Weight Sensors

Implementation - 1
Spec. strain gauge:
✓ Merk: TML Slip ring
✓ Type: FLG-02-11 dan Brush
✓ Gauge length: 0.2mm

Torsimeter
Data
Dynamic acquisition
Strainmeter
 Implementation - 2

Detecting short-lived and transient high-strain events, e.g., caused by fast moving
trucks on highway bridges or by turbulence on airframes
 Strain-gauge in load-cell types
Strain gauge load cell

Single point Button S-beam Pancake Through hole

miniature Helical
 Single Point Load Cell

• For lightweight measurements (100 grams to 3kg)

• Good compensation for measurement results so that measurement
results are accurate (Measuring objects can be placed at any point).
• For measurements with unlimited space
 Bending beam load cell

One part is bounded, while the other end is to receive the load
Implementation of bending beam load cell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTkHdpNZYH0
Beam load-cell types
 Shear beam load cell

A strain gauge is attached to the spring element at an angle of 45

degrees to measure the deflection caused by the shear force
Button load cell
Load Cell Comparison
 Helical load cell

Advantages of helical load cells

• Accurate measurement results for off-axis loading
• It can be used for shock and heavy loads.
• High sensitivity.
• Easy use.
• Low price.
 An exercise
The figure shows a simple schematic of a
load cell using a strain gauge (RW). When
the load = 0.00 lb, then the output
resistance = 119 Ω. When the load = 299
lb, the output resistance = 127 Ω.

1. What is the value of Rz so that the

offset voltage = 0 when the loading =
0 lb?
LOAD
2. From the first question, what is the
offset voltage when the maximum
load (299 lb)
Rx
ANSWER
Answer no 1
Null condition➔ offset voltage of bridge
circuit = 0
𝑅𝑥 × 119 = 120 × 120
𝑅𝑥 = 121.008 Ω

𝑅𝑝 = 121.008 − 100 = 21.008

119 Ω 1 1 1
= +
𝑅𝑝 24 70 + 𝑅𝑧
1 70 + 𝑅𝑧 + 24
=
21.008 24 × (70 + 𝑅𝑧 )
1680 + 24𝑅𝑧 = 21.008(94 + 𝑅𝑧 )
2.992𝑅𝑧 = 294.752
𝑅𝑧 = 98.51

Answer no 2
120 127
∆𝑉 = 5.1 −
120 + 121.008 120 + 127
= 5.1 0.4979 − 0.5141 = -0.0829 V
 Implementation of load cell: Coal feeder

This conveyor serves to transport coal to

the boiler. Coal flow rate is calculated
using the equation below

𝑊×𝑅
𝑄=
𝐿

Q = flow (kg/min)
W = weight of coal along L (kg)
R = conveyor speed (m/min)
L = length of conveyor
Example
Load cell in belt scale
 Implementation # 2 : Flue Gas
Desulfurization (FGD)
The load cell is used to calculate the weight of
limestone mixed in the FGD process. This is performed
to reduce the emission of acid gas (SO2) produced by
the use of coal fuel in PLTU

CaCO3(s) + SO2(g) → CaSO3(s) + CO2(g)

CaCO3 = calcium carbonate (Limestone)

CaSO3 = (calcium sulfite) can be used for (1) gypsum
manufacture (2) Food additive food preservative (3)
Wood pulp production for papermaking
 Example: Bridge circuit resolution
A strain gauge (R4) is used as a weight sensor in a bridge circuit. The voltage from the
bridge circuit is measured using a DVM with a resolution of 0.1 mV. Under normal
conditions (no load) resistance R1 = R2 = R3 = R4 = 120 ohms, and Vref = 10 V

1. What is the smallest resistance change the

DVM can detect?
2. What is the smallest load change the DVM
can detect?

NB the transfer function of weight vs. resistance

is considered linear
At load = 0 lb, resistance R4 = 120 ohms
At load = 100 lb resistance R4 = 130 ohm
 Answer
120 𝑅4
0.0001 = 10 −
120 + 120 120 + 𝑅4
𝑅4 = 119.9952 ohm

The difference in resistance value compared to normal

conditions (no-load).
= 120 – 119.9952
= 0.0048 ohm (answer to question no 1)
The relationship between resistance and load can be
formulated with the following formula:

𝑅 = 𝑚𝐵 + 𝐵𝑜
120 = 𝑚 × 0 + 𝐵𝑜 ➔ 𝐵𝑜 = 120
130 = 𝑚 × 100 + 120 ➔ m = 0.1
The general equation for the relationship between resistance and load is
𝑅 = 0.1𝐵 + 120
When the increasing resistance = 0.0048 ohm, then
120 + 0.0048 = 0.1𝐵 + 120
(note: the resistance = 120 ohms when load time = 0 lb, so it is necessary to add this value)
0.0048
𝐵= = 0.048 𝑙𝑏 (answer to question no 2)
0.1
Load Cell Comparison
Accuracy and sensitivity of load cell
types