Abstract: A process automation system for determining, monitoring and/or influencing different process variables and/or state variables in at least one manufacturing or analytical process. Included is: at least one control station; and a plurality of field devices; wherein in each field device at least one sensor is provided for ascertaining a measured value of a process variable and/or state variable and/or an actuator is provided for influencing a process variable and/or state variable by means of an actuating value. Each field device makes available its cyclically or acyclically ascertained, measuring-device-specific, measured values and/or actuating values of the process variable and/or state variable to every other field device of the process automation system as information, and the current information of all ascertained measured values and/or actuating values of the process variables and/or state variables is available to each field device as a current process-state-vector.

Abstract: A method including: at least one oscillation measurement signal serving as primary signal of first class representing vibrations of a measuring tube, through which medium to be measured is momentarily flowing; and at least one oscillation measurement signal serving as primary signal of second class representing vibrations of at least one measuring tube, especially of the same measuring transducer, and orbiting around the axis of rotation of a carousel-type filling machine orbiting, but not containing flowing medium. Furthermore, based on both the primary signal of first class as well as also the primary signal of second class, at least one measured value, representing a measured variable, especially a mass flow rate and/or an integrated mass flow and/or a density of medium to be measured, is generated. Additionally, an apparatus is provided suited for reducing the method to practice and/or embodied as a carousel-type filling machine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for diagnosing technical devices, especially pumps and valves, which are arranged within an installation used in the processing industry. According to said method, disturbance variables that affect the devices and influence the service life thereof are detected by means of sensory technology while the data of said disturbance variables is processed in a simulative manner in order to determine the expected service life of each device. Various maintenance instructions which are output along with the expected remaining trouble-free operating time of the industrial installation when a lower service life threshold value of one or several devices has been reached are stored in an expert unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a measuring device, especially a flowmeter. The aim of the invention is to simplify inspection if the sensors have been correctly installed. For this purpose, the installation state is detected by the sensors themselves, i.e. by sensing a corresponding sensor value and comparing it with characteristic data. The result of comparison is electronically evaluated and automatically estimated whether the characteristic data obtained match the comparative data within at least a defined tolerance.

Abstract: A vortex flowmeter is disclosed, which includes, among other features, a closed measuring tube, through which a flowable medium that is to be quantitatively measured flows, the medium flowing against a disturbing element that is arranged in the measuring tube. A vibration sensor is arranged downstream in the direction of flow detecting the vortex frequency generated by the disturbing element. An electronic evaluation unit is disposed downstream of the vibration sensor converting it into an electric signal corresponding to the quantitative flow rate or volumetric flow rate. The relative position can be changed between the measuring tube and the disturbing element and/or the measuring tube and the vibration sensor in a signal-optimizing manner.

Abstract: A method including: at least one oscillation measurement signal serving as primary signal of first class representing vibrations of a measuring tube, through which medium to be measured is momentarily flowing; and at least one oscillation measurement signal serving as primary signal of second class representing vibrations of at least one measuring tube, especially of the same measuring transducer, and orbiting around the axis of rotation of a carousel-type filling machine orbiting, but not containing flowing medium. Furthermore, based on both the primary signal of first class as well as also the primary signal of second class, at least one measured value, representing a measured variable, especially a mass flow rate and/or an integrated mass flow and/or a density of medium to be measured, is generated. Additionally, an apparatus is provided suited for reducing the method to practice and/or embodied as a carousel-type filling machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring a measurement device, in particular a flow measurement device, and to a measurement device itself. In order in this case to reliably preclude measurement errors resulting from incorrect installation, the invention proposes that a characteristic variable is calculated from a time series s(t) of the measurement signal of a measurement device and is compared with previously recorded reference values, with this being used as the basis to automatically generate a message as to whether the measurement device has been installed correctly or incorrectly.

Abstract: A vortex flowmeter is disclosed, which includes, among other features, a closed measuring tube, through which a flowable medium that is to be quantitatively measured flows, the medium flowing against a disturbing element that is arranged in the measuring tube. A vibration sensor is arranged downstream in the direction of flow detecting the vortex frequency generated by the disturbing element. An electronic evaluation unit is disposed downstream of the vibration sensor converting it into an electric signal corresponding to the quantitative flow rate or volumetric flow rate. The relative position can be changed between the measuring tube and the disturbing element and/or the measuring tube and the vibration sensor in a signal-optimizing manner.

Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for functional checking of a field device in a field bus system before the commissioning thereof. After installation and connection of the field device, a functional checking algorithm is carried out with regard to meeting relevant connection parameters, whereby commissioning of the field device is permitted when all connection parameters to be checked by the functional checking algorithm are within permitted ranges.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for diagnosing technical devices, especially pumps and valves, which are arranged within an installation used in the processing industry. According to said method, disturbance variables that affect the devices and influence the service life thereof are detected by means of sensory technology while the data of said disturbance variables is processed in a simulative manner in order to determine the expected service life of each device. Various maintenance instructions which are output along with the expected remaining trouble-free operating time of the industrial installation when a lower service life threshold value of one or several devices has been reached are stored in an expert unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a measuring device, especially a flowmeter, according to the preamble of claim 1. The aim of the invention is to simplify inspection if the sensors have been correctly installed. For this purpose, the installation state is detected by the sensors themselves, i.e. by sensing a corresponding sensor value and comparing it with characteristic data. The result of comparison is electronically evaluated and automatically estimated whether the characteristic data obtained match the comparative data within at least a defined tolerance.

Abstract: A measuring instrument whose measuring principle is based on an oscillator, for example an eddy counter, and in which there is arranged a sensor for recording a measured signal (S(t)), which can be supplied to an evaluation unit (2), characterized in that, from the phase increments psi(tau,t), that is to say from the differences between the instantaneous values phi(t) of the phase signal derived from the measured signal S(t) in a phase extractor (18) and values phi(t-tau) time-delayed by a delayed time tau, a coupling indicator value (KI) is formed in such a way that the existence of phase coupling with a further oscillator can be detected on the latter by means of comparison with a coupling reference value (KR).

Abstract: Coriolis mass flowmeter with a measuring pipe (2) vibrating in coupled flexural and torsional modes, characterized in that an attachment (20) which is formed rotationally symmetrically with respect to an axis of rotational symmetry and can be made to undergo torsional oscillations of the same frequency, but opposite phase, in relation to the torsional oscillating modes of the measuring pipe (2) is mechanically connected to the measuring pipe (2) and the axis of rotational symmetry of the attachment runs parallel to the straight line (8) (central axis) defined by the center points (4a, 6a) of the cross-sectional areas (4, 6) of the inlet and outlet of the measured section or coincides with this line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring a measurement device, in particular a flow measurement device, and to a measurement device itself. In order in this case to reliably preclude measurement errors resulting from incorrect installation, the invention proposes that a characteristic variable is calculated from a time series s(t) of the measurement signal of a measurement device and is compared with previously recorded reference values, with this being used as the basis to automatically generate a message as to whether the measurement device has been installed correctly or incorrectly.

Abstract: Coriolis mass flowmeter with a measuring pipe (2) vibrating in coupled flexural and torsional modes, characterized in that an attachment (20) which is formed. rotationally symmetrically with respect to an axis of rotational symmetry and can be made to undergo torsional oscillations of the same frequency, but opposite phase, in relation to the torsional oscillating modes of the measuring pipe (2) is mechanically connected to the measuring pipe (2) and the axis of rotational symmetry of the attachment runs parallel to the straight line (8) (central axis) defined by the centre points (4a, 6a) of the cross-sectional areas (4, 6) of the inlet and outlet of the measured section or coincides with this line.

Abstract: A measuring instrument whose measuring principle is based on an oscillator, for example an eddy counter, and in which there is arranged a sensor for recording a measured signal (S(t)), which can be supplied to an evaluation unit (2), characterized in that, from the phase increments psi(tau,t), that is to say from the differences between the instantaneous values phi(t) of the phase signal derived from the measured signal S(t) in a phase extractor (18) and values phi(t-tau) time-delayed by a delayed time tau, a coupling indicator value (KI) is formed in such a way that the existence of phase coupling with a further oscillator can be detected on the latter by means of comparison with a coupling reference value (KR).

Abstract: Magneto-inductive flow measurement using a pulsed and/or reversing pulsed constant field wherein the measurement voltage which is induced by the flow, running transversely with respect to the magnetic field, of the measurement medium in the measurement tube of the magneto-inductive flowmeter is sampled in each clock time interval when the coil current is applied, even if the magnetic field has not yet reached its steady-state. Empirically determined correction values are used to correct the samples to the situation when measurements are carried out with a steady-state magnetic field. Calibration measured values can be recorded in a steady-state magnetic field from time to time, in order to check and, if required, to correct the correction factors. The coil current can be switched at frequencies which alternate with one another in time, the number of periods of the mutually alternating period sequences being varied in an irregular manner.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting faults in a magmeter system in which an electrically conductive fluid flows which is maintained at a reference potential. The circuit includes at least two electrodes in contact with the fluid. The electrode signals are conducted to the corresponding inputs of a measuring circuit. An alarm circuit is connected ahead of the measuring circuit. A difference in the magnitude of the values (+U.sub.S and -U.sub.S) of the electrode signals and/or non-symmetries in the noise content of the electrode signals and/or a disturbance in the high frequency signal (U.sub.G) in a loop which contains the electrodes and a high frequency producing generator causes an alarm to be activated.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the flow of a fluid medium which flows upward through a substantially vertically mounted tube section having a suspended body in the tube section. The vertical position of the suspended body depends on the intensity of the flow. Movement of a magnet, movable with the suspended body, is sensed by a unit which includes a Hall sensor and an electronic evaluation circuit, responsive to the Hall sensor output, develops an output signal corresponding to the flow of the medium.