3 Types of Load Cells You Should Know

Load cells have different uses in the industry and on an oil rig. Accordingly, they're available in different designs to match the requirements of the job. 

A compression load cell by Contact Instruments


Here's a closer look at load cells and some of their most commonly used types:

What is a Load Cell?

A load cell is a transducer. It's used to convert force into an electric output so that it can be accurately measured. Load cells can be categorized as different types depending on their weight detection mechanism or the output signal that they produce.

Different Types of Load Cells

The most popular types of load cells are:

·         Hydraulic load cells

·         Pneumatic load cells

·         Strain-gauge load cells

Each type is discussed below:

1. Hydraulic Load Cells

A standard piston and cylinder arrangement is used in a hydraulic load cell filled with oil. Since the piston is located inside an elastic diaphragm, the cell uses mechanical features to make sure that the diaphragm isn't subjected to too much strain.

Upon applying the load, the piston moves inside the diaphragm and causes the oil pressure to increase. This pressure is measured by a hydraulic pressure gauge and displayed on the dial where it can be easily read.

Since a hydraulic load cell lacks any electrical components, it's robust enough to be used in outdoor applications without adversely impacting its accuracy.

2. Pneumatic Load Cells

Pneumatic load cells are often preferred for their ability to keep their balancing pressure in check without human intervention. They use multiple dampeners, resulting in greater accuracy compared to other types of cells even when weighing small quantities.

Pneumatic load cells operate on air pressure. Load application causes the air pressure inside the cell to change, and this change is registered on a pressure gauge attached to the cell.

Besides their accuracy, a major benefit of pneumatic load cells is that they're impervious to changes in the temperatures. They're also explosion-proof, and their lack of fluids makes them ideal for usage in environments where cleanliness is a priority.

3. Strain-Gauge Load Cells

A strain-gauge load cell is by far the most widely used load cell in industrial settings, thanks to its high accuracy and cost-effective design.

Strain-gauge load cells use materials such as stainless steel or aluminum in their construction. The cell primarily consists of a grid that becomes slightly deformed during load application. This deformity creates a change in the electrical resistance of the attached gauges, which can then be measured as a voltage.

An oil rig in the sea


About Contact Instruments

Contact Instruments provides weight indicator systems, standpipe pressure gauges, load cells and pressure sensors, and drilling rig instrumentation to clients in Canada, United States, and elsewhere. The company's full product range can be seen on their website. Contact them for more information and sales inquiries.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Avoid OSHA Violations at Your Drilling Rig

Image
  The health and safety of workers in the oil and gas mining industry are major concerns. Exposure to hazards, extreme work environments, and accidents while operating heavy machinery means that oil/gas industry employees are at a higher risk of injuries and fatalities. As a result, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ) has outlined certain precautions that help prevent accidents and keep your employees and worksite safe. Significant focus has been put on inspecting oilfield worksites, so you want to be prepared for any unexpected visits at your facility at all times. Staying prepared means that not only do you get to avoid fines and citations , but you also keep your workers protected. Let’s take a look at the top three violations on OSHA’s list, as well as the steps you can take to prevent them. 1. Inadequate Fall Prevention According to the National Safety Council, falls are among the most common hazards in the workplace, leading to approximately 50,000 severe i
Read more

What Is Overmolding And Why Is It Important?

Image
Overmolding is done through a process of injection molding in which two or more different materials are used to combine wires and make them into a singular component. To better understanding overmolding , it’s important to have a thorough understanding of how it works.   1.       The cable assembly is placed inside a mold 2.       Molten plastic material is poured into the cavity of the mold 3.       Once cooled, the plastic material solidifies into the shape of the mold and covers the junction point between the wire and its connector The Many Benefits Of Overmolded Cable So, why do people go through the trouble of combining wires into single components? The biggest advantage of doing so is increasing the longevity and reliability of cables and their components. ·          Better Flexibility With overmolding, the flexibility at the cable exit is strengthened. You might subject the cable to more pulling and strain near its connector, and with the help overmolding, there
Read more

What You Need To Know About Mud Pumps

Image
 If you're like most people, you've probably had a tough time finding the right mud pump with all the options available in the market This article will highlight some important things you should know before buying mud pumps. What Are Mud Pumps? Mud pumps are a machine with a vacuum that is used to pull water from low-lying areas and into the sewage system. The units are usually powered by electricity, but they can also be operated on gas or steam. They work by using air pressure to exert force on water, which then forms a stream in the pump hose. Once this stream is formed, it pushes the water through an intermediate chamber and out of one or two outlets before circulating back into the input chamber for re-injection. At this point, most mud pumps will have another outlet from which they can utilize the output flow downstream for agricultural purposes such as irrigation or crop flows. What Are They Used for? Mud pumps are usually used in municipal wastewater plants
Read more