LC-137 LVDT Load Cell

Load Cell Utilization Factor

The performance of a load cell and its associated instrumentation is specified on the basis of the load cell’s rated output. If the load cell is supporting a quantity of dead weight (i.e. hopper, screw feeder) then the amount of range left to do the job of weighing is only a fraction of the load cell’s rated output. The situation is further aggravated by the limited availability of conventional load cell capabilities. The percentage of a load cell’s rated output reserved for the the actual job of weighing material is called the Load Cell Utilization Factor.

Permitting a condition to exist wherein the Load Cell Utilization Factor is a mere 20% (not unheard of, or even uncommon), results in drift, non-repeatability and temperature induced shifts that are 5 times worse than what is stated on the specification sheet describing the transducer and measuring system.

At Thayer Scale, we custom build our load cells with capacity ranges that step up in fine increments. Our applications computer can pick the best load cell for the job; one that will have a range that is ideally suited to the service it will perform. This, in combination with our cable suspension system which mass counterbalances the dead load of the hopper and screw feeder, enables us to reach a 90– 100% load cell utilization factor on all applications.

Thayer Force Measurement Scale design uses counter balancing to mechanically tare out the weight of the feeder and hopper allowing the load cell to be sized for only the “live” load of material.

Multiple load cell designs must use oversized load cells to carry both the load of the material and the load of the feeder and hopper which reduces resolution and accuracy.

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