DE102009055069A1 - Vibration-type measuring sensor for detecting e.g. mass flow rate of gas and for producing Coriolis forces in process measurement- and automation system, has tube arrangement exhibiting sectional plane running between measuring tubes - Google Patents

Abstract

The sensor (11) has an electromechanical excitation arrangement formed by electrodynamic oscillation exciters for producing and/or maintaining of mechanical oscillations i.e. bending oscillations. Measuring tubes are arranged in the sensor. A tube arrangement exhibits a longitudinal sectional plane running perpendicular to another longitudinal sectional plane and between the measuring tubes. The tube arrangement is mirror-symmetric to the tube arrangement. The latter longitudinal sectional plane lies between the measuring tubes.

Description

The invention relates to a transducer of the vibration type for measuring a guided in a pipeline flowable medium, esp. A gas, a liquid, a powder or other fluid substance, esp. For measuring a density and / or a mass flow rate, esp a time interval totalized total mass flow, one in a pipeline at least temporarily with a mass flow rate of more than 1000 t / h, esp. More than 1500 t / h, flowing medium. Furthermore, the invention relates to an in-line measuring device with such a transducer.

In the process measuring and automation technology for the measurement of physical parameters such. Mass flow, density and / or viscosity, of piping flowing media, such as an aqueous liquid, a gas, a liquid-gas mixture, a vapor, an oil, a paste, a slurry or other fluid , often used such in-line measuring devices, the means of a medium flowed through the transducer of the vibration type and an attached measuring and operating circuit, in the medium reaction forces such. B. corresponding to the mass flow Coriolis forces, with the density of the medium corresponding inertial forces and / or with the viscosity of the medium corresponding frictional forces, etc., cause and derived from these a respective mass flow, the respective viscosity and / or a respective density of the medium generate representative measuring signal. Such, esp. Designed as Coriolis mass flow meter or Coriolis Massedurchfluß- / density meter, transducers are z. B. in the EP-A 1 001 254 , of the EP-A 553 939 , of the US-A 47 93 191 , of the US-A 2002/0157479 , of the US-A 2006/0150750 , of the US-A 2007/0151368 , of the US-A 53 70 002 , of the US Pat. No. 5,796,011 , of the US-B 63 08 580 , of the US-B 64 15 668 , of the US-B 6711958 , of the US-B 69 20 798 , of the US-B 71 34 347 , of the US-B 73 92 709 , or the WO-A 03/027616 described in detail and in detail.

Each of the transducers has a transducer housing, of which an inlet-side first housing end at least partially by means of a precisely two each spaced apart circular cylindrical or conical flow openings having first flow divider and a Auslaßseitiges second housing end at least partially by means of a precisely two each spaced flow openings having second flow divider are formed. For some of the in the US Pat. No. 5,796,011 , of the US-B 73 50 421 , or the US-A 2007/0151368 shown transducers, the transducer housing comprises a rather thick-walled circular cylindrical tube segment, which forms at least one central segment of the transducer housing.

For carrying at least temporarily flowing, possibly also extremely hot, medium, the transducers furthermore each exactly two fluidically connected measuring tubes made of metal, esp. Steel or titanium, which are placed within the transducer housing and vibrationally supported therein by means of the aforementioned flow divider. A first, mostly identical and mutually parallel, measuring tubes opens with an inlet side first Meßrohrende in a first flow opening of the inlet side first flow divider and with an outlet second Meßrohrende in a first flow opening of the outlet second flow divider and a second of the measuring tubes opens with an inlet side first Meßrohrende in a second flow opening of the first flow divider and with an outlet side second Meßrohrende in a second flow opening of the second flow divider. Each of the flow dividers further comprises a respective flange with a sealing surface for fluid-tight connection of the measuring transducer to a tube segment of the pipeline serving for supplying medium for or for discharging medium from the measuring transducer.

The measuring tubes are vibrated to produce above-mentioned reaction forces, driven by a generation or maintenance of mechanical vibrations, esp. Of bending vibrations, the measuring tubes in the so-called drive or Nutzmode serving exciter arrangement, during operation. The oscillations in Nutzmode are usually, esp. When using the transducer as Coriolis Massedurchfluß- and / or density meter, at least partially formed as a lateral bending oscillations and in the case of flowing through the measuring tubes medium due to induced therein Coriolis forces by additional, frequency-equal vibrations superimposed in the so-called Coriolis mode. Accordingly, the exciter arrangement - here mostly electro-dynamic - is designed such that the two measuring tubes in the Nutzmode at least partially, esp. Also predominantly, to opposite phase bending modes differentially - ie by entry simultaneously along a common line of action, but in opposite direction acting exciters - are excitable.

For detecting vibrations, in particular of bending vibrations excited by means of the exciter arrangement, of the measuring tubes and of vibration measurement signals for generating vibrations, the measuring sensors furthermore each have one Relative movements of the measuring tubes reacting, usually also electrodynamic sensor arrangement. Typically, the sensor arrangement is formed by means of an inlet-side, oscillations of the measuring tubes differentially - ie only relative movements of the measuring tubes - detecting vibration sensor and an outlet-side, oscillations of the measuring tubes differentially detecting vibration sensor. Each of the conventionally identical vibration sensors is formed by means of a permanent magnet supported on the first measuring tube and a cylindrical coil through which the magnetic field flows and which is supported on the second measuring tube.

In operation, the above-described, formed by means of the two measuring tubes tube assembly is excited by the electro-mechanical exciter assembly at least temporarily in Nutzmode to mechanical vibrations on at least one dominant useful vibration frequency. As the oscillation frequency for the oscillations in Nutzmode while a natural momentary resonant frequency of the tube assembly is usually selected, which in turn is essentially dependent both on the size, shape and material of the measuring tubes as well as a current density of the medium; if necessary, this useful oscillation frequency can also be significantly influenced by a momentary viscosity of the medium. As a result of fluctuating density of the medium to be measured and / or as a result of medium changes in operation, the useful oscillation frequency in the operation of the transducer is naturally variable at least within a calibrated and insofar predetermined useful frequency band corresponding to a predetermined lower and a predetermined upper limit frequency.

For defining a free oscillating length of the measuring tubes and concomitantly adjusting the useful frequency band measuring transducer of the type described above also usually at least one inlet-side coupler element for forming inlet-side nodes for antiphase vibrations, esp. Biegeschwingungen, both measuring tubes, spaced from two flow dividers fixed to both measuring tubes and at least one outlet-side coupler element for forming outlet-side vibration nodes for antiphase vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the measuring tubes, which is fixed both from both flow dividers and the inlet-side coupler element spaced on both measuring tubes. In the case of curved measuring tubes while corresponds to the length of a running between the inlet side and the outlet side coupler element portion of a bend line of the respective measuring tube, thus connecting the centroids of all imaginary cross-sectional areas of the respective measuring tube imaginary center line of the same measuring tube, the free swing length of the measuring tubes. By means of - in so far associated with the pipe assembly - coupler elements also a vibration quality of the tube assembly as well as the sensitivity of the transducer can be influenced overall, in such a way that for a minimum required sensitivity of the transducer at least a minimum free swing length is to provide.

The development in the field of vibration sensors has reached a level that modern transducers of the type described can practically meet the highest requirements for precision and reproducibility of the measurement results for a wide range of flow measurement. Thus, such transducers are used in practice for mass flow rates of only a few g / h (grams per hour) to several t / min (tons per minute), pressures of up to 100 bar for liquids, or even over 300 bar for gases , The measurement accuracy achieved in this case is usually about 99.9% of the actual value or above or a measurement error of about 0.1%, wherein a lower limit of the guaranteed measuring range can well be about 1% of the measuring range. Due to the wide range of their applications, industrial grade transducers of nominal diameter nominal diameter (equivalent to the caliber of the pipe to be connected to the transducer or caliber of the transducer measured on the flange) are offered, ranging in diameter from 1 mm to 250 mm and at maximum nominal mass flow rate 1000 t / h are each specified for pressure losses of less than 3 bar. A caliber of the measuring tubes is approximately in a range between 80 mm and 100 mm.

Despite the fact that measuring sensors for use in pipelines with very high mass flow rates and, consequently, very large caliber of well over 100 mm are offered, there is still a considerable interest in measuring sensors of high precision and low pressure loss even for larger pipeline calibers, about 300 mm or more, or mass flow rates, of 1500 t / h or more, for example, for applications in the petrochemical industry or in the field of transport and handling of oil, natural gas, fuels, etc. This leads to scaled-up from the state of the art Technology, especially the EP-A 1 001 254 , of the EP-A 553 939 , of the US-A 47 93 191 , of the US-A 2002/0157479 , of the US-A 2007/0151368 , of the US-A 53 70 002 , of the US Pat. No. 5,796,011 , of the US-B 63 08 580 , of the US-B 67 11 958 , of the US-B 71 34 347 , of the US-B 73 50 421 , or the WO-A 03/027616 , known and already established Meßaufnehmerkonzepte that the, in particular the desired vibration characteristics, the required load capacity and the maximum allowable pressure loss owed, geometric dimensions, esp. The distance between the sealing surfaces of both flanges corresponding installation length and, in the case of curved measuring tubes, a maximum lateral extent of the transducer would take on exorbitantly high proportions. Along with this, the empty mass of the measuring transducer inevitably increases, with conventional measuring sensors of large nominal width being already realized with an empty mass of approximately 400 kg. Investigations for transducers with two curved measuring tubes, approximately in accordance with US-B 73 50 421 or the US Pat. No. 5,796,011 have been carried out with respect to their scaled adaptation to even larger nominal diameters, for example, have shown that for nominal diameters of more than 300 mm, the unladen mass of a scale enlarged conventional transducer would be well over 500 kg, along with a fitting length of more than 3000 mm and a maximum lateral extent of more than 1000 mm. In that regard, it should be noted that industrially acceptable, yet mass-producible measuring transducer conventional conception and materials with nominal nominal widths of well over 300 mm, both for reasons of technical feasibility, as well as due to economic considerations in the foreseeable future should not be available.

Based on the above-mentioned prior art, therefore, an object of the invention is to provide a transducer of high sensitivity and vibration quality, which causes a low pressure drop of less than 3 bar, even at large mass flow rates of more than 1000 t / h, and also With a large nominal diameter of more than 100 mm, the design is as compact as possible and not least suitable for applications with extremely hot or extremely cold media and / or with significantly fluctuating media temperatures.

In order to achieve the object, the invention resides in a vibration type transducer for detecting at least one physical quantity of a fluid medium carried in a pipeline, for example, a gas, a liquid, a powder or other fluid, and / or for detecting the detection of a fluid Mass flow rate of a fluid medium carried in a pipeline, in particular a gas, a liquid, a powder or another fluid, serving Coriolis forces. The transducer according to the invention comprises, for example, a substantially tubular and / or outer circular cylindrical, housing housing, of which an inlet side first housing end by exactly four spaced apart, for example, circular cylindrical, conical or conical, flow openings having inlet side first flow divider and an outlet side second Housing end by means of a precisely four spaced apart, for example, circular cylindrical, conical or conical, flow openings having outlet-side second flow divider are formed. Furthermore, the transducer comprises a tube arrangement with exactly four flow paths connected in a fluidically parallel manner to the flow splitters connected, in particular, vibrationally supported in the transducer housing only by means of the same flow divider, and / or identical and / or mutually parallel, curved, For example, at least partially V-shaped or at least partially circular arc-shaped, measuring tubes for guiding flowing medium. Of the four, for example, both in terms of geometry and in terms of material identical measuring tubes, a first measuring tube with an inlet side first Meßrohrende open into a first flow opening of the first flow divider and with an outlet side second Meßrohrende in a first flow opening of the second flow divider, at least one to the first measuring tube partially parallel second measuring tube with an inlet side first Meßrohrende in a second flow opening of the first flow divider and with an outlet side second Meßrohrende in a second flow opening of the second flow divider, a third measuring tube with an inlet side first Meßrohrende in a third flow opening of the first flow divider and an outlet side second Meßrohrende in a third flow opening of the second flow divider and a third measuring tube at least partially parallel fourth measuring tube mi t an inlet-side first Meßrohrende in a fourth flow opening of the first flow divider and with an outlet-side second Meßrohrende in a fourth flow opening of the second flow divider. Further, the transducer comprises an electro-mechanical, for example by means of electro-dynamic vibration exciter formed, exciter arrangement for generating and / or maintaining mechanical vibrations, esp. Of bending vibrations, the four measuring tubes. In the inventive Meßaufnehmer the measuring tubes are formed and arranged in the transducer, that the tube assembly has a lying between the first imaginary longitudinal sectional plane and the second imaginary longitudinal section plane of the Meßaufnehmers, the first imaginary longitudinal sectional plane of the Meßaufnehmers and the second imaginary longitudinal section plane of the Meßesnehmers each parallel first imaginary longitudinal section plane with respect to which the tube arrangement is mirror-symmetrical, and that the pipe arrangement has a second imaginary longitudinal sectional plane perpendicular to its imaginary first longitudinal sectional plane, with respect to which the pipe arrangement is likewise mirror-symmetrical.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, it is further provided that the two flow dividers are also designed and arranged in the measuring transducer such that an imaginary first connecting axis of the measuring transducer connecting the first flow opening of the first flow divider to the first flow opening of the second flow divider is parallel to a second flow opening the first flow divider with the second flow opening of the second flow divider imaginary connecting imaginary second connection axis of the Meßaufnehmers runs that a third flow opening of the first flow divider with the third flow opening of the second flow divider imaginary connecting imaginary third connection axis of the Meßaufnehmers parallel to a fourth flow opening of the first flow divider with the fourth flow opening of the second flow divider imaginary connecting imaginary fourth connecting axis de s Meßaufnehmers runs. This embodiment of the invention further provides that a first imaginary longitudinal section plane of the transducer, within which, for example, to a aligned with the main flow axis of the Meßaufnehmers parallel, first imaginary connection axis and the second imaginary connection axis parallel to a second imaginary longitudinal section plane of measuring transducer; within which the imaginary third connection axis and the imaginary fourth connection axis extend is, for example, such that the first imaginary longitudinal sectional plane of the tube arrangement lies between the first and second imaginary longitudinal sectional plane of the measuring transducer and / or is parallel to the first and second imaginary longitudinal sectional plane of the measuring transducer.

According to a second embodiment of the invention it is further provided that the two flow dividers are formed and arranged in the transducer that a third imaginary longitudinal section plane of the Meßaufnehmers, within the imaginary first connection axis and the imaginary third connection axis extending parallel to a fourth imaginary longitudinal section plane the Meßaufnehmers, within which the imaginary second connection axis and the imaginary fourth connection axis extend is. This embodiment of the invention further provides that the second imaginary longitudinal sectional plane of the tube assembly between the third imaginary longitudinal sectional plane of the transducer and the fourth imaginary longitudinal section plane of the transducer runs, for example, such that the second imaginary longitudinal sectional plane of the tube assembly parallel to the third imaginary longitudinal section plane of the transducer and is parallel to the fourth imaginary longitudinal section plane of the transducer.

According to a third embodiment of the invention, it is further provided that the four flow openings of the first flow divider are arranged so that imaginary centroids corresponding to esp. Circular, cross-sectional areas of the flow openings of the first flow divider form the vertices of an imaginary rectangle or an imaginary square, the same Cross-sectional areas lie in a, for example, the first imaginary longitudinal sectional plane of the transducer or the second imaginary longitudinal section plane of the transducer perpendicular, common imaginary cross-sectional plane of the first flow divider.

According to a fourth embodiment of the invention it is further provided that the four flow openings of the second flow divider are arranged so that to, esb. Circular, cross-sectional areas of the flow openings of the second flow divider associated imaginary centroids form the vertices of an imaginary rectangle or an imaginary square, the same Cross-sectional areas lie in a, for example, the first imaginary longitudinal sectional plane of the transducer or the second imaginary longitudinal section plane of the transducer perpendicular, common imaginary cross-sectional plane of the second flow divider.

According to a fifth embodiment of the invention, it is further provided that each of the four, especially gleichkalibrigen and / or same length, measuring tubes has a caliber which is more than 40 mm, esp. More than 60 mm. This embodiment of the invention further provides that the measuring tubes are bent and arranged so that a caliber-to-height ratio of the tube assembly, defined by a ratio of the caliber of the first measuring tube to a maximum lateral extent of the tube assembly, measured from a vertex of the first measuring tube to a vertex of the third measuring tube, more than 0.1, esp. More than 0.2 and / or less than 0.35, is.

According to a sixth embodiment of the invention, it is further provided that the first flow divider has a flange, in particular a mass of more than 50 kg, for connecting the measuring transducer to a pipe segment of the pipeline serving to supply the medium to the measuring transducer, and the second flow divider, esp. Having a mass of more than 50 kg, flange for connecting the transducer to a Having discharge of medium from the transducer serving pipe segment of the pipeline. Further developing this embodiment of the invention, each of the flanges each have a sealing surface for fluid-tight connection of the Meßaufnehmers with the respective corresponding pipe segment of the pipeline, wherein a distance between the sealing surfaces of both flanges one, esp. More than 1000 mm amount and / or less than 3000 mm betragende, installation length of the transducer defined. In particular, the transducer is further formed so that a length of a running between the first flow opening of the first flow divider and the first flow opening of the second flow divider portion of the bending line of the first measuring tube corresponding Meßrohrlänge the first measuring tube is selected so that a Meßrohrlänge-to Built-in length ratio of the measuring transducer, defined by a ratio of the measuring tube length of the first measuring tube to the installation length of the measuring transducer, more than 0.7, esp. More than 0.8 and / or less than 0.95, and / or that a caliber-to-installation length Ratio, the Meßaufnehmers, defined by a ratio of a caliber of the first measuring tube to the installation length of the transducer, more than 0.02, esp. More than 0.05 and / or less than 0.09, is. Alternatively or in addition to the transducer is designed so that a nominal diameter to installation length ratio of the transducer, defined by a ratio of the nominal diameter of the transducer to the installation length of the transducer smaller than 0.3, esp. Less than 0.2 and / or greater than 0.1 , whereby the nominal nominal diameter corresponds to a caliber of the pipeline in the course of which the sensor is to be inserted.

According to a seventh embodiment of the invention it is further provided that a length of a between the first flow opening of the first flow divider and the first flow opening of the second flow divider extending portion of the bending line of the first measuring tube corresponding Meßrohrlänge the first measuring tube more than 1000 mm, esp 1200 mm and / or less than 2000 mm.

According to an eighth embodiment of the invention, it is further provided that each of the four, in particular gleichkalibrigen, measuring tubes is arranged so that a smallest lateral distance of each of the four, in particular the same length, measuring tubes of a housing side wall of the transducer housing each greater than zero, in particular greater than 3 mm and / or greater than a double of a respective pipe wall thickness; and / or that a smallest lateral distance between two adjacent measuring tubes is in each case greater than 3 mm and / or greater than the sum of their respective tube wall thicknesses.

According to a ninth embodiment of the invention is further provided that each of the flow openings is arranged so that a smallest lateral distance of each of the flow openings of a housing side wall of the pickup housing each greater than zero, esp. Greater than 3 mm and / or greater than one Double a smallest pipe wall thickness of the measuring tubes, is; and / or that a smallest lateral distance between the flow openings is greater than 3 mm and / or greater than a double of a smallest pipe wall thickness of the measuring tubes.

According to a tenth embodiment of the invention, it is further provided that the excitation arrangement is designed such that the first measuring tube and the second measuring tube can be excited during operation to opposite-phase bending vibrations and the third measuring tube and the fourth measuring tube in operation to opposite-phase bending oscillations.

According to an eleventh embodiment of the invention, it is further provided that a mass ratio of an empty mass of the entire measuring transducer to an empty mass of the first measuring tube is greater than 10, esp. Greater than 15 and less than 25, is.

According to a twelfth embodiment of the invention, it is further provided that an empty mass, M ₁₈ , of the first measuring tube, in particular each of the measuring tubes, is greater than 20 kg, in particular greater than 30 kg and / or smaller than 50 kg.

According to a thirteenth embodiment of the invention, it is further provided that an empty mass of the measuring transducer is greater than 200 kg, in particular greater than 300 kg.

According to a fourteenth embodiment of the invention it is further provided that a nominal nominal diameter of the measuring transducer, which corresponds to a caliber of the pipeline in the course of which the measuring transducer is to be used, is more than 50 mm, in particular greater than 100 mm. Advantageously, the transducer is further designed so that a mass-to-nominal diameter ratio of the transducer, defined by a ratio of the dummy mass of the transducer to the nominal nominal diameter of the transducer smaller than 2 kg / mm, esp. Less than 1 kg / mm and / or greater than 0.5 kg / mm.

According to a fifteenth embodiment of the invention, it is further provided that the first and the second measuring tube at least with respect to a material from which their tube walls each consist, and / or in terms of their geometric tube dimensions, esp. A Meßrohrlänge, a tube wall thickness, a tube Outside diameter and / or caliber, are identical.

According to a sixteenth embodiment of the invention, it is further provided that the third and the fourth measuring tube at least with respect to a material from which their tube walls each consist, and / or with respect to their geometric tube dimensions, esp. A Meßrohrlänge, a tube wall thickness, a tube Outside diameter and / or caliber, are identical.

According to a seventeenth embodiment, the invention is further provided that the four measuring tubes with respect to a material from which their tube walls, and / or in terms of their geometric tube dimensions, esp. A Meßrohrlänge, a tube wall thickness, an outer diameter tube and / or of a caliber, are identical. It may also be advantageous if, alternatively, both the third measuring tube and the fourth measuring tube with respect to their respective geometric tube dimensions, esp. A Meßrohrlänge, a tube wall thickness, a tube outer diameter and / or a caliber, is different from the first Measuring tube and the second measuring tube measuring tubes.

According to an eighteenth embodiment of the invention is further provided that a material from which the tube walls of the four measuring tubes at least partially made, titanium and / or zirconium and / or duplex and / or super duplex steel is.

According to a nineteenth embodiment of the invention it is further provided that the transducer housing, the flow divider and tube walls of the measuring tubes each consist of, for example, stainless steel.

According to a twentieth aspect of the invention, it is further provided that a minimum bending vibration resonance frequencies of at least the first and second measuring tubes are substantially equal and a minimum bending vibration resonance frequencies of at least the third and fourth measuring tubes are substantially equal. Here, the minimum bending vibration resonance frequencies of all four measuring tubes can be kept substantially the same or else only in pairs the same.

According to a twenty-first embodiment of the invention, it is further provided that the exciter arrangement is formed by means of a first vibration exciter, which is differentially exciting relative to the second measuring tube, in particular electrodynamic and / or oscillations of the first measuring tube. In particular, the exciter arrangement is formed by means of a, for example, electrodynamic and / or oscillations of the third measuring tube relative to the fourth measuring tube differentially exciting, second vibration exciter. It is further provided that the first and second vibration exciter are electrically connected in series, such that a common drive signal excites common vibrations of the first and third measuring tube relative to the second and fourth measuring tube. The vibration exciters of the exciter assembly can be formed, for example, by means of a permanent magnet supported on the first measuring tube and a cylindrical coil supported by the second measuring tube, and wherein the second vibration exciter is flooded by means of a permanent magnet supported on the third measuring tube and of a magnetic field of the fourth measuring tube salaried cylindrical coil is formed.

According to a twenty-second embodiment of the invention it is further provided that a central segment of the transducer housing is formed by means of a straight, for example, circular cylindrical tube.

According to a twenty-third embodiment of the invention is further provided that the transducer housing is substantially tubular, for example circular cylindrical, is formed. In this case, it is further provided that the transducer housing has a largest housing inner diameter which is greater than 150 mm, esp. Greater than 250 mm, esp. Such that a housing-to-measuring tube-inner diameter ratio of the transducer, defined by a ratio of the largest housing inner diameter to a caliber of the first measuring tube is greater than 3, in particular greater than 4 and / or less than 5, held and / or that a housing-inner diameter-to-nominal diameter ratio of the transducer, defined by a ratio of the largest housing inner diameter to the nominal nominal diameter of the measuring transducer is less than 1.5, in particular less than 1.2 and / or greater than 0.9, wherein the nominal nominal diameter corresponds to a caliber of the pipeline, in the course of which the measuring transducer is to be used , The housing-inner diameter-to-nominal diameter ratio of the transducer can be in an advantageous manner, for example, equal to one.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the transducer further comprises a, esp. Plate-shaped, first coupler element of the first kind, which is used to form the inlet side vibration node At least for vibrations, esp. Bending vibrations of the first measuring tube and for anti-phase vibrations, esb. Bending vibrations, the second measuring tube both from the first flow divider and the second flow divider spaced inlet fixed at least at the first measuring tube and the second measuring tube, and a, esp plate-shaped and / or identical to the first coupler element and / or to the first coupler element second coupler element of the first kind, for forming outlet-side vibration nodes at least for vibrations, esb., Biegeschwingungen of the first measuring tube and anti-phase vibrations, esp., Bending vibrations of the second measuring tube both from the first flow divider and from the second flow divider as well as the first coupler element spaced outlet side fixed at least on the first measuring tube and the second measuring tube.

According to a first embodiment of the first development of the invention is further provided that all four measuring tubes are mechanically connected to each other by means of the first coupler element of the first kind and by means of the second coupler element of the first kind.

According to a second embodiment of the first embodiment of the invention is further provided that the first coupler element of the first type plate-shaped, esp. In such a way that it has a rectangular, square, round, cross-shaped or H-shaped base.

According to a third embodiment of the first development of the invention is further provided that the second coupler element of the first kind, esp. Like the first coupler element of the first kind, plate-shaped, esp. In such a way that it is a rectangular, square, round, cross-shaped or H. -shaped.

According to a fourth embodiment of the first development of the invention is further provided that the first coupler element of the first kind is also fixed to the third measuring tube and the fourth measuring tube, and that the second coupler element of the first kind is fixed to the third measuring tube and the fourth measuring tube.

According to a fifth embodiment of the first development of the invention it is further provided that a center of gravity of the first coupler element of the first type has a distance to a center of gravity of the transducer, which is substantially equal to a distance of a center of gravity of the second coupler element of the first type to namely the center of gravity of the transducer ,

According to a sixth embodiment of the first development of the invention, the measuring transducer is further designed such that a length of the first and second coupling element of the first type extending portion of the bending line of the same measuring tube corresponding free vibration length of the first measuring tube, esp. Each of the measuring tubes, less than 3000 mm, in particular less than 2500 mm and / or more than 800 mm. In particular, the measuring sensor is further designed so that each of the four, especially gleichkalibrigen and / or same length, measuring tubes has a caliber that is more than 40 mm, esp. More than 60 mm, esp., Such that a caliber -to-swing length ratio of the transducer, defined by a ratio of a caliber of the first measuring tube to the free oscillating length of the first measuring tube, more than 0.03, esp. More than 0.05 and / or less than 0.15, is. In addition to the first development of the invention, further, for example plate-shaped, coupler elements of the first type may be provided for forming inlet-side vibration nodes for vibrations of the measuring tubes in the measuring transducer.

According to a seventh embodiment of the first development of the invention, it is further provided that the first measuring tube and the second measuring tube are parallel to each other at least over a region extending between the first coupler element of the first type and the second coupler element of the first type, and in that the third measuring tube and the fourth measuring tube are parallel to each other at least over a region extending between the first coupler element of the first type and the second coupler element of the first type.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, the transducer further comprises a, for example, plate-shaped or rod-shaped, first coupler element of the second kind, for synchronizing vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the first Measuring tube and of the same frequency vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the third measuring tube spaced from both the first coupler first type and the second coupler first type spaced only at the first measuring tube and the third measuring tube is fixed, and a, for example, plate-shaped or rod-shaped second coupler second Type, for synchronizing vibrations, esp. Bending vibrations, the second measuring tube and the same frequency vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the fourth measuring tube from both the first coupler element first type and the second coupler element of the first kind as well as the first coupler element of the second kind spaced only is fixed to the second measuring tube and the fourth measuring tube, esp. Such that the first and second coupler element of the second kind are placed opposite each other in the transducer. In addition, the transducer may further include, for example, a plate-shaped or rod-shaped, third coupler element of the second type, for synchronizing vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the first measuring tube and the same frequency vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the third measuring tube from the first coupler element of the second kind spaced apart only at the first measuring tube and the third measuring tube is fixed, and a, for example, plate-shaped or rod-shaped, fourth coupler element of the second type, for synchronizing vibrations, esp. Biegeschwingungen, the second measuring tube and the same frequency vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the fourth Measuring tube of the second and third coupler element of the second type each spaced only at the second measuring tube and fixed to the fourth measuring tube comprise, esp. In such a way that the third and fourth coupler element of the second kind are placed opposite each other in the transducer.

In addition, the transducer can also be a, for example, plate-shaped or rod-shaped, fifth coupler element of the second type, for synchronizing vibrations, esb. Bieschwwingungen, the first measuring tube and the same frequenzgleichen vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the third measuring tube from the first and third coupler element of the second kind spaced apart only at the first measuring tube and the third measuring tube is fixed, and a, for example plate-shaped or rod-shaped, sixth coupler element of the second type, for synchronizing vibrations, esp. Biegeschwingungen, the second measuring tube and the same frequency vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the fourth Measuring tube of the second, fourth and fifth coupler element of the second type each spaced only fixed to the second measuring tube and the fourth measuring tube, esp. So that the fifth and sixth coupler element of the second kind are placed opposite each other in the transducer.

According to a third embodiment of the invention, the transducer further comprises a vibration, esp. Excited by the exciter assembly excited bending vibrations, the measuring tubes reacting, for example, electro-dynamic and / or by means of identical vibration sensors, sensor assembly for generating vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the Measuring tubes representing Schwingungsmeßsignalen.

According to a first embodiment of the third development of the invention it is provided that the sensor arrangement by means of a, in particular electrodynamic and / or oscillations of the first measuring tube relative to the second measuring tube differentially detecting, inlet side first vibration sensor and one, esp. Electrodynamic and / or oscillations of the first Measuring tube relative to the second measuring tube differentially detecting, outlet side second vibration sensor is formed, esp. Such that a length of a running between the first vibration sensor and the second vibration sensor portion of a bending line of the first measuring tube corresponding Meßlänge the Meßaufnehmers more than 500 mm, especially than 600 mm and / or less than 1200 mm, and / or that a caliber-to-Meßlänge- ratio of the transducer, defined by a ratio of a caliber of the first measuring tube to the measuring length of the transducer, more than 0.05, esp. More than 0.09, be wearing. Furthermore, the first oscillation sensor can be formed by means of a permanent magnet supported on the first measuring tube and a cylindrical coil flooded by its magnetic field, and the second oscillation sensor by means of a permanent magnet supported on the first measuring tube and a cylindrical coil flooded by its magnetic field and supported on the second measuring tube be formed.

According to a second embodiment of the third development of the invention it is further provided that the sensor arrangement by means of a, in particular electrodynamic and / or oscillations of the first measuring tube relative to the second measuring tube differentially detecting, inlet side first vibration sensor, esp. Electrodynamic and / or oscillations of first measuring tube relative to the second measuring tube differentially detecting, outlet side second vibration sensor, one, esp. Electrodynamic and / or vibrations of the third measuring tube relative to the fourth measuring tube differentially detecting, inlet side third vibration sensor and one, esp. Electrodynamic and / or vibrations of the third measuring tube relative to Fourth measuring tube differentially detecting, outlet-side fourth vibration sensor is formed, esp. Such that a length of a running between the first vibration sensor and the second vibration sensor portion of a Biegelin The measuring length of the measuring transducer corresponding to the first measuring tube is more than 500 mm, in particular more than 600 mm and / or less than 1200 mm, and / or a caliber-to-measuring length ratio of the measuring transducer, defined by a ratio of a caliber of the first measuring tube to the measuring length of the measuring transducer, more than 0.05, esp. More than 0.09, is. In this case, advantageously, the first and third vibration sensors can be electrically connected in series such that a common vibration measurement signal represents common inlet-side vibrations of the first and third measuring tubes relative to the second and fourth measuring tubes, and / or the second and fourth vibration sensors are electrically connected in series. in that a common vibration measurement signal represents common outlet-side vibrations of the first and third measuring tubes relative to the second and fourth measuring tubes. Alternatively or in addition, furthermore, the first vibration sensor can be moved by means of a permanent magnet supported on the first measuring tube and a cylindrical coil flooded by its magnetic field, held on the second measuring tube, and the second vibration sensor by means of a permanent magnet supported on the first measuring tube and one of its magnetic field can be formed Erten Zylinderspule, and / or the third vibration sensor by means of a third Meßrohr held permanent magnet and one of its magnetic field flooded, on the fourth measuring tube content Erten cylindrical coil and the fourth vibration sensor by means of a content of the third measuring tube permanent magnet and a magnetic field flooded by, held on the fourth measuring tube cylindrical coil be formed.

Moreover, the invention consists in an in-line measuring device for measuring a density and / or a mass flow rate, esp. Also over a time interval totalized total mass flow, one in a pipeline at least temporarily, esp. With a mass flow rate of more than 1000 t / h, flowing medium, esp. Of a gas, a liquid, a powder or other fluid substance, which, esp. Designed as a compact device, in-line meter one of the aforementioned transducer and an electrically coupled to the transducer, especially mechanically rigidly connected, instrument electronics includes.

A basic idea of the invention is to use tubular arrangements with four parallel-flowed, for example V-shaped or circular arc-shaped, curved measuring tubes instead of the conventionally used conventional measuring transducers of large nominal diameter tube arrangements with two parallel flowed measuring tubes, and thus, on the one hand, optimum utilization of the limited space available on the other hand, to be able to guarantee an acceptable pressure loss over a wide measuring range, in particular even at very high mass flow rates of well over 1000 t / h. In addition, the resulting from the total cross-section of the four measuring tubes effective flow cross section of the tube assembly compared to conventional having only two measuring tubes measuring sensors of the same nominal diameter and the same empty mass can be easily increased by more than 20%.

An advantage of the invention is, inter alia, that by using curved measuring tubes permanent mechanical stresses, for example as a result of thermally induced expansion of the measuring tubes or as part of the tube assembly in the transducer registered clamping forces, largely avoided within the tube assembly or at least kept very low and thus Accompanying the accuracy of measurement as well as the structural integrity of each transducer even with extremely hot media or time-varying temperature gradients within the tube assembly can be reliably obtained. Moreover, due to the symmetry properties of the tube arrangement, those measuring tubes which are bent by bending oscillations can also largely be neutralized by transverse forces which, as mentioned, inter alia, in the above-mentioned EP-A 1 248 084 and US-B 73 50 421 discussed - act substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal planes of the respective Meßaufnehmers or its tube assembly and can be quite harmful to the accuracy of measurement of transducers of the vibration type.

A further advantage of the measuring transducer according to the invention is also to be seen in the fact that predominantly established design concepts, such as with regard to the materials used, the joining technique, the manufacturing processes, etc., can be applied or only slightly modified, which also makes the overall manufacturing costs quite comparable to which conventional transducers are. In this respect, a further advantage of the invention lies in the fact that not only a possibility is created comparatively compact transducer of the vibration type with a large nominal diameter of over 150 mm, esp. With a nominal diameter of greater than 250 mm, with manageable geometric dimensions and Empty masses, but also can be realized economically meaningful.

The transducer according to the invention is therefore particularly suitable for measuring flowable media, which are in a pipeline with a caliber of greater than 150 mm, esp. Of 300 mm or above, out. To which the transducer is also suitable for measuring such mass flows, which are at least temporarily greater than 1000 t / h, esp. At least temporarily be more than 1500 t / h, as z. B. may occur in applications for the measurement of oil, natural gas or other petrochemicals.

The invention and further advantageous embodiments thereof are explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments, which are illustrated in the figures of the drawing. Identical parts are provided in all figures with the same reference numerals; if it requires the clarity or it appears otherwise useful, is omitted reference numerals already mentioned in subsequent figures. Further advantageous embodiments or developments, esp. Combinations initially only individually explained aspects of the invention will become apparent from the figures of the drawing as well as the dependent claims per se. In detail show:

1 . 2 a, for example, as a Coriolis flow / density / viscosity meter serving, in-line measuring device in perspective, partially also cut, side views;

3a , b is a projection of the in-line meter according to 1 in two different side views;

4a in a perspective side view of a transducer of the vibration type with a tube arrangement formed by means of four curved measuring tubes, installed in an in-line measuring device according to 1 ;

4b in a perspective side view of the pipe assembly according to 4a ;

5a , b is a projection of the transducer according to 4 in two different side views; and

6a , b projections of a tube assembly of the transducer according to 4 in two different side views.

In the 1 . 2 is an in-line measuring device, esp. Designed as Coriolis mass flow and / or density meter 1 shown schematically, which serves to detect a mass flow m of a in a - not shown here for clarity reasons - flowing pipe medium and map in this mass flow currently representing mass flow measurement. Medium can be virtually any fluid substance, for example a powder, a liquid, a gas, a vapor or the like. Alternatively or in addition, the in-line meter 1 if necessary also be used to measure a density ρ and / or a viscosity η of the medium. In particular, the in-line meter is intended to such media, such as. As petroleum, natural gas or other petrochemical substances, which flow in a pipeline with a caliber of greater than 250 mm, esp. A caliber of 300 mm or more. Last but not least, the in-line meter is also intended to measure flowing media of the aforementioned type which are allowed to flow at a mass flow rate greater than 1000 t / h, esp. Greater than 1500 t / h.

The in-line measuring device 1 For this purpose, a measuring device through which the medium to be measured flows during operation is included 11 of the vibration type and one with the transducer 11 electrically connected - here not in detail, but only as a schematic as a circuit block shown - meter electronics 12 , Advantageously, the meter electronics 12 designed so that they are in operation of the in-line meter 1 with a higher-level measured value processing unit, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC), a personal computer and / or a workstation, via data transmission system, such as a wired fieldbus system and / or wirelessly, measuring and / or other operating data exchange. Furthermore, the meter electronics 12 designed so that it can be powered by an external power supply, for example via the aforementioned fieldbus system. In the event that the in-line meter 1 is intended for coupling to a fieldbus or other communication system, has the, esp. Programmable, meter electronics 12 to which a corresponding communication interface for data communication, for. B. for sending the measured data to the aforementioned programmable logic controller or a higher-level process control system on.

In the 4a . 4b . 5a . 5b . 6a . 6b is in different representations an embodiment of an in-line meter 1 suitable, in particular as Coriolis mass flow, serving as a density and / or as a viscosity sensor, transducer 11 shown by the vibration type, which transducer 11 during operation in the course of one of a to be measured, for example, powdered, liquid, gaseous or vapor, medium flowed through - used for reasons of clarity - piping is used. The transducer 11 serves, as already mentioned, to generate in a medium flowing through such mechanical reaction forces esp. From mass flow-dependent Coriolis forces, medium density dependent inertial forces and / or dependent on the viscosity of the medium friction forces, the measurable, esp. Sensory detectable, on the React back the sensor. Derived from these reaction forces describing the medium, by means of evaluation techniques implemented in the measuring device electronics, in the manner known to those skilled in the art, for example, As the mass flow, the density and / or the viscosity of the medium are measured.

The transducer 11 has a ua also as a support frame serving - here substantially tubular, outside circular cylindrical - transducer housing 71 , in which further, the detection of the at least one measured variable serving components of the transducer 11 are protected from external environmental influences. In the embodiment shown here is at least one middle segment of the transducer housing 71 formed by a straight, esp. Circular cylindrical tube, so that for the manufacture of the transducer housing, for example, inexpensive, welded or cast standard pipes, for example, cast steel or forged steel, can be used.

An inlet-side first housing end of the transducer housing 71 is by means of an inlet-side first flow divider 201 and an outlet side second housing end of the receiver housing 71 is by means of outlet second flow divider 202 educated. Each of the two, insofar as an integral part of the housing trained, flow divider 201 . 202 has exactly four spaced apart, for example, circular cylindrical or conical or each designed as an inner cone, flow openings 201A . 201B . 201C . 201D respectively. 202A . 202B . 202C . 202D on.

In addition, each of, for example, made of steel, flow divider 201 . 202 each with a, for example made of steel, flange 61 respectively. 62 to connect the transducer 11 to a serving of supplying medium to the transducer tube segment of the pipe or to a the removal of medium from the transducer serving pipe segment of said pipe provided. Each of the two flanges 61 . 62 according to one embodiment of the invention, a mass of more than 50 kg, esp. Of more than 60 kg and / or less than 100 kg, on. For leak-free, esp. Fluid-tight, connecting the transducer with the respective corresponding pipe segment of the pipe, each of the flanges further each have a corresponding, possible flat sealing surface 61A respectively. 62A on. A distance between the two sealing surfaces 61A . 62A both flanges thus practically defines an insertion length, L ₁₁ , of the measuring transducer 11 , The flanges are esp. In terms of their inner diameter, their respective sealing surface and the receiving the corresponding connecting bolts serving flange holes, corresponding to that for the transducer 11 nominal nominal diameter D ₁₁ as well as the relevant, if applicable, industrial standards, which corresponds to a caliber of the pipeline, in the course of which the measuring transducer is to be inserted.

As a result of the ultimately intended for the transducer large nominal diameter whose installation length L ₁₁ according to an embodiment of the invention is more than 1200 mm. Furthermore, it is provided, the installation length of the transducer 11 as small as possible, especially smaller than 3000 mm. The flanges 61 . 62 can, as well as out 4a readily apparent and as usual with such a transducer, for as close as possible to the flow openings of the flow divider 201 . 202 be arranged so as to provide a shortest possible supply or discharge area in the flow dividers and thus to create a total of the shortest possible installation length L _{11 of} the transducer, esp. Of less than 3000 mm. According to another embodiment of the invention, the installation length and the nominal nominal diameter of the measuring transducer are matched to one another in such a way that a nominal width to installation length ratio is required for a sensor which is as compact as possible, not least also at the desired high mass flow rates of over 1000 t / h D ₁₁ / L _{11 of} the measuring transducer, defined by a ratio of the nominal nominal diameter D _{11 of} the measuring transducer to the fitting length L _{11 of} the measuring transducer is less than 0.3, in particular less than 0.2 and / or greater than 0.1.

In a further embodiment of the measuring transducer, the transducer housing comprises a substantially tubular middle segment. It is further provided that the transducer housing be dimensioned such that a defined by a ratio of the largest housing inner diameter to the nominal nominal diameter of the measuring transducer housing inner diameter to nominal diameter ratio of the transducer, although greater than 0.9, but less than 1.5 , if possible, is less than 1.2.

In the embodiment shown here close to the inlet and outlet side of the middle segment also further tubular end segments of the transducer housing. For the case shown in the embodiment, that the middle segment and the two end segments as well as the associated with the respective flange flow divider in the lead or outlet respectively have the same inner diameter, the transducer housing can also advantageously by means of a one-piece, for example cast or forged, tube are formed, at the ends of the flanges are formed or welded, and wherein the flow divider means, esp. From the flanges slightly spaced, orbital to the inner wall and / or welded by laser, the flow openings having plates are formed. In particular, in the event that the mentioned housing inner diameter-to-nominal diameter ratio of the transducer is selected equal to one, for manufacture of the transducer housing, for example, one of the connected pipe in terms of caliber, wall thickness and material corresponding and insofar also in terms of the permitted operating pressure appropriately adapted pipe can be used with appropriate length. To simplify the transport of the measuring transducer or the entire in-line measuring device formed therewith, it is also possible, as for example also mentioned in the introduction US-B 73 50 421 proposed to be provided on the inlet side and outlet side on the outside of the transducer housing fixed a transport eyelet.

For guiding the at least temporarily flowing medium through the pipeline and the measuring transducer of the invention further comprises a tube assembly with exactly four in the transducer housing 10 swingably supported curved, for example, at least partially V-shaped or - as shown schematically here - at least partially circular arc-shaped, measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 , The four - the same length and in pairs parallel - measuring tubes communicate each with the connected to the transducer pipe and are in operation at least temporarily in at least one vibration mode suitable for determining the physical quantity to be measured, the so-called payload mode, vibrated. In particular, is useful as payload z. B. each of the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 respectively. 184 inherently inherent flexural vibration fundamental mode, which at minimum bending vibration resonance frequency, f ₁₈₁ , f ₁₈₂ , f ₁₈₃ and f ₁₈₄ , has exactly one antinode. From the four measuring tubes open a first measuring tube 181 with an inlet-side first Meßrohrende in a first flow opening 201A of the first flow divider 201 and with an outlet side second Meßrohrende in a first flow opening 202A of the second flow divider 202 , a second measuring tube 182 with an inlet side first Meßrohrende in a second flow opening 201B of the first flow divider 201 and with an outlet side second Meßrohrende in a second flow opening 202B of the second flow divider 202 , a third measuring tube 183 with an inlet-side first Meßrohrende in a third flow opening 201C of the first flow divider 201 and with an outlet side second Meßrohrende in a third flow opening 202C of the second flow divider 202 and a fourth measuring tube 184 with an inlet-side first Meßrohrende in a fourth flow opening 201D of the first flow divider 201 and with an outlet side second Meßrohrende in a fourth flow opening 202D of the second flow divider 202 , The four measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 are thus under the formation of fluidically parallel flow paths to the, esp. identical, flow divider 201 . 202 connected, in a vibration, esp. Bending vibrations, the measuring tubes relative to each other as well as relative to the transducer housing enabling manner. It is further provided that the four measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 only by means of the same flow divider 201 . 202 in the transducer housing 71 are held capable of vibrating.

When Meßekähler invention are the measuring tubes - as well as from the synopsis of 2 . 4a and 4b readily apparent - so formed and arranged in the transducer that the tube assembly a both between the first measuring tube 181 and the third measuring tube 183 as well as between the second measuring tube 182 and the fourth measuring tube 184 lying first imaginary longitudinal sectional plane XZ, with respect to which the tube assembly is mirror-symmetrical, and that the tube assembly further comprises a plane perpendicular to the imaginary first longitudinal sectional plane XZ, both between the first measuring tube 181 and second measuring tube 182 as well as between the third measuring tube 183 and fourth measuring tube 184 extending second imaginary longitudinal section plane YZ, with respect to the pipe assembly is also mirror-symmetrical. As a result, not only by any thermally induced expansion of the measuring tubes within the tube assembly generated mechanical stresses are minimized, but can also largely neutralized by the bending vibrations of the curved measuring tubes within the tube assembly induced, acting substantially perpendicular to the intersection of the two aforementioned imaginary longitudinal planes transverse forces not least those, among others also in the above-mentioned EP-A 1 248 084 and US-B 73 50 421 mentioned, transverse forces which are directed substantially perpendicular to the first imaginary longitudinal sectional plane XZ.

For further symmetrization of the measuring transducer and to that extent also to further simplify its construction, the two flow dividers 201 . 202 according to a further embodiment of the invention further so trained and arranged in the transducer that, as well as in the 4a and 4b schematically illustrated, a the first flow opening 201A of the first flow divider 201 with the first flow opening 202A of the second flow divider 202 imaginary connecting imaginary first connection axis Z _{1 of} the measuring transducer parallel to a second flow opening 201B of the first flow divider 201 with the second flow opening 202B of the second flow divider 202 imaginary connecting imaginary second connecting axis Z _{2 of} the measuring transducer runs, and that one of the third flow opening 201C of the first flow divider 201 with the third flow opening 202C of the second flow divider 202 imaginary connecting imaginary third connecting axis Z _{3 of} the measuring transducer parallel to a fourth flow opening 201D of the first flow divider 201 with the fourth flow opening 202B of the second flow divider 202 imaginary connecting imaginary fourth connection axis Z _{4 of} the transducer runs. Like in the 4a and 4b shown, the flow divider are further formed and arranged in the transducer so that the connection axes Z ₁ , Z ₂ , Z ₃ , Z ₄ also to a substantially flush with the pipeline and / or with the aforementioned line of intersection of the two imaginary longitudinal sectional planes XZ, YZ the tube assembly coincident main flow axis L of the transducer are parallel. Furthermore, the two flow divider 201 . 202 moreover, it should also be designed and arranged in the measuring transducer in such a way that a first imaginary longitudinal plane XZ _{1 of} the measuring transducer, within which the first imaginary connecting axis Z ₁ and the second imaginary connecting axis Z ₂ extend, is parallel to a second imaginary longitudinal sectional plane XZ _{2 of} the measuring transducer, within which the imaginary third connection axis Z ₃ and the imaginary fourth connection axis Z ₄ run.

Moreover, the measuring tubes according to a further embodiment of the invention are further designed and arranged in the transducer so that the imaginary first longitudinal sectional plane XZ of the tube assembly, as, inter alia, from the synopsis of 3a and 4a can be seen, between the aforementioned first imaginary longitudinal section XZ _{1 of} the transducer and the aforementioned second imaginary longitudinal section XZ _{2 of} the transducer, for example, such that the first longitudinal section XZ of the tube assembly is parallel to the first and second longitudinal sectional plane XZ ₁ , XZ _{2 of} the transducer. Further, the measuring tubes are formed and arranged in the transducer, that equally the second imaginary longitudinal section YZ of the tube assembly between the third imaginary longitudinal plane YZ _{1 of} the transducer and the fourth imaginary longitudinal section YZ _{2 of} the transducer runs, such that the second imaginary longitudinal section YZ the tube arrangement is parallel to the third imaginary longitudinal section plane YZ _{1 of} the measuring transducer and parallel to the fourth imaginary longitudinal sectional plane YZ _{2 of} the measuring transducer.

The measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 or the tube assembly of the measuring transducer formed therewith 11 are, as from the synopsis of 1 . 2 and 4a readily apparent from the transducer housing 71 almost completely enclosed. The transducer housing 71 So far not only serves as a support frame or holder of the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 but beyond that, these, as well as others within the transducer housing 71 placed components of the transducer, against external environmental influences such. As dust or spray, to protect. Moreover, the transducer housing 71 also be so designed and dimensioned so that it is in case of damage to one or more of the measuring tubes, z. As by cracking or bursting, flowing medium up to a required maximum pressure in the interior of the transducer housing 71 As long as possible can completely withhold, with such critical condition, such as in the aforementioned US-B 73 92 709 mentions, by means of appropriate pressure sensors and / or on the basis of the mentioned meter electronics 12 can be detected and signaled during operation internally generated operating parameters. As material for the transducer housing 71 Accordingly, steels, such as mild steel or stainless steel, or other suitable or usually suitable high-strength materials can be used.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the four measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 further designed and so in the transducer 11 built-in, that at least the minimum bending vibration resonance frequencies f ₁₈₁ , f _{182 of} the first and second measuring tube 181 . 182 are substantially the same and at least the minimum bending vibration resonance frequencies f ₁₈₃ , f _{184 of} the third and fourth measuring tubes 183 . 184 are essentially the same.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, at least the first and the second measuring tube 181 . 182 in terms of a material of which the pipe walls are made, and / or in terms of their geometrical pipe dimensions, esp. A Meßrohrlänge, a pipe wall thickness, a tube outer diameter and / or a caliber, identical design. Furthermore, at least the third and the fourth measuring tube are also 183 . 184 with respect to a material of which the pipe walls are made, and / or with regard to their geometrical pipe dimensions, esp. A Meßrohrlänge, a pipe wall thickness, an outer diameter of the pipe and / or a caliber, identical, so that as a result the four measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 at least in pairs are formed substantially identical. According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is further provided here, both the third measuring tube and the fourth measuring tube in such a way that both measuring tubes with respect to their respective geometric tube dimensions, esp. A Meßrohrlänge, a tube wall thickness, a tube outer diameter and / or a Caliber, are different from the first measuring tube and the second measuring tube, esp. Such that the minimum bending vibration resonance frequencies of the four measuring tubes are only in pairs equal. By thus created symmetry breaking in the four measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 may include the sensitivity, the vibration behavior, esp. The mechanical natural frequencies, and / or the interference on the primary measurement influencing disturbances, such as a temperature or pressure distribution, the loading of the medium with foreign matter, etc., the two different from each other two Meßrohrpaare 181 . 182 respectively. 183 . 184 specifically matched to each other and thus an improved diagnosis of the transducer during operation are possible. Of course, the four measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 if necessary, with respect to a material of which its pipe walls are made, and / or in terms of geometric pipe dimensions, esp. A Meßrohrlänge, a tube wall thickness, an outer diameter tube, a shape of the respective bending line and / or caliber, but also be realized identical, in particular such that as a result, the minimum bending vibration resonance frequencies of all four - empty or evenly flowed through by a homogeneous medium - measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 are essentially the same.

In turn, titanium, zirconium or tantalum is suitable as the material for the tube walls of the measuring tubes. In addition, as a material for the four measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 but virtually any other commonly used or at least suitable material serve, especially those with the smallest possible thermal expansion coefficient and the highest possible yield strength. For most applications of industrial measurement, esp. In the petrochemical industry, therefore, stainless steel tubes, for example, duplex or super duplex steel, would meet the requirements of mechanical strength, chemical resistance and thermal requirements, so that in numerous Applications, the transducer housing 71 , the flow divider 201 . 202 as well as the tube walls of the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 can each consist of steel of sufficiently high quality, which in particular in terms of material and manufacturing costs as well as the thermally induced dilatation of the transducer 11 in operation can be beneficial.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flow openings of the first flow divider 201 further arranged so that those imaginary centroids that belong to the - here circular - cross-sectional areas of the flow openings of the first flow divider, the vertices of an imaginary rectangle or an imaginary square form, said cross-sectional surfaces again in a common imaginary, perpendicular to one - for example lie within the first longitudinal sectional plane XZ of the tube assembly or parallel to the mentioned main flow axis of the transducer or coincident - extending longitudinal axis L of the Meßaufnehmers or perpendicular to the longitudinal planes of the Meßaufnehmers cross-sectional plane of the first flow divider. Furthermore, the flow openings of the second flow divider are also 202 arranged so that to - here also circular - cross-sectional areas of the flow openings of the second flow divider 202 corresponding imaginary centroids form the vertices of an imaginary rectangle or square, wherein the same cross-sectional areas in turn lie in a common imaginary, perpendicular to the mentioned main flow or longitudinal axis L of the Meßensenehmers or perpendicular to the longitudinal planes of the Meßaufnehmers cross-sectional plane of the second flow divider. As a result, one envelope of the four measuring tubes forms 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 practically a straight, for example, to the mentioned main flow axis or longitudinal axis L of the transducer, rotationally symmetrical body with an at least two-fold symmetry having, rectangular or square-like base, whereby the space required by means of the four measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 formed tube assembly in one of the compactness of the transducer 11 overall conducive way can be minimized.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, each of the measuring tubes is further arranged in the transducer so that a smallest lateral distance of each of the four measuring tubes of a housing side wall of the transducer housing each greater than zero, esp. But greater than 3 mm and / or greater than one Double a respective pipe wall thickness, or that a smallest lateral distance between two adjacent measuring tubes is greater than 3 mm and / or greater than the sum of their respective pipe wall thicknesses. Accordingly, each of the flow openings is further arranged so that a smallest lateral distance of each of the flow openings of a housing side wall of the receiver housing 7 each greater than zero, in particular greater than 3 mm and / or greater than a double of a smallest pipe wall thickness of the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 , Is or that a smallest lateral distance between the flow openings greater than 3 mm and / or greater than a double of a smallest pipe wall thickness of the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 is. For this, according to a further embodiment of the invention, the four measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 and the transducer housing 71 coordinated so dimensioned that a housing-to-Meßrohr-inner diameter ratio of the transducer, defined by a ratio of the largest housing inner diameter to a caliber of at least the first measuring tube is greater than 3, esp. greater than 4 and / or less than 10 , is. Alternatively or in addition, the measuring tubes according to a further embodiment of the invention are bent and arranged so that a caliber-to-height ratio of the tube assembly, defined by a ratio of the caliber, D ₁₈ , at least the first measuring tube to a maximum lateral extent the pipe arrangement, measured from a vertex of the first measuring tube to a vertex of the third measuring tube, more than 0.1, esp. More than 0.2 and / or less than 0.35, is.

As already mentioned, are the transducer 11 the reaction forces required for the measurement in each medium to be measured by the oscillation of the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 effected in the so-called Nutzmode. For this, the transducer further comprises a means of at least one of the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 acting electro-mechanical, such as electro-dynamic, vibration exciter formed exciter assembly 5 , which serves to each of the measuring tubes according to the operation at least temporarily in each case suitable for the specific measurement vibrations, esp. Of bending vibrations in the so-called Nutzmode with respectively sufficient for the generation and detection of the above reaction forces in the medium sufficiently large amplitude of vibration offset or maintain these Nutzschwingungen. The at least one vibration exciter is used in particular to one, from a corresponding measuring and operating circuit z. As the above-mentioned Coriolis mass flow meter, electrical excitation power P _exc in such, z. B. pulsating or harmonic, excitation _forces F _exc , which act as possible simultaneously, but evenly in opposite directions on the measuring tubes. The excitation _forces F _exc can in the expert in and of itself known manner z. B. by means provided in the already mentioned measuring and operating electronics current and / or voltage control circuit, in terms of their amplitude and, z. B. by means of a likewise provided in measuring and operating electronics phase-locked loop (PLL), are set in terms of their frequency, see. this, for example, the US-A 48 01 897 or the US-B 63 11 136 ,

As a result of medium flowing through the measuring tubes which are excited to oscillate in the useful mode, Coriolis forces are induced in the medium, which in turn cause additional, higher vibration modes of the measuring tubes, the so-called Coriolis mode, corresponding deformations of the measuring tubes. For example, the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 in operation, from the electromechanical exciter assembly supported thereto to bending oscillations, in particular at a momentary mechanical natural frequency, by means of the four measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 are formed, in which they - at least predominantly laterally deflected and, as from the synopsis of 3a . 3b respectively. 6a . 6b be readily apparent, in pairs to each other essentially in phase opposition swing. This in particular such that of each of the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 During operation at the same time executed vibrations at least temporarily and / or at least partially each formed as bending vibrations to the first and the respectively associated second Meßrohrende of the respective measuring tube, to the mentioned connection axes Z ₁ , Z ₂ , Z ₃ , Z ₄ each imaginary parallel axis of vibration are, wherein the four axes of vibration in the embodiment shown here are equally parallel to each other as well as to the two flow divider imaginary connecting and imaginary by a center of mass of the Meßaufnehmers longitudinal axis L of the entire measuring transducer. In other words, as with vibration-type transducers, the measuring tubes may be allowed to oscillate, at least in sections, in a flexural mode in the manner of a cantilevered string or a cantilevered cantilever.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 by means of the exciter arrangement 5 In operation at least partially, in particular predominantly, excited to flexural vibrations having a bending vibration frequency, which is approximately equal to a momentary mechanical resonance frequency of the four measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 comprehensive pipe assembly or which is at least near such a natural or resonant frequency. The current mechanical bending vibration resonance frequencies are known to be particularly significant in size, shape and material of the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 as well as on a momentary density of the medium flowing through the measuring tube medium and can be variable so far in the operation of the transducer within a quite a few kilohertz wide useful frequency band. Upon excitation of the measuring tubes to bending vibration resonance frequency on the one hand on the basis of the currently excited oscillation frequency, an average density of the instantaneous flowing through the four measuring tubes flowing medium can be easily determined. On the other hand, it is also possible to minimize the electrical power currently required for maintaining the oscillations excited in the payload mode. In particular, the four measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 driven by the exciter assembly, further at least at times with substantially the same oscillation frequency, esp. At a common natural mechanical natural frequency, let oscillate. In addition, it is provided the substantially frequency equal swing let measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 so suggest that at least in non-flowing medium, the first and third measuring tube 181 . 183 oscillate substantially synchronously with each other, ie with substantially the same waveform, substantially the same phase and approximately the same amplitude of vibration. In an analogous manner, in this embodiment of the invention, the second and fourth measuring tube 182 . 184 let each other vibrate substantially synchronously.

The exciter assembly is designed according to an embodiment of the invention such that thus the first measuring tube 181 and the second measuring tube 182 in operation to antiphase bending vibrations and the third measuring tube 181 and the fourth measuring tube 184 in operation opposite phase bending vibrations are excitable. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the excitation arrangement 5 for this by means of one, in particular electrodynamic and / or oscillations of the first measuring tube 181 relative to the second measuring tube 182 differentially exciting, first vibration exciter 51 educated.

It is further provided that as the first vibration exciter 51 a simultaneous, esp. differential, on at least two of the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 acting vibration exciter of the electrodynamic type is used. Accordingly, the first vibration exciter 51 Furthermore, by means of a permanent magnet supported on the first measuring tube and a cylindrical coil flooded by its magnetic field, formed on the second measuring tube, esp. In the manner of a plunger coil arrangement, in which the cylindrical coil is arranged coaxially to the permanent magnet and this is formed as a plunger armature moved within the coil. According to a development of the invention, the exciter assembly further comprises a, esp. Electrodynamic and / or the first vibration exciter 51 identical and / or oscillations of the third measuring tube 183 relative to the fourth measuring tube 184 differentially exciting, second vibration exciter 52 , The two vibration exciters can be electrically connected in series in an advantageous manner, esp. Such that a common driver signal common vibrations of the first and third measuring tube 181 . 183 relative to the second and fourth measuring tube 182 . 184 stimulates. According to a further embodiment of the second vibration exciter 52 by means of a permanent magnet supported on the third measuring tube and a cylindrical coil flooded by its magnetic field and held on the fourth measuring tube.

As, among others, in the 4a . 4b , or 6b shown, may be the first vibration exciter 51 in above the first and second measuring tube 181 . 182 and to this extent also be arranged above a center of gravity of the pipe arrangement, which lies in an imaginary by the installation site vibration imaginary - here for the first imaginary longitudinal section XZ and the second imaginary longitudinal section YZ of the pipe assembly each vertical - cross-sectional plane XY of the pipe assembly. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the tube arrangement is also mirror-symmetrical with respect to the aforementioned imaginary cross-sectional plane XY. In the embodiment shown here, the tube assembly, as from the synopsis of 4a . 4b . 5a . 5b and 6a readily apparent, further so formed and placed in Meßnehmernehmergehäuse that as a result, not only the common intersection of the first and second imaginary longitudinal planes XZ, YZ of the tube assembly is parallel or coincident to the longitudinal axis L, but also a common line of intersection of the first longitudinal section XZ and the cross-sectional plane XY parallel to an imaginary transverse axis Q of the transducer perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and a common intersection of the second longitudinal section YZ and the cross-sectional plane XY are parallel to an imaginary vertical axis H of the transducer perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.

It should also be mentioned at this point, furthermore, that, although the vibration exciters of the excitation device shown in the embodiment attack each approximately centered on the measuring tubes, alternatively or in addition also on the inlet and outlet side of the respective measuring tube attacking vibration exciter can be used, for example Kind of in the US-A 48 23 614 . US-A 48 31 885 , or the US-A 2003/0070495 proposed excitation arrangements.

Like from the 2 . 4a . 4b . 5a , and 5b each visible and customary with transducers of the type in question, is in the transducer 11 Furthermore, on, in particular inlet and outlet side, vibrations, esp. By means of the exciter arrangement 5 excited bending vibrations, the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 respectively. 184 reactive, for example, electro-dynamic, sensor arrangement 19 for generating vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the measuring tubes representing Schwingungsmeßsignalen provided, for example, with respect to a frequency, a signal amplitude and / or a phase angle relative to each other and / or relative to the driver signal - of the measured variable to be detected, such as the mass flow rate and / or the density or viscosity of the medium, are affected.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the sensor arrangement is by means of one, in particular electrodynamic and / or at least oscillations of the first measuring tube 181 relative to the second measuring tube 182 differentially detecting, inlet side first vibration sensor 191 and one, in particular electrodynamic and / or at least oscillations of the first measuring tube 181 relative to the second measuring tube 182 differentially detecting, outlet-side second vibration sensor 192 formed, which two vibration sensors respectively to movements of the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 in particular whose lateral deflections and / or deformations, reacting, deliver a first or second vibration measurement signal. This in particular in such a way that at least two of the sensor arrangement 19 supplied Schwingungsmeßsignale have a mutual phase shift, which corresponds to the instantaneous mass flow rate of the medium flowing through the measuring tube or is dependent therefrom, and each having a signal frequency, which are dependent on an instantaneous density of the medium flowing in the measuring tubes. The two, for example, identical to each other, vibration sensors 191 . 192 can for this - as in measuring transducers of the type in question quite common - substantially equidistant to the first vibration exciter 51 in the transducer 11 be placed. Moreover, the vibration sensors of the sensor arrangement 19 at least insofar identical to at least one vibration exciter of the exciter arrangement 5 be trained as they are analogous to whose principle of action work, for example, are also of the electrodynamic type. According to one embodiment of the invention, the sensor arrangement 19 also by means of one, in particular electrodynamic and / or oscillations of the third measuring tube 183 relative to the fourth measuring tube 184 differentially detecting, intake-side third vibration sensor 193 and one, in particular electrodynamic and / or oscillations of the third measuring tube 183 relative to the fourth measuring tube 184 differentially detecting, exhaust side fourth vibration sensor 194 educated. To further improve the signal quality as well as to simplify the meter electronics receiving the measuring signals 12 Furthermore, the first and third vibration sensors can be used 191 . 193 be electrically connected in series, for example, such that a common Schwingungsmeßsignal common inlet side vibrations of the first and third measuring tube 181 . 183 relative to the second and fourth measuring tube 182 . 184 represents. Alternatively or in addition, the second and fourth vibration sensor can also be used 192 . 194 be electrically connected in series such that a common Schwingungsmeßsignal both vibration sensors 192 . 194 common outlet-side vibrations of the first and third measuring tube 181 . 183 relative to the second and fourth measuring tube 182 . 184 represents.

For the aforementioned case, that the, in particular, identical construction, vibration sensors of the sensor arrangement 19 To detect oscillations of the measuring tubes differentially and electrodynamically, are the first vibration sensor 191 by means of a - here in the range inlet side to be detected vibrations - held on the first measuring tube permanent magnet and one of the magnetic field flooded, on the second measuring tube - here also in the area on the inlet side to be detected vibrations - held-cylindrical solenoid, and the second vibration sensor 192 by means of a - in the area to be detected oscillations - held on the first measuring tube permanent magnet and one of the magnetic field flooded, held on the second measuring tube - here correspondingly also in the region on the outlet side to be detected vibrations - cylindrical coil formed. Equally, in addition, the possibly provided third vibration sensor 193 correspondingly by means of a permanent magnet supported on the third measuring tube and a cylindrical coil flooded by its magnetic field, held on the fourth measuring tube, and the possibly provided fourth vibration sensor 194 by means of a permanent magnet supported on the third measuring tube and a cylindrical coil flooded by its magnetic field and held on the fourth measuring tube.

It should also be noted at this point that, although it is in the vibration sensors of the sensor arrangement shown in the embodiment 19 in each case those of the electrodynamic type, ie in each case by means of a fixed to one of the measuring tubes cylindrical magnetic coil and a then immersed, on an opposite measuring tube correspondingly fixed permanent magnets realized vibration sensors, also other known in the art, such. B. opto-electronic, vibration sensors can be used to form the sensor array. Furthermore, as in Meßaufnehmers of the type in question quite common, in addition to the vibration sensors further, esp. Auxiliary or disturbance detecting, sensors may be provided in the transducer, such. As acceleration sensors, pressure sensors and / or temperature sensors, by means of which, for example, the functionality of the transducer and / or changes in the sensitivity of the Meßsaufnehmers on the primary to be measured variables, esp. The mass flow rate and / or the density monitored due to cross sensitivities or external disturbances and possibly can be compensated accordingly. To ensure the highest possible sensitivity of the transducer to the mass flow according to a further embodiment of the invention, the measuring tubes and the vibration sensors are arranged in the transducer that a measured along a bending line of the first measuring tube distance between the first vibration sensor 191 and the second vibration sensor 192 corresponding Meßlänge, L ₁₉ , the Meßaufnehmers more than 500 mm, esp. More than 600 mm.

The exciter arrangement 5 and the sensor arrangement 19 are also, as is customary in such Meßaufnehmern, suitably coupled with a correspondingly provided in the meter electronics of the measuring and operating circuit, for example, wired by means of appropriate cable connections. The measuring and operating circuit, in turn, on the one hand generates the exciter arrangement 5 corresponding driving, for example, regulated with respect to an excitation current and / or an excitation voltage, excitation signal. On the other hand, the measuring and operating circuit receives the vibration measuring signals of the sensor arrangement 19 and generates desired measured values which can represent, for example, a mass flow rate, a totalized mass flow rate, a density and / or a viscosity of the medium to be measured and which may be displayed on site and / or also informed of a data processing system superordinate to the in-line measuring device digital measurement data sent and can be further processed there accordingly. The above-mentioned use of differentially acting vibration exciters or vibration sensors also has the advantage, among others, that the operation of the According to the invention, it is also possible to use such established measuring and operating electronics as have already been widely used, for example, in conventional Coriolis mass flow / density measuring instruments.

The meter electronics 12 including the measuring and operating circuit can further, for example, in a separate electronics housing 72 be located away from the transducer or, as in 1 shown, forming a single compact device directly on the transducer 1 , For example, from the outside of the transducer housing 71 , is fixed. In the embodiment shown here is therefore on the transducer housing 71 Further, a holder of the electronics housing 72 serving neck-like transitional piece attached. Within the transition piece may further, for example, by means of glass and / or Kunststoffverguß produced, hermetically sealed and / or pressure-resistant passage for the electrical connection lines between the transducer 11 , in particular the then placed vibration exciters and sensors, and the mentioned meter electronics 12 be arranged.

As already mentioned several times is the in-line meter and so far also the transducer 11 In particular, for measurements of high mass flow rates of more than 1000 t / h in a pipeline of large caliber of more than 250 mm provided. Taking this into account, according to a further embodiment of the invention, the nominal nominal diameter of the measuring transducer 11 , as already mentioned a caliber of the pipeline, in the course of which the transducer 11 is used, so selected that it is more than 50 mm, but in particular greater than 100 mm. Furthermore, it is provided according to a further embodiment of the measuring transducer that each of the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 each having a respective pipe inner diameter corresponding caliber D ₁₈ , which is more than 40 mm. In particular, the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 further formed so that each has a caliber D ₁₈ of more than 60 mm. Alternatively or in addition to this are the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 according to another embodiment of the invention further dimensioned so that they each have a Meßrohrlänge L ₁₈ of at least 1000 mm. The measuring tube length L ₁₈ corresponds in the embodiment shown here with the same length measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 in each case a length of a section of the bending line of the first measuring tube extending between the first flow opening of the first flow divider and the first flow opening of the second flow divider. In particular, the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 designed so that the measuring tube length L ₁₈ is greater than 1200 mm. Accordingly, at least for the case mentioned that the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 consist of steel, with the wall thicknesses usually used of more than 1 mm, a mass of at least 20 kg, esp. More than 30 kg. Furthermore, however, the aim is the empty mass of each of the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 less than 50 kg.

In view of the fact that, as already mentioned, each of the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 in the case of the measuring transducer according to the invention, it is possible to weigh well over 20 kg and, as can readily be seen from the above dimensional data, have a capacity of 10 l or more, then the four measuring tubes can be used 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 comprehensive pipe arrangement at least at high density medium flowing therethrough reach a total mass of well over 80 kg. Especially when using measuring tubes with a comparatively large caliber D ₁₈ , large wall thickness and large measuring tube length L ₁₈ , the mass of the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 formed tube assembly readily but also greater than 100 kg, or at least with flowing medium, for. As oil or water, more than 120 kg. As a result, a total empty mass M _{11 of} the measuring transducer is also far more than 200 kg, with nominal nominal diameters D ₁₁ of considerably greater than 250 mm, even more than 300 kg. As a result, in the sensor according to the invention, a mass ratio M ₁₁ / M _{18 of} an empty mass M _{11 of} the entire measuring transducer to an empty mass M _{18 of} the first measuring tube may well be greater than 10, in particular greater than 15.

In order to optimally use the material used for the above-mentioned high empty masses M _{11 of} the measuring transducer and, to that extent, to use the material as efficiently as possible, the nominal nominal diameter D _{11 of} the measuring transducer is tuned to its empty mass, according to another embodiment M ₁₁ so dimensioned that a mass-to-nominal diameter ratio M ₁₁ / D _{11 of} the transducer 11 , defined by a ratio of the dummy mass M _{11 of} the transducer 11 to the nominal nominal diameter D _{11 of} the sensor 11 smaller than 2 kg / mm, esp. but preferably smaller than 1 kg / mm. To a sufficiently high stability of the transducer 11 to ensure the mass-to-nominal ratio M ₁₁ / D _{11 of} the transducer 11 However, at least in the case of using the above-mentioned conventional materials as large as 0.5 kg / mm to choose. Furthermore, according to a further embodiment of the invention for further improving the efficiency of the material used to keep the mentioned mass ratio M ₁₁ / M ₁₈ less than 25.

To create a compact yet as possible Meßaufnehmers of sufficiently high Vibration quality and the lowest possible pressure drop according to a further embodiment of the invention, the measuring tubes, tuned to the above-mentioned insertion length L _{11 of} the transducer 11 , such that a caliber-to-installation length ratio D ₁₈ / L _{11 of} the measuring transducer, defined by a ratio of the caliber D _{18 of} at least the first measuring tube to the insertion length L _{11 of} the measuring transducer 11 , more than 0.02, in particular more than 0.05 and / or less than 0.09. Alternatively or in addition, the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 , Tuned to the above-mentioned insertion length L _{11 of} the transducer, such that a Meßrohrlänge-to-installation length ratio L ₁₈ / L _{11 of} the transducer, defined by a ratio of the above denoted Meßrohrlänge L ₁₈ at least the first measuring tube to the installation length L _11th of the measuring transducer, more than 0.7, esp. More than 0.8 and / or less than 0.95, is.

If necessary, any or at least potentially caused by the vibrating, esp. In the aforementioned manner relatively large, measuring tubes on the inlet side or outlet side in the transducer housing caused mechanical stresses and / or vibrations, eg. B. be minimized by the fact that the four measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 at least in pairs on the inlet and outlet side, at least in pairs, in each case by means of coupler elements serving as so-called nodal plates - in the following coupler elements of the first type - being mechanically connected to one another. In addition, by means of such coupling elements of the first kind, be it by their dimensioning and / or positioning on the measuring tubes mechanical natural frequencies of the measuring tubes and thus mechanical natural frequencies of the tube formed by the four measuring tube assembly, including attached thereto further components of the transducer, and insofar as well the vibration behavior of the transducer can be influenced in a targeted manner.

The coupler elements of the first type serving as nodal plates may be, for example, thin plates, especially made of the same material as the measuring tubes, which in each case correspond to the number and the outer dimensions of the measuring tubes to be coupled to each other, possibly additionally slotted towards the edge , Holes are provided so that the discs first on the respective measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 respectively. 184 clamped and possibly afterwards still with the respective measuring tube, for example by brazing or welding, can be firmly bonded.

Accordingly, the tube assembly according to another embodiment of the invention comprises a first coupler element 241 The first type, the at least for vibration, esb. Bending vibrations of the first measuring tube and anti-phase vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the second measuring tube both from the first flow divider and the second flow divider spaced inlet side at least at the first measuring tube and on second measuring tube is fixed, and a, in particular to the first coupler element of identical, second coupler element 242 the first type, the at least for vibration, in particular bending vibrations, of the first measuring tube for forming outlet-side vibration nodes 181 and for anti-phase vibrations, esp. Bieschwings, the second measuring tube 181 both from the first flow divider 201 as well as from the second flow divider 202 as well as the first coupler element 241 spaced outlet side at least on the first measuring tube 181 and on the second measuring tube 182 is fixed. Like, among others 4a . 4b respectively. 5a . 5b readily apparent, are the first coupler element 241 first type for forming inlet-side nodes for vibration, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the third measuring tube 183 and for anti-phase vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the fourth measuring tube 184 both from the first flow divider 201 as well as from the second flow divider 202 spaced inlet side and the third measuring tube 183 and on the fourth measuring tube 184 and the second coupler element 242 first type for forming outlet-side vibration node at least for vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the third measuring tube 183 and for anti-phase vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the fourth measuring tube 184 both from the first flow divider 201 as well as from the second flow divider 202 as well as the first coupler element 241 spaced outlet also on the third measuring tube 183 and on the fourth measuring tube 184 fixed, so that in the result all four measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 by means of the first coupler element 241 first type and by means of the second coupler element 242 first type are mechanically connected to each other. Each of the two above-mentioned, in particular, identical, coupler elements 241 . 242 The first type is plate-shaped according to a further embodiment of the invention, esp. In such a way that, as well as from the synopsis of the figures readily apparent, a more rectangular or square, base area or that it is more of a round, an oval, a cruciform or, as in the US-A 2006/0283264 proposed, has a rather H-shaped base. Like among others from the 4a . 4b respectively. 5a . 5b readily apparent, the two aforementioned coupler elements 241 . 242 further formed and placed in the transducer so that a center of gravity of the first coupler element 241 first type a distance to a center of gravity of the transducer 11 which is substantially equal to a distance of a center of gravity of the second coupler element 242 first type to the same center of gravity of the transducer 11 , esp. So that the two coupler elements 241 . 242 as a result, symmetrical with the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 are each arranged in the middle intersecting common imaginary cross-sectional plane.

To further increase the degrees of freedom in optimizing the vibration behavior of the four measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 formed tube assembly includes this according to an embodiment of the invention further comprises a third coupler element 243 the first type, the at least for vibration, in particular bending vibrations, of the third measuring tube for forming inlet-side vibration nodes 183 and for anti-phase vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the fourth measuring tube 184 both from the first flow divider 201 as well as from the second flow divider 202 spaced inlet side at least on the third 183 measuring tube and the fourth measuring tube 184 is fixed. In addition, the transducer comprises 11 in this development, esp. To the third coupler element 243 first type identical, fourth coupler element 244 the first type, the at least for vibration, in particular bending vibrations, of the third measuring tube for forming outlet-side vibration nodes 183 and for anti-phase vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the fourth measuring tube 184 both from the first flow divider 201 as well as from the second flow divider 202 as well as the third coupler element 243 first type spaced outlet side at least on the third measuring tube 183 and on the fourth measuring tube 184 is fixed. Each of the two above-mentioned, in particular identical, third and fourth coupler elements 243 . 244 The first type according to a further embodiment of the invention turn plate-shaped, esp. In such a way that it has a rectangular, square, round, cross-shaped or H-shaped base. As in 4a respectively. 5a . 5b shown are the third coupler element 243 first type both from the first flow divider 201 as well as from the second flow divider 202 as well as the first coupler element of the first kind 241 spaced inlet side and the first measuring tube 181 and on the second measuring tube 182 and the fourth coupler element 244 first type both from the first flow divider and from the second flow divider as well as the second coupler element spaced outlet also fixed to the first measuring tube and the second measuring tube, so that in the result all four measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 also by means of the third coupler element 243 first type and by means of the fourth coupler element 244 first type are mechanically connected to each other.

As from the synopsis of 4a . 4b . 5a . 5b readily apparent, are also the third and fourth coupler elements 243 . 244 further formed and placed in the transducer so that a center of gravity of the third coupler element 243 first type has a distance to the center of mass of the measuring transducer, which is substantially equal to a distance of a center of gravity of the fourth coupler element 244 first type to the same center of gravity of the transducer, esp. So that the two coupler elements 243 . 244 as a result, symmetrical to one of the four measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 are each arranged in the middle intersecting common imaginary cross-sectional plane. Furthermore, according to a further embodiment of the invention, the four coupler element 241 . 242 . 243 . 244 first type arranged in the transducer, that the distance of the center of mass of the third coupler element 243 first type of mass center of gravity of the transducer greater than the distance of the center of mass of the first coupler element 241 first type of namely mass center of gravity of the measuring transducer and greater than the distance of the center of mass of the second coupler element 242 first type of namely mass center of gravity of the measuring transducer.

As from the synopsis of 4a . 4b . 5a and 5b It will be appreciated that the tube shape of each of the measuring tubes defines together with a minimum distance between the center of mass of the measuring transducer 11 closest to the inlet side fixed to the respective measuring tube coupler element of the first kind - here so the first coupler element 241 the first type - and the mass balance of the transducer closest to the outlet side fixed to namely measuring tube first coupler - here so the second coupler element 242 first type - each a free _{swing length} , L _18x , selbigen measuring tube. The free _{swing length} , L _18x , of the respective measuring tube corresponds here, as well as in the 5a and 5b shown schematically, a length of between the coupler elements 241 . 242 extending portion of the bending line of the same measuring tube, wherein according to a further embodiment of the invention, the coupler elements of the first kind are placed in the transducer so that as a result the free swing length of each of the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 less than 3000 mm, in particular less than 2500 mm and / or more than 800 mm. Alternatively or in addition, it is further provided that the measuring tubes form and the coupler elements of the first type to be arranged so that all four measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 As a result, the same free _{swing length} , L _18x , have. According to a further embodiment of the invention are to the first measuring tube and the second measuring tube at least over which between the first coupler element of the first kind and the second coupler element of the first kind extending region - thus therefore their respective free swing length - parallel to each other, and are also the third measuring tube and the fourth measuring tube at least over the extending between the first coupler first type and the second coupler element of the first type range - thus therefore their respective free swing length - each other parallel.

It may also be in the sense of an even simpler and more accurate adjustment of the vibration behavior of the transducer be quite advantageous if the transducer, such as in the US-A 2006/0150750 proposed, moreover, further, the formation of inlet and outlet side vibration nodes for vibrations, esp. Bending vibrations of the first measuring tube and for anti-phase vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the second measuring tube or for vibrations, esb. Bieschwwingungen, the third measuring tube and for antiphase vibrations, in particular bending vibrations, of the fourth measuring tube serving coupler elements of the aforementioned type, for example, a total of 6 or 8 such coupler elements of the first kind.

To create a compact transducer as possible of sufficiently high vibration quality and high sensitivity with the lowest possible pressure drop according to a further embodiment of the invention, the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 tuned to said free _{swing length} , such that a caliber-to- _{swing length} ratio D ₁₈ / L _{18x of} the transducer, defined by a ratio of caliber D _{18 of} the first measuring tube to free _{swing length} L _{18x of} the first measuring tube, more than 0.03, esp. More than 0.05 and / or less than 0.15, is. Alternatively or in addition thereto, according to a further embodiment of the invention, the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 , tuned to the above-mentioned installation length L _{11 of} the transducer, such that a _vibration length to installation length ratio L _18x / L _{11 of} the transducer, defined by a ratio of the free swing length L _{18x of} the first measuring tube to the insertion length L _{11 of} the transducer , more than 0.55, in particular more than 0.6 and / or less than 0.9.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the vibration sensors, matched to the free vibration length, arranged in the transducer so that a Meßlänge to swing length ratio of the transducer, defined by a ratio of the mentioned Meßlänge of the transducer to the free swing length of the first measuring tube, more than 0.3, in particular more than 0.4 and / or less than 0.95.

In order to create a compact as possible, but as sensitive as possible for the mass flow transducer according to a further embodiment of the invention, the vibration sensors, matched to the installation length of the transducer so arranged in the transducer that a Meßlänge-to-installation length ratio of the transducer, which by a ratio of the measuring length to the installation length of the measuring transducer is defined to be more than 0.3, in particular more than 0.4 and / or less than 0.7. Alternatively or in addition, the vibration sensors according to a further embodiment of the invention, matched to the measuring tubes, so placed in the transducer that a caliber to Meßlänge ratio D ₁₈ / L ₁₉ , the Meßaufnehmers, which by a ratio of the caliber D _18th of the first measuring tube to the mentioned measuring length L _{19 of} the measuring transducer is defined, more than 0.05, esp. More than 0.09, is. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the above-mentioned measuring length L ₁₉ is also kept smaller than 1200 mm.

According to a further embodiment of the invention is also provided, the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 in operation in pairs synchronously, ie with the same phase position, and insofar as the vibrations of all four measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 Match each other accordingly, that the measuring tubes are only allowed to vibrate in pairs out of phase. Advantageously, the vibration behavior of the means of the four measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 formed tube assembly as well as the exciter assembly controlling driver signals matched to each other so that at least the excited in Nutzmode oscillations of the four measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 are formed so that the first and the second measuring tube 181 . 182 to each other substantially opposite phase, so with a mutual phase shift of about 180 °, swing and also the third and the fourth measuring tube 183 . 184 vibrate substantially opposite to each other while at the same time the first and third measuring tube 181 . 183 oscillate to each other substantially in phase and the second and fourth measuring tube 182 . 184 vibrate substantially in phase with each other.

Therefore, the tube assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention further comprises, for. B. plate-shaped, first coupler element 251 second type, that for synchronizing vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the first measuring tube 181 and of the same frequency vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the third measuring tube 183 both from the first coupler element 241 first type as well as the second coupler element 242 first type spaced only on the first measuring tube 181 and on the third measuring tube 183 is fixed. Furthermore, the tube assembly comprises at least in this embodiment of the invention at least one, z. B. plate-shaped, second coupler element 252 second type, that for synchronizing vibrations, esp. Bending vibrations, of the second measuring tube 182 and of the same frequency vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the fourth measuring tube 184 both from the first coupler element 241 first type as well as the second coupler element 241 first kind as well from the first coupler element 251 second type only spaced on the second measuring tube 182 and on the fourth measuring tube 184 is fixed. As from the synopsis of 4a . 4b . 5a and 5b readily apparent, are the first and second coupler elements 251 . 252 second type as possible opposite each other in the transducer 11 placed.

An advantage of the mechanical coupling of the measuring tubes in the manner described above is, inter alia, that the four measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 to two each effectively acting as a vibration system measuring tube composites are reduced, each of which acts practically as a single measuring tube, since that of the exciter assembly 5 generated excitation forces due to the mechanical coupling between both the first and the second measuring tube 181 . 182 as well as equally between the third and fourth measuring tube 183 . 184 act and also for the purpose of measurement in the flowing media caused reaction forces in each case together on the vibration sensors of the sensor array 5 be transferred back. Furthermore, any differences between the individual measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 in terms of their nominal vibration behavior, z. B. due to non-uniform flow, different temperature and / or different density distribution, etc., be compensated in a very simple manner. The use of coupler elements of the second type also has the advantage that each of the two measuring tube composites thus formed in a very simple manner not only for the exciter but equally for the sensor arrangement 19 and insofar also for the measuring and operating circuit of the meter electronics 12 in total practically acts as a single measuring tube and the transducer 11 In that regard, from the point of view of the measuring and operating circuit apparently only has two measuring tubes let oscillate against each other. As a result, at least for the preprocessing and any digitization of the Schwingungsmeßsignale proven signal processing technologies and proven, especially two-channel, so supplied by only two vibration sensors Schwingungsmeßsignale processing, measuring circuits from the field of Coriolis mass flow or the density measurement can be used. Equally, therefore, the operating circuit driving the exciter arrangement can also readily be used by the person skilled in the art, especially one-channel, ie exactly one driver signal for the exciter arrangement, which supplies driver circuits. If necessary, but also supplied by the two or more vibration sensors each Schwingungsmeßsignale but also individually in each separate measuring channels pre-processed and digitized accordingly; Similarly, if necessary, the possibly existing two or more vibration exciter can be controlled separately by means of separate driver signals.

If necessary - for example, because the transducer for the measurement of extremely hot media or for measurement in applications with a fluctuating operating temperature over a wide range, such as due to recurring in-situ cleaning operations of the transducer ("cleaning in process", "sterilizing in process" ) is provided and insofar as appreciable thermal expansions of the measuring tubes are to be expected - the coupler elements of the second type can also be designed so that they expand substantially equally as the measuring tubes and / or that they at least opposite to forces that in the direction of the vertices of the two connected by the respective coupler elements of the second type measuring tubes extending or parallel to the line of action are sufficiently yielding. The latter can be realized, for example, by correspondingly formed in the respective coupler element - here in each case substantially transversely to the aforementioned line of action extending - slots or else by using thin plates or rods as a coupler element of the second kind. As a result, as well as a slight relative movement of the two connected by the respective coupler element of the second type measuring tubes is possible, whereby the curved measuring tubes - if necessary for the specific application - in the Nutzmode each can also be excited to typical bending vibrations in the manner of an end clamped cantilever.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 as well as the coupling elements interconnecting these, therefore, are further shaped and mechanically coupled to each other by means of coupler elements of the second type, if necessary additionally also by means of coupler elements of the first type, such that one passes through the first and the third measuring tube 181 . 183 formed first measuring tube composite and a through the second and the fourth measuring tube 182 . 184 formed second measuring tube composite have substantially the same mechanical natural frequencies.

In the embodiment shown here, the first coupler element 251 second type in the range of 50% of a minimum distance between the first coupler element 241 first type and the second coupler element 242 first type on the first and third measuring tube 181 . 183 fixed - so far at about half the free swing length of the first and third measuring tube 181 . 183 , Further, also the second coupler element of the second kind is correspondingly in the range of 50% of a minimum distance between the first coupler element 241 first type and the second coupler element 242 first type on the second and fourth measuring tube 182 . 184 fixed, so about at half the free swing length of the second and fourth measuring tube 182 . 184 ,

In an advantageous manner, the coupler elements of the second type can additionally also be used to hold components of the exciter arrangement 5 serve. Therefore, according to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that each of the, in particular identical or equally heavy, vibration exciter 51 . 52 proportionally each at two opposing coupler elements of the second kind - here the first and second coupler element 251 . 252 - is held. Thus it can be ensured in a very effective, but very simple way that the means of the vibration exciter 51 generated excitation force at least predominantly synchronous, esp. Also each other substantially in phase, bending vibrations of the first and third measuring tube 181 . 183 or the second and fourth measuring tube 182 . 184 causes. For example, in the case of electro-dynamic vibration exciter, the respective cylindrical coil can be fixed on the first and the respectively associated permanent magnet on the opposite second coupling element of the second kind. For the mentioned case, that the exciter arrangement 5 two, esp. as equal as possible, vibration exciter 51 . 52 can have both the first vibration exciter 51 as well as the second vibration exciter 52 each at the first and second coupler element 251 . 252 be supported second type, for example, in such a way that, as from the 4 respectively. 5a readily apparent, a minimum distance between the first and second vibration exciter 51 . 52 more than three times as large as a tube outer diameter of the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 _but at least the first measuring tube 181 , However, as a whole is kept as small as possible, so as to make optimum use of the interior of the transducer housing 71 offered space as well as a simple installation of the vibration exciter 51 . 52 to enable. Alternatively to using one of the first and second coupler elements 251 . 252 second type held second vibrator 52 or in addition to it, as for example in the aforementioned US-A 2007/0151368 shown, in order to avoid unwanted torsional moments, esp. To the longitudinal axis L, but also appropriate balancing weights to be attached to the two coupler elements.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the transducer further comprises, for example, in turn plate-shaped or rod-shaped, third coupler element 253 second type, that for synchronizing vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the first measuring tube 181 and of the same frequency vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the third measuring tube 183 both from the first coupler element 241 first type as well as the second coupler element 242 first type as well as the first coupler element 251 second type only spaced on the first measuring tube 181 and on the third measuring tube 183 is fixed, and a, esp. Plate-shaped or rod-shaped, fourth coupler element 254 second type, that for synchronizing vibrations, esp. Bending vibrations, of the second measuring tube 182 and of the same frequency vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the fourth measuring tube 184 both of the first and second coupler elements of the first type and of the second and third coupler elements of the second type are each only spaced apart on the second measuring tube 182 and on the fourth measuring tube 184 is fixed. The third and fourth coupler element 253 . 254 second kind are, as from the synopsis of 4a . 4b . 5a . 5b and 6a readily apparent, preferably opposite each other in the transducer 11 placed.

Furthermore, the transducer comprises 11 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, in particular a plate-shaped or rod-shaped, fifth coupler element 255 second type, that for synchronizing vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the first measuring tube 181 and of the same frequency vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the third measuring tube 183 spaced apart from both the first and second coupler elements of the first type and the first and third coupler elements of the second type only at the first measuring tube 181 and on the third measuring tube 182 is fixed, and a, esp. Plate-shaped or rod-shaped, sixth coupler element 256 second type, which in order to synchronize vibrations, esp. Bending vibrations, the second measuring tube and the same frequency vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the fourth measuring tube from both the first and second coupler element of the first kind and the second, fourth and fifth coupler element of the second type respectively spaced only on the second measuring tube 182 and on the fourth measuring tube 184 is fixed. The fifth and sixth coupler element 255 . 256 second type are preferably in turn opposite each other in the transducer 11 placed.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous to use the aforementioned coupler elements of the second type also for holding individual components of the sensor arrangement. Accordingly, according to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the inlet-side first vibration sensor 191 proportional to each of the third and fourth coupler element 253 . 254 second kind is held. Furthermore, the second vibration sensor 192 in a corresponding manner on the fifth and sixth coupler element 255 . 256 second kind held. Thus it can be ensured in a very effective, but very simple way, that the means of the first vibration sensor 191 In vibration generated during operation at least predominantly synchronous, esp. Also each other in phase, inlet-side bending vibrations of the first and third measuring tube 181 . 183 relative to the equally synchronized, esp. Also in each other in phase, inlet-side bending vibrations of the second and fourth measuring tube 182 . 184 represents, or that by means of the second vibration sensor 192 In vibration generated during operation at least predominantly synchronous, esp. Also phase-matched, exhaust-side bending vibrations of the first and third measuring tube 181 . 183 relative to the equally synchronized, esp. Also, each other in phase, exhaust-side bending vibrations of the second and fourth measuring tube 182 . 184 represents. For example, in the case of electro-dynamic vibration sensors, the solenoid of the first vibration sensor 191 on the third coupler element of the second type and the associated permanent magnet on the opposite fourth coupler element of the second type or the cylindrical coil of the second vibration sensor 192 be fixed to the fifth and the associated permanent magnet on the opposite sixth coupler element of the second kind. For the mentioned case, that the sensor arrangement 19 by means of four vibration sensors 191 . 192 . 193 . 194 is formed, according to a further embodiment of the invention, both the first vibration sensor 191 as well as the third vibration sensor 193 each proportionately supported on the third and fourth coupler element of the second type, esp. Such that, as from the synopsis of 4a . 4b . 5a and 5b readily apparent, a minimum distance between the first and third vibration sensor 191 . 193 more than twice, especially 2.5 times, is as large as a tube outer diameter of the first measuring tube 181 , In a corresponding manner, also the second vibration sensor 192 and the fourth vibration sensor 194 be supported on the fifth and sixth coupler element of the second type. Alternatively to the use of coupler elements 251 . 252 second kind held third and fourth vibration sensors or in addition to it, as for example in the aforementioned US-A 2007/0151368 shown, to avoid undesirable torsional moments, esp. The longitudinal axis L, but also appropriate balancing weights to be attached to the respective coupler elements.

To further improve the vibration quality of the tube assembly with the shortest possible insertion length L _{11 of} the transducer 11 or the shortest possible free _{swing length} L _{18x of} the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 respectively. 184 Furthermore, annular stiffening elements may be used on the measuring tubes, each of which is located on exactly one of the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 is mounted so that it encompasses this along one of its, esp. Circular circumferential, imaginary circumference lines, cf. this also the aforementioned US-B 69 20 798 , In particular, it may be advantageous if on each of the measuring tubes 181 . 182 . 183 respectively. 184 , At least four such, esp. Equally identical, stiffening elements are attached. The stiffening elements can, for example, so in the transducer 11 be placed that two attached to the same measuring tube, adjacent stiffening elements to each other at a distance which is at least 70% of a tube outer diameter of the same measuring tube, but not more than 150%. selbigen tube outer diameter is. In this case, a mutual spacing of adjacent stiffening elements, which is in the range of 80% to 120% of the tube outer diameter of the respective measuring tube, has proved particularly suitable 181 . 182 . 183 respectively. 184 lies.

By using four measuring tubes instead of two flowed through in parallel, it is thus also possible to use measuring transducers of the type described also for large mass flow rates or with large nominal diameters of well over 250 mm with an accuracy of more than 99.8% with an acceptable Pressure drop, esp. Of about 1 bar or less, inexpensive to manufacture and on the other hand to keep the installation dimensions and the empty mass such Meßaufnehmer so far that despite large nominal size, the production, transport, installation as well as operation still made economically sensible can. Especially by implementing above explained, the invention further ausgestaltender measures - individually or in combination - can be carried out and dimensioned so that a by a ratio of the above-mentioned dummy mass of the transducer to a measuring transducer of the type in question even with a large nominal nominal size Mass mass of the pipe assembly defined mass ratio of the transducer easily below 3, esp. Less than 2.5, can be maintained.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 1001254 A [0002, 0010]
• EP 553939 A [0002, 0010]
• US 4793191 A [0002, 0010]
• US 2002/0157479 A [0002, 0010]
• US 2006/0150750 A [0002, 0103]
• US 2007/0151368 A [0002, 0003, 0010, 0113, 0116]
• US 5370002 A [0002, 0010]
• US 5796011 A [0002, 0003, 0010, 0010]
• US 6308580 B [0002, 0010]
• US 6415668 B [0002]
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• US 7134347 B [0002, 0010]
• US 7392709 B [0002, 0074]
• WO 03/027616 A [0002, 0010]
• US 7350421 B [0003, 0010, 0010, 0051, 0069, 0071]
• EP 1248084A [0051, 0071]
• US 4801897 A [0080]
• US 6311136 B [0080]
• US 4823614 A [0086]
• US 4831885 A [0086]
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• US 2006/0283264 A [0099]

Claims (81)

A vibration-type transducer for detecting at least one physical quantity of fluid in a pipeline, in particular a gas, a liquid, a powder or another fluid, and / or generating a mass flow rate of a fluid in a pipeline , in particular a gas, a liquid, a powder or another fluid substance, serving Corioliskräfte, which comprises: - a, in particular substantially tubular and / or outer circular cylindrical, transducer housing ( 71 ), of which an inlet-side first housing end by means of a precisely four respectively spaced apart, esp. circular cylindrical, conical or conical, flow openings ( 201A . 201B . 201C . 201D ) having inlet side first flow divider ( 201 ) and an outlet-side second housing end by means of a precisely four spaced-apart, esp. circular cylindrical, conical or conical, flow openings ( 202A . 202B . 202C . 202D ) having outlet side second flow divider ( 202 ) are formed; A pipe arrangement with exactly four flow paths connected in parallel to form the flow paths to the, in particular, structurally identical flow splitters (US Pat. 201 . 202 ) connected, esp. Only by means of the same flow divider ( 201 . 202 ) in the transducer housing held vibratory and / or identical and / or mutually parallel, curved, esp. At least partially V-shaped or at least partially circular arc-shaped, measuring tubes ( 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 ) for guiding flowing medium, of which - a first measuring tube ( 181 ) with an inlet-side first Meßrohrende in a first flow opening ( 201A ) of the first flow divider ( 201 ) and with an outlet-side second Meßrohrende in a first flow opening ( 202A ) of the second flow divider ( 202 ), - a first measuring tube at least partially parallel second measuring tube ( 182 ) with an inlet-side first Meßrohrende in a second flow opening ( 201B ) of the first flow divider ( 201 ) and with an outlet-side second Meßrohrende in a second flow opening ( 202B ) of the second flow divider ( 202 ), - a third measuring tube ( 183 ) with an inlet-side first Meßrohrende in a third flow opening ( 201C ) of the first flow divider ( 201 ) and with an outlet-side second Meßrohrende in a third flow opening ( 202C ) of the second flow divider ( 202 ) and - a third measuring tube at least partially parallel fourth measuring tube ( 184 ) with an inlet-side first Meßrohrende in a fourth flow opening ( 201D ) of the first flow divider ( 201 ) and with an outlet-side second Meßrohrende in a fourth flow opening ( 202D ) of the second flow divider ( 202 ), an electro-mechanical, in particular by means of electro-dynamic vibration exciter ( 51 . 52 ), exciter arrangement ( 5 ) for generating and / or maintaining mechanical vibrations, esp. Of bending vibrations, the four measuring tubes ( 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 ), - wherein the measuring tubes are formed and arranged in the transducer, - that the tube assembly has a lying both between the first measuring tube and the third measuring tube and between the second measuring tube and the fourth measuring tube first imaginary longitudinal sectional plane (XZ), with respect to the Pipe assembly is mirror-symmetrical, and - that the pipe assembly has an imaginary to the first longitudinal sectional plane (XZ), both between the first measuring tube and the second measuring tube and between the third measuring tube and fourth measuring tube extending second imaginary longitudinal sectional plane (YZ), with respect to the tube assembly is also mirror-symmetric. Measuring transducer according to the preceding claim, wherein the two flow dividers ( 201 . 202 ) are arranged and arranged in the measuring transducer, - that one of the first flow opening ( 201A ) of the first flow divider ( 201 ) with the first flow opening ( 202A ) of the second flow divider ( 202 ) imaginary connecting first connecting axis (Z ₁ ) of the measuring transducer parallel to a second flow opening ( 201B ) of the first flow divider ( 201 ) with the second flow opening ( 202B ) of the second flow divider ( 202 ) imaginary connecting imaginary second connecting axis (Z ₂ ) of the measuring transducer runs, and - that one the third flow opening ( 201C ) of the first flow divider ( 201 ) with the third flow opening ( 202C ) of the second flow divider ( 202 ) imaginary connecting third connecting axis (Z ₃ ) of the measuring transducer parallel to a fourth flow opening ( 201D ) of the first flow divider ( 201 ) with the fourth flow opening ( 202B ) of the second flow divider ( 202 ) imaginary connecting imaginary fourth connection axis (Z ₄ ) of the measuring transducer runs. Measuring transducer according to the preceding claim, wherein the two flow dividers ( 201 . 202 ) are formed and arranged in the transducer, that a first imaginary longitudinal sectional plane (XZ ₁ ) of the measuring transducer, within which, in particular. To a aligned with the main pipe flow axis of the Meßaufnehmers parallel, first imaginary connecting axis (Z ₁ ) and the second imaginary connection axis (Z ₁ ), parallel to a second imaginary longitudinal sectional plane (XZ ₂ ) of the Meßaufnehmers within which the imaginary third connection axis (Z ₃ ) and the imaginary fourth connection axis (Z ₄ ) extend is; esp. Such that the first imaginary longitudinal sectional plane (XZ) of the tube assembly between the first and second imaginary longitudinal sectional plane (XZ ₁ , XZ ₂ ) of the transducer is and / or parallel to the first and second imaginary longitudinal sectional plane (XZ ₁ , XZ ₂ ) of the transducer is. Measuring transducer according to the preceding claim, wherein the two flow dividers ( 201 . 202 ) are formed and arranged in the measuring transducer, that a third imaginary longitudinal section plane (YZ ₁ ) of the Meßaufnehmers within which the imaginary first connection axis (Z ₁ ) and the imaginary third connection axis (Z ₃ ) extend, parallel to a fourth imaginary longitudinal section plane ( XY ₂ ) of the measuring transducer within which the imaginary second connecting axis (Z ₂ ) and the imaginary fourth connecting axis (Z ₄ ) extend. Measuring sensor according to the preceding claim, wherein the measuring tubes are formed and arranged in the transducer, that the second imaginary longitudinal sectional plane (YZ) of the tube assembly between the third imaginary longitudinal plane (YZ ₁ ) of the transducer and the fourth imaginary longitudinal sectional plane (YZ ₂ ) of the transducer extends in particular in such a way that the second imaginary longitudinal sectional plane (YZ) of the tube arrangement is parallel to the third imaginary longitudinal sectional plane (YZ ₁ ) of the measuring transducer and parallel to the fourth imaginary longitudinal sectional plane (YZ ₂ ) of the measuring transducer. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising - a, in particular plate-shaped, first coupler element ( 241 ) First type, the at least for vibration, esb. Bending vibrations of the first measuring tube and anti-phase vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the second measuring tube both from the first flow divider and the second flow divider spaced inlet side at least at the first measuring tube and is fixed to the second measuring tube, and - a, esp. Plate-shaped and / or the first coupler element ( 241 ) identical, second coupler element ( 242 ) First type, the at least for vibration, esb. Bending vibrations of the first measuring tube and anti-phase vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the second measuring tube from both the first flow divider and the second flow divider as well as the first coupler spaced outlet side is fixed at least on the first measuring tube and the second measuring tube. Sensor according to claim 6, wherein all four measuring tubes ( 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 ) by means of the first coupler element ( 241 ) first type and by means of the second coupler element ( 242 ) First type are mechanically connected to each other. Sensor according to the preceding claim, wherein the first coupler element ( 241 ) of the first type plate-shaped, esp. In such a way that it has a rectangular, square, round, cross-shaped or H-shaped base. Sensor according to the preceding claim, wherein the second coupler element ( 242 ) of the first kind, in particular the same as the first coupler element ( 241 ) First type, plate-shaped, esp. In such a way that it has a rectangular, square, round, cross-shaped or H-shaped. Sensor according to claim 6, wherein the first coupler element ( 241 ) first type also on the third measuring tube ( 183 ) and on the fourth measuring tube ( 184 ) is fixed, and wherein the second coupler element of the first kind is fixed to the third measuring tube and the fourth measuring tube. A transducer according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein a portion of the bendline corresponding to a length of a portion of the bendline extending between the first coupler member of the first type and the first coupler member of the first type is equal free _{swing length} , L _18x , of the first metering tube, esp mm, esp. Less than 2500 mm and / or more than 800 mm. A transducer according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the first measuring tube and the second measuring tube are parallel to each other at least over a region extending between the first coupler element of the first type and the second coupler element of the first type, and wherein the third measuring tube and the fourth measuring tube are at least over a region extending between the first coupler element of the first type and the second coupler element of the first type is parallel to each other. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising - a, in particular plate-shaped or rod-shaped, first coupler element ( 251 ) second kind, the. Synchronization of vibrations, in particular bending vibrations, of the first measuring tube ( 181 ) and of the same frequency vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the third measuring tube ( 183 ) from both the first coupler element ( 241 ) of the first type as well as the second coupler element ( 242 ) first type spaced only at the first measuring tube ( 181 ) and on the third measuring tube ( 183 ), and - a, esp. Plate-shaped or rod-shaped, second coupler element ( 252 ) of the second type, which is used for synchronizing vibrations, in particular bending oscillations, of the second measuring tube ( 182 ) and of the same frequency vibrations, esp. Bending vibrations, the fourth measuring tube ( 184 ) from both the first coupler element ( 241 ) of the first type as well as the second coupler element ( 242 ) first type as well as from the first coupler element ( 251 ) second type only spaced on the second measuring tube ( 182 ) and on the fourth measuring tube ( 184 ) is fixed. A transducer according to the preceding claim, wherein the first coupler element of the second type is fixed to the first measuring tube in the range of 50% of a minimum distance between the first coupler element of the first type and the second coupler element of the first type. A transducer according to the preceding claim, wherein the first coupler element of the second type is fixed in the region of 50% of a minimum distance between the first coupler element of the first type and the second coupler element of the first type on the third measuring tube. A sensor according to the preceding claim, wherein the second coupler element of the second type is fixed to the second measuring tube in the range of 50% of a minimum distance between the first coupler element of the first type and the second coupler element of the first type. A transducer according to the preceding claim, wherein the second coupler element of the second type is fixed in the range of 50% of a minimum distance between the first coupler element of the first type and the second coupler element of the first type on the fourth measuring tube. A sensor according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the first and second coupler elements ( 251 . 252 ) second type are placed opposite each other in the transducer. Sensor according to one of claims 13 to 18, further comprising: - a, in particular plate-shaped or rod-shaped, third coupler element ( 253 ) of the second type, which is used for synchronizing vibrations, in particular bending oscillations, of the first measuring tube ( 181 ) and of the same frequency vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the third measuring tube ( 183 ) from both the first coupler element of the first type ( 241 ) as well as the second coupler element ( 242 ) first type as well as from the first coupler element ( 251 ) second type spaced only at the first measuring tube ( 181 ) and on the third measuring tube ( 183 ), and - a, in particular plate-shaped or rod-shaped, fourth coupler element ( 254 ) of the second type, which is used for synchronizing vibrations, in particular bending oscillations, of the second measuring tube ( 182 ) and of the same frequency vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the fourth measuring tube ( 184 ) from both the first and second coupler elements ( 241 . 242 ) of the first type as well as of the second and third coupler element ( 252 . 253 ) second type each only spaced on the second measuring tube ( 182 ) and on the fourth measuring tube ( 184 ) is fixed. A sensor according to claim 19, wherein the third and fourth coupler elements ( 253 . 254 ) second type are placed opposite each other in the transducer. Sensor according to one of claims 19 to 20, further comprising - a, in particular plate-shaped or rod-shaped, fifth coupler element ( 255 ) of the second type, which is used for synchronizing vibrations, in particular bending oscillations, of the first measuring tube ( 181 ) and of the same frequency vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the third measuring tube ( 183 ) from both the first and second coupler elements ( 241 . 242 ) first type as well as the first and third coupler element ( 251 . 253 ) second type spaced only at the first measuring tube ( 181 ) and on the third measuring tube ( 183 ), and - a, in particular plate-shaped or rod-shaped, sixth coupler element ( 256 ) of the second type, for synchronizing vibrations, in particular bending vibrations, of the second measuring tube and of vibrations of the same frequency, in particular bending vibrations, of the fourth measuring tube from both the first and second coupling elements (US Pat. 241 . 242 ) of the first type as well as the second, fourth and fifth coupler element ( 252 . 254 . 255 ) second type each only spaced on the second measuring tube ( 182 ) and on the fourth measuring tube ( 184 ) is fixed. A sensor according to claim 21, wherein the fifth and sixth coupler elements ( 255 . 256 ) second type are placed opposite each other in the transducer. Measuring sensor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the four, in particular gleichkalibrigen and / or same length, measuring tubes ( 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 ) has a caliber, D ₁₈ , which is more than 40 mm, in particular more than 60 mm. A transducer according to claim 11 and 23, wherein a caliber to _{vibration length} ratio, D ₁₈ / L _18x , of the transducer, defined by a ratio of the caliber, D ₁₈ , of the first measuring tube ( 181 ) to the free _{oscillation length} , L _18x , of the first measuring tube ( 181 ), more than 0.03, in particular more than 0.05 and / or less than 0.15. A sensor according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the measuring tubes are bent and arranged so that a caliber-to-height ratio of the tube assembly, defined by a ratio of the caliber, D ₁₈ , of the first measuring tube ( 181 ) to a maximum lateral extent of the tube assembly measured from a vertex of the first measuring tube a vertex of the third measuring tube, more than 0.1, esp. More than 0.2 and / or less than 0.35, is. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first flow divider ( 201 ) a flange ( 61 ) for connecting the measuring transducer to a pipe segment of the pipeline serving for supplying medium to the measuring sensor and the second flow divider (US Pat. 202 ) a flange ( 62 ) for connecting the measuring transducer to a pipe segment of the pipeline serving for discharging medium from the measuring transducer. A sensor according to the preceding claim, wherein each of the two flanges has a mass of more than 50 kg, in particular of more than 60 kg. A sensor according to any one of claims 26 to 27, wherein each of the flanges ( 61 . 62 ) each have a sealing surface ( 61A . 62A ) for fluid-tight connection of the measuring transducer with the respective corresponding pipe segment of the pipeline, and wherein a distance between the sealing surfaces ( 61A . 62A ) of both flanges ( 61 . 62 ), in particular more than 1200 mm in amount and / or less than 3000 mm amounts, installation length, L ₁₁ , defined by the measuring transducer. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a length of a between the first flow opening ( 201A ) of the first flow divider ( 201 ) and the first flow opening ( 202A ) of the second flow divider ( 202 ) extending portion of a bending line of the first measuring tube corresponding Meßrohrlänge, L ₁₈ , of the first measuring tube ( 181 ) is more than 1000 mm, in particular more than 1200 mm and / or less than 2000 mm. A sensor according to claim 28 and 29, wherein a measuring tube length to fitting length ratio, L ₁₈ / L ₁₁ , of the transducer, defined by a ratio of the measuring tube length, L ₁₈ , of the first measuring tube to insertion length, L ₁₁ , of the measuring transducer, more than 0.7, esp. More than 0.8 and / or less than 0.95, is. A sensor according to claim 23 and 28, wherein a caliber-to-installation length ratio, D ₁₈ / L ₁₁ , of the transducer, defined by a ratio of the caliber, D ₁₈ , of the first measuring tube to insertion length, L ₁₁ , of the transducer, more than 0.02, esp. More than 0.05 and / or less than 0.09, is. A sensor according to claim 11 and 28, wherein a _vibration length to installation length ratio, L _18x / L ₁₁ , of the transducer, defined by a ratio of the free vibration length, L _18x , of the first measuring tube to the insertion length, L ₁₁ , of the transducer, more is 0.55, in particular more than 0.6 and / or less than 0.9. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the four, in particular gleichkalibrigen, measuring tubes ( 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 ) is arranged so that - a smallest lateral distance of each of the four, esp. Equal length, measuring tubes of a housing side wall of the pickup housing each greater than zero, esp. Greater than 3 mm and / or greater than a double of a respective pipe wall thickness is ; and / or - that a smallest lateral distance between two adjacent measuring tubes is greater than 3 mm and / or greater than the sum of their respective pipe wall thicknesses. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the flow openings is arranged such that - That a smallest lateral distance of each of the flow openings of a housing side wall of the transducer housing is greater than zero, esp. Greater than 3 mm and / or greater than a double of a smallest tube wall thickness of the measuring tubes is greater than zero; and or - That a smallest lateral distance between the flow openings is greater than 3 mm and / or greater than a double of a smallest pipe wall thickness of the measuring tubes. Measuring transducer according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a vibration, in particular by means of the exciting arrangement excited bending vibrations, the measuring tubes ( 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 ) Responding, esp. Electro-dynamic and / or by means of identical vibration sensors ( 191 . 192 . 193 . 194 ) formed sensor array ( 19 ) for generating vibrations, esp. Bieschwwingungen, the measuring tubes ( 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 ) representing Schwingungsmeßsignalen. Sensor according to the preceding claim, wherein the sensor arrangement ( 19 ) by means of one, in particular electrodynamic and / or oscillations of the first measuring tube ( 181 ) relative to the second measuring tube ( 182 ) differentially detecting, inlet-side first vibration sensor ( 191 ) and one, in particular electrodynamic and / or oscillations of the first measuring tube ( 181 ) relative to the second measuring tube ( 182 ) differentially detecting, outlet-side second vibration sensor ( 192 ) is formed. Sensor according to the preceding claim, wherein the sensor arrangement ( 19 ) by means of one, in particular electrodynamic and / or oscillations of the third measuring tube ( 183 ) relative to the fourth measuring tube ( 184 ) differentially detecting, intake-side third vibration sensor ( 193 ) and one, in particular electrodynamic and / or oscillations of the third measuring tube ( 183 ) relative to the fourth measuring tube ( 184 ) differentially detecting, exhaust-side fourth vibration sensor ( 194 ) is formed. Sensor according to the preceding claim, wherein the first and third vibration sensors ( 191 . 193 ) are electrically connected in series, such that a common vibration measurement signal common inlet side vibrations of the first and third measuring tube ( 181 . 183 ) relative to the second and fourth measuring tube ( 182 . 184 ). Sensor according to the preceding claim, wherein the second and fourth vibration sensor ( 192 . 194 ) are electrically connected in series, such that a common vibration measurement signal common exhaust side oscillations of the first and third measuring tube ( 181 . 183 ) relative to the second and fourth measuring tube ( 182 . 184 ). Sensor according to one of claims 36 to 39, wherein the first vibration sensor ( 191 ) by means of a at the first measuring tube ( 181 ) held permanent magnets and one of whose magnetic field flooded, on the second measuring tube ( 182 ) held cylindrical coil is formed, and wherein the second vibration sensor ( 192 ) by means of a at the first measuring tube ( 181 ) held permanent magnets and one of whose magnetic field flooded, on the second measuring tube ( 182 ) held cylindrical coil is formed. Sensor according to one of claims 37 to 40, wherein the third vibration sensor ( 193 ) by means of a third measuring tube ( 181 ) held permanent magnets and one of whose magnetic field flooded, on the fourth measuring tube ( 182 ), and wherein the fourth vibration sensor ( 194 ) by means of a third measuring tube ( 181 ) held permanent magnets and one of whose magnetic field flooded, on the fourth measuring tube ( 182 ) held cylindrical coil is formed. A sensor according to any one of claims 36 to 41, wherein a length of one between the first vibration sensor ( 191 ) and the second vibration sensor ( 192 ) extending portion of a bending line of the first measuring tube corresponding Meßlänges, L ₁₉ , the Meßaufnehmers more than 500 mm, esp. More than 600 mm and / or less than 1200 mm. A sensor according to claims 28 and 42, wherein a gauge length to fitting length ratio, L ₁₉ / L ₁₁ , of the transducer, defined by a ratio of the gauge length, L ₁₉ , to insertion length, L ₁₁ , of the transducer, greater than 0.3, esp greater than 0.4 and / or less than 0.7. A sensor according to claim 23 and 42, wherein a caliber-to-gauge length ratio, D ₁₈ / L ₁₉ , of the transducer, defined by a ratio of the caliber, D ₁₈ , of the first gauge to gauge length, L ₁₉ , of the transducer, more than 0.05, esp. More than 0.09, is. A sensor according to claim 11 and 42, wherein a Meßlänge to swing length ratio, L ₁₉ / L _18x , the Meßaufnehmers, defined by a ratio of the Meßlänge, L ₁₉ , the transducer to the free _{swing length} , L _18x , the first measuring tube, more than 0.3, in particular more than 0.4 and / or less than 0.95. Sensor according to one of claims 36 to 45, in each case in conjunction with one of claims 19 to 22, wherein each of the, in particular identical, vibration sensors ( 191 ; 192 ; 193 ; 194 ) of the sensor arrangement in each case on two mutually opposite coupler elements ( 253 . 254 ; 255 . 256 ) of the second kind. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a mass ratio, M ₁₁ / M ₁₈ , an empty mass, M ₁₁ , of the entire measuring transducer to an empty mass, M ₁₈ , of the first measuring tube is greater than 10, esp. Greater than 15 and less than 25, is. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the two flow dividers ( 201 . 202 ) in each case has a mass of more than 20 kg, in particular of more than 40 kg. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an empty mass, M ₁₈ , of the first measuring tube, esp. Each of the measuring tubes ( 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 ), greater than 20 kg, in particular greater than 30 kg and / or less than 50 kg. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an empty mass, M ₁₁ , of the measuring transducer is greater than 200 kg, in particular greater than 300 kg. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a nominal nominal diameter, D ₁₁ , of the measuring transducer, which corresponds to a caliber of the pipeline, in the course of which the measuring sensor is to be inserted, is more than 50 mm, in particular greater than 100 mm. A transducer according to claims 50 and 51, wherein a mass-to-nominal ratio, M ₁₁ / D ₁₁ , of the transducer, defined by a ratio of the dummy mass, M ₁₁ , of the nominal diameter transducer, D ₁₁ , of the transducer is less than 2 kg / mm, in particular less than 1 kg / mm and / or greater than 0.5 kg / mm. A sensor according to claim 28 and 51, wherein a nominal diameter to installation length ratio, D ₁₁ / L ₁₁ , of the transducer, defined by a ratio of the nominal nominal diameter of the transducer to the installation length of the transducer is less than 0.3, esp. Less than 0.2 and / or greater than 0.1, is. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and the second measuring tube ( 181 . 182 ) are at least in terms of a material from which their tube walls each, and / or in terms of their geometrical tube dimensions, esp. A Meßrohrlänge, a tube wall thickness, a tube outer diameter and / or a caliber, are identical. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the third and the fourth measuring tube ( 183 . 184 ) at least with regard to a material of which the pipe walls thereof respectively consist, and / or with regard to their geometrical pipe dimensions, in particular a measuring pipe length; a pipe wall thickness, a tube outer diameter and / or caliber, are identical. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the four measuring tubes ( 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 ) with respect to a material of which the tube walls are made, and / or in terms of their geometric tube dimensions, esp. A Meßrohrlänge, a tube wall thickness, a tube outer diameter and / or a caliber, are identical. Sensor according to one of claims 1 to 55, wherein both the third measuring tube and the fourth measuring tube ( 183 . 184 ) with respect to their respective geometrical tube dimensions, esp. A Meßrohrlänge, a tube wall thickness, an outer tube diameter and / or a caliber, are different from the first measuring tube and the second measuring tube measuring tubes ( 181 . 182 ). Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a material from which the tube walls of the four measuring tubes ( 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 ) at least in part, is titanium and / or zirconium and / or duplex steel and / or super duplex steel. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transducer housing ( 71 ), the flow dividers ( 201 . 202 ) and tube walls of the measuring tubes ( 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 ) in each case made of, esp. Stainless, steel. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the measuring tubes ( 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 ) a bending vibration fundamental mode of minimum bending vibration resonance frequency, f ₁₈₁ ; f ₁₈₂ ; f ₁₈₃ ; f ₁₈₄ , and wherein the minimum bending vibration resonance frequencies, f ₁₈₁ , f ₁₈₂ , of at least the first and second measuring tubes ( 181 . 182 ) are substantially the same and the minimum bending vibration resonance frequencies, f ₁₈₃ , f ₁₈₄ , of at least the third and fourth measuring tubes ( 183 . 184 ) are substantially the same. A transducer according to the preceding claim, wherein the minimum bending vibration resonance frequencies, f ₁₈₁ , f ₁₈₂ , f ₁₈₃ , f ₁₈₄ , of all four measuring tubes ( 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 ) are substantially the same. A transducer according to claim 60, wherein the minimum bending vibration resonance frequencies, f ₁₈₁ , f ₁₈₂ , f ₁₈₃ , f ₁₈₄ , of the four measuring tubes ( 181 . 182 . 183 . 184 ) are only equal in pairs. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the four flow openings ( 201A . 201B . 201C . 201D ) of the first flow divider ( 202 ) are arranged so that, in particular, circular, cross-sectional areas of the flow openings ( 201A ; 201B ; 201D ; 201D ) of the first flow divider ( 201 The corresponding imaginary centroids form the vertices of an imaginary square, wherein the same cross-sectional areas in one, in particular the first imaginary longitudinal section plane of the Meßaufnehmers or to the second imaginary longitudinal section plane of the Meßaufnehmers perpendicular, common imaginary cross-sectional plane of the first flow divider ( 201 ) lie. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the four flow openings ( 202A . 202B . 202C . 202D ) of the second flow divider ( 202 ) are arranged so that, in particular, circular, cross-sectional areas of the flow openings ( 202A ; 202B ; 202C ; 202D ) of the second flow divider ( 202 The corresponding imaginary centroids form the vertices of an imaginary square, wherein the same cross-sectional areas in a, in particular to the first imaginary longitudinal section plane of the Meßaufnehmers or to the second imaginary longitudinal section plane of the Meßaufnehmers perpendicular, common imaginary cross-sectional plane of the second flow divider ( 202 ) lie. Measuring sensor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the excitation arrangement is designed such that thus the first measuring tube ( 181 ) and the second measuring tube ( 182 ) in operation to antiphase bending vibrations and the third measuring tube ( 183 ) and the fourth measuring tube ( 184 ) are excitable in operation to opposite phase bending vibrations. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the exciter arrangement ( 5 ) by means of one, in particular electrodynamic and / or oscillations of the first measuring tube ( 181 ) relative to second measuring tube ( 182 ) differentially exciting, first vibration exciter ( 51 ) is formed. Measuring sensor according to the preceding claim, wherein the exciter arrangement by means of a, in particular electrodynamic and / or oscillations of the third measuring tube ( 183 ) relative to the fourth measuring tube ( 184 ) differentially exciting, second vibration exciter ( 52 ) is formed. Sensor according to the preceding claim, wherein the first and second vibration exciter ( 51 . 52 ) are electrically connected in series, such that a common drive signal common oscillations of the first and third measuring tube ( 181 . 183 ) relative to the second and fourth measuring tube ( 182 . 184 ). Sensor according to one of claims 66 to 68, wherein the first vibration exciter ( 51 ) by means of a at the first measuring tube ( 181 ) held permanent magnets and one of whose magnetic field flooded, on the second measuring tube ( 182 ) held cylindrical coil is formed, and wherein the second vibration exciter ( 52 ) by means of a third measuring tube ( 181 ) held permanent magnets and one of whose magnetic field flooded, on the fourth measuring tube ( 182 ) held cylindrical coil is formed. Sensor according to one of claims 66 to 69, in each case in conjunction with one of the claims 13 to 22, wherein each of the vibration exciter (esp. 51 ; 52 ) in each case on two mutually opposite coupler elements ( 251 . 252 ) of the second kind. A transducer according to the preceding claim in conjunction with claim 13 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein both the first vibration exciter ( 51 ) as well as the second vibration exciter ( 52 ) each at the first and second coupler element ( 251 . 252 ) of the second type, in particular in such a way that a minimum distance between the first and second vibration exciter ( 521 . 52 ) is more than twice as large as a tube outer diameter of the first measuring tube ( 181 ). A transducer according to the preceding claim in conjunction with claim 19 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein both the first vibration sensor ( 191 ) as well as the third vibration sensor ( 193 ) each at the third and fourth coupler element ( 253 . 254 ) of the second type are held, in particular in such a way that a minimum distance between the first and third vibration sensor ( 191 . 193 ) is more than twice as large as a tube outer diameter of the first measuring tube ( 181 ). A sensor according to the preceding claim in conjunction with claim 21 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein both the second vibration sensor ( 192 ) as well as the fourth vibration sensor ( 194 ) each at the fifth and sixth coupler element ( 255 . 256 ) of the second type, in particular in such a way that a minimum distance between the second and fourth vibration sensor ( 192 . 194 ) is more than twice as large as a tube outer diameter of the first measuring tube ( 181 ). Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a middle segment ( 71A ) of the transducer housing ( 71 ) is formed by means of a straight, esp. Circular cylindrical tube. Sensor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transducer housing ( 71 ) is substantially tubular, esp. Circular cylindrical, is formed. A sensor according to the preceding claim, wherein the transducer housing ( 71 ) has a largest housing inner diameter, D ₇ , which is greater than 150 mm, esp. greater than 250 mm. A sensor according to the preceding claim, wherein a housing to Meßrohr inner diameter ratio, D ₇ / D ₁₈ , of the transducer, defined by a ratio of the largest housing inner diameter, D ₇ , to a caliber, D ₁₈ , of the first measuring tube greater than 3, in particular greater than 4 and / or less than 5, is. A transducer according to claim 76 or 77, each in combination with claim 51, wherein a housing internal diameter to nominal diameter ratio, D ₇ / D ₁₁ , of the transducer, defined by a ratio of the largest housing internal diameter, D ₇ , to nominal Nominal diameter, D ₁₁ , the transducer is less than 1.5, esp. Less than 1.2 and / or greater than 0.9, is. A sensor according to the preceding claim, wherein the housing inner diameter to nominal diameter ratio, D ₇ / D ₁₁ , of the transducer is equal to one. In-line measuring device for measuring a density and / or a mass flow rate, in particular also a total mass flow totalized over a time interval, of a medium flowing in a pipeline at least temporarily, in particular with a mass flow rate of more than 1000 t / h, esp. Of a gas, a liquid, a powder or other fluid substance, which, esp. Designed as a compact device, in-line meter a transducer according to one of the preceding claims and one with the transducer electrically coupled, esp. Also mechanically rigidly connected, measuring device electronics comprises. Use of a measuring transducer according to one of claims 1 to 79 for measuring a density and / or a mass flow rate, in particular also a total mass flow totalized over a time interval, one in a pipeline at least temporarily with a mass flow rate of more than 1000 t / h, esp More than 1500 t / h of flowing medium, esp. Of a gas, a liquid, a powder or other fluid substance.

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