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Hydraulic Load Cells: How Do They Work?

cardinal hydraulic load cell

Understanding Hydraulic Load Cells.

When it comes to load cells, there are a few different options you can select from and they each have different methods of sensing the load. Hydraulic load cells are sensors that are used to measure force or weight. They are commonly used in a variety of applications, including industrial processes, quality control, and testing. Hydraulic load cells work by using the principles of hydraulics to translate a force or weight into a measurable pressure.

How Hydraulic Load Cells Work

  1. A load cell consists of a cylinder filled with a liquid, typically oil, and a piston inside the cylinder. The piston is connected to a transducer, which is a device that converts physical motion or pressure into an electrical signal.

  2. When a force is applied to the load cell, it pushes down on the piston, which in turn increases the pressure of the oil in the cylinder. This increased pressure is transmitted through the oil to the transducer.

  3. The transducer converts the pressure of the oil into an electrical signal, which is then sent to a display or controller. The strength of the electrical signal is proportional to the force or weight being applied to the load cell.

  4. The display or controller then translates the electrical signal into a numerical value, which is displayed as the weight or force being measured by the load cell.

Hydraulic load cells are highly accurate and reliable, and they are capable of measuring a wide range of forces and weights. They are also relatively easy to install and maintain, making them a popular choice for many applications.

There are several types of hydraulic load cells, including single-ended, double-ended, and cantilever designs. Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of which type to use depends on the specific application and the requirements of the system.

Closing Words

In summary, hydraulic load cells work by using the principles of hydraulics to translate a force or weight into a measurable pressure, which is then converted into an electrical signal and displayed as a numerical value. They are accurate, reliable, and widely used in a variety of applications.

At American Scale we strive to bring you informed and useful content on all things scale related. Be sure to check out our legal for trade truck scale system articles about truck scale foundation or how much do truck scales cost. We even have a guide to warranties. We also have articles on scale accessories, common problems to prolong your scales lifespan, weighing applications as well as what scale indicator works best with your junction box. To learn more about bench scales, it would be good to check out our other articles such as “Bench Scale Basics'' and “How Much Does A Bench Scale Cost?”. These articles will help with the basics of bench scale ownership.

Analytical Balance Calibration Guide.

Calibrating Your Balance.

Scale calibration is an essential part to maintaining scale accuracy. When there is a wide gap between calibrations, then you most likely have lost accuracy.

When it comes to calibrating a lab balance, there is a bit more that needs to be considered. Calibrating an analytical balance is a process that ensures the accuracy and precision of the measurements taken with the balance. It is an important step in the maintenance of any laboratory equipment, and should be done regularly to ensure reliable results. There are several methods for calibrating an analytical balance, and the specific method used may vary depending on the make and model of the balance.

  1. Check the balance for physical stability and level. Before calibrating the balance, make sure that it is stable and level. A balance that is not stable or level will not give accurate results, no matter how well it is calibrated.

  2. Check the balance for any damage or wear. Look for any signs of damage or wear, such as cracks in the weighing pan or damage to the calibration weights. If the balance is damaged or worn, it may not give accurate results and should be repaired or replaced.

  3. Clean the balance and weighing pan. Make sure that the balance and weighing pan are clean and free of any dirt or debris that could interfere with the calibration process.

  4. Perform a simple calibration. Many analytical balances have a simple calibration function that allows you to calibrate the balance using a set of internal weights. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for performing a simple calibration.

  5. Perform a linearity test. A linearity test is used to check the balance's accuracy over a range of weights. To perform a linearity test, you will need a set of calibration weights that cover a range of values. Place each weight on the balance in turn, and compare the reading to the known value of the weight. If the balance is accurate, the readings should match the known values within the balance's specified accuracy.

  6. Perform a sensitivity test. A sensitivity test is used to check the balance's ability to detect small changes in weight. To perform a sensitivity test, you will need a set of calibration weights that cover a range of values, including very small weights. Place each weight on the balance in turn, and compare the reading to the known value of the weight. If the balance is sensitive enough, it should be able to detect small changes in weight and give accurate readings for the small weights.

  7. Record the calibration results. After completing the calibration process, record the results in a log book or electronic record. This will allow you to track the performance of the balance over time and identify any trends or issues that may need to be addressed.

Closing words

Calibrating an analytical balance is an important step in ensuring the accuracy and precision of your measurements. By following these steps and adhering to the manufacturer's instructions, you can ensure that your balance is properly calibrated and ready to provide reliable results.

At American Scale we strive to bring you informed and useful content on all things scale systems related, including products from the top scale manufacturers. Be sure to check out our truck scale articles about truck scale foundation or how much do truck scales cost. We even have a guide to warranties. To learn more about bench scales, it would be good to check out our other articles such as “Bench Scale Basics'' and “How Much Does A Bench Scale Cost?”. These articles will help with the basics of bench scale ownership. Also, take a look at our “Common Problems With Bench Scales'', to help prolong the lifespan on your scale.

Crane Scale Maintenance Guide

Keeping Your Crane Scale in Good Health.

A crane scale, also known as a hoist scale or a hanging scale, is a type of industrial weighing device that is used to weigh loads as they are being lifted by a crane. These scales are designed to be rugged and durable, and can withstand the stresses and strains of being used in a heavy-duty industrial environment.

Like any other piece of equipment, however, a crane scale requires regular maintenance and service in order to function properly and ensure accurate readings. Regular maintenance and service can also help to extend the life of the scale and reduce the risk of costly repairs or downtime.

What Goes into crane scale maintenance?

One of the key components of maintenance and service for a crane scale is regular calibration. This involves adjusting the scale to ensure that it is providing accurate readings. Calibration should be performed by a trained professional, who will use specialized equipment to ensure that the scale is accurately measuring the weight of the load.

In addition to regular calibration, it is also important to regularly inspect the scale for any damage or wear. This can include checking for cracks or other damage to the scale's housing, as well as checking the cables and other components for signs of wear or damage. Any damaged or worn parts should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible to ensure the accuracy and safety of the scale.

Keeping your scale Clean

Another important aspect of maintenance and service for a crane scale is regular cleaning. Over time, the scale can become dirty or covered in debris, which can affect its accuracy and performance. It is important to regularly clean the scale, including the housing, cables, and other components, to ensure that it is functioning properly.

Closing Words

Overall, regular maintenance and service are essential for ensuring the accuracy and longevity of a crane scale. By regularly calibrating, inspecting, and cleaning the scale, you can ensure that it is providing accurate readings and help to extend its life. This can help to improve productivity and reduce the risk of costly repairs or downtime.

At American Scale we strive to bring you informed and useful content on all things scale systems related, including products from the top scale manufacturers. Be sure to check out our truck scale articles about truck scale foundation or how much do truck scales cost. We even have a guide to warranties. To learn more about bench scales, it would be good to check out our other articles such as “Bench Scale Basics'' and “How Much Does A Bench Scale Cost?”. These articles will help with the basics of bench scale ownership. Also, take a look at our “Common Problems With Bench Scales'', to help prolong the lifespan on your scale.

Weights and Measures Standards: Why They are Important

What Is NTEP and why is it important?

When searching for what scale to purchase for your application, two of the most popular terms you will find is “legal-for-trade” and “NTEP approved”. Generally, in the United States a legal for trade scale must be NTEP approved. So if you are purchasing a scale to use in your business, then you need to make sure that it is shown somewhere on the scale that it is NTEP approved.

Why do we need weights and measures standards?

The weights and measures standard is a set of agreed-upon units of measurement that is used to ensure consistency and accuracy in the measurement of weight, length, volume, and other quantities. This standard is important for a variety of reasons, including enabling fair trade and commerce, ensuring the safety and quality of products, and facilitating scientific research and technological innovation.

The weights and measures standard is established and maintained by national and international organizations. In the United States, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is responsible for setting and enforcing the standards for weights and measures. Internationally, the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) is the organization that sets the standards for weights and measures, which are used by most countries around the world.

What are the key components for weights and measures?

One of the key components of the weights and measures standard is the system of units, which defines the basic units of measurement for different quantities, such as length, mass, and time. The International System of Units (SI) is the most widely used system of units, and it is based on the meter, kilogram, and second as the base units for length, mass, and time, respectively.

Standardizing the Process

Another important aspect of the weights and measures standard is the development and use of standardized measurement tools and instruments. These tools and instruments, such as rulers, scales, and clocks, are designed to provide accurate and consistent measurements, and are regularly calibrated to ensure that they meet the required standards. Since scales need to be calibrated to retain accuracy, having a weights and measures standard is the way you an ensure that the scales are accurate.

Closing Words

In conclusion, the weights and measures standard is a critical component of modern society, as it ensures consistency and accuracy in the measurement of physical quantities. It is essential for enabling fair trade and commerce, ensuring the safety and quality of products, and facilitating scientific research and technological innovation.

At American Scale we strive to bring you informed and useful content on all things scale systems related, including products from the top scale manufacturers. Be sure to check out our truck scale articles about truck scale foundation or how much do truck scales cost. We even have a guide to warranties. To learn more about bench scales, it would be good to check out our other articles such as “Bench Scale Basics'' and “How Much Does A Bench Scale Cost?”. These articles will help with the basics of bench scale ownership. Also, take a look at our “Common Problems With Bench Scales'', to help prolong the lifespan on your scale.

Intrinsically Safe Scales: What Are They?

What doe it mean to be intrinsically safe?

Intrinsically safe scales are a type of weighing device that is designed to operate safely in hazardous environments where there is a risk of explosion or fire. These scales are essential for industries that work with highly combustible materials such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, where the presence of flammable gases or liquids makes the use of standard scales unsafe. In this post, we'll explain what intrinsically safe scales are, how they work, and why they are important for certain industries.

Why use intrinsically safe?

Intrinsically safe scales are designed to prevent the ignition of flammable gases or liquids in the event of a malfunction or failure. This is achieved through the use of special components and construction techniques that limit the amount of electrical energy and heat that the scale can generate. This makes it impossible for the scale to produce enough energy to ignite a flammable gas or liquid, even in the event of a failure. Thus providing an extra layer of safety for workers.

Intrinsically safe scales are typically constructed using materials and components that are non-sparking and non-heat-generating. For example, they may use stainless steel instead of aluminum for the load cells, and may use special cables and connectors that are designed to prevent sparking. Additionally, the scale's electronics may be sealed in an explosion-proof enclosure, and the scale may be equipped with additional safety features such as fuses and over-pressure valves.

Intrinsically Safe Applications.

The use of intrinsically safe scales is important in industries where the presence of flammable gases or liquids makes the use of standard scales unsafe. For example, in the oil and gas industry, intrinsically safe scales are used to weigh containers of flammable liquids, such as gasoline or propane, to ensure that they are properly filled and that the weight is accurately recorded. In the chemical processing industry, intrinsically safe scales are used to weigh chemicals and other materials to ensure that the correct amounts are used in the manufacturing process.

Closing words

In conclusion, intrinsically safe scales are a type of weighing device that is designed to operate safely in hazardous environments where there is a risk of explosion or fire. These scales are essential for industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, where the presence of flammable gases or liquids makes the use of standard scales unsafe. By using intrinsically safe scales, these industries can ensure the safety of their employees and equipment, and can accurately weigh and measure materials without risking ignition.

At American Scale we strive to bring you informed and useful content on all things scale systems related, including products from the top scale manufacturers. Be sure to check out our truck scale articles about truck scale foundation or how much do truck scales cost. We even have a guide to warranties. To learn more about bench scales, it would be good to check out our other articles such as “Bench Scale Basics'' and “How Much Does A Bench Scale Cost?”. These articles will help with the basics of bench scale ownership. Also, take a look at our “Common Problems With Bench Scales'', to help prolong the lifespan on your scale.