What are compression load cells and how do these load cells work?
Compression load cells are column shaped force sensors that measure forces. These load cells are named after the way they deflect. The deflection is in compression. Inside a compression load cell is one or multiple columns installed. By applying load, those columns will be compressed. The columns will turn into “bellows”. Exactly on the spot where the deflection occurs, strain gauges are situated to detect this change in shape.
When the load cell deflects, strain gauges will give a change in their resistance. In this way the force will be transmitted into an electrical signal. This is the working principle of the load cell.
On this page you see the compression load cell range that we manufacture.
We also offer accessories, like mounts, mounting kits and rocker supports for an optimum force introduction. You can find them here.
Different types of compression load cells
We define different types of compression load cells by their characteristics.
Single column and multi column compression load cells
The difference between a single column and multi-column loadcell is the internal structure. Where a single column compression loadcell has only one column with strain gauges attached, the multi-column version has multiple columns in the inner structure, which have strain gauges attached.
The single column compression load cells have a better anti-flexural performance. In other words, they are better to be used in applications where dynamic side load can be expected. An example of this is weighbridges.
The multi-column load cells have a better resistance to off-centre load. This means they are the better choice when building static weighing applications. An example of this is weighing silo’s.
Different kind of material; alloy steel and stainless steel
We advise to use alloy steel compression load cells inside, in dry environments. You can use this material when there is no risk that chemicals or fluid will cause corrosion to the load cells. If you need to weigh outside, we advise to use our stainless steel versions.
Capacity
Zemic Europe offers compression load cells with capacities from 500kg up to 500t. The load cell with the highest capacity (500t) is our H14W. The BM14C is starting from 500kg.
Accuracy
We offer compression load cells in OIML accuracy classes C3 and C4.
Degree of protection (IP value)
The Ingress Protection (IP) value is the degree of protection against the intrusion of dust and water. All alloy steel and stainless steel compression load cells that we offer, are hermetically sealed. The IP value is rated at 68. The tool steel version, the H14W, has an IP rating of 66.
In our blog we explain the meaning of the IP-values.
Conical tops
Our compression load cells have conical tops for centric force introduction. Conical tops also compensate for side forces. There is only one exception in our program and this is the BM14D. This loadcell has threaded ends.
Double bridge option
Our H14W has this unique feature. The capacities from 13t to 500t have a double bridge option. When one bridge of Wheatstone is failing, the other bridge of Wheatstone will take over.
How compression loadcells are used and installed
Compression load cells are mostly used in weighbridges and silos. Those are high capacity applications. Most of the time you will find 6, 8 or 12 loadcells installed in one weighbridge. In a silo usually 4 load cells are connected in parallel.
To connect loadcells in parallel we offer junction boxes and transmitters. We also select the load cells on output values. This will save you installation time in the corner adjustment of your application. Junction boxes are used to easily connect load cells in parallel.
Transmitters offer more possibilities then only connecting the load cells; they read out the signal from the load cell and convert it into a weight or force.
Zemic Europe delivers Top-Sensors transmitters. When you use the T1-4 channel, T2 or T2-8 channel transmitters, you will save a junction box.
Those transmitters:
- will connect the load cells in parallel internally;
- enable you to calibrate your weighing applications;
- have the ability to transmit the signal, in the protocol you wish. When you need a specific protocol, please contact us.
When installing compression loadcells you will also need the right rocker supports and/or mounts. We offer them as a weighing accessory. Please take care to order these parts as well when ordering compression load cells.
The HM14H1 alloy steel compression loadcell is a complete weighing kit. The HM14H1 comes with washers, rocker supports and protective rubbers to avoid dirt or ice between the parts.
Specifications of mounts
When installing or replacing the load cell a mount is an essential and time saving option. We make our mounts as user friendly as possible. This means you will have a good and easy load cell access.
Besides easy load cell access, some of our mounts offer also other features to consider for your application. For example lift off protection and controlled horizontal movement are two other important factors to take into account.
You can find our mounts in ‘weighing accessories’.
If you have any doubts, our weighing experts are ready to discuss the right options together with you.
Examples of applications with compression load cells
The most common applications are truck scales, silos, large platform scales, weighbridges, and hopper scales. Their long lifetime, high accuracy and reliability make compression load cells an important consideration, for all industrial applications where proven performance is required.
Most of the time you will find compression loadcells in the following sectors:
- Agriculture
- Offshore
- Process Industry
- Transport
- Test and Measurement
Besides compression load cells, we also design various other types of load cells such as:
- Tension & compression load cells
- Single point load cells
- Tension load cells
- Ring torsion load cells
The working principle of our load cells are always based on a set or sets of four strain gauges put in a Wheatstone bridge.
Do you need compression load cells?
We would like to help you select the right load cells for your application. At Zemic Europe we have a complete range of products. Due to our years of experience we are able to give you advice.
You can read more about Zemic Europe here: about us.
For any questions, please contact us.