Choosing load cells for tough applications
What kind of torture do the load cells in your weighing system have to withstand? This article explains how to choose a load cell that will operate reliably in hostile environments and rugged operating conditions.
Load cells are critical components in dry bulk solids weighing systems, where they sense the weight of material in weigh hoppers, other vessels, or process equipment. In a tough application, a load cell may be exposed to a hostile environment with corrosive chemicals, heavy dust, high temperatures, or excessive moisture (from washing down equipment with large amounts of liquid). Or the load cell may be exposed to high vibration, unequal loads, or other harsh operating conditions. Such conditions can lead to weighing errors or even damage the load cell if it hasn't been chosen correctly. To select the right load cell for a demanding application, you need a solid understanding of your environment and operating conditions and what load cell features are best for handling them.