'S' Beam Load Cells

[cb68]

I am designing a piece of continuous processing equipment that is subject to temperature extremes (-20 to 45 Celsius) and is also subject to high pressure water jets. I need to monitor a load (only up to a couple of hundred kg's) continuously within this environment with a system that is sensibly priced. I need to measure compressive forces.

I was thinking of using an 'S' Beam Load Cell. Anybody know how robust these things are or alternatively is there anything that could be more suitable in this application.

Any thoughts most welcome.

 

[MintJulep]

Your temperature range would probably introduce calibration problems.

Try your question in the Aircraft Engineering area. Load cells of some sort are used as squat sensors on aircraft to measure weight of the plane. They are subjected to temperture extremes. Might get you pointed in the right direction.

 

[Sparweb]

Not to mention the load cells used on the bellies of helicopters to tell the pilot if he's overloading the cargo hook. Try contacting a company called "Breeze-Eastern". I think the load cells they use are straight piezoelectric. The helicopters are designed for the same temperature range, though the load sensed is purely tension...


"Simplicate, and add more lightness" - Bill Stout
Steven Fahey, CET

 

[automatic2]

These type of load cells are injured by shock loading. If This is not a problem then you should be Ok. You can get the devices in a protective boot/can for dirty enviroments. You may need temperature compensation, but the supplier can provide that info.

 

[ccw]

Hi cb68,

You may have already considered this. If you can translate the force of the load to be monitored outside of this environment through suspension cables or linkages penetrating the containment, so that the transducer is remoted to a less hostile and more accessible environment, it may be to your advantage.