Load Cells: The Vital Component in Precision Weighing

A load cell is a transducer or a sensor that converts force into an electrical signal. In industrial weighing applications, it's a critical and core component used to measure weight or force.

The most commonly used types of load cells in industrial applications are strain gauge load cells, which work on the principle of piezoresistance. When a load or force is applied to the strain gauge, it deforms or changes shape. This change in shape causes a measurable change in the electrical resistance. The change in resistance is proportional to the load applied, meaning the more significant the load, the larger the change in resistance.

This change in resistance is usually minimal, so it's converted into an electrical signal using a Wheatstone bridge configuration. The signal is then amplified and converted into a digital form by an analog-to-digital converter. This digital signal can be interpreted and displayed on a readout device, such as a digital display or a computer.

In industrial weighing applications, load cells are ubiquitous, with applications including weighing scales, industrial scales, batching scales, and load-testing machines. They can measure loads ranging from tiny (a few grams) to large (hundreds of tons).

Load cells are robust and reliable, capable of withstanding harsh industrial environments. They can handle extreme temperatures, high levels of vibration, and other challenging conditions. Additionally, they offer high precision and accuracy, which are critical in many industrial applications.

In addition to their use in weighing, load cells measure tension, compression, and shear forces, making them versatile tools in many industrial processes. They play a significant role in quality, inventory, and process control in various industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, pulp & paper, power generation, transportation, and construction.

BLH Nobel is a leading weighing and force measurement solution provider, including load cells, weighing modules, and process control equipment. The company is renowned for delivering precision, reliability, and durability, particularly in harsh industrial environments.

KIS Weigh Modules, adeptly deployed on dynamic process vessels amidst harsh, sanitation-intensive areas, have mastered the art of thriving amidst grime and grit. Their performance remains uncompromised and exceptional, even in the most challenging conditions riddled with corrosive acids, potent industrial cleaning agents, acidic vapors, and abrasive granulated powders.

Part of the remarkable performance of the BLH Nobel KIS is its ingenious cylindrical design. KIS beams can be maneuvered within the module's infrastructure, aligning precisely with the direction of the applied weight. The modules feature cylindrical, electro-polished stainless steel, forming an almost friction-free surface, allowing the module yoke to glide effortlessly during thermal expansion and contraction periods.

 

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BLH Nobel KIS Beam Load Cell Technology

The BLH Nobel KIS load cell provides unmatched efficiency, is simple to mount, and is highly accurate, even under complex process forces and extreme environmental conditions. Unlike other load cells, KIS works as defined in real-world applications, not just under laboratory conditions. 

KIS Beam technology integrates SR-4 ® strain gages connected as a full Wheatstone bridge that is temperature-compensated and optimized for precision and reliability. And since all KIS Beams are factory-calibrated, installation and set-up are simple and easy without the need for on-site calibration (unless mechanical obstructions prohibit a vessel being "freestanding"). 

The above four-minute video does an excellent job illustrating how the KIS load cell works and what distinguishes KIS from other load cells

For more information about BLH Nobel products in New England, contact AP Corp. Call them at (508) 351-6200 or visit their website at https://a-pcorp.com.

Load Cells for Weighing Vessels in Hot and Vibration Prone Areas

Most load cells are designed to handle vertical force and cannot discern errors introduced from side loading and/or torque loading. In real world conditions, though, load cells see much more than vertical loading, and unfortunately, can output erroneous values. While they are excellent for static weighing situations, such as scales, load cells typically can’t handle the rigors of process vessel applications.

A case in point is a chemical manufacturer with several, existing three cubic meter batching tanks. It was decided the tanks needed modifications to provide more accurate weighing of the individual ingredients. The existing load cells were experiencing errors due to thermal expansion of the vessel, and the resultant side loads from expansion. Additionally there was a problem with vibration in the plant. A better solution was needed, and whatever the solution would be, the customer made it clear the new weighing system must provide system accuracy in the range of ±0.1%.

An approach to deal mechanically with the thermal cycling while using the same type of load cell was discussed. It involved several mechanical modifications that required significant and costly structural changes.

BLH KIS

Another suggestion was to evaluate a unique load cell design that was particularly tolerant against thermal expansion, vibration, and high lateral forces - the BLH Nobel KIS series.  The KIS load cell offered some obvious advantages over rebuilding the tanks supports and frame, namely time and expense. Beyond the short installation time and easy modification, the KIS also offers excellent reliability and accuracy.

BLH Controller

The customer decided to “take the easy way out” and just replace the old, error-prone load cells with KIS load cells. Installation and start-up was very easy, taking very little time. After installation, the customer was pleasantly surprised by the high accuracy of the new KIS load cells, despite the thermal expansion of the vessel and the inherent vibration.

For more information on BLH Nobel products in New England and Upstate New York contact A-P Corp. Call them at (816) 353-6550 or visit them at https://a-pcorp.com.