Load cell installation method

Accuracy of load cells is fully utilized. Features of Simplified Method Reasonable price due to dummies and hinges. Applicable to only liquid substances. Difficult to be used in special types of hoppers and tanks and inapplicable to tanks and hoppers which centroids move.

Subject to adverse effects of vibration and temperature. It is mainly used to measure the tension and pressure between solids. It is also called a tension pressure load cell for general use. Because its shape is like an S shape, it is also called S-type load cell, this load cell is made of alloy steel material, rubber sealing protection treatment, easy to install, convenient to use, suitable for electronic load weighing systems such as crane scales, batching scales, and machine scales.

At present, there are many manufacturers of s-type load cells in the Chinese market. So, what are the installation and use methods of s-type load cells? Today I will introduce to you the working principle and installation methods of s-type load cells! The load cell is based on the principle: the elastic body elastic element, sensitive beam produces elastic deformation under the action of external force, so that the resistance strain gauge conversion element pasted on its surface also deforms.

After the resistance strain gauge is deformed, its resistance The value will change increase or decrease , and then the resistance change will be converted into an electrical signal voltage or current by the corresponding measuring circuit, thus completing the process of transforming the external force into an electrical signal.

S-type load cell installation method 1. According to the required working environment, select the appropriate load cell range and determine the rated load of the load cell used. Although the load cell itself has a certain overload capacity, this situation should be avoided as much as possible during installation and use. This axis is often clearly marked or labeled on the device and is ideally perpendicular to the loading surface.

The most common reason for inaccurate load cell measurements is improper axial loading. Since loads can be compressive, tensile, or torsional, properly guiding the load direction depends on the application. Section 4 describes mounting best practices to mitigate improper loading. Place load cells at all corners of the supporting structure to maintain the full weight or load.

When using load cells under structural supports, their arrangement should always be level to the plane perpendicular to the force flow, and spaced at equivalent angles and distance from the center of force.

When installing shear beams, single-point, platform, canister, and disk load cells, keep the lower mount plate level and flat. The top plate that will translate the load should always maintain a parallel position to the bottom plate.

Also, the load path should be perpendicular to the plates. This will keep a predominately axial loading. A failure to maintain axial loading could result in bending moments.

As described in Section 4 , install rod-end bearings and clevis mounts to prevent this. Likewise, when using double-end shear beams, align the load vertically through the center, avoiding twisting or torsion. The load should not shift relative to the cell body. Double-ended shear beams have higher load capacity ratings than single-end. When supporting these greater loads with size constraints, implement double-end beams.

Canister or disk load cells also handle higher capacities, but can be larger and bulkier. For tension applications such as pulleys, hoists or cranes, and fork lifts, fewer suspended supports will deliver more accurate results. Install suspension systems with adjustable linkages to maintain the ability to evenly distribute loads among load cells.

S-beam load cells can be used in both tension and compression. They are susceptible to large bending moments; to prevent this, install with rod-end bearings.

Also, since the internal strain gauge usually sits on a specific end of S-beam load cells; take particular notice of its correct orientation relative to the mounts and load. A force shunt is any device or path through which a portion of the force flow or load is diverted. The force being considered is mechanical, and can be created by a physical load, weight, or pressure.

Avoiding force shunts is critical for weighed objects such as tanks, platforms, or scales. Failure to set up the fixture in this way will interfere with accurate measurements. For a more in-depth explanation of force shunts, see Measuring Forces in the Force Shunt. If the measured vessel has process connections such as piping or ducts, these should remain flexible to limit force shunting. See Figure 1. Small diameter piping, or long segments without significant supporting structures, can also cause significant force shunting.

If possible, use larger diameter connections at all times. Connect piping with hoses or accordion tubing for best results. Ladders, pipes, rods, and catwalks can all improperly load, or shunt, a portion of the measured structure.

Remove these when measuring or compensate for the errors they introduce to the output measurement. Despite these recommendations, safety is of highest priority; therefore use safety features even if they create force shunts. Proper structural backup should always be in place if failure of a load cell component could cause injury.

For example, if a load pin could fail in a suspension application, use backup cables or stops to limit displacement that could harm equipment or operators. Again, choose flexible over rigid safety structures to help reduce force shunts while maintaining high levels of safety for operators.

Every load cell will perform differently depending on the environment. Before installing the measuring system, planners should do a thorough analysis of the environmental factors influencing the load cell and fixture.

These factors were discussed in Section 1. Keep the load cell application in a controlled environment and when possible use devices indoors to reduce environmental effects. These environmental factors include debris buildup, temperature, wind, precipitation, ice, sunlight, humidity, other electrical systems and ground conditions.

If ambient temperatures fluctuate, use load cells that are temperature compensated. This information appears on the load cell model datasheet.