Interface for a Coriolis flow sensing assembly

• US 10,429,224 B2
• Filed: 12/05/2017
• Issued: 10/01/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 12/05/2017
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cytiva Sweden AB (Danaher Corporation)
• Original Assignee: General Electric Company
• Inventors: Lang, Philipp, Rutten, Jens, Seeley, Charles Erklin
• Primary Examiner(s): Dowtin, Jewel V
• Application Number:
  US15/832,519
• Publication Number:
  US 20190170554A1
• Time in Patent Office: 665 Days
• Field of Search: None
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 1/8413 means for influencing the flowmeter's motional or vibrational behaviour, e.g., conduit support or fixing means, or conduit attachments
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 1/8418 motion or vibration balancing means
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 1/8422 exciters
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 1/8477 with multiple measuring conduits
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 1/849 having straight measuring conduits
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 15/022 using electrical means
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 15/024 involving digital counting

Abstract

Provided is a Coriolis flow sensor assembly that includes a flow tube configured to provide a flow path through the flow tube. Further, the Coriolis flow sensor assembly includes a mechanical drive assembly configured to drive an oscillation of the flow tube while fluid is flowing via an oscillation surface. The Coriolis flow sensor assembly includes an interface fixedly coupled to the oscillation surface of the mechanical drive assembly and configured to receive the flow tube.

Claims

1. An assembly comprising:

a flow tube configured to provide a flow path through the flow tube;

a mechanical drive assembly configured to drive an oscillation of the flow tube while fluid is flowing, wherein the mechanical drive assembly comprises an oscillation surface; and

an interface fixedly coupled to the oscillation surface of the mechanical drive assembly and configured to receive the flow tube such that at least a portion of the interface is in direct contact with the flow tube and such that the interface transfers oscillation forces of the oscillation surface to the flow tube.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the interface is adhesively coupled to the oscillation surface.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the interface comprises one or more wall features configured to partially enclose the flow tube upon the interface receiving the fluid flow assembly.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the wall features have a varying height along a direction of the flow path.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the interface is coupled to the fluid flow assembly with one or rib structures disposed along the interface in a direction of the flow path.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the rib structures are in direct contact with the flow tube.

7. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the rib structures are disposed at regular intervals in the direction of the flow path.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the interface separates the flow tube from the oscillation surface such that the flow tube does not directly contact the mechanical oscillator.

9. The assembly of claim 1, where in the interface comprises a backbone having spaced-apart rails.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the interface comprises a metal clip that couples with the flow tube via a friction fit.

11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the interface couples the mechanical drive assembly to the tube via a wire wrap.

12. An assembly comprising:

a mechanical drive assembly configured to drive an oscillation of a flow tube while fluid is flowing, wherein the mechanical drive assembly comprises an oscillation surface; and

an interface fixedly coupled to the oscillation surface of the mechanical drive assembly and configured to receive the flow tube, wherein the interface is configured to transfer oscillation forces from the oscillation surface to the flow tube.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the interface comprises a plurality of retaining elements configured to retain the flow tube.

14. The assembly of claim 12, comprising the flow tube, wherein the flow tube is disposable.

15. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the interface is in direct contact with the oscillation surface.

16. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the interface comprises a backbone coupled to a plurality of ribs, wherein the ribs are configured to partially encircle the flow tube when the flow tube is coupled to the interface.

17. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the interface is configured to retain the flow tube along an axis.

18. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the interface is formed from a polymer.

19. An assembly comprising:

a flow tube configured to provide a fluid flow path through the flow tube;

a mechanical drive assembly configured to drive an oscillation of the flow tube while fluid is flowing via an oscillation surface; and

an interface fixedly coupled to the oscillation surface of the mechanical drive assembly and configured to receive the fluid flow assembly such that the interface is in direct contact with an outer surface of the flow tube.

20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the interface is in direct contact with both the mechanical drive assembly and the outer surface of the flow tube.