Weighing: Strain gauge basics
Several operations in a typical bulk solids processing plant depend on automated electronic weighing systems to provide accurate weight measurement. But how much do you understand about these systems and how they convert weight measurement data into electrical signals that not only provide weight readouts, but can be used to control processing steps? Read this article for information on strain gauges, which are a type of transducer used in weight measurement to provide an electrical output. Sections cover strain gauge components and circuitry and the operation of a strain gauge load cell.
Weighing systems are critical in several stages of processing and handling a bulk solid: inventory control, process control, mixing and blending, calculating solids flowrates, and packaging, to name a few. The weight handled by a weighing system can range from a few milligrams to several hundred tons, while the system's required accuracy depends on the application. Consequently, many types of weighing systems based on different weighing methods are available on the market today.