CN101553714A - Measuring systems for media flowing in process lines - Google Patents

Abstract

The measurement system is inserted into the pipe and is used to detect at least one measurement variable of a medium flowing in the process line. The measuring system comprises a measuring transducer having a measuring tube for guiding the measured medium and a sensor device having at least one sensor element which reacts predominantly to a measured variable to be detected and which provides at least one measuring signal influenced by the measured variable using the at least one sensor element. In addition, the measuring system comprises measuring electronics which communicate with the measuring transducer and which, by using at least one measuring signal, produce at least one measured value which is instantaneously representative of the measured variable at least intermittently. In the case of the measuring system according to the invention, the measuring tube has a smaller flow cross section than the supply section of the process line connected to the measuring system on the inlet side. For this purpose, the measuring system further comprises a flow regulator which is arranged on the inlet side of the measuring tube and between the measuring tube and the process line supply section. The inner chamber of the flow regulator tapers towards the measuring tube and is flowed through by the medium during operation. The flow conditioner includes at least one interior rib disposed upstream of the outlet end and protruding into the interior cavity of the flow conditioner. During operation, the medium guided in the flow regulator flows against the inner edge.

Description

Measuring systems for media flowing in process lines

technical field

The invention relates to a measuring system for measuring at least one measured variable of a medium flowing in a process line, the measuring system having a measuring transducer and a flow regulator between the measuring transducer and the process line, wherein the measured variable Especially mass flow, density, viscosity, pressure, etc.

Background technique

In the field of industrial process measurement technology, in particular in connection with chemical automation or manufacturing process automation, in order to detect a measured variable describing a process and to generate a measured value signal representing this measured variable, measuring systems installed close to the process are used, which are installed directly in the On or in the process pipeline through which the medium flows. The measured variable to be detected can be, for example, the mass flow, volume flow, flow velocity, density, viscosity, temperature, etc. of such a liquid, powdery, vaporous or gaseous process medium conducted or contained in a process line, which is formed, for example, as a pipe.

Such a measuring system is one in which an in-line measuring instrument is used, which has a magnetically inductive measuring transducer; or a measuring transducer which analyzes the travel time of ultrasonic waves emitted in the direction of flow, especially working according to the Doppler principle Measuring transducers; or vibrating measuring transducers, in particular Creoles mass flow transducers, density transducers, etc. The basic structure and function of magnetic induction transducers are fully described, for example, in EP-A 1 039 269, US-A 60 31 740, US-A 55 40 103, US-A 53 51554, US-A 45 63 904; for ultrasonic transducers, see for example US-B 63 97 683, US-B 63 30 831, US-B 62 93 156, US-B 61 89 389, US-A 55 31 124, US-A 54 63 905 , US-A 51 31 279, US-A 47 87 252. In addition, the background of these problems is known to those skilled in the art, so a detailed explanation is omitted here. Further examples of such measurement systems known to the person skilled in the art, in particular with compact in-line measuring instruments, are explained in detail in the following documents: EP-A 984 248, GB-A 2142 725, US-A 43 08 754, US-A 44 20 983, US-A 44 68 971, US-A 45 24610, US-A 47 16 770, US-A 47 68 384, US-A 50 52 229, US-A 50 52 230, US-A 51 31 279, US-A 52 31 884, US-A 53 59 881, US-A 54 58 005, US-A 54 69 748, US-A 56 87 100, US-A 57 96 011, US-A -A 58 08 209, US-A 60 03 384, US-A 60 53 054, US-A 60 06 609, US-B 63 52 000, US-B 63 97 683, US-B 65 13 393, US-B B 66 44 132, US-B 66 51 513, US-B 68 80 410, US-B 69 10 387, US-A 2005/0092101, WO-A 88/02476, WO-A 88/02 853, WO-A A 95/16 897, WO-A 00/36 379, WO-A 00/14485, WO-A 01/02816, WO-A 02/086 426.

In order to detect the individual measured variables, a measuring system of the type discussed here comprises a corresponding measuring transducer which is inserted in the process line conducting the medium and is used to generate at least one measuring signal, in particular an electrical signal, which represents the main detection as precisely as possible measurement variable. For this purpose, the measuring transducer generally comprises: a measuring tube, which is inserted into the pipe and serves to guide the flowing medium; and a corresponding physical-electronic sensor arrangement. The sensor device comprises at least one sensor element which essentially reacts to the measured variable or a change thereof in order to generate at least one measurement signal suitably influenced by the measured variable during operation. For further processing or evaluation of the at least one measurement signal, the sensor is also connected to the measurement electronics. The measuring electronics communicate in a suitable manner with the measuring transducer and at least intermittently generate at least one measured value instantaneously representative of the measured variable during operation of the measuring system by using at least one measuring signal, such as mass flow measured value, volume flow measured value, density Measurements, viscosity measurements, pressure measurements, temperature measurements, etc.

In order to accommodate the measurement electronics, the measurement system also includes suitable electronics housings, such as those proposed in US-A 63 97 683 or WO-A 00/36 379, which can be placed away from the measurement transducer and only use flexible wires with the measurement The converter is connected. However, as an alternative, as shown in EP-A 903 651 or EP-A 1 008 836, by forming a compact in-line measuring instrument (e.g. Creole mass flow/density measuring instrument, ultrasonic flowmeter, vortex flowmeter , thermal flowmeter, magnetic induction flowmeter, etc.), the electronics housing can be arranged directly on the measuring transducer or on a measuring transducer housing that accommodates the measuring transducer separately. In the latter case, as shown for example in EP-A 984 248, US-A 47 16 770 or US-A 63 52 000, the electronics housing is often also used to accommodate some mechanical parts of the measuring transducer, for example during operation Deformable or vibrating bodies in the form of membranes, rods, sleeves or tubes deformed by mechanical action; in this regard see US-A 63 52 000 above.

In addition, measurement systems of the stated type are usually connected to each other and/or to a suitable process control computer via a data transfer system connected to the measurement electronics, the measurement systems feeding the measured value signal, for example via a 4-20 mA current loop and/or a digital The data bus is transmitted to the process control computer. In this case, fieldbus systems, in particular serial fieldbus systems, such as PROFIBUS-PA, FOUNDATIONFIELDBUS and corresponding transmission protocols are used as data transmission systems. Using a process control computer, the transmitted measured value signals can be further processed and visualized as corresponding measurement results, for example on a monitor, and/or converted into control signals for process control elements (e.g. solenoid valves, electric motors, etc.) .

As in GB-A 21 42 725, US-A 58 08 209, US-A 2005/0092101, US-B 68 80 410, US-B 66 44 132, US-A 60 53 054, US-B 66 44 132 As discussed in , US-A 50 52 229 or US-B 65 13 393, in-line measuring instruments as well as measuring systems of the type described can likewise have a measurement accuracy that is more or less dependent on the type of flow. Of particular interest at this point is the instantaneous behavior of the flow pattern in the measuring tube. Considering that turbulent flows (flows with a Reynolds number greater than 2300) are very detailed to one another over a wide Reynolds number range and thus have a similar influence on the measurement accuracy, in many measuring systems a higher flow velocity of the medium to be measured is often desired. In order to achieve a sufficiently high measurement accuracy in a vortex flowmeter, the Reynolds number is generally much greater than 4000.

In the measuring system type in question, it is often the case, at least in the case of process lines with relatively large diameters and/or in applications where the flow of the medium is relatively slow, that the measuring tube is constructed such that it is connected on the inlet side to The flow cross-section of the process line supply section of the measuring system is small. The flowing medium then undergoes an acceleration in the direction of flow, whereby the Reynolds number increases. Embodiments of this principle have been demonstrated in particular in the case of measuring systems operating with ultrasonic measuring instruments and/or vortex flow meters and/or measuring systems for measuring at least partly, especially predominantly or entirely, gaseous media.

Considering, for example, the basis of the measuring principle of a vortex flowmeter, the relationship between the shedding rate of the vortex on the bluff body opposite the flow and the main measured variable to be detected (i.e. volume flow or flow velocity) is only relevant if the Reynolds number exceeds 20000 can be considered sufficiently linear, so a relatively large difference between the flow cross-sections of the process line and the measuring tube must be realized.

In order to create a transition zone as well defined as possible from the supply section to the measuring tube with a small flow cross-section on the shortest possible distance, as in GB-A 2142725, US-A 5808209 or US-A 2005/0092101 As suggested in , suitable flow regulators are usually provided in the measuring system, the lumen of which tapers towards the measuring tube and through which the medium flows during operation. A flow conditioner is arranged on the inlet side of the measuring tube and between the measuring tube and the supply section of the process line. The flow cross-section of the flow regulator towards the inlet end of the process line supply section is larger than the flow cross-section of the measuring tube, while the flow cross-section of the outlet end of the flow regulator towards the measuring tube is smaller than the flow cross-section of the inlet end.

Especially in US-A 5808209 and US-A 2005/0092101, it is further pointed out in connection with the flow regulators present in the respective cases that the transition realized between the flow cross-sections of two different sizes must remain continuous and absolutely free of defects ( For example, edges that cause vortices).

This can be satisfactorily ensured by a relatively complex treatment of the surfaces of the flow regulator and of any joints which may be present in the inlet region of the measuring system. However, it has been found that despite the use of a flow conditioner of the type described above, the flow of fluid in the measurement system inlet area (in particular in the connected process line supply section upstream of the measurement system, or also in the supply section used to connect the measurement system Small disturbances in the region of the inlet side connection flange) will cause significant changes in the flow characteristics inside the measuring tube lumen and thus cause a reduction in measurement accuracy.

On the face of it, one possibility to eliminate this problem is to properly address the inlet area of the measuring system and the process line supply section or the inlet-side flange connection. However, such processing cannot actually be performed without further requirements from the user of the measurement system. This is in particular because the choice of the measuring system may be because in existing plants previously installed measuring systems which may be oversized for the actual flow characteristics need to be especially replaced. In this regard, the actual installation conditions for the measuring system are not only unpredictable, but also unchangeable and thus uncontrollable as practical factors.

Another possibility to avoid this problem is to increase the installed length of the flow regulator in order to achieve as much as possible a substantially stable and static flow in the flow regulator already before the fluid enters the measuring tube. However, this may mean a considerable increase in the installed length of the entire measuring system. Consider the case mentioned above, where an existing conventional measuring system is to be replaced by a measuring system with a flow regulator connected upstream, then the installation length of the measurement system is more or less predetermined, so that the installation length of the flow regulator increases Only feasible to a very limited extent. Given the disadvantages of conventional flow regulators, it is clear that this type of measurement system still has a very limited range of applications.

Contents of the invention

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a measuring system for flowing media which achieves an increased Reynolds number of the flow from the process line to the measuring tube with the shortest possible installation length and which nonetheless achieves a measurement accuracy to a large extent Insensitive to possible disturbances in the medium flowing upstream of the measuring system, in the supply section and/or in the intermediate transition zone between the process line and the actual measuring system.

To achieve this object, the invention consists in a measuring system, inserted in a process line, in particular a pipe, for detecting at least one measured variable, in particular mass flow, volume flow, flow velocity, density, viscosity, of a medium flowing in the process line , pressure, temperature, etc., the measurement system includes:

- measuring transducer comprising

-- especially straight measuring pipes, which are used to conduct the medium to be measured and have a smaller flow cross-section than the supply section of the process line connected to the measuring system on the inlet side, and

-- sensor device, its

--- have at least one sensor element that responds primarily to the variable to be detected, in particular to changes thereof, and

--- Utilize at least one sensor element to provide at least one measurement signal influenced by the measurement variable;

- Measuring electronics in communication with the measuring transducer, which at least intermittently produces at least one measured value instantaneously representative of the measured variable, in particular a mass flow measurement, a volume flow measurement, a density measurement, by using at least one measurement signal values, viscosity measurements, pressure measurements, temperature measurements; and

- a flow regulator, which is arranged on the inlet side of the measuring tube and between the measuring tube and the supply section of the process line, the flow regulator has an inner chamber which tapers towards the measuring tube and through which the medium flows during operation;

- wherein the flow cross-section of the flow conditioner towards the inlet end of the process line supply section is larger than the flow cross-section of the measuring tube, and the flow cross-section of the flow conditioner's outlet end towards the measuring tube is smaller than the flow cross-section of the flow conditioner's inlet end; and

- wherein the flow regulator comprises at least one internal rib arranged upstream of the outlet end and protruding into the lumen of the flow regulator, in particular the inner rib circulates along the circumference of the flow regulator, the flow regulator during operation The medium guided in the middle flows against the inner rib.

Furthermore, the invention resides in a method for detecting at least one measured variable of a medium flowing in a process line with a measuring system which is inserted into the process line and has a flow regulator connected to the supply section of the process line and connected to the process line. Measuring transducer for a regulator, measuring variables, in particular mass flow, volume flow, flow velocity, density, viscosity, pressure, temperature, etc., the method comprising the following steps:

- allowing the medium to be measured to flow from the supply section into the flow regulator;

- accelerate the flow medium in the direction of the virtual longitudinal axis of the flow conditioner and induce at least one substantially static, in particular substantially fixed, annular vortex in the medium flowing in the inlet region of the flow conditioner, such that the at least one annular vortex The virtual maximum axis of inertia of the vortex substantially coincides with the virtual longitudinal axis of the flow conditioner and/or the virtual longitudinal axis of the measuring tube;

- the medium to be measured flows through at least one annular vortex and the medium to be measured flows out of the flow regulator into the measuring tube of the connected measuring transducer; and

- Generating at least one measurement signal influenced by the measured variable to be detected by using at least one sensor element which primarily reacts to the measured variable, in particular to changes in the measured variable.

In a first embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, at least one internal edge protruding into the cavity of the flow regulator is configured and arranged in the flow regulator such that it is substantially perpendicular to the virtual longitudinal axis of the flow regulator and/or vertical on the virtual longitudinal axis of the measuring tube.

In a second embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, at least one inner edge protruding into the interior of the flow regulator is formed circumferentially, in particular loops around, and is thus self-sealing.

In a third embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, at least one internal edge protruding into the interior of the flow regulator is arranged in the vicinity of, in particular directly adjacent to, the inlet end of the flow regulator.

In a fourth embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, at least one inner edge protruding into the interior of the flow regulator is arranged directly at the inlet end of the flow regulator.

In a fifth embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, the corner radius of at least one inner edge protruding into the interior of the flow conditioner is smaller than 2 mm, in particular smaller than 0.6 mm.

In a sixth embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, the flow regulator is substantially cylindrical at least in the region of the inlet.

In a seventh embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, the measuring tube is substantially cylindrical at least in the region of the inlet.

In an eighth embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the flow regulator is substantially cylindrical at least in the region of the outlet.

In a ninth embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, the in particular cylindrical measuring tube is substantially straight.

In a tenth embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, the cross-sectional ratio of the flow cross-section of the process line supply section to the flow cross-section of the measuring tube remains greater than 1.5.

In an eleventh embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, the cross-sectional ratio of the flow cross-section of the process line supply section to the flow cross-section of the measuring tube is kept below 10.

In a twelfth embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the cross-sectional ratio of the flow cross-section of the process line supply section to the flow cross-section of the measuring tube is kept in the range of 1.66 to 9.6.

In a thirteenth embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, the cross-section of the flow regulator lumen bounded by the at least one inner edge protruding into the flow regulator lumen is smaller than the flow cross-section of the process line supply section.

In a fourteenth embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, the constriction ratio of the cross-section bounded by the inner edge to the flow cross-section of the process line supply section remains smaller than 0.9.

In a fifteenth embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, the constriction ratio of the cross section bounded by the inner edge to the flow cross section of the process line supply section remains greater than 0.1.

In a sixteenth embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, the constriction ratio of the cross-section bounded by the inner rib to the flow cross-section of the process line supply section is kept in the range of 0.25 to 0.85.

In a seventeenth embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the difference between the cross-sectional ratio and the shrinkage ratio remains greater than 0.5.

In an eighteenth embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the difference between the cross-sectional ratio and the shrinkage ratio remains less than ten.

In a nineteenth embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the difference between the cross-sectional ratio and the shrinkage ratio remains greater than 0.83 and less than 9.5.

In a twentieth embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, the compression ratio of the cross section bounded by the inner rib to the flow cross section of the measuring tube remains greater than 1.2.

In a twenty-first embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, the compression ratio of the cross section bounded by the inner rib to the flow cross section of the measuring tube is kept below 5.

In a twenty-second embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, the compression ratio of the cross-section bounded by the internal ribs to the flow cross-section of the measuring tube is kept in the range of 1.3-3.

In a twenty-third embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the difference between the cross-sectional ratio and the compression ratio remains greater than 0.2.

In a twenty-fourth embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the difference between the cross-sectional ratio and the compression ratio remains less than ten.

In a twenty-fifth embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the difference between the cross-sectional ratio and the compression ratio remains greater than 0.25 and less than 8.

In a twenty-sixth embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, the measuring tube has a smaller diameter than the supply section of the process line connected to the measuring system on the inlet side.

In the twenty-seventh embodiment of the measurement system of the present invention, the diameter of the inlet end of the flow regulator towards the process pipeline supply section is larger than the diameter of the measuring tube, and the diameter of the outlet end of the flow regulator towards the measuring tube is larger than that of the flow regulator. The diameter of the inlet port is small.

In a twenty-eighth embodiment of the measuring system of the present invention, at least one internal rib protruding into the lumen of the flow conditioner is formed such that the inner diameter of the inlet end of the flow conditioner remains smaller than the diameter of the supply section of the process line.

In a twenty-ninth embodiment of the measuring system of the present invention, the diameter ratio of the diameter of the supply section of the process line to the diameter of the measuring tube remains greater than 1.1.

In a thirtieth embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the diameter ratio of the diameter of the supply section of the process line to the diameter of the measuring tube is kept smaller than 5.

In the thirty-first embodiment of the measuring system of the present invention, the diameter ratio of the diameter of the supply section of the process pipeline to the diameter of the measuring pipe is kept in the range of 1.2-3.1.

In a thirty-second embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, the flow regulator lumen bounded by the at least one inner edge protruding into the flow regulator lumen has a cross-sectional diameter smaller than the diameter of the process line supply section.

In a thirty-third embodiment of the measuring system of the present invention, the installed length of the measuring tube is greater than the installed length of the flow regulator such that the installed length ratio of the installed length of the flow regulator to the installed length of the measuring tube remains less than 1.

In a thirty-fourth embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the diameter ratio of the diameter of the process line supply section to the diameter of the measuring tube corresponds to at least 10 of the ratio of the installed length of the flow regulator to the installed length of the measuring tube %.

In a thirty-fifth embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, at least one sensor element which is immersed in the medium, in particular during operation, is arranged in and/or on the measuring tube at a distance from the inlet end of the measuring tube, in particular directly on the measuring tube.

In a thirty-sixth embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, at least one sensor element is positioned such that the ratio of said distance to the diameter of the measuring tube remains greater than one.

In a thirty-seventh embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, at least one inner edge protruding into the inner cavity of the flow regulator defines an impact surface of the flow regulator, which is arranged in the in particular circularly surrounding boundary region of the flow regulator Medium and used to intercept the medium flowing on it.

In a first development of the thirty-seventh embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the impact surface is arranged and oriented in the flow regulator such that it extends at least partially substantially perpendicularly to the virtual longitudinal axis of the flow regulator, and/or It partially extends substantially perpendicular to the virtual longitudinal axis of the measuring tube.

In a second development of the thirty-seventh embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the height of the impact surface in the radial direction is at least 1 mm.

In a third development of the thirty-seventh embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the impact surface is formed as an annular surface.

In a fourth development of the thirty-seventh embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, the impact surface and the inner edge are at least partially formed by a shoulder formed in the inlet side of the flow conditioner, in particular a recirculating and/or self-closing shoulder .

In a fifth development of the thirty-seventh embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the impact surface is at least partially substantially planar.

In a sixth development of the thirty-seventh embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the impact surface is arranged and oriented in the flow regulator such that its parts are substantially coplanar with the cross-section of the flow regulator and/or its parts substantially coplanar with the cross-section of the measuring tube.

In a seventh development of the thirty-seventh embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the impact surface is at least partially substantially conical.

In an eighth development of the thirty-seventh embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the impact surface tapers towards the measuring tube.

In a ninth development of the thirty-seventh embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the impact surface widens towards the inlet end of the flow conditioner.

In a tenth development of the thirty-seventh embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the impact surface and the inner edge are at least partially formed by an inner cone shaped in the inlet side of the flow conditioner and tapering towards the measuring tube, the inner cone In particular it extends to the inlet end of the flow conditioner.

In an eleventh development of the thirty-seventh embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the side angle of the inner cone forming the impact surface of the flow conditioner is greater than 45°, in particular greater than 60°.

In a twelfth development of the thirty-seventh embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the side angle of the inner cone forming the impact surface of the flow conditioner is smaller than 90°, in particular smaller than 88°.

In a thirteenth development of the thirty-seventh embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the side angle of the inner cone forming the impact surface of the flow conditioner is greater than 60° and less than 88°.

In a thirty-eighth embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, at least one inner edge protruding into the cavity of the flow conditioner defines a guide surface of the flow conditioner which extends in the direction of the outlet end of the flow conditioner and serves to guide the The medium flowing in the flow regulator.

In a first development of the thirty-eighth embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, the in particular conical guide surface of the flow regulator is at least partially convex.

In a second development of the thirty-eighth embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, the in particular conical guide surface of the flow regulator is at least partially concave.

In a third development of the thirty-eighth embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the guide surface of the flow regulator has a substantially S-shaped profile.

In a fourth development of the thirty-eighth embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the guide face of the flow regulator tapers towards the measuring tube.

In a fifth development of the thirty-eighth embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the guide surface of the flow regulator is substantially conically shaped.

In a sixth development of the thirty-eighth embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, the guide surface and the inner edge are at least partially formed by an inner cone which is formed in the inlet side of the flow regulator and in particular towards the flow regulator The outlet end extension.

In a seventh development of the thirty-eighth embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the side angle of the inner cone forming the guide surface of the flow conditioner is greater than 2°, in particular greater than 4°.

In an eighth development of the thirty-eighth embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the side angle of the inner cone forming the guide surface of the flow conditioner is smaller than 45°, in particular smaller than 10°.

In a ninth development of the thirty-eighth embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the side angle of the inner cone forming the guide surface of the flow conditioner is greater than 4° and smaller than 10°.

In a thirty-ninth embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, at least one inner edge protruding into the cavity of the flow regulator defines an impact surface of the flow regulator and a guide surface of the flow regulator, wherein the impact surface is arranged on the flow regulator In particular in the boundary region of the circulation and serves to intercept the medium flowing thereon, the guide surface extends towards the outlet end of the flow regulator and serves to guide the medium flowing in the flow regulator.

In a first development of the thirty-ninth embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the impact surface is formed by a first inner cone formed in the inlet side of the flow conditioner and extending in the direction of its inlet end, the guide surface being Formed by a second inner cone shaped in the inlet side of the flow conditioner and extending in the direction of its outlet end.

In a second development of the thirty-ninth embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the side angle of the first inner cone forming the impact surface is greater than the side angle of the second inner cone forming the guide surface.

In a third development of the thirty-ninth embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, the side angle of the first inner cone forming the impact surface of the flow conditioner is greater than 45°, in particular greater than 60°, and less than 90°, in particular is less than 88°; and the side angle of the second inner cone forming the guide surface of the flow conditioner is greater than 2°, in particular greater than 4°, and less than 45°, in particular less than 10°.

In a fortieth embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, at least one sensor element is formed with at least one piezoelectric element and/or with at least one pressure-sensitive element.

In a forty-first embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, at least one sensor element is formed with at least one movable coil corresponding to the armature.

In a forty-second embodiment of the measuring system of the invention at least one sensor element is formed with at least one measuring electrode contacting the medium flowing in the measuring tube and sensing the potential.

In a forty-third embodiment of the measuring system of the present invention, at least one sensor element is formed with at least one measuring capacitance responsive to changes in the measured variable.

In a forty-fourth embodiment of the measuring system of the invention at least one sensor element is formed with at least one resistor.

In a forty-fifth embodiment of the measuring system of the invention at least one sensor element undergoes repeated mechanical deformations during operation under the influence of a medium flowing in the measuring tube.

In a forty-sixth embodiment of the measuring system of the invention at least one sensor element is repeatedly moved relative to the static rest position during operation under the influence of a medium flowing in the measuring tube.

In a forty-seventh embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, the measuring transducer comprises at least one bluff body arranged in the measuring tube.

In a forty-eighth embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, at least one sensor element of the sensor device, in particular protruding at least partially into the measuring tube, is arranged downstream of the at least one bluff body.

In a forty-ninth embodiment of the measuring system of the invention, the measuring transducer is a vortex flow transducer, in particular a vortex flow transducer.

In a fiftieth embodiment of the measurement system of the invention the measurement transducer is a magnetic induction flow transducer.

In a fifty-first embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, the measuring transducer is a flow transducer of the vibratory type, in particular a Criolis mass flow transducer, a density transducer and/or a viscosity transducer.

In a fifty-second embodiment of the measurement system of the invention, the measurement transducer is an ultrasonic flow transducer.

In a first embodiment of the method according to the invention, further comprising the step of inducing also at least one substantially static, in particular substantially fixed, annular vortex in the inlet region of the flow conditioner, such that the at least two annular vortices The virtual maximum axes of inertia of each substantially coincide with each other.

In a second embodiment of the method of the present invention, further comprising the step of flowing the medium against an impact surface of the flow conditioner to induce a substantially static annular vortex in the inlet region of the flow conditioner, the impact surface at Opposite the flow medium is a boundary region of the flow conditioner which surrounds the flow conditioner in a closed manner, in particular along the circumference of the flow conditioner.

In a third embodiment of the method of the present invention, the step of inducing at least one substantially static annular vortex in the inlet region of the flow conditioner comprises passing the medium through an internal rib of the flow conditioner protruding into the lumen of the flow conditioner , the inner edge encloses in particular along the circumference of the flow conditioner.

The basic idea of the invention is that the measuring accuracy of a measuring system of the type described is improved not only by sufficiently accelerating the fluid and thus converting it into a favorable Reynolds number range, but also by using, on the one hand, the A flow conditioner placed before the transducer substantially eliminates disturbances that may be introduced into the fluid upstream of the measurement system (for example, vortices that move with the fluid in the boundary region near the pipe wall), and on the other hand utilizes the flow conditioner for flow into the measurement transducer The medium set is a flow pattern that is essentially insensitive to disturbances and sufficiently reproducible for the measuring principle. This is achieved in particular in the measuring system according to the invention by generating at least one substantially ring-shaped vortex in its inlet region, which vortex remains substantially fixed in position at least in the steady state. For the flowing medium, this fixed vortex actually constricts as an additional cross-section and thus acts as a "virtual" nozzle, which is inherently formed inside the flowing medium.

A special property of this "virtual" nozzle is that it substantially eliminates disturbances that may be induced in the flow before the inlet region and thus leads to a virtually new generation of a substantially undisturbed flow pattern downstream. The size and intensity of the annular vortices are even adapted to the size and intensity of the disturbances generated, so that the "virtual" nozzle thus obtained is actually adaptive as an efficient disturbance canceller.

The invention is based on the surprising discovery that a static, in particular essentially fixed, vortex can be obtained by means of a flow obstacle placed in the inlet region of the measuring system, wherein the flow obstacle acts as a defined boundary region of the inner chamber through which the medium flows Interference (the flow obstacle here is an internal edge that is as sharp as possible and as complete as possible, in particular circularly encircling).

The effect of the "virtual" nozzles generated by the annular vortex can be further increased by causing another vortex in the flow conditioner upstream of the vortex generated by the inner edge, which is likewise fixed as far as possible and possibly also in the immediate vicinity in front of the vortex created by the inner rib. In the case of the flow conditioner according to the invention, this can be achieved in a very simple manner by clearly casting the impact surface delimited by the inner edge, which in particular surrounds substantially uniformly on the circumference, so that it acts as a flow obstacle The substance reacts against the medium flowing over it in a manner sufficient to form a vortex.

By forming two such annular vortices, in particular substantially concentric with each other, it is possible on the one hand to better capture the accompanying vortices in the introduced medium and thereby eliminate them more effectively; The concentric vortices that exist in sequence, the effective action profile of the "virtual" nozzle formed in this way is basically approximately S-shaped, which facilitates the formation of a flow pattern that is very suitable for subsequent measurements and is reproducible even in a wide range of applications. In this way, despite possible disturbances in the flow in the supply section, it is still possible to supply the measuring transducer with a medium having at least substantially the same flow pattern as in the calibration situation via the flow regulator.

For example in the case of the above-mentioned vortex measuring instrument, the advantage of using the flow regulator according to the invention is that, despite a large difference between the diameters of the supply section of the connected process line and the diameter of the measuring tube, for example a difference of two nominal diameters grade, but still suitable for measuring relatively slow-flowing gases.

Description of drawings

Now explain the present invention in detail according to accompanying drawing, in the accompanying drawing:

Figure 1 is a perspective side view of a measurement system for a medium flowing in a process pipeline;

Figures 2, 3 are eddy current measuring transducers which work according to the eddy principle and are suitable for use in the measuring system of Figure 1; and

4 to 8 schematically show details of the measuring system of FIG. 1 in cross-section.

Detailed ways

Figure 1 schematically shows a measuring system, which can be assembled modularly if desired, which is suitable for very robust measurement of at least one of the media (eg liquid, gas, steam, etc.) A measured variable, in particular a mass flow m and/or a volume flow v and/or a flow velocity u and/or other flow parameters, is used for mapping the measured variable to at least one corresponding measured value X _M . For this purpose, the measuring system includes at least one online measuring device for the flowing medium. The measuring device is formed with a suitable measuring transducer 100 and measuring electronics electrically coupled thereto at least intermittently. The in-line measuring device then comprises a measuring transducer 100 through which the medium to be measured flows during operation, and an electronics housing 200 in which measuring electronics (not described in detail here) are housed in electrical connection with the measuring transducer 100 .

The measuring transducer 100 comprises at least one measuring tube inserted into a process line, in particular formed as a pipe, through which the medium to be measured flows at least intermittently during operation of the measuring system. The online measuring device is used in particular to generate at least intermittently at least one measurement signal determined by at least one physical parameter (in particular flow velocity, mass flow m, volume flow v, density ρ and/or viscosity) of the medium present in the measuring tube η) influences and appropriately corresponds to the measured variable. A sensor device of an in-line measuring instrument arranged on and/or near the measuring tube for generating at least one measuring signal, which sensor device reacts at least indirectly to a change in at least one measured variable of the medium in a manner that suitably influences the at least one measuring signal reaction.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the measurement electronic device is further realized as a measurement value processing unit (such as a programmable logic controller ( PLC), personal computer and/or workstation) to exchange measurement data and/or other operating data, in particular at least one measurement value X _M . For the aforementioned case where the measuring system is connected to a fieldbus or other communication system, the measuring electronics have a corresponding communication interface for data communication, e.g. for sending the measurement data to the aforementioned programmable logic controller or the upper process control system. For this purpose, correspondingly established standard interfaces, eg in industrial measurement and automation technology, can also be used. Alternatively, an external power supply can also be connected to the fieldbus system and the measuring system is powered directly via the fieldbus system in the manner described above.

In the example shown here, a vortex flowmeter is used as an in-line measuring instrument, which is well suited for measuring gases, and detects with high precision the physical measured variables of the medium to be measured, in particular mass flow m, density ρ and/or viscosity n. In this case, however, other in-line measuring instruments also established in process automation technology, such as magnetic induction flowmeters, differential pressure flowmeters, thermal energy flowmeters, Criolis flowmeters, Ultrasonic flowmeter, etc.

The perspective overview diagrams of FIGS. 2 and 3 depict an embodiment of a vortex measuring transducer operating according to the vortex principle, wherein, seen in the flow direction ( FIG. 2 ) and in the direction opposite to the flow direction ( FIG. 3 ), the figures shows a partly cut-away measuring transducer 1 of a vortex flowmeter with a vortex sensor 3 fixed to the tube wall 21 of the measuring tube 2 and protruding through a through hole 22 . This can for example be a dynamically compensated eddy sensor with capacitive sensor elements, as described in US-A 6003384.

Inside the measuring tube 2 lies a bluff body 4 along the diameter, which is firmly connected to the measuring tube 2 by forming a first shown fastening point 41 and a hidden second fastening point 41 ^* . The center of the hole 22 as well as the center of the fastening point 41 is located on the generatrix of the measuring tube 2 .

The bluff body 4 has an impact surface 42 against which the measured medium (eg liquid, gas or steam) flows during operation. The bluff body 4 also has two sides, of which only one (front) side 43 is visible in FIGS. 2 and 3 . Two shedding edges are formed by the impact surface 42 and the side faces, of which only one (front) shedding edge 44 is fully visible in FIG. 2 , while the (rear) shedding edge 45 is shown but not completely shown.

Basically, the shape of the bluff body 4 of FIGS. 2 and 3 is a right triangular prism, ie a prism with a triangular cross-section. However, other common shapes of bluff bodies are also contemplated by the invention.

As a result of the flow of the medium against the impact surface 42 , a Karman vortex street forms in a known manner downstream of the bluff body 4 , wherein, at each shedding edge, vortices alternately shed and are entrained by the flowing medium. The eddies generate local pressure fluctuations in the flowing medium, the shedding frequency of which over time, the so-called eddy frequency, is a measure of the flow velocity and/or the volume flow of the medium.

The pressure fluctuations are converted by means of the vortex sensor 3 into a vortex signal which is used as an electronic measurement signal, which is fed to measurement electronics (not shown) housed in the electronics housing, from which the measurement electronics calculate, for example, the flow velocity and / or volumetric flow.

The eddy sensor 3 is inserted into a hole 22 in the tube wall 21 of the measuring tube 2 downstream of the bluff body 4 and seals the hole 22 against the outer surface of the measuring tube 2 , for which purpose the vortex sensor 3 is screwed onto the tube wall 21 . For example, four bolts are used for this, of which the bolts 5 , 6 , 7 can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 , while FIG. 3 shows the associated holes 50 , 60 , 70 , 80 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the eddy sensor 3 comprises a wedge-shaped sensor wing 31 and a housing cover 32 , the sensor wing protruding through the hole 22 of the tube wall 21 into the interior of the measuring tube 2 . The housing cover 32 terminates in an extension 322, between which a thin-walled intermediate piece 323 is inserted, see US-A 6003384 mentioned above.

The sensor wing 31 has main surfaces, of which only the main surface 311 can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 . The main surface is aligned with the aforementioned generatrix of the measuring tube 2 and forms the front edge 313 . The sensor wing 31 can also have other suitable spatial shapes, for example it can have two parallel main surfaces which form two parallel front edges.

The sensor wing 31 is shorter than the diameter of the measuring tube 2 ; it is more resistant to bending and has a blind hole 314 (visible only in FIG. 4 ). In order for the blind hole 314 to have a sufficient diameter, the wall portion extends beyond the main surface. Wall portion 315 is shown in FIG. 2 . The blind hole 314 reaches close to the front edge 313 and has a bottom there.

The vortex sensor 3 also has a membrane 33 covering the bore 22 , which has a first surface 331 facing the medium and a second surface 332 facing away from the medium, see FIGS. 3 and 4 . Sensor wing 31 is fixed to surface 331 and sensor element 36 is fixed to surface 332 . Preferably, the sensor wing 31 , the membrane 33 , its annular edge 333 and the portion 361 of the sensor element 36 fixed to the membrane 33 are made from one piece of metallic material, in particular stainless steel. The sensor element 36 generates the above-mentioned signal, the frequency of which is proportional to the volume flow of the flowing medium.

In the measuring system according to the invention, the flow cross-section A1 of the in particular substantially straight measuring pipe for conducting the measured medium is smaller than the flow cross-section of the process line supply section 400 which is connected to the measuring system on the inlet side. The measuring system then also comprises a flow regulator 300, which is arranged on the inlet side of the measuring tube and between the measuring tube and the supply section of the process line, which has a tapering towards the measuring tube 2 and is controlled by the medium flow during operation. inner cavity. The flow cross-section a of the inlet end of the flow regulator towards the supply section of the process line is larger than the flow cross-section A1 of the measuring tube; whereas the flow cross-section a of the outlet end of the flow regulator towards the measuring tube is smaller than the flow cross-section of the inlet end of the flow regulator. Furthermore, the flow regulator has at least one inner edge K which is arranged upstream of the outlet end and protrudes into the interior of the flow regulator, in particular runs around and/or circulates along the circumference of the flow regulator. During operation, the medium guided in the flow regulator flows against this inner edge K.

In the case of a medium flowing through the flow conditioner, downstream of the inner edge K a first vortex w1 is formed which is essentially annular and which is essentially fixed in position at least in the steady state. The inner edge K is formed and arranged in the flow regulator such that it substantially intersects the imaginary longitudinal axis of the flow regulator and/or intersects the imaginary longitudinal axis of the measuring tube. Furthermore, the inner edge is in particular endless and thus self-closing. In one embodiment shown here, the inner rib is also arranged in the vicinity of, in particular immediately adjacent to, the inlet end of the flow conditioner. Since particularly good results can be achieved with sharper inner edges, in a preferred embodiment the inner edge has an edge radius of less than 2 mm, in particular less than 0.6 mm.

In the configuration of the flow conditioner shown here, in front of the impingement surface P, in addition to the first vortex w1, an essentially ring-shaped second vortex w2 is formed, which is likewise essentially fixed in position at least in the steady state, wherein the impingement surface is formed by the flow The inner edge of the regulator is delimited for swirling the medium impinging on it and is arranged in an in particular circularly encircling boundary region of the flow regulator; two of the two vortices w1, w2 are respectively assigned to each vortex The virtual principal axes of inertia of the maximum moments of inertia of w1 and w2 substantially coincide with each other.

The impingement surface P is arranged and oriented in the flow regulator such that it extends at least partially substantially perpendicularly to the imaginary longitudinal axis of the flow regulator and/or it extends partially substantially perpendicularly to the imaginary longitudinal axis of the measuring tube. Since a pronounced impact surface contributes to particularly good results, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the height of the impact surface in the radial direction is at least 1 mm. The impingement surface P can, for example, be formed as a substantially planar torus; or it can also be conical, tapering towards the measuring tube and widening towards the process line.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, the vortex-generating inner edge K is formed by the intersection of the impingement surface P with the guide surface L, which extends in the direction of the outlet end of the flow conditioner and serves to guide the flow conditioner medium flowing. The guide surface L is bounded by an inner edge K. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 8 , the guide surface L tapering towards the measuring tube can for example be substantially conical, in particular at least partly concave and/or partly convex, for example thus having a substantially S-shaped profile line (Figure 7).

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the impingement surface P and thus the inner edge K are formed in a simple manner by keeping the inner diameter of the inlet end of the flow conditioner smaller than the diameter of the supply section of the process line.

According to the method of the invention, during the measuring operation, the medium is caused to flow out of the supply section into the flow regulator. Due to the smaller flow cross section in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the flow conditioner, the medium is accelerated. As the medium flows through the inner rib K, at least a first vortex w1 is formed inside the medium in the inlet region of the flow conditioner, and the main axis of inertia of the vortex w1 substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis of the flow conditioner and/or the longitudinal axis of the measuring tube . For the medium flowing through the vortex w1, this not only leads to a further narrowing of the cross-section, but also to centering in the direction of the guide surface L and thus stabilizing the flow pattern.

In the case shown here, at least one further substantially static, in particular substantially stationary, annular vortex is induced in the inlet region of the flow conditioner, for which case an additional narrowing of the cross section and thus a flow flow effectively takes place. further acceleration.

Further preferred embodiments and special developments of the flow regulator according to the invention, especially advantageous dimensions, are given below in Tables 1, 2 and in the appended claims, wherein:

A1 - flow cross-section of the measuring tube;

A2 - flow cross-section of the supply section of the process pipeline;

A2/A1 - the cross-sectional ratio of the flow cross-section A2 of the supply section of the process pipeline to the flow cross-section A1 of the measuring tube;

a- the cross-section of the lumen bounded by the internal edge K of the flow conditioner;

a/A1 - the contraction ratio of the cross-section a bounded by the inner edge to the flow cross-section A1 of the measuring tube;

A2/A1-a/A1-the difference between the cross-sectional ratio A2/A1 and the shrinkage ratio a/A1;

a/A2 - compression ratio of the cross-section a bounded by the inner edge to the flow cross-section A2 of the supply section of the process pipeline;

A2/A1 - a/A2 - the difference between the cross-sectional ratio A2/A1 and the compression ratio a/A2;

D1 - the diameter of the measuring tube;

D2 - the caliber of the supply section where the process line is connected to the measuring system on the inlet side;

D2/D1-the diameter ratio of the diameter D2 of the supply section of the process pipeline to the diameter D1 of the measuring pipe;

d - the diameter of the cross-section of the lumen bounded by the internal edge K of the flow conditioner;

L1 - the installation length of the measuring tube;

L2 - the installation length of the flow regulator;

Lm - the distance between the sensor element and the inlet end of the measuring tube;

α - the angle of inclination of the inner cone forming the impact surface of the flow conditioner (α = 90° - α _⊥ ); and

β - angle of inclination of the inner cone forming the leading surface of the flow conditioner.

Table 1:

Table 2:

Claims (82)

1. A measuring system inserted into a process line, especially a pipe, for detecting at least one measured variable, in particular mass flow, volume flow, flow velocity, density, viscosity, pressure, temperature, etc., of a medium flowing in the process line, The measurement system includes: - measuring transducers, - the measuring transducer has an in particular substantially straight measuring tube which serves to conduct the medium to be measured and whose flow cross-section (A1) is smaller than the flow cross-section of the supply section of the process line connected to the measuring system on the inlet side, -- the measuring transducer also has a sensor device, --- the sensor device has at least one sensor element that responds primarily to the measured variable to be detected, in particular to its change, and --- The sensor device utilizes at least one sensor element to provide at least one measurement signal influenced by the measured variable; - Measuring electronics in communication with the measuring transducer, which at least intermittently produces at least one measured value instantaneously representative of the measured variable, in particular a mass flow measurement, a volume flow measurement, a density measurement, by using at least one measurement signal values, viscosity measurements, pressure measurements, temperature measurements; and - a flow regulator, which is arranged on the inlet side of the measuring tube and between the measuring tube and the supply section of the process line, the flow regulator has an inner chamber which tapers towards the measuring tube and through which the medium flows during operation; - wherein the flow cross-section (a) of the flow conditioner towards the inlet end of the process line supply section is greater than the flow cross-section (A1) of the measuring tube and the flow cross-section (b) of the flow conditioner towards the outlet end of the measuring tube is smaller than the flow regulation the flow cross-section at the inlet end of the device; and - wherein the flow conditioner comprises at least one internal rib arranged upstream of the outlet end of the flow conditioner and protruding into the lumen of the flow conditioner, in particular the internal edge encircling and/or along the circumference of the flow conditioner Circulation, the medium guided in the flow regulator flows against the inner rib during operation. 2. The measuring system according to claim 1 , wherein at least one inner edge protruding into the lumen of the flow regulator is configured and arranged in the flow regulator such that it substantially intersects the virtual longitudinal axis of the flow regulator and/or Intersects the virtual longitudinal axis of the measuring tube. 3 . The measuring system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein at least one inner edge protruding into the interior of the flow regulator surrounds, in particular cyclically, and is thus self-sealing. 4 . 4. Measuring system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one internal edge protruding into the interior of the flow regulator is arranged in the vicinity of, in particular immediately adjacent to, the inlet end of the flow regulator. 5. The measuring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one internal edge protruding into the lumen of the flow conditioner is arranged directly at the inlet end of the flow conditioner. 6. Measuring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one inner edge protruding into the interior of the flow conditioner has a corner radius of less than 2 mm, in particular less than 0.6 mm. 7. Measuring system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flow regulator is substantially cylindrical at least in the region of the inlet. 8. Measuring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring tube is substantially cylindrical at least in the region of the inlet. 9. Measuring system according to claim 8, wherein the flow regulator is substantially cylindrical at least in the region of the outlet. 10. Measuring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the in particular cylindrical measuring tube is substantially straight. 11. Measuring system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cross-sectional ratio (A2/A1) of the flow cross-section (A2) of the process line supply section to the flow cross-section (A1) of the measuring tube remains greater than 1.5. 12. Measuring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cross-sectional ratio (A2/A1) of the flow cross-section (A2) of the process line supply section to the flow cross-section (A1) of the measuring tube is kept smaller than 10. 13. The measuring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cross-sectional ratio (A2/A1) of the flow cross-section (A2) of the process pipeline supply section to the flow cross-section (A1) of the measuring tube is maintained at 1.66 to 9.6 range. 14. Measuring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cross-section (a) of the flow regulator lumen bounded by at least one internal edge protruding into the flow regulator lumen is smaller than the flow cross-section of the process line supply section (A2). 15. Measuring system according to claim 14, wherein the constriction ratio (a/A2) of the cross-section bounded by the inner edge (a) to the flow cross-section (A2) of the process line supply section remains smaller than 0.9. 16. Measuring system according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the constriction ratio (a/A2) of the cross-section (a) bounded by the inner edge to the flow cross-section (A2) of the process line supply section remains greater than 0.1. 17. Measuring system according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the constriction ratio (a/A2) of the cross-section (a) bounded by the inner edge to the flow cross-section (A2) of the process line supply section is kept at In the range of 0.25 to 0.85. 18. Measuring system according to one of claims 11-13 and one of claims 15-17, wherein the difference (A2/A1 - a/A2) remains greater than 0.5. 19. The measuring system according to one of claims 11-13 and one of claims 15-17, wherein the difference (A2/A1 - a/A2) remains less than 10. 20. The measuring system according to one of claims 11-13 and one of claims 15-17, wherein the difference between the cross-sectional ratio (A2/A1) and the shrinkage ratio (a/A2) remains greater than 0.83 and less than 9.5. 21. Measuring system according to one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the compression ratio (a/A1) of the cross section bounded by the inner edge (a) to the flow cross section (A1) of the measuring tube remains greater than 1.2. 22. Measuring system according to one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the compression ratio (a/A1) of the cross section (a) bounded by the inner edge to the flow cross section (A1) of the measuring tube is kept below 5. 23. The measuring system according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the compression ratio (a/A1) of the cross section (a) bounded by the inner edge to the flow cross section (A1) of the measuring tube is maintained at 1.3 to 3 range. 24. Measuring system according to one of claims 11-13 and one of claims 21-23, wherein the difference (A2/A1 - a/A1) remains greater than 0.2. 25. Measuring system according to one of claims 11-13 and one of claims 21-23, wherein the difference (A2/A1 - a/A1) remains less than 10. 26. Measuring system according to one of claims 11-13 and one of claims 21-23, wherein the difference (A2/A1 - a/A1) remains greater than 0.25 and less than 8. 27. Measuring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring pipe has a smaller diameter (D1) than the diameter of the supply section of the process line connected to the measuring system on the inlet side. 28. The measurement system according to claim 27, wherein the diameter of the inlet end of the flow conditioner towards the supply section of the process pipeline is larger than the diameter (D1) of the measuring tube, and the diameter of the outlet end of the flow conditioner towards the measuring tube is larger than the diameter of the flow conditioner. The inlet port of the regulator has a small diameter. 29. The measuring system according to claim 27 or 28, wherein at least one internal rib protruding into the lumen of the flow conditioner is formed such that the inner diameter (d) of the inlet end of the flow conditioner remains smaller than the diameter (d) of the supply section of the process line ( D2). 30. Measuring system according to one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the diameter ratio (D2/D1) of the diameter (D2) of the supply section of the process line to the diameter (D1) of the measuring pipe remains greater than 1.1. 31. Measuring system according to one of claims 27-30, wherein the diameter ratio (D2/D1) of the diameter (D2) of the supply section of the process line to the diameter (D1) of the measuring pipe is kept smaller than 5. 32. The measuring system according to any one of claims 27-31, wherein the ratio (D2/D1) of the caliber (D2) of the supply section of the process pipeline to the caliber (D1) of the measuring pipe is kept in the range of 1.2-3.1 Inside. 33. The measuring system according to any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein the diameter (d) of the cross-section of the flow conditioner lumen bounded by at least one inner edge protruding into the flow conditioner lumen is smaller than that of the process line supply section The caliber (D2) is small. 34. Measuring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the installed length (L1) of the measuring tube is greater than the installed length (L2) of the flow regulator such that the installed length (L2) of the flow regulator is related to the installed length of the measuring tube The installed length ratio (L2/L1) of the length (L1) is kept less than 1. 35. The measurement system according to claim 34 and one of claims 27 to 33, wherein the diameter ratio (D2/D1) of the diameter (D2) of the supply section of the process pipeline to the diameter (D1) of the measuring pipe corresponds to the flow The installed length ratio (L2/L1) of the installed length (L2) of the adjuster to the installed length (L1) of the measuring tube is at least 10%. 36. Measuring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one sensor element which is immersed in the medium, in particular during operation, is arranged at a distance (Lm) from the inlet end of the measuring tube in and/or on the measuring tube, In particular directly on the measuring tube. 37. Measuring system according to claim 36 and one of claims 27-35, wherein at least one sensor element is placed such that the ratio of the distance (Lm) to the diameter (D1) of the measuring tube remains greater than 1. 38. Measuring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one inner edge protruding into the inner chamber of the flow regulator defines an impact surface of the flow regulator, which is arranged at the boundary of the flow regulator, in particular circularly surrounding it area and is used to intercept media flowing against it. 39. The measurement system according to claim 38, wherein the impact surface is arranged and oriented in the flow conditioner such that it extends at least in part substantially perpendicular to the virtual longitudinal axis of the flow conditioner, and/or in part substantially perpendicular to The virtual longitudinal axis of the measuring tube extends. 40. A measurement system according to claim 38 or 39, wherein the impact surface has a radial height of at least 1 mm. 41. The measurement system according to any one of claims 38 to 40, wherein the impact surface is formed as an annular surface. 42. Measuring system according to one of claims 38 to 41, wherein the impact surface and the inner edge are at least partially formed by a formed, in particular circular and/or self-closing, shoulder in the inlet side of the flow regulator. 43. A measurement system according to any one of claims 38 to 42, wherein the impact surface is at least partially substantially planar. 44. The measuring system according to claim 43, wherein the impact surface is arranged and oriented in the flow conditioner such that part of it is substantially coplanar with the cross-section of the flow conditioner, and/or part of it is substantially coplanar with the cross-section of the measuring tube. The cross sections are coplanar. 45. The measurement system of any one of claims 38-43, wherein the impact surface is at least partially substantially conical. 46. Measuring system according to any one of claims 38 to 44, wherein the impact surface tapers towards the measuring tube. 47. The measurement system of claims 38-45, wherein the impingement surface widens towards the inlet end of the flow conditioner. 48. Measuring system according to claim 38-46, wherein the impact surface and the inner edge are at least partially formed by an inner cone formed in the inlet side of the flow conditioner and tapering towards the measuring tube, in particular Extends toward the inlet end of the regulator. 49. Measuring system according to claim 48, wherein the side angle (α) of the inner cone forming the impact surface of the flow conditioner is greater than 45°, in particular greater than 60°. 50. Measuring system according to claim 48 or 49, wherein the side angle (α) of the inner cone forming the impact surface of the flow conditioner is smaller than 90°, in particular smaller than 88°. 51. Measuring system according to one of claims 48 to 50, wherein the side angle (α) of the inner cone forming the impact surface of the flow conditioner is greater than 60° and smaller than 88°. 52. The measuring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one inner edge protruding into the lumen of the flow conditioner defines a guide surface of the flow conditioner which extends in the direction of the outlet end of the flow conditioner and serves to guide The medium flowing in the flow conditioner. 53. Measuring system according to claim 52, wherein the in particular conical guide surface of the flow regulator is at least partially convex. 54. Measuring system according to claim 52 or 53, wherein the in particular conical guide surface of the flow regulator is at least partially concave. 55. The measuring system according to one of claims 52 to 54, wherein the guide surface of the flow conditioner has a substantially S-shaped contour. 56. Measuring system according to one of claims 52 to 55, wherein the guide surface of the flow regulator tapers towards the measuring tube. 57. The measuring system as claimed in one of claims 52 to 56, wherein the guide surface of the flow conditioner is substantially conically shaped. 58. Measuring system according to one of claims 52 to 57, wherein the guide surface and the inner edge are at least partially formed by an inner cone which is formed in the inlet side of the flow regulator and in particular faces the flow regulator Exit end extended. 59. Measuring system according to claim 58, wherein the side angle (β) of the inner cone forming the guide surface of the flow regulator is greater than 2°, in particular greater than 4°. 60. Measuring system according to claim 58 or 59, wherein the side angle (β) of the inner cone forming the guide surface of the flow regulator is smaller than 45°, in particular smaller than 10°. 61. Measuring system according to one of claims 58 to 60, wherein the side angle (β) of the inner cone forming the guide surface of the flow conditioner is greater than 4° and smaller than 10°. 62. The measuring system according to claim 48 or 58, wherein the impact surface is formed by a first inner cone formed in the inlet side of the flow regulator and extending in the direction of the inlet end of the flow regulator, the guide surface is formed by Formed by a second inner cone formed in the inlet side of the flow regulator and extending in the direction of the outlet end of the flow regulator. 63. The measurement system of claim 62, wherein the side angle of the first inner cone forming the impact surface is greater than the side angle of the second inner cone forming the guide surface. 64. Measuring system according to claim 63, wherein the side angle (α) of the first inner cone forming the impact surface of the flow conditioner is greater than 45°, in particular greater than 60°, and smaller than 90°, in particular smaller than 88°; and the side angle (β) of the second inner cone forming the guide surface of the flow conditioner is greater than 2°, in particular greater than 4°, and less than 45°, in particular less than 10°. 65. A measurement system according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one sensor element is formed with at least one piezoelectric element and/or with at least one pressure sensitive element. 66. A measurement system according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one sensor element is formed with at least one movable coil corresponding to the armature. 67. A measuring system according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one sensor element is formed with at least one measuring electrode which contacts the medium flowing in the measuring tube and senses an electrical potential. 68. A measurement system according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one sensor element is formed using at least one measuring capacitance responsive to changes in a measured variable. 69. A measurement system according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one sensor element is formed using at least one resistor. 70. A measurement system according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one sensor element undergoes repeated mechanical deformations during operation under the influence of a medium flowing in the measuring tube. 71. A measurement system according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one sensor element is repeatedly moved relative to a static rest position during operation under the influence of a medium flowing in the measuring tube. 72. The measurement system according to any preceding claim, wherein the measurement transducer comprises at least one bluff body arranged in the measurement tube. 73. The measuring system according to claim 72, wherein at least one sensor element of the sensor device, in particular protruding at least partially into the measuring tube, is arranged downstream of the at least one bluff body. 74. The measurement system according to any preceding claim, wherein the measurement transducer is a vortex flow transducer, in particular a vortex flow transducer. 75. The measurement system of any one of claims 1 to 72, wherein the measurement transducer is a magnetic induction flow transducer. 76. Measuring system according to one of claims 1 to 72, wherein the measuring transducer is an oscillating flow transducer, in particular a Criolis mass flow transducer, a density transducer and/or a viscosity transducer. 77. The measurement system of any one of claims 1-72, wherein the measurement transducer is an ultrasonic flow transducer. 78. Use of a measuring system according to any preceding claim for detecting at least one measured variable of a medium flowing in a process line, in particular mass flow, volume flow, flow velocity, density, viscosity, pressure, temperature or the like. 79. Method for detecting at least one measured variable of a medium flowing in a process pipeline with a measuring system inserted in the process pipeline, the measuring system having a flow regulator connected to the supply section of the process pipeline and a measurement transducer connected to the process regulator device, the measured variables are in particular mass flow, volume flow, flow velocity, density, viscosity, pressure, temperature, etc., the method comprising the following steps: - allowing the medium to be measured to flow from the supply section into the flow regulator; -accelerating the flowing medium in the direction of the virtual longitudinal axis of the flow conditioner, and inducing at least one essentially static, in particular essentially stationary, annular vortex in the medium flowing in the inlet region of the flow conditioner, such that the at least one annulus The virtual principal axis of inertia of the vortex substantially coincides with the virtual longitudinal axis of the flow conditioner and/or the virtual longitudinal axis of the measuring tube; - the medium to be measured flows through at least one annular vortex and the medium to be measured flows out of the flow regulator into the measuring tube of the connected measuring transducer; and - Generating at least one measurement signal (s ₁ ) influenced by the measured variable to be detected by using at least one sensor element (17) which primarily reacts to the measured variable, in particular to changes in the measured variable. 80. The method according to claim 79, further comprising the step of inducing at least one substantially static, in particular substantially fixed, annular vortex in the inlet region of the flow conditioner such that each of the at least two annular vortices The virtual principal axes of inertia of are substantially coincident with each other. 81. The method of claim 80, further comprising the step of flowing the medium against an impingement surface of the flow conditioner to induce a substantially static annular vortex in the inlet region of the flow conditioner, the impingement surface Opposite the flow medium is a boundary region of the regulator which encircles in a closed manner, in particular along the circumference of the flow regulator. 82. The method according to any one of claims 79 to 81, wherein the step of inducing at least one substantially static annular vortex in the inlet region of the flow conditioner comprises: flowing the medium through an inner rib of the flow conditioner, the The inner rib protrudes into the interior of the flow regulator and in particular surrounds it in a closed manner along the circumference of the flow regulator.

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