LOAD CELL

MMM LAB REPORT

This report imparts a detailed description of load cells,

along with explanation of various types of load cells
and various different details.

Aakash Nair
15BME063

 A Load cell can be described as a device or can furthermore be termed as a transducer

that employs an electric signal for quantification of force where the magnitude of electric
signal is directly equivalent to the mandatory force which we are anticipated to measure.
There are numerous varieties of load cell that are employed for application and the strain
gauge load cell is almostly extensively utilized in operations and other load cells that are
also being utilized append hydraulic(or hydrostatic) load cell , pneumatic load cell ,
piezoelectric load cell , capacitive load cell ,piezo-electric load cell etc.

Stain Gauge Load Cell

Principle/Working of Strain Gauge Load Cell

 The postulate or working is fundamentally based on the detail that owing to stress
every-time there is alteration in length it also induces a variation in the resistance of

the conductor.
Cu Ni alloy is frequently utilized in the construction of strain gauge cell for the
reason that the resistance change of foil is chiefly equivalent to the strain which is

being deployed.
The electric output is typically very negligible in the order of scarce milli-volts.
It is then amplified with the assist of an instrumentation amplifier prior to sending it
to the measurement system. The output procured can either be digital or analog
subject to its use.
There are various issues encountered like electric damage , issues associated with
wiring , difficulties encountered in mounting etc.
The strain gauge cell employs Wheatstone bridge setup that fundamentally
incorporates 4 strain gauge cells.

Hydraulic Load Cell

Hydraulic load cells can be quoted as force balance devices utilised for weight
measurement based on the pressure change of internally filled fluid.
Its operation fundamentally involves a load which supposedly acts on a burthen
head which is conveyed to a piston which constricts the filling fluid cramped inside
an elastomeric diaphragm chamber.
Furthermore as the force enlarges , so also does the pressure of the hydraulic fluid.
This found pressure can be locally showed for remote identification and access.
Major advantages of hydraulic load cells comprise that they are typically expensive
but the mechanism of operation is tad complex but not much arduous.
Fundamentally this sensor does not incorporate any electrical equipments so its an
ideal fit for use in precarious conditions.
Rudimentary hydraulic load cell enactments comprise repository , receptable and
hopper measurements by employing scales.
A hydraulic load cell is fundamentally unsusceptible to impermanent voltages so
these kind of load cells can be utilized for implementation in outdoor conditions.
Since hydraulic load cell is responsive to pressure variations , the load cell has to be
modified to zero setting prior to being utilized to measure force.

 Consider into picture a rolling diaphragm hydraulic kind of load cell , a force that
may exert influence on loading head is conveyed to a piston which compresses a
filling fluid constricted within the bounds of an elastomeric diaphragm container.
Capacitive Load Cell
Capacitive load cells are constructed on the principal of alteration in capacitance
whenever a load is administered on the load cell.
Capacitance fundamentally indicates the capability of a system to reserve a charge.
If the capacitor is constructed using the typical parallel plate resemblance then its
capability to reserve a charge is directly equivalent to the fold over of the plates and
conversely equivalent to the cleft intervening the plates.
When a load is administered then the distance in the middle of the two plates alters due to
turning away of the housing, and outcome being a dis-equivalent alteration in capacitance
resulting in capacitance sensors becoming extremely delicate.
There are loads of capacitive load cells available for use such as-:
o iLoad Mini Accompanied at hand with Dome
o iLoad Mini Accompanied at hand With Weaved Stud
o iLoad Mini Pro Accompanied at hand With Weaved Stud
o iLoad Mini Pro
o iLoad Pro
o iLoad TR
o iLoad Low Profile
o iLoad Pro Industrial Grade Digital/Analog Load Cell
o iLoad TR Series Tilt Opposing USB Load Cell
o iLoad Mini Pro Unsullied Steel
o Low Profile USB Load Cell
o iLoad Pro Analog/Digital Load Cell
Piezoelectric Load Cell
A piezoelectric load cell transforms an exerted load into an electric charge with the
application of piezoelectric crystal or ceramic and a voltage output that is produced by
the crystal or ceramic is equivalent to the distortion of load cell.
They are useful for more often measurements of force.
Most implementations of load cells are in vigorous loading conditions whereas the strain
load cells fail under such vigorous conditions.
Disadvantages of such load cells perceived are that it may suffer electric damages.
They involve two crystal disks
Pneumatic Load Cells
This load cell is prototyped to self regulate the stabilizing pressure.

 Air pressure is exerted to one end of the diaphragm and it absconds through the nozzle
positioned at the bottom of the load cell.
A pressure gauge is connected with the load cell to evaluate the pressure within the cell.
Advantages OF Load Cells
Resilient and close packed construction
Immovable components
Highly detailed and error free results
Easily applicable for both steady and dynamic loading.
Strain gauge load cells are less expensive so it is naturally extensively utilized in the
industry.
Strain gauge load cells can be put into implementation for both enlargement and
confining.
Strain gauge load cells can also be utilized for machine examination in process industry.
Issues associated With Load Cells
The cells have to be properly oriented. Each and every load has to pass through the part
where the deformation is discerned.
Friction may cause counterbalance or output lag.
Need of safeguarding the load cell cavity.
Imperfect orientation leads to calculation of the wrong forces directing to technician
being baffled.
The load cell distorts lithely and returns to its indigenous shape after being unloaded
when it is being operated within its span.
But if whenever being operated above its maximum capacity its typically shows a knack
to deform unflexibly that causes several operation related trouble.
The wires of the conductors may enhance their resistance due to corrosion that leads to
electric disaster.
Immense voltage can sneak away through the insulation intervening the substrate along
with strain gauge.
At bottommost end of their scale there is a knack of them being non-aligned. This turns
out to be crucial for cells anticipating very substantial ranges.
Huge voltages can shatter through the insulation between the substrate and strain gauges.
For welding passby , it is proposed that it be disconnected and shorten all pins to
ground, nearby the cell itself.
Any internal component misfunction is a major worry since it result in wrong readings or
not register any reading on the scale at all.

 Test Procedure And Analysis For Issues

For sudden variation in zero point
Test Conducted- Zero balance
Issue Associated-Mechanical overload
For unstable readings, random change in zero point
Test Conducted-Insulation resistance
Issue Associated-Chemical ingress
Scale reads overload, incorrect or not at all
Test Conducted-Bridge integrity
Issue Associated-Electric overload or internal short circuit
Erratic readings when load is administered or removed
Test Conducted-Shock resistance