There is a large array of load cells that are available today, all have different specifications and are more suited to certain jobs than others. So how do you know which load cell to use for which application? Here is a look at some of the different load cells that are obtainable, a short description, and which usage they are more appropriate for.
Compression Load Cell – DL – load cells are usually described by a range of aspects which people usually want to know such as its range, its overload, and its accuracy. This compression load cell has a range of 50, 100, 150, 250, 500, 1.000, 1.500, 2.000, 3.000, 4.000, 5.000 kg. Its overload capacity is up to 1000%, and its accuracy is described as Industrial 0.10%, Precision 0.05%, High Precision 0.025%. This type of load cell is shockproof which means it can handle a lot going on in its surroundings, it doesn’t affect the readings, and so they are great for tough environments such as a building site.
Hydraulic Load Cells – this is a type of mechanical load cell. It has a weight range of up to 10,000,000 lb, and its accuracy is 0.25%. These types of load cells can handle impact well and they are virtually insensitive to temperature. The downside is that they are expensive and are complex to use. Because they can handle impact they are usually used for tanks, bins and hoppers, and hazardous areas.
Pneumatic Load Cells – this is another type of a mechanical load cell. It has a wide weight range and a high accuracy. On the plus side they are intrinsically safe and it contains no fluids but on the downside they have a slow response rate and they need to be cleaned regular with dry air. These types of load cells are usually used in the food industry and hazardous areas.
Bending and Shear Beam Load Cells – this load cell has weight capacities of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 250, 500 kg. It has an output at Rated Load trimmed to 2mV/V ± 0.1%, robust stainless steel construction, hermetically sealed to IP67, and a 6 wire technique with double shielded cable. These types of load cells are ideal for silo, tank and hopper weighing.
