fastener of folder, screw, pressure etc. remain on the pipe 24 in.

Though the shape of illustrated pipeline 20b is the pipe that prolongs, pipeline 20b can have multiple other permission and be connected with pipeline 20a, 20c and be inserted into shapes (i.e. any substantially pipe of bushing pipe of Cheng Xinging or shapable bushing pipe adaptation is constructed) in the pipe 24.For example, there are a plurality of flowmeter unit that utilize different pipe structures.Can obtain multitube flowmeter and flowmeter with bending and/or take-off pipe.The present invention has imagined the bushing pipe structure of flexibility, semiflexible and rigidity, and it is configured to the pipe structure and the structure of any flowmeter are worked substantially.The present invention has also imagined and has used removable uncombined bushing pipe in the flowmeter (for example electromagnetism class flowmeter) in other types.As pipeline 20b, use removable bushing pipe in the flowmeter of other types also can self be inserted into flowmeter without any supporting construction and remove from flowmeter, therefore allow flowmeter to operate having bushing pipe or do not have under the situation of bushing pipe.

Fig. 3 illustrates the embodiment of pipeline 20b in more detail.Illustrated pipeline 20b comprises first 50, second portion 54 and third part 58 among Fig. 3. Part 50,54 and 58 size and length will depend on that the specific flowmeter of use changes, yet the size of second portion 54 is decided to be and is engaged in the pipe 24.More specifically, second portion 54 has and equals substantially or slightly greater than the external diameter of pipe 24 internal diameter.This makes the outside surface of second portion 54 to keep with the inside surface of managing 24 along the whole length of pipe 24 substantially and contacts.In other embodiment, as discussing following, the external diameter of second portion 54 can be slightly less than the internal diameter of managing 24.Second portion 54 has low hardness number and thin wall thickness with the closely inside surface of coincidence tube 24 and the inside surface of adjacent pipe 24.

Illustrated first 50 and third part 58 are connected to the opposite end of second portion 54.First 50 and third part 58 are extended pipe 24 and are had than higher hardness number of second portion 54 and bigger wall thickness, to hold flow of pressurized fluid, (for example wherein do not have around pipe 24 rigid structure, as shown in Figure 1, the above and below in the pipe 24 and the top and bottom of right cylinder 22).Such as herein use and in any subsidiary claim use, term " on ", D score, " top ", " bottom ", " top ", " below " etc. are used to be convenient to purpose of description with reference to the accompanying drawings, and be not intended to hint or require any special direction of part.If wish, first 50 and third part 58 can be strengthened by braiding or Web materials, or can use removable solid counterpart or fixture to assist in the end of right cylinder 22 and stablize first 50 and third part 58.Illustrated pipe section 50,54 and 58 is made by the pipe of the medical grade of thermoplastic elastic body C-FLEX available on the market, it can obtain from the Consolidated Polymer Technologies Inc of Clearwater Florida, yet also can use other suitable pipes, pipeline, bushing pipe and membrane material.The biocompatibility of C-FLEX pipe, temperature stability, moisture stable, sterilization compatibility are known, and the FLEX pipe makes that by there not being malicious plastifier to make it is the good selection that pharmacy, chemistry and packaging for foodstuff are used.

In illustrated embodiment, an end of first 50 is inserted in the end of second portion 54, and part 50 and 54 is linked together to form being connected of leakproof substantially.Between second portion 54 and third part 58, form similarly and connect.In illustrated embodiment, part 50,54 and part 54,58 can be used the shrink film or collapsible tube 62 thermal of the certain-length on the joint that is positioned between the part 50,54,58.Can use heat gun or other suitable heat-producing devices that heat is applied on the collapsible tube 62 and shrink this collapsible tube 62 as thermal.Certainly, the connection technology that other are suitable, for example melting welding, RF weldering, over-molded etc. can be used for part 50,54,58 is bound up.Alternatively, part 50,54,58 can integrally be extruded the pipeline of the variable-diameter, wall of variable thickness and the variable durometer value that are a segment length.

Pipeline 20b by pipeline 20c fluid be connected to stop valve 16.Stop valve 16 can comprise actuator 28, actuator 28 received signals and can be actuated clamping pipe 20c with the fluid of restricted passage pipeline 20c stream.Actuator can be the piston/cylinder body assembly of pneumatic or hydraulic pressure.Other valves that are used for the stream of restricted passage pipeline 20c also can use and within the scope of the invention.

Pipeline 20c by pipeline 20d fluid be connected to nozzle 18.Nozzle 18 is from pipeline 20d guiding fluid stream and to container 30, for example bag, bottle, ampoule etc.

Pipeline 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d define flow path and can be linked together by the known connector 32 of those of ordinary skills.Flow path needs not be pipeline 20a, the 20b, 20c, the 20d that separate that is linked together by connector, and alternative is can comprise the pipeline with the flow path that forms fill system of being linked together of single integrated piping or any number.For example, pipeline 20a, 20b can integrally form, and make single pipeline extend by flowmeter 14 from fluid storage 12.In the same manner, pipeline 20c, 20d can integrally form, and make single pipeline extend to nozzle from flowmeter by stop valve.Any combination that can integrally form contiguous pipeline 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d is to form flow path and to reduce the number of the pipeline of connection dividually.An example of intactly disposable filling pipeline assembly will be with reference to figure 4 in following description, and wherein the filling pipeline assembly has merged the miscellaneous part of pipeline 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d and fill system 10.

Fill system 10 also comprises controller 34, controller 34 comprises the input end that is electrically coupled to the first sensor 26a and the second sensor 26b respectively by lead 36a, 36b, to receive signal from sensor 26a, 26b, with the output terminal that is electrically coupled to stop valve 16 by lead 38, to send signal to actuator 28.Controller 34 can comprise the keypad that allows the operator to import the parameter that is filled into the fluid volume in each container 30 of representative hope.

Primitively, before operation, pipeline 20c, stop valve 16, pipeline 20d and the nozzle 18 that is linked together the fluid storage 12 that fill system 10 is linked together with comprising fluid and pipeline 20a and fluid.For preparing the flowmeter 14 of the system that will be connected to, pipeline 20b is inserted in the passage of pipe 24.In some cases, hope is that the outside surface of pipeline 20b is contacted with the inside surface of pipe 24.For inserting pipeline 20b in this case, pipeline 24 is stretched to reduce the external diameter of pipeline 20b, allows to be used for the gap of pipeline 20b with in the passage that is coupled to pipe 24 with this.After pipeline 20b inserted, some or all axial tensile forces can be removed from pipeline 20b, made the external diameter of pipeline 20b return to normal or near normally with the inwall of conjugation tube 24 frictionally.If the external diameter of pipeline 20b equals substantially or slightly greater than the internal diameter of pipe 24, pipeline 20b can remain under some tension force, to keep the slightly less external diameter of inwall than pipe 24.Then, can expand pipeline 20b by the pressure fluid of pipeline 20b engages with the inwall with pipe 24.In other embodiment, pipeline 20b can be cooled with diameter reduction for insertion, and is allowed to return to environment temperature and allows diameter to amplify in pipe 24 passage to get back to normal.In another embodiment again, pipeline 20b can initially be in the state of collapsing to be inserted in the pipe 24.In case insert, can use gas, liquid or other suitable devices with pipe expansion or expansion from fill system 10.

The method of pipe laying 20b is described referring now to illustrated pipeline 20b among Fig. 3.At first, one of first 50 or third part 58 is inserted in pipe 24 the upper end and sends to suitably to be positioned at until second portion 54 and manage in 24 by managing 24.In illustrated embodiment, when usually align with pad 70 (see figure 1)s in the interface 66 between first 50 and the second portion 54, second portion 54 suitably is positioned in the pipe 24, wherein manages 24 and is welded in the hollow right cylinder 22 at pad 70 places.Similarly, will usually align with pad 78 in the interface 74 between second portion 54 and the third part 58, wherein manages 24 and be welded in the hollow cylinder 22 at pad 78 places.Believe that pipeline 20b that this alignment techniques has prevented to influence the accuracy of meter readings substantially changes or hinder the vibration of pipe 24 with nonlinear way.As an alternative, in the time of in pipeline 20b suitably is positioned at pipe 24, pipeline 20b becomes linearity substantially to the influence of managing 24 vibration.As a result of, can simply demarcate and consider that pipeline 20b is in the existence of pipe in 24.Be used to be convenient to pipeline 20b is inserted into the interior method of pipe except that described above, can apply low friction compound (for example powder, lubricant, alcohol etc.) at the outside surface of pipeline 20b so that be inserted in the pipe 24.

Sign 82a, the 82b of forms such as mark, indentation, rib, locating slot, projection can be provided at respectively on first 50 and the third part 58, so that pipe laying 20b.Especially, sign 82a, 82b can be positioned at pipeline 20b upward to indicate setter how far pipeline 20b is drawn by managing 24.For example, sign 82a, 82b can be positioned on first 50 and the third part 58, make when sign 82a and right cylinder 22 and/or manage point of fixity 86 (see figure 1)s on 24 align and identify 82b and right cylinder 22 with/manage point of fixity 90 (see figure 1)s on 24 when aliging, pipeline 20b is positioned at rightly and manages in 24.If sign 82a, 82b have the form of rib or projection, rib or projection can be used as the retainer that cooperates and/or engage with point of fixity 86,90.Certainly, point of fixity 86 and 90 can change with the position that identifies 82a, 82b.For example, point of fixity can be alternatively at the fixed sturcture place of the end of folder, counterpart, fixture or other contiguous right cylinders 22, and sign can be positioned at the position of the suitable correspondence on the pipeline.

In the time of in pipeline 20b is inserted in pipe 24 rightly, pipeline 20b can be connected to pipeline 20a, 20c.In other structure, pipeline 20b is preceding in being inserted into pipe 24 can be connected to the one or more of other pipelines 20a, 20c, 20d, or integrally forms with the one or more of other pipelines 20a, 20c, 20d, as hereinafter describing with reference to figure 4.

After system 10 fully assembled, the operation of system 10 began with stop valve 16 clamping pipe 20c, made the fluid that flows through flow path be limited.Container 30 makes the fluid that leaves nozzle 18 enter container 30 to locate with the operative relationship of nozzle 18.After container 30 was located rightly, controller 34 sent signals so that it shifts out and the contacting of pipeline 20c to actuator 28, made to allow the fluid from storer 12 to flow through pipeline 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d mass flowing nozzle 18 and flow into container 30.Because there is pipeline 20b, fluid does not contact with the inside surface of pipe 24.

When fluid stream began by flow path, sensor 26a, 26b generated and send the oscillatory signal of representative pipe 24.Controller 34 receives from the signal of sensor 26a, 26b and calculates the amount of the fluid that flows through flowmeter 14 at least in part based on the signal that receives and Coriolis principle.When the amount of fluid that recognizes the pre-programmed of hope when controller 34 had moved through flowmeter 14, controller 34 sent signal to the actuator 28 of stop valve 16.Actuator 28 cuts out pipeline 20c clamping in response to the signal that receives self-controller 34.

Close and container 30 when being filled into the volume of hope when stop valve 16, container 30 can be added a cover or sealed and remove from system 10.Next then container is introduced in system 10 and repeats until storer 12 emptyings with the process of replacing the container 30 filled and filling containers or filled the container of the number of wishing.

At this moment, new batch by replacing storer 12 with the new memory that comprises new fluid and beginning.Can replace pipeline 20b but not the pipe 24 (as in background technology, discussing) of cleaning, sterilization and checking flowmeter 14.For replacing pipeline 20b, pipeline 20b is disconnected from pipeline 20a, 20c.Then by drawing used pipeline 20b by managing 24 and it is removed from managing 24.In most applications, need not dismantle flowmeter 14 in order to remove pipeline 20b to remove pipe 24 from flowmeter 14.The end of pipeline 20b can be added a cover preventing and be spilt in the pipe 24 when trombone slide road 20b any fluid when managing 24.The pipeline that is similar to the new sterilization of pipeline 20b is positioned in the passage of pipe 24 in above-mentioned mode.In most applications,, need not dismantle flowmeter 14 in order to insert new pipeline 20b and come to remove pipe 24 from flowmeter 14 as movement pipeline 20b.When inserting new pipeline, new pipeline is connected to pipeline 20a, 20c, pipeline 20a, 20c substituted by corresponding aseptic pipeline or be cleaned, sterilization and checking.

When pipeline 20b from manage 24 remove after, be intended to it is abandoned.In some non-sterile application, cleaning, sterilization individually, verify and re-use disposable bushing pipe, finish until its serviceable life.Therefore for example, if pipeline 20b is a flexiplast pipe, cost is minimized and it can be abandoned or recycle and change with new pre-sterilized pipeline.Causticity and/or corrosive material are by in the application of flowmeter therein, and pipeline 20b can be used to protect the pipe 24 of flowmeter.In such a case, pipeline 20b is as protectiveness and disposable bushing pipe, and it is passed in time and may degenerate because of contacting with causticity and/or corrosive chemicals.Yet pipeline can be replaced to keep the integrality of the more expensive pipe 24 in the flowmeter because of needs.Use disposable tubing 20b to dismantle flowmeter 14 termly changing the demand of pipe 24 protected, not non-sterile or that damage to eliminate as being used to manage 24 lining pipe, if or not protected pipe 24 damage then eliminate the demand of fully changing flowmeter 14 possibly.In addition, the use of disposable tubing 20b is not permanent change flowmeter 14, and if flowmeter 14 do not use subsequently then do not change the functional of flowmeter 14 with pipeline 20b.With the present invention, flowmeter tube 24 keeps not changing and will having or not have bushing pipe working, but may need to demarcate again.

Describe another embodiment of pipeline 20b and pipeline 20b is installed to method in the flowmeter 14 referring now to Fig. 4 to Figure 11.In this embodiment, pipeline 20b is made by the pipe of single C-FLEX medical grade.Though can use the C-FLEX pipe (pipe that for example has the A level hardness number of from 18 to 70 scope) of multiple hardness number, find that the A level hardness number that has of certain-length provides accurate result for 50 C-FLEX pipe.Additionally, illustrated pipe has identical with pipe 24 internal diameter or preferably less than the external diameter of the internal diameter of pipe 24.

At first, provide the C-FLEX pipe (for example cutting to this length) of suitable length to be engaged in the pipe 24 to form pipeline 20b.The particular length of pipeline 20b will depend on the flowmeter 14 of use and change.The outside surface of pipeline 20b can be coated with lubricant or will reduce the material that rubs and adhere in pipeline 20b is inserted into pipe 24 time.In illustrated embodiment, pipeline 20b can or similarly reduce in the product that rubs and adhere and roll in suitable aseptic and/or nontoxic medical grade lubricant, talcum powder, railway grease, spraying, or is coated with them in addition.Any too much lubricant or antifriction material can remove from pipeline 20b before installation.

Then, the end of pipeline 20b can be fixed to bar or other extension device, and bar or extension device can be used for inserting and the pipe 24 of trombone slide road 20b by flowmeter 14.For example, the end of pipeline 20b can be tied to bar or be connected to bar in addition with band.Yet, also can use to be used for pipeline 20b is fixed to other devices on the bar.Any suitable device and method that is used for pipeline 20b is inserted into pipe 24 can be used, and pipe 24 should be noted not damaging.

Before in pipeline 20b being inserted into pipe 24, can clean pipe 24 with brush, soft cloth or other suitable cleaning equipments.Alternatively or additionally, also can blow forced air by manage 24 be used for cleaning purpose.In one embodiment, paper cloth may be attached to the bar of prolongation, and this bar is pulled through pipe 24 and cleans pipe 24.

Then, be used for (see figure 5) in the opening separately at the top of the insertion fixture 150a of flowmeter 14, right cylinder 22 that 150b is placed on flowmeter 14 and place, bottom.In illustrated embodiment, insert fixture 150a, 150b until the abutment surface on the end of the flange 155a on each fixture 150a, 150b, 155b adjacent flanges 160a, 160b or right cylinder 22.Use folder 165 or other suitable fixed equipments that fixture 150a, 150b is fixing in place then.In illustrated embodiment, the two ends that conventional health folder 165a, 165b is fixed on right cylinder 22 are sentenced flange 160a, the 160b that will insert on each end of flange 155a, 155b on fixture 150a, the 150b and right cylinder 22 and are linked together.In other embodiments, insertion fixture 150a, 150b can for good and all be fixed to the right cylinder 22 of flowmeter 14 or integrally form with it.

Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 illustrate further and insert fixture 150a, 150b, and inserting fixture 150a, 150b in illustrated embodiment is identical substantially.The tubular body portion of inserting fixture 150a, 150b has the external diameter less than the internal diameter of pipe 24, therefore provides to insert the tubular body portion of fixture 150a, 150b and manage annular gap between 24 the inwall.This gap prevents fixture 150a, 150b contact tube 24, with this fixture 150a, 150b and pipe is isolated to guarantee that fixture 150a, 150b do not change the excitation frequency of pipe 24 substantially.Fixture 150a, 150b and pipe 24 isolated help to realize accurately and measurement result repeatably.Though the length of fixture 150a, 150b can depend on flowmeter 14 and change, in the time of in being inserted into pipe 24, fixture 150a, 150b should stop and not reaching sensor 26a, 26b.

Fixture 150a, 150b also are convenient to pipeline 20b is installed to the repeatability of managing in 24.Use fixture 150a, 150b to help to guarantee each when new pipeline is installed, pipeline 20b will be at the inwall of identical substantially position contact tube 24.This helps to realize accurate and result repeatably for flowmeter 14.

Illustrated fixture 150a, 150b are made by for example stainless metal.Yet fixture 150a, 150b also can use other alloys or disposable plastic.If fixture 150a, 150b are made by the disposable plastic material, then fixture 150a, 150b can be the parts of disposable filling pipeline system, as reference Figure 15 to Figure 18 following illustrate and describe be used for sterilization or the aseptic application that single uses.

After inserting fixture 150a, 150b, can use the bar of prolongation and other erecting equipments that pipeline 20b is inserted in the pipe 24.In illustrated embodiment, bar is inserted in the opening that inserts in the fixture 150a, by managing 24 and leave right cylinder by the opening that inserts in the fixture 150b down.Certainly, bar also can be inserted into down earlier in the opening in the insertion fixture 150b, the direction that makes progress by manage 24 and then by on the opening that inserts in the fixture 150a leave right cylinder 22.The free end of pipeline 26b or not stiff end surround the second flange 156a that inserts fixture 150a then and go up with upper end and be fixed to insertion fixture 150a (schematically illustrated in Fig. 8) pipeline 20b.Then, bar is pulled through pipe 24 and occurs from insert the opening in the fixture 150b down until the end of the pipeline 20b that is fixed to bar.Pipeline 20b will slightly stretch (promptly under the slight tension force) at this some place and will keep slightly stretching when installing.When firmly grasping the end of pipeline 20b securely, band or other stationary installations can be removed, and make bar to be removed and fully to regain from right cylinder 22 from pipeline 20b.The lower end of pipeline 20b surrounds down on the second flange 156b of insertion fixture 150b then, is fixed to down insertion fixture 150b (schematically illustrated in Fig. 9) with the lower end with pipeline 20b.

Pipeline 20b is positioned in the pipe 24 now, and suitable pipeline can be connected to and insert fixture 150a and following insertion fixture 150b.At first, packing ring 170 can be placed on the flange 156a that inserts fixture (and being " inlet inserts fixture " in this case) 150a and go up (see figure 10).Then, use conventional health folder 175a or other suitable connectors that fluid supply line line or pipeline 20a are connected to inlet insertion fixture 150a.Repeat identical operations then so that discharge pipe or pipeline 20c and/or 20d are connected to down insertion fixture or " fixture is inserted in outlet " 150b.

Then, be opened to the fluid supply source of flowmeter 14 to supply with pressure fluid to pipeline 20a, 20b and 20c/20d.The inwall that pressure fluid by pipeline 20b begins to expand pipeline 20b and/or pipeline 20b is formed into pipe 24.When the shape of the inwall of pipeline 20b expansion and coincidence tube 24, be limited in pipeline 20b and the fluid and the gas (for example air) of managing between 24 begin to be eliminated from system 10.More specifically, and with reference to Figure 11, the external diameter of fixture 150a, 150b and manage gap between 24 the internal diameter and provide to make and be limited in pipeline 20b and manage the path that the air between 24 is eliminated.Air can and be managed between 24 the inwall and advance (as usually by shown in the flow circuits A among Figure 11) to flange 155a, 155b in the tubular body portion of fixture 150a and 150b.With reference to figure 7, flange 155a, 155b are connected to the tubular body portion of each fixture 150a, 150b again, and the mode of connection provides one or more clearances that air is escaped that are used for.As shown in FIG. 7, flange 155a, 155b are welded to the main part of fixture 150a, 150b in four position W, stay four arc gaps between the tubular body portion of flange 155a, 155b and fixture 150a, 150b, air is escaped by this gap.Certainly, can use still less or more weld W.

By fluid by pipeline 20a, pipeline 20b and about at least three seconds of pipeline 20c/20d and air also is eliminated from the inside of fluid supply line line or pipeline 20a, pipeline 20b and pipeline 20c/20d.

In case the stimulus stream of flowmeter 14 is stable, the pressure in fluid supply line line or pipeline 20a increases with further expansion pipeline 20b and pipeline 20b is formed into the inwall of pipe 24.When through after some times, pipeline 20b is the inwall of coincidence tube 24 fully, and making does not have between the inwall and pipeline 20b that air is limited in pipe 24 substantially.Because pipeline 20b is with the inwall expansion of tube 24, pipeline 20b planted agent does not exist any fold, folding or other scramblings.Any pipe inwall and air between the pipeline 20b of 24 of once being limited in will fully be eliminated and emptying, and will leave system 10 in mode described above, therefore make the flowmeter 14 that has removable pipeline 20b provide accurately and measured value repeatably.

As the substituting or replenishing of the step of removing air discussed above, vacuum port may be attached to one or two that inserts fixture 150a, 150b, or in addition and flowmeter 14 integrally form and can be used for emptying pipe 20b and manage air between 24.Figure 12 and Figure 13 illustrate a possible assembly 179 that comprises vacuum port 180a, and vacuum port 180a is convenient to emptying at pipeline 20b with manage space between 24.As illustrating in Figure 12, assembly 179 comprises insertion fixture 185, inserts fixture 185 and comprises flange 190 at one end and comprise circle 195 between first end and second end.Flange 190 is similar to flange 156a described above, 156b and will be described in detail.Circle 195 is parts of dish type substantially, it form the part of inserting fixture 185 or regularly attachment (for example weld, stickup, soldering, brazing etc.) to inserting fixture 185.Bobbin 200 comprises upper bobbin flange 205, lower spool flange 210 and inner openings, and it allows bobbin 200 freely inserting slip on the fixture 185.Vacuum port 180a extends to inner openings so that the fluid connection to be provided from the outside surface of bobbin between them.Flexible pipe assembly parts 220, for example threaded compression fittings engage vacuum port 180a and the connection of vacuum pipe 225 are provided, and vacuum pipe 225 extends to vacuum source from flexible pipe assembly parts 220, for example vacuum pump.

The insertion fixture 185 that has as the bobbin 200 of illustrated location in Figure 12 and Figure 13 is engaged in the top opening of flowmeter 14, makes that inserting fixture 185 enters flowmeter 14, and enters pipe 24 in some constructions.Lower spool flange 210 slides into the matched position with respect to right cylinder flange 160a.In some constructions, packing ring, O type circle and other elastic components 230 are positioned between flange 160a and the lower spool flange 210, to guarantee airtight substantially sealing.Folder 235 joint flange 160a shown in Figure 13 and lower spool flange 210 and hold them in the position of sealing.Be engaged in case press from both sides 235, the vacuum flow path extends to the inside of bobbin 200 from the outside of bobbin 200, along the inside surface of the outside surface that inserts fixture 185 to pipe 24.After bushing pipe 20b located as described previously, the vacuum path extended to bushing pipe 20b and manages in the space between 24.

Circle 195 shown in Figure 12 slides into the bonding station with upper bobbin flange 205.As illustrating in Figure 12, for example the elastic component 237 of packing ring, O type circle or other water-tight equipments can be positioned at upper bobbin flange 205 and enclose between 195 so that airtight substantially sealing to be provided.Last folder 240 (shown in Figure 13) engage upper bobbin flange 205 and circle 195 and compression seal equipment 237 to set up airtight substantially sealing.Therefore, vacuum path and atmospheric sealing and extend to the pipe 24 and bushing pipe 20b between the space in, make vacuum source can from manage 24 and bushing pipe 20b between space intake-gas (for example air).

Bushing pipe 20b extends top and the joint flange 190 that inserts fixture 185, describes with reference to figure 8 as above.Packing ring 170 can be positioned on the top of bushing pipe 20b and flange 190, as shown in Figure 10.Feed tube for liquid line 20a is positioned on the top of packing ring 170 then, and supplies with folder 175a and orientate the flange 190 that sealably feed tube for liquid line 20a is connected to bushing pipe 20b and inserts fixture 185 as, as illustrating in Figure 13.

Figure 14 illustrates the vacuum subassembly 245 that is similar to reference to Figure 12 and the described assembly 179 of Figure 13.Yet the vacuum subassembly 245 of Figure 14 is attached to the endpiece of flowmeter 14 but not is attached to inlet end.Outlet conduit 20c uses the folder 175b that is similar to folder 175a to be attached to vacuum subassembly 245, and attachment means is similar to attachment means described above.Some structures can comprise inlet vacuum subassembly 179, outlet vacuum subassembly 245 or comprise the two, as may the requirement by specific application.In addition, also can use other removing equipment or assemblies.

One denier air is drained from pipeline 20b with between managing 24, and the pressure in supply line or pipeline 20a can be adjusted into the stuffing pressure of hope and can begin the batch processing of fluid.Though ventilate or emptying pipe 20b and two methods of managing the air between 24 describe in detail above with reference to fixture 150a, 150b and 185, it should be noted also can use to be used to remove the other technologies of air when using interchangeable pipeline or pipeline 20b, to realize result accurate and that repeatably wish.

Figure 15 illustrates an example of disposable filling pipeline assembly 100, and assembly 100 is merged into single assembly with pipeline 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d.Filling pipeline assembly 100 also can comprise the miscellaneous part of fill system 10, and for example nozzle 18.In addition, filling pipeline assembly 100 can be configured to the filtrator 104 accepting to sterilize or other and can depend on that specific fill system uses and useful device.

Filling pipeline assembly 100 comprises the first 108 corresponding to the pipeline 20a shown in Fig. 1.Removable lid 112 can be placed on the end of first 108, is coupled to storer 12 until first 108.The length of first 108 can depend on employed specific fill system and changes as hope ground.Second end of first 108 is illustrated as the filtrator 104 that can be connected to sterilization, if yet not needing filtrator 104 or similar equipment, second end of first 108 can directly be connected to the second portion 116 of assembly 100 or integrally form with second portion 116.Second portion 116 comprises the part of the pipeline in the pipe 24 that is received in flowmeter 14 corresponding to pipeline 20b.The structure of second portion 116 is usually identical with the above structure of describing with reference to figure 3, though the length of second portion 116 and structure can depend on that employed specific fill system changes.The end relative with first 108 of second portion 116 directly is connected to corresponding to the third part 120 of pipeline 20c and 20d or with third part and integrally forms.The length of third part 120 can change as needs.Nozzle 124 is connected to the end of third part 120, and removable nozzle cover 128 can be placed on the nozzle 124, is mounted in fill system 10 and stand-by until filling pipeline assembly 100.

The part 108,116 of filling pipeline assembly can be made by identical materials and in identical mode as discussed above with 120, and is made by the C-FLEX pipe in illustrated embodiment.Nozzle 124, the lid 112 and 128 and filtrator 104 also can make by plastics or other materials that is suitable for gnotobasis.Whole filling pipeline assembly 100 can be packaged in the single packing, and if filling pipeline assembly 100 be used in the aseptic application, then whole packing can be handled or other suitable sterilization technologies come sterilization by irradiation process, ethylene oxide.Filling pipeline assembly 100 can use once, and is processed, and therefore the filling pipeline assembly 100 that can insert new sterilization has then eliminated the demand of CIP or SIP process and proof procedure to be used for fill system 100.

The size of the parts of filling pipeline assembly 100 is decided to be and is configured to allow and is inserted in the parts of fill system 10.For example the size to small part of filling pipeline assembly 100 is decided to be by stop valve 16, and the size of the identical part of filling pipeline assembly 100 or other parts is decided to be by managing 24.Can use the similar method of method as previously discussed so that filling pipeline assembly 100 is inserted in the fill system 10.Be not incorporated in the filling pipeline assembly 100 if there is filtrator 104, then nozzle 124, lid 128 and cover 112 at least one can be sized to and be configured to allow by pipe 24 and stop valve 16.The realization of the suitable location of second portion 116 in pipe 24 can be to take place about the mode that the mode of pipeline 20b discussion of location in pipe 24 is identical with above substantially.

It being understood that disposable filling pipeline assembly 100 can use or be revised as with other fill systems with other fill systems uses, and other fill systems may not utilize flowmeter and merge other fluid treating plants.Use as used herein and in any subsidiary claims, term " fluid treating plant " means that equipment relevant with fluid handling system and fluid path are by this equipment, do not consider whether fluid treating plant acts on fluid and/or fluid path, or monitoring or analysing fluid and/or fluid path passively.For example, some known fill systems have utilized peristaltic pump or other fluid treating plants, are used for the desirable fluid filling containers in the fill system (for example, bag).In such application, disposable filling pipeline assembly 100 can be used to reduce or eliminate the demand of the parts that are used to clean and verify disposable filling pipeline assembly 100.The pipe section of the number of any hope and the parts of any other hope can depend on that specific fill system uses and interconnects on demand.Preferably, the filling pipeline assembly that is designed for specific fill system will and be packed the disposable filling pipeline assembly that uses with as single by pre-sterilizing.By disposable nozzle 124 is merged to disposable filling pipeline replace must batch between the metallic nozzle of cleaning and checking, and change batch relevant time and cost and can reduce largely.

Figure 16 to Figure 24 a illustrates another fill system that has used second embodiment of disposable filling pipeline 300 again.The identical part of fill system has been given identical reference number.With reference to Figure 18, the part that defines the disposable filling pipeline 300 of pipe section 20b comprises the first pipe bushing pipe insert 304a and second pipe bushing pipe insert 304b and the bushing pipe 308.Use any suitable heat, RF or viscosity combination technology or other suitable connection techniques will manage the relative end that bushing pipe insert 304a, 304b are fixed to bushing pipe 308, make fluid flow path by managing bushing pipe insert 304a, 304b and bushing pipe 308 qualifications.In illustrated embodiment, the end that is not connected to the pipe bushing pipe insert 304 of bushing pipe 308 comprises swedged connection most advanced and sophisticated 312, connecting most advanced and sophisticated 312 can be configured to have barb 316 or with other suitable manner structures, arrive other pipe sections 20a of disposable filling pipeline 300, the connection of 20c so that manage bushing pipe insert 304.Alternatively, pipe section 20a, 20c can use any suitable heat, RF or viscosity combination technology to connect most advanced and sophisticated 312 further combined with connecting tip 312 or being fixed to each in addition to each.As shown in Figure 16, Figure 17 and Figure 18, disposable filling pipeline 300 also comprises the plastic nozzle 320 that is connected to pipe section 20c.Though not shown, disposable filling pipeline 300 also can comprise end cap, the free end of end cap covering nozzles 320 and pipe section 20a, such as the disposable filling pipeline 100 of above reference description.

Pipe section 20a, the 20c of disposable filling pipeline 300 and bushing pipe 308 can be made by C-FLEX pipe or other suitable materials to be similar to the above mode of describing about filling pipeline 100.Pipe bushing pipe insert 304a, 304b and nozzle 320 also can be made by C-FLEX pipe or other suitable plastic, but firmer than pipe section 20a, 20c and bushing pipe 308 in illustrated embodiment.

Identical with filling pipeline described above 100, whole filling pipeline 300 can be assembled and be packaged in the single packing in advance, if and filling pipeline 300 is used for aseptic application, then whole packing can be handled or other suitable sterilization technologies come sterilization by irradiation process, ethylene oxide.Filling pipeline assembly 300 can use once, and is processed, and therefore the filling pipeline assembly 300 that can insert new sterilization has then eliminated the demand of CIP or SIP process and proof procedure to be used for fill system.

For holding disposable filling pipeline 300 and with respect to flowmeter 14 disposable filling pipeline 300 being located, fill system comprises the first end cap fixture 324a and the second end cap fixture 324b (as illustrating best) in Figure 16 and Figure 17.End cap fixture 324a is identical substantially with 324b, and each comprise be configured to cylindrical upper end or lower end on corresponding flange 160a, the flange 328 that 160b engages.If wish, then packing ring or O-ring seal can be positioned between flange 328 and corresponding flange 160a, the 160b.Each end cap fixture 324a, 324b further comprise the tubular body portion 332 of extending from flange 328.Tubular body portion 332 comprises groove or groove 336, and its purpose will be described in more detail following.Illustrated end cap fixture 324a, 324b are made by metal (for example stainless steel), yet they are available is alternatively made by appropriate plastic material.

Figure 19 and Figure 20 illustrate end cap fixture 324a, the 324b that is fixed to each flange 160a, 160b by folder 165a, 165b.Then, pre-assembled disposable filling pipeline 300 can be inserted in the main part 332 of upper end cover fixture 324a, send (for example using bar or other suitable insertion auxiliary members) from nozzle 320 beginning and to be similar to mode discussed above to by flowmeter 14, in bushing pipe 308 is positioned at pipe 24 between upper end cover fixture 324a and the bottom end cover fixture 324b.Those skilled in the art also will understand filling pipeline 300 and can alternatively insert with the direction that makes progress from the bottom of flowmeter 14.In addition, if filling pipeline is not fully pre-assembled, then manages the installation of bushing pipe insert 304a, 304b and bushing pipe 308 and can before connecting tube part 20a, 20c, carry out.

With reference to Figure 21, on manage bushing pipe insert 304a with respect to upper end cover fixture 324a location, make the main part 332 interior grooves 336 that are formed on groove in the pipe bushing pipe insert 304a or groove 340 (seeing Figure 18) and upper end cover fixture 324a align.Hair clip clevis 344a or other suitable fixed equipments can be positioned in groove 336 and the groove 340, remain on suitable position with respect to upper end cover fixture 324a (for example axially and rotatably keeping) will manage bushing pipe insert 304a.

In case it is fixing with respect to flowmeter 14 to go up pipe bushing pipe insert 304a, following pipe bushing pipe insert 304b axially and rotatably locatees with respect to bottom end cover fixture 324b.In illustrated embodiment, therefore the pipe bushing pipe insert 304b of can axially leaving behind stretches bushing pipe 308 slightly, aligns with groove 336 in bottom end cover fixture 324b until the groove 340 in managing bushing pipe insert 304b down.With reference to Figure 22, be formed on swedged most advanced and sophisticated 312 (and as seen) by the translucent pipeline 20c that connected or the alignment mark of managing its elsewhere on the bushing pipe insert 304b down identify 348 (also seeing Figure 18) can be rotatably with last pipe bushing pipe insert 304a (seeing Figure 21) on similar alignment mark or identify 348 and align, in pipe 24, do not twist to guarantee bushing pipe 308.Alignment mark 348 can be printed on pipe bushing pipe insert 304a, the 304b, can process or form in addition thereon as outstanding, locating slot, rib or groove, or can additionally be attached suitably or provide.In case pipe bushing pipe insert 304b axially and rotatably aligns down, hair clip clevis 344b or other suitable fixed equipments are positioned in the groove 336 and in the groove 340, remain on suitable position with respect to bottom end cover fixture 324b (for example axially and maintenance rotatably) will manage bushing pipe insert 304b.

In case filling pipeline 300 is inserted in the flowmeter 14, fill system can start and operate in the mode quite identical with mode discussed above.Yet notice that in the embodiment of Figure 16 to Figure 24 a, the removing or the emptying that are limited in the outside surface of bushing pipe 308 and manage the gas (for example air) between 24 the inwall take place in different slightly modes.With reference to Figure 23, by allow air to each end cap fixture 324a, 324b between the inside surface of the outside surface of each pipe bushing pipe insert 304a, 304b and each main part 332, advance and leave the groove 336 that is formed in each end cap fixture 324a, 324b (as in Figure 23 with the arrow A representative), and air is removed from bushing pipe 308 with between managing 24.Additionally or alternatively, the embodiment of Figure 16 to Figure 24 a also can be revised as and comprise the vacuum subassembly that is similar to vacuum subassembly 179,245 discussed above, further to be convenient to from removing air from bushing pipe 308 with between managing 24.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that and to change the embodiment of Figure 16 to Figure 24 a and do not depart from scope of the present invention.For example, Figure 24 b illustrates and is used for the alternative that filling pipeline 300 is fixing with respect to flowmeter 14.In the embodiment of Figure 24 b, illustrate end cap fixture 350 and end cap fixture 350 usually at the flange 328 that is similar to end cap fixture 324a, 324b in shape, but do not comprise tubular body portion from its extension.The folder 354 of the shape of being made by plastics or other suitable materials of C substantially is used for by around the folder 354 of the groove 340 slip C shapes of pipe bushing pipe insert 304a, 304b and each pipe bushing pipe insert 304a, 304b is fixing in place with respect to flange 160a, the 160b of flowmeter 14.Groove 340 may need to adjust size, in the folder 354 that suitably is engaged in the C shape.Be positioned in pipe bushing pipe insert 304a, the 304b and put around groove 340 and be placed on each flange 160a, 160b in case press from both sides 354, end cap fixture 350 can be placed on the folder 354 on each flange 160a, 160b, and clamps with fixation kit with folder 165a, 165b.The aperture 358 that pipe bushing pipe insert 304a, 304b extend through in each end cap fixture 350 is used to be connected to each pipeline 20a, 20c.

Though diagram and described various embodiments of the present invention, each embodiment provides the bushing pipe that is used for flowmeter, and lining pipe is positioned in the pipe of flowmeter and connects with pipe removedly, and the feasible fluid that flows through pipe flows through bushing pipe and the inside surface of contact tube not.After use, lining pipe does not require to dismantle flowmeter substantially and do not require in flowmeter to remove from pipe and removes pipe.Bushing pipe is not for good and all revised or influence is managed and so flowmeter remains the bushing pipe that can have installation and operate the bushing pipe ground that does not have installation.Bushing pipe provides and has substituted having of CIP/SIP and proof procedure is cost-efficient, and CIP/SIP and proof procedure are normally used institute's requirement by the pharmacy that utilizes flowmeter.In addition, bushing pipe can be provided in the mode that the pipe of cost-efficient protection flowmeter is arranged in the application that relates to causticity and/or Corrosive Materia.

Be that diagram and purpose of description have provided the aforesaid description of this invention.In addition, the form that discloses that limits the invention to that is not intended to is described herein.Therefore, the skill of the variation suitable with above teaching and modification and association area or knowledge are within the scope of the invention.Embodiment described herein is intended to further explain that known being used to carry out optimal mode of the present invention and be intended to make others skilled in the art to utilize the present invention with such embodiment or other embodiment and with specific application or the desired multiple modification of use of the present invention.The claims that are intended to attach are interpreted as comprising the alternate embodiment in the degree that prior art allows.

Various features of the present invention is illustrated in following claims.

Claims (54)

1. flow meter assembly, it comprises:

The flowmeter that comprises pipe, fluid flow through this pipe, and this flowmeter can be operated the amount that flows through the fluid of pipe with measurement; With

Be positioned at the bushing pipe in the pipe, this bushing pipe connects with flowmeter removedly that the feasible fluid that flows through pipe flows through bushing pipe and the inside surface of contact tube not.

2. flow meter assembly according to claim 1, wherein bushing pipe is made by the flexiplast pipe.

3. flow meter assembly according to claim 2, wherein bushing pipe is made by the thermoplastic elastomer pipe.

4. flow meter assembly according to claim 1 wherein connects and can operate the fluid that flows through pipe with measurement when bushing pipe flowmeter when pipe removes when the lining tube and tube.

5. flow meter assembly according to claim 1, the inside surface that wherein serves as a contrast tube and tube closely contacts, and making does not have between the inside surface that gas is limited in bushing pipe and pipe substantially.

6. flow meter assembly according to claim 5 further comprises the removing equipment of the gas that is configured to remove between the inside surface that is limited in bushing pipe and pipe.

7. flow meter assembly according to claim 6, wherein removing equipment is vacuum subassembly.

8. flow meter assembly according to claim 5 is wherein expanded bushing pipe for to engage with the inside surface of pipe by the fluid by bushing pipe.

9. flow meter assembly according to claim 1, wherein bushing pipe is connected to pipe removedly and does not use mechanical bond between the inside surface of any bushing pipe and pipe.

10. flow meter assembly according to claim 1, wherein bushing pipe is arranged in removedly in the pipe and does not remove pipe from flowmeter.

11. flow meter assembly according to claim 1, wherein bushing pipe is the part of filling pipeline, and filling pipeline defines from the fluid supply source by the fluid flow path of flowmeter to fluid discharge nozzle.

12. flow meter assembly according to claim 11, wherein fluid discharge nozzle is the part of filling pipeline.

13. flow meter assembly according to claim 11, wherein whole filling pipeline is made of plastics.

14. flow meter assembly according to claim 11, wherein filling pipeline is the filling pipeline of sterilization.

15. flow meter assembly according to claim 11, wherein filling pipeline comprises first pipe bushing pipe insert that connects with the inlet end of bushing pipe and the second pipe bushing pipe insert that connects with the endpiece of bushing pipe, and each of pipe bushing pipe insert is configured to receive and is used for bushing pipe is fixed on the interior fixed equipment of pipe.

16. flow meter assembly according to claim 15, it is firmer than bushing pipe wherein to manage the bushing pipe insert.

17. flow meter assembly according to claim 1, wherein bushing pipe is the bushing pipe of sterilization.

18. flow meter assembly according to claim 1, wherein flowmeter is the flowmeter of Coriolis class.

19. flow meter assembly according to claim 1, wherein bushing pipe connects with pipe removedly.

20. the method for an operate flow meter assembly, this flow meter assembly comprises the flowmeter with pipe, and fluid flows through this pipe, and flowmeter can be operated the amount that flows through the fluid of pipe with measurement, also comprises the bushing pipe that is configured to be positioned in the pipe, and this method comprises:

Bushing pipe is inserted in the pipe;

Make fluid pass through pipe, make fluid flow through bushing pipe and the inside surface of contact tube not; With

After making fluid, bushing pipe is removed from pipe by pipe.

21. method according to claim 20 further comprises:

With gas from emptying between the inside surface of the bushing pipe that inserts and pipe.

22. method according to claim 21, wherein removing equipment is used for gas from emptying between the inside surface of the bushing pipe that inserts and pipe.

23. method according to claim 22, wherein removing equipment is vacuum subassembly.

24. method according to claim 21 is wherein by making fluid by bushing pipe bushing pipe expansion be realized gas from emptying between the inside surface of the bushing pipe that inserts and pipe for engaging with the inside surface of pipe.

25. method according to claim 20 wherein is inserted into bushing pipe in the pipe and realizes mechanically bushing pipe is not attached to pipe.

26. method according to claim 20 wherein removes bushing pipe pipe is not removed from flowmeter from pipe and finishes.

27. method according to claim 20 wherein is inserted into bushing pipe in the pipe and finishes pipe is not removed from flowmeter.

28. method according to claim 20 further comprises:

After bushing pipe is removed from pipe, second bushing pipe is inserted in the pipe; With

Make fluid pass through pipe, make fluid flow through second bushing pipe and the inside surface of contact tube not.

29. method according to claim 28, wherein after bushing pipe removes from pipe and before second bushing pipe is inserted into pipe, no cleaning fluid is by pipe.

30. method according to claim 28, the fluid that wherein flows through first bushing pipe is different with the fluid that flows through second bushing pipe.

31. method according to claim 20, wherein bushing pipe be inserted into the pipe before by sterilization.

32. method according to claim 20 wherein is inserted into bushing pipe pipe and comprises by bushing pipe is being connected to flowmeter with pipe spaced positions place and bushing pipe is fixed with respect to flowmeter.

33. method according to claim 20, the fluid that wherein flows through bushing pipe expands bushing pipe for to combine with the inside surface of pipe.

34. method according to claim 20, it is non-warping substantially in pipe to guarantee bushing pipe with the partial rotation ground alignment of bushing pipe wherein bushing pipe to be inserted into the opposed end place that pipe is included in pipe.

35. method according to claim 20, wherein bushing pipe is the part of filling pipeline, filling pipeline defines from the fluid supply source by flowmeter and to the fluid flow path of fluid discharge nozzle, and wherein fluid flows to fluid discharge nozzle from the fluid supply source by flowmeter and by filling pipeline.

36. method according to claim 35, wherein filling pipeline comprises fluid discharge nozzle and wherein bushing pipe is inserted into and comprises in the pipe at first fluid discharge nozzle by pipe.

37. method according to claim 35, wherein the bushing pipe of filling pipeline partly comprises and is connected two bushing pipe pipelines between the pipe bushing pipe insert, and wherein bushing pipe is inserted into and comprises being positioned in the pipe to small part bushing pipe pipeline and each pipe bushing pipe insert in the pipe.

38. method according to claim 35, wherein the bushing pipe of filling pipeline partly comprises and is connected two bushing pipe pipelines between the pipe bushing pipe insert, and wherein bushing pipe is inserted into and comprises in the pipe two pipe bushing pipe inserts with respect to flowmeter fixing releasedly with pipe spaced positions place.

39. method according to claim 35, wherein whole filling pipeline be inserted into the pipe before by sterilization.

40. one kind is used for operating to pass through the filling pipeline of the fluid handling system of fluid treating plant distributing fluids from the fluid supply source, this filling pipeline comprises:

Be communicated with and be positioned at the first of fluid treating plant upstream with fluid supply source fluid;

Be positioned in the enclosure portion of fluid treating plant removedly and extend through the second portion of the enclosure portion of fluid treating plant; With

Be positioned at the third part in fluid treating plant downstream.

41. according to the described filling pipeline of claim 40, wherein first, second comprises plastic pipe with third part.

42. according to the described filling pipeline of claim 41, wherein plastic pipe is by sterilization.

43. according to the described filling pipeline of claim 41, wherein plastic pipe is not homogeneous in the length of filling pipeline.

44. according to the described filling pipeline of claim 41, wherein plastic pipe comprises the thermoplastic elastomer pipe.

45. according to the described filling pipeline of claim 40, wherein filling pipeline further comprises the fluid discharge nozzle that connects with third part.

46. according to the described filling pipeline of claim 45, wherein filling pipeline further is included in the removable lid that is placed on before second portion is positioned in the fluid treating plant removedly on the fluid discharge nozzle.

47. according to the described filling pipeline of claim 45, wherein the size of discharge nozzle is set at the enclosure portion by fluid treating plant.

48. according to the described filling pipeline of claim 40, wherein fluid treating plant is a flowmeter.

49. according to the described filling pipeline of claim 48, wherein flowmeter is the flowmeter of Coriolis class.

50. according to the described filling pipeline of claim 40, wherein second portion comprises the first pipe bushing pipe insert, the second pipe bushing pipe insert and is connected in the first pipe bushing pipe insert and the second bushing pipe pipeline of managing between the bushing pipe insert.

51. according to the described filling pipeline of claim 50, wherein the bushing pipe pipeline is not firmer than pipe bushing pipe insert.

52. according to the described filling pipeline of claim 40, wherein second portion is positioned in the interior pipe of fluid treating plant removedly.

53. according to the described filling pipeline of claim 52, wherein second portion is arranged along the inside surface of pipe, makes fluid by fluid treating plant flow through second portion and the inside surface of contact tube not.

54. according to the described filling pipeline of claim 52, wherein second portion be positioned at removedly the pipe in and between the inside surface of second portion and pipe without any mechanical bond.

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