Different types of applications and equipment may create challenges for tension measurement using standard types of load cell transducers. In these types of situations, choosing a load cell transducer with the ability to perform under these conditions will be important. At the same time, the tension transducer will be providing highly accurate measurement over a long-life cycle with very low maintenance requirements.
Essential Considerations
Many of the most common options in transducers, including strain gauge transducers, are not ideally suited to continuous use applications. In continuous strip processes, this can mean the strain gauge load cell transducer has a limited life cycle and may have an increased risk of inaccuracy, particularly if an overload occurs in the system with any frequency or in excessive amounts.
A top choice in these types of applications is a load cell transducer with no moving parts, which eliminates the problems with other options in load cells. Look for models without any welded components or joints, but rather choose an option that is formed from one solid piece, eliminating the risk of metal fatigue at joints or welds.
Another important factor to consider will be the overload protection for the transducer. There are options on the market that are designed to withstand up to 1000% overload, which means the device will have a very long-life cycle, even with continuous line use.
Mounting Options
By ensuring the load cell transducer can be mounted in any orientation, the technician completing the installation can quickly and easily stall the device, limiting downtime for the equipment. Additionally, with an under-pillow mount or UPM, the transducer is safely placed under or beside the axis of the measuring roll, eliminating concerns with the transducer being hit by equipment or traffic.
