Accurate load cells are critical to get the right mix. There are many different types of load cells for different processes, all of which can become inaccurate for different reasons. In this blog post, we’ll discuss a few of the ways your load cell may become inaccurate, what these problems look like when they occur, and how to troubleshoot load cell problems. We’ve updated this post as of July 2020 to include more common problems, solutions and troubleshooting strategies for load cells.
Figure 1. APEC’s Digital Capacitive Load Cells
1. Total Combined Error
All measurement devices will have some degree of error that is not preventable. In load cells, this is shown through non-linearity and hysteresis. Since some level of error is unavoidable, there aren’t load cell troubleshooting strategies for this. However, this is acceptable as long as the error is less than the error tolerance of any ingredient. Additionally, non-linearity and hysteresis are less problematic in particular situations.
Non-linearity describes the weighing error over the entire load cell range. Smaller changes will create less error due to non-linearity, while a change from zero to maximum capacity will cause the greatest effect. Hysteresis is the difference in the results between increasing the load from zero and decreasing from maximum. Similar to non-linearity, error due to hysteresis is more noticeable when dealing with larger loads. So, when working with batching, this inevitable error is generally less of a problem compared to larger loading operations.
2. Temperature Changes
Dramatic temperature changes cause metal to warp. Traditional load cells are built using strain gauges, which are delicate metal pieces. Dramatic temperature changes will affect the function of the strain gauge, and therefore the load cell. If the load cell is exposed to cold nights and then hot, direct sunlight, or surrounding equipment heats up the area, this can cause inaccuracy. To troublehshoot this load cell problem, you might take temperature readings at different times, and shield the equipment from the sun if it causing dramatic temperature shifts.
3. Creep
If a load cell remains under pressure for a long period, it becomes susceptible to creep. This isn’t a problem in batching operations at two or three minute intervals, but load cells measuring storage silos or other containment units for extended periods will need to account for creep.
Want to Get Inside the Mind of A Master Engineer?
Download the Engineer’s Guide to Weighing and Batching
Written by APEC’s Owner and Founder Terry Stemler
4. Load Cell Response
All load cells require a set time to return to zero before they can accurately measure a new load. If the process begins to refill the vessel before the load cell(s) return to zero, the measurement won’t be accurate within the error tolerance. Allow enough time between measurements for the load cells to stabilize and response time will not be an issue. To troubleshoot this load cell problem, test the load cell response upon installation and with calibration, to ensure it remains stable.
5. Balanced Load
The load must be properly balanced on the load cell, or the load cells must be arranged to accommodate for unbalanced loads. Where multiple load cells are used, they must be mounted so no other part of the vessel or container takes on a part of the load. For a sitting vessel, this generally means the load cells must be situated between the vessel and the floor. For a mounted load, bumpers and checkrods used to stabilize the load cannot also support its weight.
6. Vibration
Excessive vibration, usually from other nearby processes or sometimes from passing trucks or heavy equipment, can disrupt the reading. This load cell troubleshooting problem might involve moving the source of the vibration or moving the load cells and attached equipment. Dampening devices such as layers of rubber or cork can also absorb the vibration. If the vibration is cyclical, it can also be electronically filtered out by a weight controller.
7. Windforce
Air currents exert force on a load cell that can disrupt the weight of the load alone. Usually, this is not enough to cause significant inaccuracy, but strong, consistent windforce can disrupt the reading. This might come from intense winds outdoors, or from strong air currents used to prevent dust buildup.
8. Noise
When the load cell transmits its electrical signal to the weight controller, interference, or noise, can disrupt it. Radio signals and electromagnetic signals both cause noise, which includes electrical currents, other data transmission signals, even strong wireless signals. Proper shielding around the load cell cables and grounding of the shield can prevent interference from noise. Using a capacitive digital load cell can also help to prevent signal loss due to noise. In a capacitive digital load cell, the signal is converted to digital locally within the load cell, so there is no loss of signal across the cable length or at bad connection point.
9. Moisture
Moisture can also inhibit the signal from the load cell to the weight controller. Moisture, perhaps from steam, excessive humidity, or equipment washing, most often enters the load cell through the cable entry area. Hermetic sealing will prevent moisture from damaging the load cell and internal components.
10. Signal Jitter
A number of factors can cause the weight signal from a load cell to “jitter;” moving unsteadily upward (or downward, as in a loss-of-weight feeder) instead of in a smooth line. The hopper’s or vessel’s movement while weighing, material entering the vessel unevenly, an agitator preventing sticking, or unshielded noise can all cause the signal to fluctuate. A weight controller averages the fluctuation and creates a smooth analog signal, then converts the signal to digital. However, if the weight controller isn’t working properly or isn’t installed properly, signal jitter will disrupt the measurement.
11. Damaged Load Cell Connections
Often, multiple load cells are used to measure a load. When these load cell signals are not combined and summed properly at the weighing instrument, it can cause noticeable error. This can occur due to faulty connections between the load cells and the instrument. Corrosion from acids or salts can cause connections to corrode, thereby disrupting the signal.
12. Scale Instrument
Both the load cell and the scale instrument are important in determining accurate measurements. The scale instrument, or the scale head, must be able to integrate effectively with the load cell. A typical load cell is accurate with 5,000 divisions, which might not be accurate enough for the application. However, a finely-tuned scale instrument can divide by 10,000 or even 20,000. This would allow a 100 lb load cell to show increments of .01 or even .005 lbs, respectively. Though this would not be considered standard, the ingredient or application could call for additional accuracy.
13. Conductive Dust
Most load cells use a strain gauge, layers of very thin, conductive metal, to measure weight. Just as moisture can disrupt the load cell’s function, so can conductive metal dust and debris. If a load cell is not properly sealed and environmental metal dust or even salt. Capacitive load cells do not use a strain gauge, but can also be disrupted by conductive dust. However, capacitive load cells are easier to hermetically seal and prevent disruption.
14. Damaged Components
Though a load cell can be reinforced to withstand difficult environments, the internal components are delicate. A heavy impact, as well as corrosive chemicals or salts, can damage the inner workings of the load cell and cause it to malfunction. If you notice intermittent misreadings, or if there is more error than usual, the strain gauge or capacitor within the load cell may be damaged.
15. Calibration
To stay accurate, load cells require regular calibration. A regular maintenance schedule is the best way to stay on top of necessary maintenance. If the load cell is not calibrated, it is more susceptible to every form of disruption. When making repairs to the load cell, remember to recalibrate afterwards.
One of these load cell problems alone will probably not create a noticeable problem, unless it is extreme. However, several of them occurring at once can cause measurements to be noticeably inaccurate. Careful attention to the environment around the load cell and the equipment, as well as the installation and use of the load cell itself, can prevent many load cell problems.
Looking for the right load cell testing equipment or a partner to assist in upgrading your current equipment? Contact us today.
