DE102016121643A1 - Measuring arrangement for determining and / or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium in a pipeline - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular arrangement (8) for determining and / or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium in a pipeline, at least comprising a sensor (1) for determining and / or monitoring the at least one process variable with at least one sensor unit (2) and one Electronic unit (3), anda pipeline section (7), which pipeline section (7) has at least a first (9a) and a second (9b) opening for introducing the pipeline section (7) into an existing pipeline system, and a third opening (9c), wherein in the third opening (9c) at least a first component (4) of the sensor unit (2) is releasably insertable, wherein the at least one first component (4) of the sensor unit (2) is designed such that in the case that the third opening (9c) is introduced, substantially flush with an interior wall (19) of the pipe section (7), in particular with a Teilber eich the Innenbewandung (19), which at least partially adjacent to the third opening (9c) closes.

Description

The invention relates to a modular arrangement for determining and / or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium in a pipeline with at least one sensor, in particular one with at least one process-contacting component, and at least one pipeline. The sensor can be introduced in particular into a pipeline section, which in turn can be integrated into an existing pipeline system.

Corresponding measuring arrangements are used in connection with a multiplicity of measuring devices and / or field devices for the determination of different process variables, which are produced and distributed in great variety by the applicant. The process variable is, for example, the flow of a flowing fluid through a measuring tube, or the level of a medium in a container. However, it can also be given by the pressure, the density, the viscosity, the conductivity, the temperature or the ph value. Also optical sensors, such as turbidity or absorption sensors are known.

The sensors are in many cases by means of suitable sealing mechanisms positively and / or non-positively integrated into a pipe section or directly welded together and / or glued. However, gaps, joints and / or dead spaces can arise.

For a number of applications, such as in sterile process engineering, for example in the field of pharmacy, food and / or food industry, such gaps, joints and / or dead spaces between the individual components are not or only to a very limited extent acceptable. Namely, in such connection areas there are potential reservoirs for harmful germs. For example, to prevent deposits or the formation of a biofilm within a pipeline, a residue-free as possible cleaning should be guaranteed.

In this context, various international or national regulatory authorities have standards, including: a. for the production and design of equipment approved for sterile process engineering. Exemplary here is the respective standards of the "American Society of Mechanical Engineers" (ASME), in particular the so-called "ASME Bioprocessing Equippment Standard" (BPE), the "3-A Sanitary Standards Incorporation" (3-A), or the "European Hygienic Design Group" (EHEDG). The standards according to ASME, BPE and 3A are relevant in particular for the American area, while the standard according to EHEDG is mainly used in Europe. Typical requirements for a component formulated in these standards relate in particular to the geometry and / or surface of the respective component, which should be such that no deposits can form and the respective component is easy to clean and / or sterilize. For example, the EHEDG standard excludes sharp-edged transitions.

With regard to measuring instruments that comply with one or more of these standards, for example, from DE102013100158A1 a one-piece device with a sensor and a T-shaped adapter has become known as a pipe section. The sensor is arranged in a partial region of the adapter such that the end face of the sensor facing the medium lies flush with the front side of the inner surface of the first partial region of the adapter. The end face of the sensor is thus virtually an integral part of the inner surface of the first portion of the adapter. This, in relation to the production comparatively complicated construction avoids a gap formation in the connecting areas.

The present invention has for its object to provide a measuring arrangement, which easily meets the usual hygiene requirements.

This object is achieved by the modular arrangement, in particular Meßanrodnung, for determining and / or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium in a pipeline according to claim 1.

• - einen Sensor zur Bestimmung und/oder Überwachung der zumindest einen Prozessgröße mit zumindest einer Sensoreinheit und einer Elektronikeinheit, und
• - ein Rohrleitungsabschnitt, welcher Rohrleitungsabschnitt zumindest eine erste und eine zweite Öffnung zum Einbringen des Rohrleitungsabschnitts in ein bestehendes Rohrleitungssystem, und eine dritte Öffnung aufweist, wobei in die dritten Öffnung zumindest eine erste Komponente der Sensoreinheit lösbar einbringbar ist,

wobei die zumindest eine erste Komponente der Sensoreinheit derart ausgestaltet ist, dass sie im Falle, dass sie in die dritte Öffnung eingebracht ist, im Wesentlichen frontbündig mit einer Innenbewandung des Rohrleitungsabschnitts, insbesondere mit einem Teilbereich der Innenbewandung, welcher zumindest teilweise an die dritte Öffnung angrenzt, abschließt.The arrangement according to the invention comprises at least

• a sensor for determining and / or monitoring the at least one process variable with at least one sensor unit and an electronic unit, and
• a pipeline section, which pipeline section has at least one first and one second opening for introducing the pipeline section into an existing pipeline system, and a third opening, wherein at least one first component of the sensor unit is releasably insertable into the third opening,

wherein the at least one first component of the sensor unit is configured such that in the case that it is introduced into the third opening, substantially flush with an inner wall of the pipe section, in particular with a portion of the inner wall, which at least partially adjacent to the third opening , concludes.

The sensor is thus arranged such that the at least one first, in particular the medium-facing component, in particular at least one, the medium-facing end face of the component, flush-mounted and releasably terminates with an inner wall of the pipe section. This component, or at least one end face of the component facing the medium, is preferably brought into contact with the medium at least partially and / or temporarily during operation of the measuring arrangement. Since the component, or the end face of the component, is substantially flush with the third opening of the pipe section, the contact area between the sensor and the medium is advantageously limited to this surface.

The flush-mounted arrangement further ensures a substantially residue-free cleaning of the arrangement, which is particularly relevant for applications in sterile process engineering.

At least the at least one component of the sensor is preferably dimensioned such that the dimensions are adapted to the dimensions of the third opening. In the case of a circular openings, at least the component of the sensor, for example, preferably also at least in the region of the end face facing the medium has a substantially cylindrical geometry with a cross-sectional area which substantially corresponds to the internal cross-sectional area of the third opening. In the event that a pipe segment connects to the third opening, and in the case that it is a sensor in so-called. Compact design, can also be arranged substantially the entire sensor within the pipe section.

The first and second openings of the pipeline section are preferably aligned along a straight line and serve to connect the pipeline section to an existing pipeline system. The diameters of the first and second openings are corresponding, not necessarily, but preferably, identical. For fixing the pipe section in an existing piping system all known to those skilled Befestigungsigunsweisen be conceivable, such as flange or welded joints.

The modular design of the measuring arrangement according to the invention advantageously allows a simple production of the entire arrangement. Furthermore, due to the modular structure, individual components of the arrangement can be replaced individually. In particular, in the case that the pipe section is welded into an existing pipeline system, a defective sensor can be replaced without having to re-engage in the existing pipeline system with the pipe section.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sensor is a capacitive and / or conductive sensor, wherein the sensor unit of the sensor preferably comprises at least a first electrode and at least one second electrode electrically isolated from the first electrode. The second electrode is generally referred to as a guard electrode. It is in this embodiment, therefore, a flush-mounted, capacitive and / or conductive sensor, which is preferably used for the detection of a predetermined level, or the conductivity of the medium. Such, also referred to as multi-sensors, sensors are for example from the documents DE102011004807A1 . DE102013102055A1 , or too DE102013104781A1 to which reference is hereby fully made. A corresponding sensor is further manufactured and sold by the applicant under the name FTW33.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one first component of the sensor unit is an electrode assembly having a, in particular circular, end face, wherein at least one electrode of the electrode assembly substantially terminates with the end face, and wherein the, in particular circular, end face in shape a substantially planar surface, or in the form of a curved surface, in particular a surface having a radius of curvature which corresponds to a radius of curvature of the pipe section in the region of the third opening, is configured. A radius of curvature of the end face is adapted in the case of a curved end face in particular to a radius of the pipe section in the region of the third opening.

Preferably, a transition between the at least one first component and a walling of the third opening is essentially a gap-free and / or dead space-free transition. Between the at least one first component and the walling of the third opening, no deposits or soiling can advantageously accumulate. The invention is therefore ideal for use, for example in sterile process engineering.

An embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention provides that the at least one first component is introduced by means of a clearance fit or by means of a press fit in the third opening.

Another embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention provides, in turn, that the at least one first component of the sensor unit is introduced into the third opening by means of a sealing element, which is arranged at least partially in the region of the transition between the component and the edge of the third opening. wherein the sealing element and the at least one first component seal the third opening with respect to the medium.

In this case, it is advantageous if the sealing element is a molded seal, in particular in the form of an injection-molded component, in particular a molded seal with an annular element and at least one snap-in hook. Alternatively, however, the sealing element may also be an O-ring.

The sealing element preferably consists at least partially of an elastomer, in particular ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM for short) or a thermoplastic, in particular polyetheretherketone (PEEK for short). Preferably, a material is selected for the sealing element, which material is already used in the region of the at least one component of the sensor in each media-contacting partial area, provided that the at least one component at least partially has a material suitable for a sealing element. In the case of electrode assemblies, for example, the isolations of PEEK separating the individual electrodes from one another are formed so that the use of PEEK is likewise possible for the sealing element. In this way, the number of process-contacting materials can be minimized.

According to a particularly preferred variant of the invention, the pipeline section is configured in the form of a T-piece with a first subregion and a second subregion arranged substantially perpendicularly to the first subregion, the first and second openings in the first subregion and the third opening in the second subregion are arranged.

A further embodiment includes a fastening unit for attaching, in particular detachable, at least one second component of the sensor to or in the third opening. Preferably, the entire sensor can be attached to the electronics unit by means of the fastening unit on or in the third opening, in particular detachably.

It is advantageous if the fastening unit comprises a union nut. This can for example be arranged on a housing of the sensor, while that portion of the pipe section in which the third opening is arranged, has a thread complementary to the union nut thread. In particular, can attach to the third opening, a pipe section, in which the sensor in the medium-facing region flush with the third opening flush.

It is likewise advantageous if at least one positioning unit is provided for aligning at least the at least one component of the sensor at or in the third opening. This is preferably a twist protection, for example in the form of a pin and a bore complementary to the pin.

In one embodiment, the pipe section is a turning, milling, or casting part, or a component produced by a generative manufacturing method. A generative or additive manufacturing process is to be understood here as meaning a process in which plastic parts are produced in a primary molding process. Such generative manufacturing processes, which in principle represent an industrialized and mass-capable further development of so-called rapid prototyping, have been increasingly used in industrial production for some years. The usual, different production methods are well known to the skilled person and are therefore not explained in detail at this point.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines frontbündigen kapazitiven und/oder konduktiven Sensors gemäß Stand der Technik,
• 2: eine erste Ausgestaltung der vorliegenden Erfindung, bei welcher die zumindest eine erste Komponente mittels einer Formdichtung lösbar im Rohrleitungsabschnitt befestigt ist, in unterschiedlichen Ansichten a)-e),
• 3: eine zweite Ausgestaltung der vorliegenden Erfindung, bei welcher die zumindest eine erste Komponente mittels eines O-Rings lösbar im Rohrleitungsabschnitt befestigt ist, in unterschiedlichen Ansichten a)-c),
• 4: eine dritte Ausgestaltung der vorliegenden Erfindung bei welcher die zumindest eine erste Komponente mittels einer Presspassung lösbar im Rohrleitungsabschnitt befestigt ist, in unterschiedlichen Ansichten a)-b), und
• 5: eine vierte Ausgestaltung der vorliegenden Erfindung, wobei der Sensor in der dritten Öffnung mit einer planaren Stirnfläche abschließt in zwei unterschiedlichen Ansichten a) und b).

The invention will be described below with reference to FIGS 1 - 5 explained in more detail. It shows:

• 1 a schematic representation of a front-flush capacitive and / or conductive sensor according to the prior art,
• 2 A first embodiment of the present invention, in which the at least one first component is detachably fastened in the pipeline section by means of a molded seal, in different views a) -e),
• 3 A second embodiment of the present invention, in which the at least one first component is detachably fastened in the pipeline section by means of an O-ring, in different views a) -c),
• 4 a third embodiment of the present invention in which the at least one first component is releasably secured by means of a press fit in the pipe section, in different views a) -b), and
• 5 a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the sensor in the third opening with a planar end face terminates in two different views a) and b).

The present invention is applicable to a variety of different sensors 1 applicable. However, for the sake of simplicity, the following description, without limiting the generality, refers to the case of a front flush capacitive and / or conductive sensor 1 , as in 1 shown schematically. Furthermore, the present invention also for a variety of different configurations, in particular for a variety of different geometries, for the pipe section 7 insetzbar. However, for the sake of simplicity, the following description, for the sake of simplicity, refers exclusively to a T-shaped pipe section 7 ,

The measurement methods underlying a capacitive and / or conductive measuring device, in particular a fill level measuring device, are known per se from the prior art. Corresponding field devices are manufactured and sold by the applicant, for example, under the name LIQUIPOINT. A schematic representation of a corresponding sensor 1 is in 1 shown. The sensor 1 includes a sensor unit 2 which, if the field device 1 is introduced into a container, substantially flush with the front of the container, and an electronic unit 3 , which is detachably connectable via a connection cable 3a, for example with an external unit (not shown here).

The sensor unit 2 is substantially coaxial and includes an electrode assembly 4 which in the example shown comprises a measuring electrode 5a, a guard electrode 5b and a ground electrode 5c. They are also electrode assemblies 4 with less or more electrodes 5a-5c possible. To the electrode assembly 4 closes a housing 6 in which among other things the electronic unit 3 is arranged. Furthermore, the process connection is used 6a for releasable attachment of the sensor 1 on a container, for example a container or a pipe section 7 as in the figures 2 to 5 shown.

Below are four different configuration for a measuring arrangement according to the invention 8th shown. The individual versions can be combined in any combination. It should also be noted that the present invention is by no means limited to the variants shown.

A first possible embodiment is the subject of 2 , In 2a is a perspective view of the measuring arrangement 8th shown. The pipe section 7 has a first 9a and second 9b opening, by means of which two openings 9a, 9b of the pipe section 7 into an existing pipeline system (not shown) can be integrated. Perpendicular to this first section 10a is a second subarea 10b of the pipeline section 7 arranged, which with a third opening 9c with the first portion 10a connected is. At or in the third opening 9c is a capacitive / conductive sensor 1 detachably arranged, the electrode assembly 4 flush with the third opening 9c. By means of a fastener 11 , here by way of example in the form of a union nut, is the sensor 1 at the second subarea 10b of the pipe section 7 releasably attachable. How out 2d can be seen, the sensor points 1 in addition to the fastener on a paragraph 11a, which for positioning the sensor 1 within the third opening 9c during attachment by means of the fastener. For exact alignment of the sensor 1 , in particular the electrode assembly 4 Furthermore, a positioning unit 11b is arranged in the area of the shoulder 11a. This comprises a pin, which in the region of paragraph 11a on the sensor 1 is arranged. The pin engages with the arrangement of the sensor 1 in the third opening 9c, for example, in a bore within the pipe section 7 a [not shown here], which is complementary in terms of Dimendionsierung and arrangement to the pin. The positioning unit thus serves in principle as a twist protection, or the correct alignment of the electrode assembly 4 inside the sensor 1 ,

The electrode assembly 4 the sensor is by means of a sealing element 12 fixed in the third opening 9c. In the in 2 Ausgestlatung shown is in the sealing element 12 around a molded gasket, which consists of an annular element 13 and two opposing snap hooks 14a , 14b, which are integral to the annular element 13 connect, as in 2c shown. The snap hooks 14a . 14b are advantageous in the assembly or disassembly of the sensor 1 in the pipeline section 7 , By the snap hooks 14a14b can be ensured, for example, that when removing the sensor 1 from the pipe section 7 the sealing element 12 on the sensor 1 remains.

It should be noted that the number of snap hooks 14a . 14b not necessarily two. The second part 10b in turn, in the region of the third opening 9c, partially faces the sealing element 12 complementary geometry on how out 2 B is apparent. So that the sealing element 12 can be fastened in the region of the third opening, is the partial area 10b with two cutouts 15a . 15b (only one visible), in which the snap hooks 14a . 14b can intervene, and a rejuvenation 16 in the third opening 9c facing Enbereich equipped. When installed, as in 2d can be seen, is the sealing element 12 to the second section 10b such that a portion of the annular element 13 in the area of rejuvenation and the snap hooks 14a . 14b in the area of the recesses 15a . 15b are angeodnet. The electrode assembly 4 in turn, 9 c is disposed within the third opening, such that the annular element 13 in the region of the third opening 9c, the electrode assembly 4 surrounds and the transition 17 , in particular a transition area, between the Bewandung 18 the third opening 7c (visible in 2e ) and the electrode assembly 13 seals against a medium. The inventive arrangement 8th ensures that it is at the transition 17 a gap-free and dead space-free transition 17 acts, so that the inventive arrangement is best suited for use in sterile process engineering and meets the usual hygiene requirements.

A medium-facing end face S of the electrode assembly 4 is curved, wherein the radius of curvature of the end face S to the curvature of the pipe section 7 is adapted in the region of the third opening 9c. Also in 2d Visible are two electrodes of the electrode assembly 4 , For example, a measuring electrode 5a and a guard electrode 5b of the sensor 1 which also terminate with the end face S.

A side view of the first shown embodiment of the present invention is finally in 2e shown. The electrode assembly 4 closes flush with the third opening 9c, the curvature of the end face to the curvature of the pipe section 7 is adapted in the region of the third opening 7c. As a result, a substantially residue-free cleaning of the pipe section 7 possible. The measuring arrangement is therefore ideally suited for use in sterile process engineering. The second part 10b indicates the thread of the union nut 11 of the sensor 1 complementary thread on (no reference numeral). In the embodiment shown, the sensor 1 designed in a compact design, so that attaches to the electrode assembly 4 directly a housing 6 with integrated electronics unit 3 followed. The housing 6 with the electronics unit 3 are also partly within the second subarea 10b arranged.

A second embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention 8th is in 3 shown. On already explained elements of the arrangement 8th will not be discussed again in detail here. The electrode assembly 4 also closes flush with an interior wall 19 of the first section 10a in the region of the third opening 9c. The medium-facing end face S of the electrode assembly 4 is executed here curved. Instead of a molded gasket, as in 2 , is the sealing element 12 for the embodiment according to 3 in the form of an O-ring. For this purpose, in the region of the third opening 9c on the pipe section 7 a paragraph 20 molded, as in 3c visible, which is the sealing element 12 , so here the O-ring, in the third opening 9c attached.

For the embodiment according to FIG 4 is the electrode assembly 4 by means of a play or press fit 21 in the second section of the pipe section 7 brought in. For such an embodiment is not a sealing element 12 intended. The electrode assembly 4 also concludes here with a curved end face S.

A final exemplary embodiment is the subject of 5 , The electrode assembly 4 is in the third opening 9c by means of a sealing element 12 attached in the form of an O-ring. In contrast to the embodiments described above, the medium-facing end face S of the electrode assembly 4 here planar designed. This is advantageous in terms of a simple, low-cost production of the electrode assembly. However, ensuring a substantially residue-free cleaning of the pipe section 7 somewhat more difficult, since the geometry of the face S does not fit the curvature of the inner wall 20 of the first section 10a of the pipe section 7 is adapted in the region of the third opening 9c.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

capacitive / conductive sensor

2

sensor unit

3

electronics unit

4

electrode assembly

5a-5c

electrodes

6

casing

6a

process connection

7

Pipeline section

8th

inventive arrangement

9a-9c

first, second, third opening

10a, 10b

first, second Teilereich the pipe section

11

fixing unit

12

sealing element

13

annular element

14a, 14b

snap hooks

15a, 15b

recesses

16

rejuvenation

17

crossing

18

Bewitching the third opening

19

Interior wall of the first section in the area of the third opening

20

paragraph

21

Play / Press-Fit

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

• DE 102013100158 A1 [0006]
• DE 102011004807 A1 [0015]
• DE 102013102055 A1 [0015]
• DE 102013104781 A1 [0015]

Claims (14)

Modular arrangement (8) for determining and / or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium in a pipeline, at least comprising - A sensor (1) for determining and / or monitoring the at least one process variable with at least one sensor unit (2) and an electronic unit (3), and a pipeline section (7), which pipeline section (7) has at least a first (9a) and a second (9b) opening for introducing the pipeline section (7) into an existing pipeline system, and a third opening (9c) Opening (9c) at least a first component (4) of the sensor unit (2) is releasably insertable, wherein the at least one first component (4) of the sensor unit (2) is designed such that in the event that it in the third opening ( 9c) is introduced, substantially flush with the interior wall (19) of the pipe section (7), in particular with a portion of the inner wall (19) which at least partially adjacent to the third opening (9c) closes. Arrangement (8) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (1) is a capacitive and / or conductive sensor (1), and wherein the sensor unit (2) of the sensor (1) preferably at least one first electrode (5a) and at least one electrically isolated from the first electrode (5a) second electrode (5b) comprises. Arrangement (8) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first component (4) of the sensor unit (2) is an electrode assembly (3) with a, in particular circular, end face (S), wherein at least one electrode (5a-5c) of the electrode assembly (4) substantially with the end face (S) terminates, and wherein the, in particular circular, end face (S) in the form of a substantially planar surface or in the form of a curved surface, in particular a surface with a Curvature radius, which corresponds to a radius of curvature of the pipe section (7) in the region of the third opening (9c) is configured. Arrangement (8) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein a transition (17) between the at least one first component (4) and an edging (18) of the third opening (9c) is essentially a gap-free and / or dead space-free Transition (17) acts. Arrangement (8) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first component (4) by means of a clearance fit or by means of a press fit (21) in the third opening (9c) is introduced. Arrangement (8) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first component (4) of the sensor unit (1) by means of a sealing element (12) which at least partially in the region of the transition (17) between the at least one component (4). and an edge (18) of the third opening (9c) is inserted into the third opening (9c), and wherein the sealing element (12) and the at least one first component (4) the third opening (9c) relative to the medium caulk. Arrangement (8) according to Claim 6 in which the sealing element (12) is a molded seal, in particular in the form of an injection-molded component, in particular a molded seal with an annular element (13) and at least one snap hook (14a, 14b). Arrangement (8) according to Claim 6 wherein the sealing element (12) is an O-ring. Arrangement (8) after at least one of the Claims 6 - 8th , wherein the sealing element (12) consists at least partially of an elastomer, in particular EPDM or a thermoplastic, in particular PEEK. Arrangement (8) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the pipe section (7) in the form of a T-piece with a first portion (10a) and to the first portion (19a) arranged substantially perpendicular second portion (10b) is configured , and wherein the first (9a) and second (9b) openings in the first portion (10a) and the third opening (9c) in the second portion (9c) are arranged. Arrangement (8) according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one fastening unit (11) for releasably securing at least one component sensor (1) on or in the third opening (9c). Arrangement (8) according to Claim 11 , wherein the fastening unit (7) comprises a union nut. Arrangement (8) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one positioning unit (11b) is provided for aligning at least the at least one component of the sensor (1) at or in the third opening (9c). Arrangement (8) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the pipe section (7) is a turning, milling, or Casting, or is a manufactured by a generative manufacturing process component.

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