Load Cell Signal Amplifier – Types of Load Cell

A load cell is a general purpose device, which easily converts force into the electrical signals. However, the ways of converting it could vary from its various types. Before you buy any load cell, it’s vital to find out its available types. Whether you are using a load cell signal amplifier or using a load cell solely, knowing its types is always helpful

So let’s discover the types right below:     

1.     Hydraulic Load Cell

As the name indicates, a hydraulic load cell uses a cylinder and conventional piston arrangement to transmit any change in pressure. The pressure fluctuates as the diaphragm and piston moves, which further make changes in Bourdon Tubes connected with a load cell.

A hydraulic load cell also has pressurized fluid, pressure gauge, support structure, and two rubber cups. All these parts play a crucial role during the process and any fault in any of these elements will lead to overall system collapsing. So it’s imperative to take the best care of hydraulic load cell and its parts.    

2.     Strain Gauge Load Cell

This load cell is the perfect paradigm of growing technology. Strain gauge load cell is an authentic mechanical element, which can sense any changes or deformation on the strain gauge. For a simple put, whenever the strain gauge is deformed, it senses the change instantly.

The entire arrange is in such a way:

·         The cell is in “Z” shape so that the force is applied directly to the bar

·         4 strain gauges sense the bending distortion

·         2 Measuring compression

·         2 tension

When these 4 gauges are placed in a Wheatstone bridge format, it becomes easy to measure even a small change in resistance on strain gauges.  

3.     Pneumatic Load Cell

Pneumatic load cell uses air pressure to calculate the force on gauges. It applies air pressure on one end of a diaphragm, which escapes through other nozzle located at load cell’s bottom. This nozzle contains a pressure gauge right inside the cell.  

Wrapping Up

These are a few of the types of the load cell, but you can find abundant kinds in the market along with supplementary parts such as a load cell signal conditional. Each of these kinds has similar working except the size, mechanical setup, and material. That’s why these load cells differ in sensitivity to be handled and max loads.       

4 Step Method to Find a Fault in Load Cell Signal Amplifier

Many of us spend too much time on discovering a fault in a load cell signal amplifier, but only a few gets succeed. There are countless fault-finding Techniques that can bewilder your mind. To make things easier, we have done all the research for you and have come up with some handy methods those would find any anomaly in your load cell signal amplifier quickly.

So get ready with your toolkit and follow the lead!  

1.     Wiring Connection & Color Codes

The first thing to check when the load cell is slower is the wiring. As per some survey, approximately 90% faults in a load cell have been encountered because of a glitch in the wiring. Right between the amplifier and excitation points, there’s a huge arrangement of cabling. Before you choose any other hitch finding process, it's better to investigate the wiring first. There will be a color code, which may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer; therefore, it's better not to assume it.      

2.     Overloaded Load Cell

An overloaded load cell can direct to issues. A leaned cell is considered to be overloaded. Moreover, it can distort cell’s shape, which can’t be revered to the zero position. This permanent distortion gives the non-zero readings from which you can guess the cause. Maintaining a load cell signal conditioner isn’t easy; so, one has to be cautious with these signs.       

3.     Excitation +/- and Signal +/- Resistance

It’s imperative to have a resistance between +/-ve terminals on both the excitation and signal terminals. Taking a reading will help you to find whether or not the resistance is moderate or normal at these points with the help of a multi-meter. If you find any vibration, don't worry, it's normal. On a safety note, ensure that the load cell is not connected to the signal conditioner.         

4.     Load Cell Movement

Is your load cell moving freely? If not, there could be a high mechanical restriction. A bad cable connection can cause the load cell to twist and showing wrong readings. So, clean the cable routing.     

So use this method to keep your load cell signal conditioner in check.