Transducer apparatus as well as measuring system formed therewith
10371553 ยท 2019-08-06
Assignee
Inventors
- Alfred Rieder (Landshut, DE)
- Hao Zhu (Freising, DE)
- Ennio Bitto (Aesch, CH)
- Gerhard Eckert (Grenzach-Wyhlen, DE)
- Josef Hubensteiner (Freising, DE)
- Michael Wiesmann (Freising, DE)
- Yaoing Lin (Freising, DE)
Cpc classification
G01N9/002
PHYSICS
G01F15/02
PHYSICS
G01F1/8413
PHYSICS
International classification
G01F15/02
PHYSICS
G01N9/00
PHYSICS
Abstract
transducer apparatus comprises a transducer housing, a tube, a temperature sensor as well as a temperature sensor. The tube is arranged within a cavity of the transducer housing, in such a manner that an intermediate space is formed between a wall of the transducer housing facing the cavity inner surface and an outer surface of a wall of the tube facing the cavity. Furthermore, the tube is adapted to guide a fluid in its lumen, in such a manner that an inner surface of the wall of the tube facing the lumen is contacted by fluid guided in the lumen. Each of the temperature sensors is formed by means of a temperature detector arranged within the intermediate space as well as by means of a coupling body coupling the respective temperature detector thermally conductively with the wall of the tube and is additionally adapted to register a particular measurement location temperature, and to transduce such into a corresponding temperature measurement signal, namely an electrical measurement signal representing the particular measurement location temperature.
Claims
1. A transducer apparatus, comprising: a transducer housing exhibiting a cavity encased by a wall; a tube exhibiting a lumen surrounded by a wall, said tube is arranged within the cavity of said transducer housing in such a manner that between an inner surface of the wall of said transducer housing facing the cavity and an outer surface of the wall of said tube facing the cavity an intermediate space is formed, and said tube is adapted to guide in its lumen a fluid, in such a manner that said inner surface of the wall of said tube facing the lumen is contacted by the fluid guided in the lumen in order to form a first interface of a first type, wherein the first interface of the first type is an interface between the fluid guided in the lumen of the tube and the wall of said tube; a first temperature sensor including a first temperature detector arranged within said intermediate space and a first coupling body coupling said first temperature detector thermally conductively with the wall of said tube, said first temperature sensor being adapted to register a first measurement location temperature, wherein a temperature at a first temperature measurement location is formed by means of said first temperature detector, and to transduce said first measurement location temperature into a first temperature measurement signal, said first temperature measurement signal is a first electrical measurement signal representing the first measurement location temperature; a second temperature sensor including a second temperature detector spaced from said first temperature detector and arranged within said intermediate space and a second coupling body coupling said second temperature detector thermally conductively with the wall of said tube, said second temperature sensor being adapted to register a second measurement location temperature, wherein a temperature at a second temperature measurement location is formed by means of said second temperature detector, and to transduce said second measurement location temperature into a second temperature measurement signal, said second temperature measurement signal is a second electrical measurement signal representing the second measurement location temperature; wherein: said transducer housing and said tube are adapted to hold a fluid in said intermediate space in order to form a fluid volume surrounding said tube, in such a manner that said outer surface of the wall of said tube facing said intermediate space is contacted by the fluid held in said intermediate space in order to form a second interface of the first type, wherein the second interface of the first type is an interface between the fluid held in said intermediate space and the wall of said tube; said first temperature sensor contacts by means of said first coupling body the outer surface of the wall of said tube forming a first interface of a second type, wherein the first interface of the second type is an interface between the first coupling body and the wall of said tube and said second temperature sensor contacts by means of said second coupling body the outer surface of the wall of said tube forming a second interface of the second type, wherein the second interface of the second type is an interface between the second coupling body and the wall of said tube, in such a manner that: a first thermal resistance, R1, opposes a first heat flux, resulting from a temperature difference between said first interface of the second type and said first temperature measurement location, totally passing through the first interface of the second type and flowing further to the first temperature measurement location; a second thermal resistance, R2, opposes a second heat flux, resulting from a temperature difference between said second interface of the second type and the second temperature measurement location, totally passing through the second interface of the second type and flowing further to the second temperature measurement location; and the fluid volume surrounding said tube contacts said first temperature sensor to form a third interface of the first type as well as contacts said second temperature sensor to form a fourth interface of the first type, in such a manner that: a third thermal resistance, R3, opposes a third heat flux, resulting from a temperature difference between said third interface of the first type and the first temperature measurement location, flowing from the first temperature measurement location totally to said third interface of the first type, equally as well totally passing through said third interface of the first type; and a fourth thermal resistance, R4, opposes a fourth heat flux, resulting from a temperature difference between said fourth interface of the first type and the second temperature measurement location, flowing from the second temperature measurement location totally to said fourth interface of the first type, equally as well totally passing through said fourth interface of the first type; and said first thermal resistance, R1, said second thermal resistance, R2, said third thermal resistance, R3, as well as said fourth thermal resistance, R4, are so dimensioned that a condition
2. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said first thermal resistance, R1, is less than 1000 K/W; and said second thermal resistance, R2, is less than 1000 K/W.
3. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said first thermal resistance, R1, is less than 30 K/W.
4. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said third thermal resistance, R3, and said fourth thermal resistance, R4, fulfill a condition R3=R4.
5. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said first thermal resistance, R1, said second thermal resistance, R2, said third thermal resistance, R3, as well as said fourth thermal resistance, R4 fulfill a condition
6. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said first coupling body is composed at least partially of a material of which a specific thermal conductivity is greater than a specific thermal conductivity of the fluid in the intermediate space and/or greater than 1 W/(m.Math.K), and of which a specific heat capacity is less than a specific heat capacity of the fluid in the intermediate space and/or less than 2000 J/(kg.Math.K).
7. The transducer apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: said second coupling body is composed at least partially of a material of which material a specific thermal conductivity is greater than the specific thermal conductivity of the material of said first coupling body and/or greater than 10 W/(m.Math.K), and/or of which material a specific heat capacity is less than the specific heat capacity of the material of said first coupling body and/or less than 1000 J/(kg.Math.K).
8. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said third thermal resistance, R3, is greater than 500 K/W, and/or less than 20000 K/W; and/or said fourth thermal resistance, R4, is greater than 500 K/W, and/or less than 20000 K/W.
9. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said first temperature sensor includes a third coupling body coupling said first temperature detector thermally with the fluid volume surrounding the tube and contacting the fluid volume surrounding the tube to form said third interface of the first type.
10. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein: said second temperature sensor includes a fourth coupling body coupling said second temperature detector thermally with the fluid volume surrounding the tube and contacting the fluid volume surrounding the tube to form said fourth interface of the first type.
11. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein: said third and fourth coupling bodies are constructed equally to one another.
12. The transducer apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: said fourth coupling body is composed at least partially of a material of which a specific thermal conductivity is greater than a specific thermal conductivity of the fluid in the intermediate space and/or greater than 0.1 W/(m.Math.K), and of which a specific heat capacity is less than a specific heat capacity of the fluid in the intermediate space and/or less than 2000 J/(kg.Math.K).
13. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein: said fourth coupling body is formed by means of a synthetic material applied on the second temperature detector.
14. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein: said fourth coupling body is formed by means of a textile band or tape applied on said second temperature detector.
15. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein: said fourth coupling body is formed by means of sheet metal applied on said second temperature detector.
16. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein: said third coupling body is formed by means of a synthetic material applied on said first temperature detector.
17. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein: said third coupling body is formed by means of a textile band or tape applied on said first temperature detector.
18. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein: said third coupling body is formed by means of sheet metal applied on said first temperature detector.
19. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein: said third coupling body is composed at least partially of a material of which a specific thermal conductivity is greater than a specific thermal conductivity of the fluid in the intermediate space and/or greater than 0.1 W/(m.Math.K), and of which a specific heat capacity is less than a specific heat capacity of the fluid in the intermediate space and/or less than 2000 J/(kg.Math.K).
20. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said first coupling body shows a heat capacity, C1, which is less than 200 J/K; and said second coupling body shows a heat capacity, C2, which is less than 200 J/K, wherein
21. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein: said heat capacity, C1, of said first coupling body and said second heat capacity, C2, of said second coupling body fulfill a condition
22. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the wall of the tube has a wall thickness which is greater than 0.5 mm and/or less than 10 mm; and/or said tube has an inner diameter which is greater than 0.5 mm and/or less than 200 mm; and/or said tube is so dimensioned that it has an inner diameter to wall thickness ratio, defined as a ratio of an inner diameter of said tube to a wall thickness of the wall of said tube, which is less than 25:1 and/or greater than 5:1.
23. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said first temperature sensor is connected with the outer surface of the wall of said tube to form said first coupling body by the bonding of materials.
24. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said first coupling body is formed by means of a synthetic material located between the wall of said tube and said first temperature detector.
25. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein: the synthetic material is a silicone rubber.
26. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said second coupling body is formed by means of a disk located between the wall of said tube and said second temperature detector and composed of a metal.
27. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein: said disk has a passageway having an inner surface facing the outer surface of the wall of said tube.
28. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said first temperature sensor and said second temperature sensor are spaced azimuthally from one another with reference to an imaginary longitudinal axis of said tube; and/or said first temperature sensor and said second temperature sensor, are spaced axially with reference to the imaginary longitudinal axis of said tube.
29. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said tube is further adapted to be flowed through by the fluid and during that to be caused to vibrate.
30. The transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: an oscillation exciter for exciting and maintaining mechanical oscillations of the said tube about an associated static resting position; as well as an oscillation sensor for registering mechanical oscillations of said tube.
31. A measuring system for measuring at least one measured variable of a flowing fluid, which measuring system comprises: for the guiding of the fluid, a transducer apparatus as claimed in claim 1; and a measuring and operating electronics.
32. The measuring system as claimed in claim 31, wherein: an oscillation sensor is adapted to deliver an oscillatory signal representing oscillations of said tube; and said measuring and operating electronics is adapted, using both the first temperature measurement signal as well as also the second temperature measurement signal, as well as the oscillation signal, to generate a density measured value.
33. The measuring system as claimed in claim 31, wherein: said measuring and operating electronics is adapted, using both the first temperature measurement signal generated by means of said transducer apparatus as well as also the second temperature measurement signal generated by means of the transducer apparatus, to generate a measured value, which represents the at least one measured variable.
34. The measuring system as claimed in claim 31, wherein: said measuring and operating electronics is adapted, using both the first temperature measurement signal as well as also the second temperature measurement signal, to generate at least one temperature measured value representing a target temperature, which target temperature is a temperature at an apparatus reference point predetermined for the measuring system and fixed within said transducer apparatus.
35. The measuring system as claimed in claim 34, wherein: the apparatus reference point is located within said transducer apparatus.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The invention as well as other advantageous embodiments thereof will now be explained in greater detail based on the examples of embodiments shown in the figures of the drawing. Equal parts are provided in all figures with equal reference characters; when perspicuity requires or it otherwise appears sensible, already mentioned reference characters are omitted in subsequent figures. Other advantageous embodiments or further developments, especially also combinations of, first of all, only individually explained aspects the invention, result, furthermore, from the figures of the drawing, as well as also the dependent claims per se. The figures of the drawing show as follows:
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
DETAILED DISCUSSION IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE DRAWINGS
(9)
(10) The measuring and operating electronics ME, formed e.g. by means of at least one microprocessor and/or by means of a digital signal processor (DSP), can, such as indicated in
(11) The measuring- and evaluating circuit C of the measuring and operating electronics can be implemented, for example, by means of at least one microprocessor and/or microcomputer having a digital signal processor (DSP). The program codes to be executed thereby, as well as also operating parameters serving for control of the respective measuring system, such as e.g. also desired values for control algorithms, implemented by means of the measuring and operating electronics can , such as also schematically shown in
(12) Furthermore, the measuring and operating electronics ME can be so designed that it can be fed from an external energy supply, for example, also via the aforementioned fieldbus system. For such purpose, the measuring and operating electronics ME can have, for example, an internal energy supply circuit ESC for providing internal supply voltages UN. During operation, the energy supply circuit ESC is fed via the aforementioned fieldbus system by an external energy supply provided in the aforementioned data processing system. In such case, the measuring system can be embodied, for example, as a so-called four conductor device, in the case of which the internal energy supply circuit of the measuring device electronics ME can be connected by means of a first pair of lines with an external energy supply and the internal communication circuit of the measuring and operating electronics ME can be connected by means of a second pair of lines with an external data processing circuit or an external data transmission system. The measuring and operating electronics can, furthermore, however, also be so embodied that it is, such as also shown, among others, in the above mentioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,200,503, and 7,792,646, electrically connectable with the external electronic data processing system by means of a two-conductor connection, configured, for example, as a 4-20 mA electrical current loop, and via that both is supplied with electrical energy as well as also measured values can be transmitted to the data processing system. For the typical case, in which the measuring system is provided for coupling to a field bus- or other electronic communication system, the measuring and operating electronics ME, which is, for example, also (re-)programmable on-site and/or via a communication system, can additionally have a corresponding communication interface COM, for example, one conforming to relevant industry standards, such as, for instance, IEC 61158/IEC 61784, for data communication, e.g. for sending measuring- and/or operating data, thus the measured values representing the particular measured variable, to the above mentioned programmable logic controller (PLC) or to a superordinated process control system and/or for receiving settings data for the measuring system. The electrical connecting of the transducer apparatus to the measuring and operating electronics can occur by means of corresponding connecting lines, which run from the electronics housing 200, for example, via an electrical cable feedthrough, into the transducer housing 100 and at least sectionally also within the transducer housing 100. The connecting lines can, in such case, be embodied at least partially as line wires at least sectionally encased by electrical insulation, e.g. in the form of twisted pair lines, flat ribbon cables and/or coaxial cables. Alternatively thereto or in supplementation thereof, the connecting lines can be formed at least sectionally also by means of conductive traces of a, for example, flexible, respectively partially rigid and partially flexible, in given cases also lacquered, circuit board; compare for this also the above mentioned US-A 2001/0037690 or WO-A 96/07081.
(13) The transducer apparatus of the measuring system servessuch as schematically shown in
(14) The transducer apparatus can, furthermore, be embodied as a measuring transducer of a vibration-type, such as applied, for example, in a vibronic measuring system formed as a Coriolis mass flow measuring device, as a density measuring device and/or as a viscosity measuring device, respectively as a component of such a measuring transducer. Accordingly, the tube is in an additional embodiment of the invention, furthermore, adapted to be flowed through by the fluid FL1 and during that to be caused to vibrate; this, for example, in such a manner that the tube executes mechanical oscillations about a static resting position associated therewith, oscillations which are suitable to induce in the flowing fluid Coriolis forces dependent on a mass flow rate m and/or frictional forces dependent on a viscosity and/or inertial forces dependent on a density . Particularly for this case, the transducer apparatus is according to an additional embodiment of the invention, furthermore, equipped with an oscillation exciter 41 for exciting and maintaining mechanical oscillations of the at least one tube about an associated static resting position, as well as at least one oscillation sensor 51 for registering mechanical oscillations of the at least one tube and for generating an oscillation measurement signal s1 representing oscillatory movements of the tube. For this case, in which the transducer apparatus is embodied as a measuring transducer of a vibration-type, respectively as a component thereof, there is provided in the measuring and operating electronics ME, furthermore, a corresponding driver circuit Exc, namely one serving for activating the transducer apparatus and, in given cases, also electrically connected with the measuring and evaluating circuit C, which driver circuit Exc is adapted to provide at least one electrical driver signal e1 for an oscillation exciter provided, in given cases, in the transducer apparatus. Finally, the measuring and operating electronics can for this case also be so embodied that it corresponds as regards circuit construction to one of the measuring and operating electronics known from the above mentioned state of the art, for example, for instance, U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,136, or, for example, also to a measurement transmitter of a Coriolis mass flow/density measuring device sold by the applicant, e.g. under the designation PROMASS 83F, respectively described at http://www.de.endress.com/#product/83F.
(15) Tube 10 of the transducer apparatus of the invention can be embodied to be at least sectionally straight, consequently sectionally (hollow-)cylindrical, for example, namely circularly cylindrical, and/or at least sectionally curved, for example, namely curved in the form of a circular arc shape. In the example of an embodiment shown here, thehere predominantly, respectively completely, straighttube, consequently the transducer apparatus formed therewith, is, furthermore, adapted to be inserted into the course of a process line, for example, one formed as a rigid pipeline, guiding the fluid. Especially, the transducer apparatus is, furthermore, adapted to be connected releasably with the process line, for example, a process line in the form of a metal pipeline. For such purpose, there are provided on the inlet side of the transducer apparatus a first connecting flange 13 serving for connecting the tube to a line segment of the process line supplying the fluid FL1 and on the outlet side of the transducer apparatus a second connecting flange 14 serving for connecting the tube to a line segment of the process line draining the fluid. The connecting flanges 13, 14 can, in such case, such as quite usual in the case of transducer apparatuses of the type being discussed, also be integrated terminally in the transducer housing 100, namely be embodied as an integral component of the transducer housing.
(16) In an additional embodiment of the invention, it is, furthermore, provided that the wall of the tube is composed at least partially , for example, also predominantly or completelyof a material, whose specific thermal conductivity 10 is greater than 10 W/(m.Math.K) and whose specific heat capacity cp10 is less than 1000 J/(kg.Math.K). As already indicated, the wall can be, for example, of a metal, respectively a metal alloy, for example, namely titanium, zirconium or tantalum, respectively a corresponding alloy thereof, a steel or a nickel based alloy. Furthermore, it is provided that the wall of the tube according to an additional embodiment of the invention has a wall thickness s, which amounts to more than 0.5 mm, and/or an inner diameter, which amounts to more than 0.5 mm. Alternatively or supplementally, the tube is, furthermore, so dimensioned that it has an inner diameter to wall thickness ratio D/s, defined as a ratio of an inner diameter D of the tube to a wall thickness s of the wall of the tube, which amounts to less than 25:1. In an additional embodiment of the invention, it is, furthermore, provided that the wall thickness amounts to less than 10 mm and/or the inner diameter D amounts to less than 200 mm, respectively that the tube is so dimensioned that the inner diameter to wall thickness ratio D/s amounts to more than 5:1.
(17) For registering measurement location temperatures reigning within the transducer apparatus and for converting the same into a respective temperature measurement signal, the transducer apparatus of the invention comprisessuch as shown in
(18) Each of the two temperature detectors 711, 721 can be formed, for example, by means of a platinum measuring resistor, a thermistor or a thermocouple. Furthermore, each of the temperature detectors 711, 721 can be connected with the respectively associated coupling body 712, respectively 722, by means of a suitable material bonded connection, for example, namely an adhesive connection or a soldered, brazed or welded connection, and/or by being embedded in the respective coupling body 712, respectively 722.
(19) In an additional embodiment of the invention, the two temperature sensors 71, 72 are, furthermore, so positioned that the first temperature sensor 71 and the second temperature sensor 72 are, as shown in
(20) For the purpose of achieving a mechanically fixed and resistant, equally as well thermally well conductive connection between the wall of the tube and the temperature sensor 71, this is according to an additional embodiment of the invention connected with the outer surface 10# of the wall of the tube 10 by the bonding of materials, for example, namely adhesively or by means of a soldered, brazed, respectively welded connection. Serving for manufacturing such a material bonded connection between tube 10 and temperature sensor 71, can be e.g. a thermally conductive adhesive, consequently a synthetic material based on epoxide resin or based on silicone, for example, namely a silicone elastomer or a 1- or 2-component silicone rubber, such as sold by, among others, also the firm, DELO Industrial Adhesives GmbH & Co KGaA, 86949 Windach, Germany, under the name DELO-GUM 3699. The synthetic material applied for connecting temperature sensor 71 and tube 10 can for the purpose of achieving an as good as possible heat conduction additionally also be mixed with metal oxide particles. Furthermore, it is additionally also possible to manufacture the coupling body 712partially or completelyof synthetic material, for example, also in such a manner that a plastic molded part located between the temperature detector 711 and the wall, respectively contacting both the outer surface 10# of the wall as well as also the temperature detector 711, in given cases, also a monolithic molded part, serves as coupling body 712, respectively the entire coupling body 712 is composed of synthetic material, for example, singly or multiply applied to the wall of the tube 10, and, consequently, located between the wall of the tube and the first temperature detector 711. Moreover, also the temperature sensor 72 can be connected with the outer surface 10# of the wall of the tube 10 by the bonding of materials, for example, namely in the form of an adhesive or soldered, brazed or welded connection. For such purpose, the coupling body 722 according to an additional embodiment of the invention is composed at least partially, for example, also predominantly, of a metal. Consequently, the coupling body 722 can be produced of a material, which has a specific thermal conductivity 2 greater than 10 W/(m.Math.K) and/or a specific heat capacity cp722 less than 1000 J/(kg.Math.K). Furthermore, the two coupling bodies 712, 722 can by corresponding selection of the materials respectively actually used for their respective manufacture be directly so embodied that the specific thermal conductivity 722 of a material of the second coupling body 722 is greater than a specific thermal conductivity 712 of a material of the first coupling body 712 and/or the specific heat capacity cp722 of the material of the second coupling body 722 is less than a specific heat capacity cp712 of the material of the first coupling body 712. In another embodiment of the invention, also the second coupling body 722 of the temperature sensor 72 is at least partially produced of a synthetic material, respectively formed by means of a plastic body correspondingly located between the temperature detector 721 and the wall of the tube. Alternatively thereto or in supplementation thereof, according to an additional embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the coupling body 722 of the temperature sensor 72, as well as also indicated in
(21) As shown schematically in
(22) In order that each of the temperature sensors 71, 72 , as well as also assumed in the case of the (static) calculation model underpinning the equivalent circuit diagram shown in
(23)
and/or that at least the coupling body 712 has a specific heat capacity, which is less than 200 J/(kg.Math.K), preferably, however, also less than 100 J/(kg.Math.K). Due to the compact construction typically desired for temperature sensors of the type being discussed, as well as the typically used, namely thermally very conductive, materials, there is additionally also a close relationship between thermal resistance and heat capacity of the respective temperature sensors, in such a manner that the particular heat capacityconsequently also the above-mentioned heat capacity C1, respectively C2is ever lower, depending on how low the particular thermal resistance is selected. Accordingly, by dimensioning the thermal resistances R1, R2 of the coupling body 712, respectively 722 in the above indicated manner, thus, simultaneously, it can also be achieved that each of the temperature sensors 71, 72 also has only a comparatively low thermal inertia relative to the tube temperature .sub.10, respectively each of the two measurement location temperaturessuch as desired , can, in each case, quickly follow possible changes of the tube temperature .sub.10, respectively, conversely, that each of the two measurement location temperatures is not or, at most, in only small measure, dependent on a rate of change of the tube temperature .sub.10, namely a velocity, with which the tube temperature .sub.10 changes as a function of time.
(24) The intermediate space 100 formed between the inner surface 100+ of the wall of the transducer housing 100 and the outer surface 10# of the wall of the tube 10 is, furthermore,such as quite usual in the case of transducer apparatuses of the type being discussed and such as indicated in
(25) In order, on the one hand, to be able to determine the thermal resistance R3 earlier as simply as possible, on the other hand, however, also to be able so to construct the thermal resistance R3 that its particular examples within a batch, respectively a series, of industrially manufactured transducer apparatuses of the type being discussed have from transducer apparatus to transducer apparatus also an as small as possible scattering, consequently the transducer apparatus is, as a whole, well reproducible, the first temperature sensor 71 includes, according to an additional embodiment of the invention,and as well as also shown schematically in
(26) In an additional embodiment, moreover, also the temperature sensor 72such as also shown schematically in
(27) In order, on the one hand, to provide the temperature sensor 71 with as small as possible thermal inertia relative to changes of the tube temperature as a function of time, on the other hand, also, however, also to provide an as good as possible thermal coupling of the temperature sensor 71 to the wall of the tube also with an as compact as possible construction, the coupling body 712 is, according to an additional embodiment of the invention, at least partially , for example, also predominantly or completelyproduced of a material, for example, namely a thermally conductive adhesive, of which a specific thermal conductivity 112 is greater than a specific thermal conductivity F of the fluid FL2 in the intermediate space and/or greater than 1 W/(m.Math.K). In advantageous manner, the material of the coupling body 712 is, in such case, furthermore, so selected that a ratio 712/F of the specific thermal conductivity 712 of the material of the coupling body 712 to the specific thermal conductivity F of the fluid FL2 in the intermediate space is greater than 2, and/or that a ratio cp712/cpF of a specific heat capacity cp712 of the material of the coupling body 712 to the heat capacity cpF of the fluid FL2 in the intermediate space is less than 1.5, especially in such a manner that the specific heat capacity cp712 is less than a specific heat capacity cpF of the fluid in the intermediate space. Moreover, also the coupling body 722 of the temperature sensor 72 can at least partially (or also completely) be produced of the same material as the coupling body 712 of the temperature sensor 71.
(28) Due, on the one hand, to the thermal coupling of the two temperature sensors 71, 72 to the wall of the tube, respectively, on the other hand, to the fluid volume surrounding suchwith or without coupling body 713, respectively 714 , each of the measurement location temperatures 1, 2 is determined, on the one hand, by a temperature difference T (T=.sub.10.sub.FL2) existing between the tube temperature .sub.10 and the tube ambient temperature .sub.FL2, respectively a temperature difference T(T=.sub.FL1.sub.FL2) existing between the measured fluid temperature .sub.FL1 and the tube ambient temperature .sub.L2 and, on the other hand, however, also, in each case, by the actual values of the above discussed thermal resistances R1, R2, R3 and R4, respectively resistance ratios resulting therefrom. With the assumption made for the calculation model underlying the equivalent circuit diagram illustrated in
(29)
respectively that the measurement location temperatures 41, 42 in the case of these conditions depend on the tube ambient temperature .sub.FL2 as well as the measured fluid temperature .sub.FL1, respectively the tube temperature .sub.10. Furthermore, there results, additionally, that also a measurement location temperature difference T12=12 corresponding to a difference between the two measurement location temperatures 1, 2 represented by the temperature measurement signals 1, 2 is at least approximately proportional to the above indicated temperature difference T between the tube temperature .sub.10 and the tube ambient temperature .sub.FL2 according to the following relationship illustrated graphically in
(30)
respectively that, conversely, the tube temperature .sub.10 is determinable from the two measurement location temperatures 1, 2 according to the relationship:
(31)
(32) With knowledge of the thermal resistances R1, R2, R3, R4, respectively the corresponding thermal resistance ratios R1/R3, R4/R2, thus, e.g. the temperature difference T, respectively also the tube temperature .sub.10, can be calculated directly based on the two measurement location temperatures 1, 2, respectively their measurement location temperature difference T12.
(33) Each of the above indicated thermal resistances R1, R2, R3 and R4 issuch as already mentioned , in each case, decisively, respectively completely, defined by material properties, such as e.g. a specific thermal conductivity , as well as dimensions of the respective coupling body, respectively the wall of the tube, such as e.g. a respective effective length L.sub.th of the respective coupling body for the respectively traversing heat flux as well as a surface area A.sub.th of a respective effective cross sectional area of the respective coupling body for the heat flux, for example, namely the surface areas of the respective interfaces II21, II22, and/or by corresponding material properties of the wall of the tube 10, respectively of the fluid FL2 in the intermediate space 100, consequently already alone by earlier, at least approximately known, parameters, equally as well parameters essentially unchangeable over a longer operational time frame parameter. Thus, each of the thermal resistances R1, R2, R3, R4 can be earlier sufficiently exactly determined by means of the mentioned parameters (, A.sub.th, L.sub.th), for example, by experimental measurements and/or by calculations. For example, based on the known relationship:
(34)
a heat conduction resistance co-determining the thermal resistance R1, respectively R2namely a heat conduction resistance representing a temperature reduction related to a heat flux due to heat conduction processescan be quantified, for example, namely calculated in units of K/W (Kelvin per Watt). With knowledge of the material properties of the materials respectively actually used for manufacture of the temperature sensors as well as the actual shape and dimensions of the previously indicated, interfaces II13, II14, II21, II22 formed by means of the temperature sensors, also the resistance values for the previously indicated heat transfer resistances respectively co-determining the thermal resistances R1, R2, R3, R4 can be sufficiently exactly established, respectively sufficiently exactly earlier ascertained. Alternatively or supplementally, the thermal resistances R1, R2, R3, R4, respectively the corresponding to thermal resistance ratios R1/R3, R4/R2, can, for example, also be ascertained experimentally by means of calibration measurements performed on the respective transducer apparatus.
(35) Further taking into consideration also additional thermal resistances provided by the wall of the tube 10 and provoking a temperature difference T10 between the interface II11 of first type and the interface II12 of first type, namely , as well as also illustrated in
(36)
respectively
(37)
(38) Also the above mentioned thermal resistances R5, respectively R6, created by the wall of the tube can be basically earlier sufficiently exactly quantified, namely calculated based on material properties of the tube, such as, for instance, its specific thermal conductivity 10, respectively specific heat capacitance cp10, as well as its dimensions, especially its wall thickness s, for example, according to one of the formulas derived from the above indicated Equation (7) corresponding to the equivalent circuit diagram shown in
(39)
(40) Investigations have, in such case, furthermore, shown that, in the case of using the wall thickness s as effective length L.sub.eff (s.fwdarw.Len), a resistance value then ascertained based on twice the area of the respectively associated interface II21, respectively II22, consequently based on two times the area A.sub.th (2.Math.A.sub.th.fwdarw.A.sub.eff) of the cross sectional area of the respectively associated coupling body 712, 722 respectively effective for the respective heat flux Q1, Q2, a very exact estimation for the heat conduction fraction of the thermal resistance R5 effective for the heat flux Q1, respectively of the thermal resistance R6 effective for the heat flux Q2, is, consequently, as a whole, a good approximation for the respective thermal resistance R5, respectively R6.
(41) Since basically each of the above indicated thermal resistances R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, respectively each of the resistance ratios derived therefrom, is earlier determinable, namely quantifiable, then, based on the measurement location temperatures 1, 2 registered by means of the temperature sensors 71, 72, respectively the temperature measurement signals 1, 2 respectively representing these temperatures, accordingly also the tube temperature 410 can be calculated, respectively measured,, for example, by applying Equation (6)and/or the measured fluid temperature .sub.FL1, for example, namely by applying Equation 9.
(42) The measuring and operating electronics ME is, consequently, according to an additional embodiment of the invention, furthermore, also adapted, using both the first temperature measurement signal 1 as well as also the second temperature measurement signal 2, to generate at least one target temperature measured value X.sub., namely a measured value representing the particular target temperature, for example, namely the tube temperature or the measured fluid temperature; this, for example, in such a manner that the measuring and operating electronics ME, first of all based on the temperature measurement signal 1, ascertains a first measurement location temperature measured value X.sub.1 representing the measurement location temperature 41 and based on the temperature measurement signal 2 ascertains a second measurement location temperature measured value X.sub.2 representing the measurement location temperature 2 and thereafter calculates the target temperature measured value X.sub. using both the measurement location temperature measured value X.sub.1 as well as also the measurement location temperature measured value X.sub.2. The calculating of the target temperature measured value X.sub. can occur e.g. using a formula dependent on the measurement location temperature measured values X.sub.1, X.sub.2 as well as earlier ascertained numerical constants , stored in the measuring and operating electronics ME, respectively by using a corresponding formula:
X.sub.=.Math.X.sub.1+.Math.X.sub.2(12)
and represents, consequently, a temperature at an apparatus reference point (poi) established by the size of the constants , , respectively a size ratio / derived therefrom. In the case of application of only two measurement location temperature measured values ascertained based on the temperature measurement signals, the constants , contained in above referenced formula are in advantageous manner so selected that they fulfill the condition +=1. The constants , can, in such case, be so defined that the thereby ultimately set apparatus reference point is removed both from the first temperature sensor 71 as well as also from the second temperature sensor 72, especially namely is located within the tube; this, for example, also such that the target temperature represented by the target temperature measured value corresponds to the measured fluid temperature .sub.FL1 or also the tube temperature .sub.10. The tube temperature .sub.10 is not least of all for the above-described case, in which the transducer apparatus MT is embodied as a measuring transducer of vibration-type, of special interest, since, among others, a modulus of elasticity of the respective material the wall of the tube, as well as also spatial dimensions of the tube, consequently the oscillation characteristics of the respective tube defined thereby, are mentionably also dependent on the tube temperature .sub.10. For example,with application of Eq. (6), the apparatus reference point can be positioned at the interface II21 of second type, consequently (virtually), respectively in, the wall of the tube 10, respectively the measuring and operating electronics ME can be correspondingly adapted to ascertain, respectively to output, the target temperature measured value X.sub. as measured value for the tube temperature .sub.10 in that the constants , are so selected that the condition:
(43)
as well as the condition:
(44)
(45) and/or the condition:
=1(15)
are fulfilled. Alternatively or supplementally,namely by applying Eq. (9)the apparatus reference point can, however, also be positioned at the interface II11 of a first type, consequently (virtually) within the lumen 10 of the tube 10, respectively within the fluid FL1 guided therein, respectively the measuring and operating electronics ME can be correspondingly adapted to ascertain, respectively to output, the target temperature measured value X.sub. as measured value for the measured fluid temperature .sub.FL1. This can be implemented in a simple manner, taking into consideration also the thermal resistances R5 and R6 caused by the wall of the tube, by selecting the constants , such that they fulfill the condition:
(46)
as well as the condition:
(47)
(48) Resulting from the combination of the equivalent circuit diagram illustrated in
(49)
(50) Taking this into consideration and applying the above Equations (1) and (2), in the case of the transducer apparatus of the invention, the thermal resistances R1, R2, R3, R4 are, consequently, furthermore, so dimensioned that they fulfill the condition:
(51)
(52) In order, in such case, also to be able to cancel possible measuring inaccuracies of the temperature detectors of both temperature sensors, respectively measurement uncertainties, respectively confidence intervals, caused by manufacturing tolerances, for instance, in such a manner that a temperature difference T having a positive sign always is represented by an equally positive instantaneous measurement location temperature difference T12, the above discussed thermal resistances R1, R2, R3, R4 are, furthermore, so dimensioned according to an additional embodiment that, as a result, also the condition:
(53)
is fulfilled. In order additionally also to be able to assure that the assumption underpinning the relationship formulated with equation (5), that each of the two measurement location temperatures 1, 2 is, in each case, equally dependent on the temperature difference T, is actually true, consequently that, during operation of the transducer apparatus, the following holds for the temperature differences T1, T2, T3, T4 as exactly as possible:
T1+T3=T2+T4=T(20)
the thermal resistances R1, R2, R3, R4 in the case of the transducer apparatus of the invention are, furthermore, also so dimensioned that they, as a whole, additionally also fulfill a condition:
(54)
especially namely also a condition:
(55)
(56) In this regard, in the case of applying typical, respectively also above indicated, materials for manufacture of the temperature sensors, respectively in the case of embodiment of the temperature sensors in typical structures, it can most often directly be achieved that a spatial separation between the two temperature sensors 71, 72, not least of all also between the interfaces II13, II14 of a first type respectively formed therewith, is embodied small enough, in order that the interfaces during operation of the transducer apparatus are positioned within a zone of the fluid volume having no or, at most, negligible, temperature gradients, and, are supplied consequently essentially with the same ambient temperature. For the very simply implemented case, in which the two thermal resistances R3, R4 are embodied equally, consequently the condition:
R3=R4(23)
is fulfilled, the measurement specifications formulated with the Equations (18), respectively (21), can be fulfilled in very simple, equally as a well effective, manner by a corresponding dimensioning alone of the thermal resistances R1, R2, consequentlyassuming equally constructed temperature detectors 711, 721Equations (18), respectively (21), can be followed alone by a correspondingly adapted embodying of the two coupling bodies 712, 722.