The NivLer project developed a non-invasive, high-precision pressure measurement platform that can be retrofitted to almost any type of pipe, regardless of material, diameter, and geometry. Pipe openings, bends, or dead spaces have no influence. Precise joining for direct mechanical coupling between the Si-DMS and the pipe sleeve to the pipes is crucial for the function. Various tests were carried out on the mounted assemblies. Parameters such as temperature and signal hysteresis as well as linearity were recorded in order to understand the sensor behavior depending on the environmental conditions. As expected, all assemblies showed significant zero drift, which can be attributed to the design of the pipe sleeve. It was also found that the drift of the sensors stabilizes when mounted if the sleeves are attached to the pressure pipes with a suitable tightening torque of 0.3 Nm. The results show that the sensor system meets the following requirements:
- Non-invasive pressure measurement in pipes or pressure vessels without media contact
- Retrofitting to process lines (free mounting, surface mounting)
- Various geometric sizes/shapes possible depending on the application
- Easy installation, but slight loss of accuracy
The further development of the pressure measurement platform has a measurement accuracy of approx. 1% to 3% in environments up to 80 °C and approx. 3% to 5% of the measuring range (4 – 300 bar) at 200 °C. Initial measurements indicate that pressure ranges up to 1000 bar can also be detected with comparable parameters. The system is suitable for monitoring process parameters in biological and chemical processes and procedures in order to improve efficient, energy- and resource-saving, and low-CO2-emission production in various industries, such as the food and pharmaceutical industries, the chemical industry, and the renewable energy sector.
» Infosheet: Retrofit kit for non-invasive pressure measurement (NivLer)
The research and development work described was funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) as part of the research project “Retrofit kit for non-invasive pressure measurement” (NivLer).
Funding code: 49MF220174
