Hand Force Load Cell Enables Grip Measurement

March 1st, 2005

hand-force-200x200The grip measurement application required the design of a custom built hand force load cell to enable the customer to determine the ratio between gripping force and friction coefficients of various materials.  The length and overall diameter of the finished transducer were stipulated by the customer and it was important that the load cell could be gripped at any point along its length without compromising the sensitivity and accuracy.

Successful grip measurement was achieved by utilising the basic single point load cell principles but adapting them to meet the dimension specifications.  To enable transducer to be used in a variety of locations, it was calibrated to UKAS Standards with our portable battery powered PD100 Indicator.

From the initial consultation through design and manufacture took only 6 weeks.  This is a typical example of our design and manufacturing capabilities for custom specials.

UKAS Traceable Calibration of Load & Force to 1800kN Now Available

February 1st, 2005

We have now completed the building of a new force and load calibration machine, capable of measuring up to 1800kN in compression and tension using a reference standard load cell traceable to the National Physical Laboratory.

Our facilities now include the capability, with three separate test machines, plus dead weights to offer UKAS traceable calibration in tension and compression from 5N to 1800kN.

We offer either a UKAS traceable calibration service or the equipment may be hired for customers wishing to carry out their own calibrations.

Custom Load Pins Designed To Suit Your Needs

January 5th, 2005

dbep-200x200The DBEP series load pins are available in a standard range of capacities and sizes to show the overall scope of this product.  As the majority of applications require specific dimensions we can quickly and easily design and manufacture custom load pins to meet individual needs.  This can be achieved without the normal high cost and long delivery associated with custom load pin manufacture.

Options for our custom load pin designs include; load ratings from 0-500kg up to 0-1500 tonnes, sealed to IP68 or subsea, built in amplifiers (analogue or digital), bi-directional operation, dual strain gauge bridges,  X-Y force measurement, temperature ranges from –20ºC to +70ºC, while Stainless Steel construction is standard.

Our custom load pins can be supplied as a pin by itself or complete with shackle, Applied Measurements can also offer a wide range of digital displays or loggers to offer a complete monitoring system.

Click here to view our main load pin page

Three-in-One Pressure Sensor: Transmitter, Switch and Display

December 1st, 2004

The latest product from Applied Measurements Ltd is the DS200 series offering an integrated combination of pressure transmitter / transducer, intelligent pressure switch and digital display.

The DS200 covers ranges from 0-100mbar up to 0-600 bar with either a 4-20mA or 0-10Vdc output, with an overall accuracy of 0.25% of full scale.  There are many options for both pressure connection and for electrical connection, with plug and socket (IP65) or cable (IP67) exits available.

The display has 4 digit resolution with rotation on 2 axes, offering 240º on the front face and 300º from the transducer housing, thus enabling adjustment to its optimum viewing position.

The unit comes standard with one set point with a second set point optional, each set point is freely configurable from 0% to 100% of full scale.  All DS200 transducers utilise a Stainless Steel diaphragm, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of process media and excellent long-term stability.

NOTE:  The DS200 is no longer a current product so this article exists for reference only.  It has been replaced by the Pi600DD Pressure Sensor with Digital Display.

Digiforce Strikes A Chord at Bison Concrete

March 8th, 2004

digiforce-150x150Bison is the UK’s leading producer of structural, precast concrete products.  Consistent, quality control is vital to maintain the company’s position at the forefront of the sector.

Bison is particularly renowned for prestressed elements, including hollow-core floors, solid composite floors and beams.  Integral to the durability and structural performance of these products is the correct tensioning of the prestressing steel tendons.  There are approximately 30 tendons in the average 1200mm-wide hollow-core floor slab.  These may be up to 160m in length.

The tendon carrier precedes the casting hopper.  It lifts the tendons to the required depth in the slab so that sufficient concrete cover is achieved during casting.

The tensioning equipment must be tested on a regular basis, but current methods are cumbersome and time-consuming to use.  Accuracy is very much dependent on the skill of the operator.

The unique Digiforce developed jointly by TMS Systems, and Applied Measurements has enabled Bison to achieve rapid, highly repeatable, non-contact tension measurement using the latest technology incorporated into their new Digiforce non-contact tension meter.

The Digiforce non-contact tension meter operates on the principle that when a tensioned cable or wire is struck it vibrates at a frequency relative to its tensile stress.  These vibrations interfere with the magnetic field created by the Digiforce and, via unique software, allow accurate force measurements to be made.

The Digiforce non-contact tension meter is quick and easy to use.  Only two inputs are required – the tendon length and the weight in grams per metre.  As the measurement is taken, a reading in KiloNewtons is digitally displayed.  The values can be saved in the internal datalogger and downloaded for quality control purposes.

The Digiforce tension meter is supplied in a robust carry case with a bush hammer for creating resonance and ferrous clips for non-magnetic tendons.  Lookup tables from which to calculate the weights of various types of tendons, cables or strands are also included.  It is also resistant to shocks and rated to IP65 (waterproof).

Click here to visit the main Digiforce section

Bison Concrete can be contacted on 01283 495000 or via their website, www.bison.co.uk

New Compact Load Cell Measures up to 300 tonnes in Tension or Compression

December 1st, 2003

dbcl-200x200Even though the new DBCL compact load cell from Applied Measurements is a small design, it has the capability of measuring up to 300 tonnes in tension and compression.

Its design with either male or female threads at each end of the body make the DBCL compact load cell ideal for measuring tension in ranges from 0-1 to 0-300 tons.  For higher capacity requirements we can produce larger custom models rated to 1500 tonnes and beyond.

The compact load cell design will suit many applications including offshore, construction, building and testing fields.

The DBCL has a robust stainless steel construction with O-ring sealing to IP67 for use in harsh environments, together with a fully submersible IP68 version available for use at depth in both potable water and sea water.

With an overall accuracy of 0.2% and calibration traceable to UKAS, the DBCL compact load cell will accept overloads of up to 300% of rated load and is available with either integral cable or connector.  To create a complete compact load measurement or control system, Applied Measurements also offer a comprehensive range of analogue amplifiers and digital displays to suit a variety of engineering applications.

Click here to view the DBCL load cell product page

Low Range Differential Pressure Transmitters Measure Down to 25 Pascals

May 1st, 2003

pr3200-200x200Applied Measurements have launched their PR Series of differential pressure transmitters, specifically designed for the measurement of differential pressure at very low ranges down to 25 pascals (0.25mbar) covered by the PR3202 model, and operation at high static pressures up to 300 bar on the PR3200 model.  All three models cover a wide range of applications and come fully temperature compensated ensuring high levels of stability.

All of the PR series differential pressure transmitter models have a standard 2 wire, 4-20mA output and are robustly built to withstand the arduous conditions of process and industrial environments.

The PR3202 low range differential pressure transmitter covers ultra low measurements from 0-25 pascals up to 0-1000 mbar (0-100kPa) and is housed in an RFI shielded, wall mounted box.  Zero and span controls are easily accessible for on-site calibration and adjustment.

The PR3200 is designed for wet/wet differential pressure measurement from 0-250mbar up to 0-200 bar and the IP65 enclosure allows the units to be easily mounted using an angle bracket.

pr3202-200x200For heavy duty operation, the PR9200 differential pressure transmitter has ranges from 0-1.2mbar up to 0-65bar with static pressure operation up to 300 bar.  It has environmental protection to IP67 and intrinsically safe versions are available for use in hazardous areas.

All PR differential pressure sensor models are ideally suited to flow measurement applications using Pitot tubes, orifice plates and mass flow meters as well as combustion chamber control and clean room monitoring applications.

Applied Measurements are leading specialists in pressure and force measurement and are pleased to discuss your specific application.

View the PR3202 low range differential pressure transmitter product page
View the PR3200 wet/wet differential pressure transmitter product page

Miniature LVDT Displacement Sensor for OEM Applications

May 1st, 2003

mini_lvdtApplied Measurements’ new miniature LVDT displacement sensors have been designed to meet the needs of OEM applications making them suitable for use in load and pressure measurement, weighing equipment and closed loop control systems.

The sensors use the well-proven LVDT technology with its advantages of no wearing parts together with reliable and accurate performance in a variety of operating conditions.

The AML/M series of miniature LVDTs are available in measuring ranges from ±0.25mm up to ±75mm with a choice of mechanical attachments including core only, core and extension, plus sprung-loaded with ball end.  The low mass of the core offers particular advantages in projects where minimal weight restrictions apply.

All miniature LVDTs are calibrated to an accuracy of 0.5% of stroke length and will operate over a standard temperature range of -30ºC to +85ºC, with an option to extend this to +150ºC.  They are fitted with robust screened cable which can be supplied in a 4 or 6 wire format.

To create a complete displacement measurement or control system, Applied Measurements also offer a comprehensive range of analogue amplifiers and digital displays to suit a variety of engineering applications.

Click here to visit the Miniature LVDT product page

Compact Under-Hook/Lifting Gear Telemetry Load Cell & Display

May 1st, 2003

et-telemetry-200x200The latest weighing system from Applied Measurements Ltd is one of the first of its kind to use a telemetry link between the load cell and the portable digital display instrument, thus eliminating the problems associated with a long interconnecting cable.

Specifically designed for the measurement of cable tension and under hook crane and lifting gear weighing, the complete ET Telemetry Lift Link system consists of a robust telemetry load cell with an internal data transmitter with a range of 200 metres, together with a portable handheld receiver instrument, displaying the weight digitally.

The ET telemetry load cell is available in ten different ranges from 0-1 to 0-500 tonnes and offers excellent performance with a repeatability of <0.05% of rated output.  It has been designed for use with standard lifting shackles and is sealed to IP66 for waterproofing to withstand arduous outside conditions.

The ET lift link telemetry load cell’s weight and height have been kept to a minimum, thereby reducing the overall headroom required for the installed system.  The portable instrument receives the load cell transmitted signal at typically 420MHz and displays the weigh value on the 8 character 14 segment LCD display, over the range of -4999 to 65000.  Features on the unit include a ‘hold’ control for display storage, and a ‘tare’ control for automatic zeroing of the load signal.  It operates on a 9V PP3 supply, with auto power down to conserve battery life.

Robust 5:1 Turndown Level Transmitter Measures Up To 100m Depth

February 1st, 2001

Applied Measurements’ P9911 series submersible depth sensor is available in ranges from 0-2 to 0-100 metres water gauge and provides an industry standard 4-20mA output. The all stainless steel sensor offers great flexibility, with its two piece body design providing ease of access to the zero and span potentiometers and 5 to 1 turn down switches, allowing full field adjustability.

The two halves of the unit are bolted together using six Allen screws and sealed by means of an ‘O’ ring.  This, together with an IP68 sealed polythene cable outlet, completes the high integrity waterproof assembly which maintains full sealing to a depth of 100 metres.

Both the sensor and electronics are protected against the effects of lightning strikes offering distinct advantages over competitive products.

The P9911 is fully temperature compensated and is ideal for long term bore hole monitoring.

Options include extended temperature ranges and alternative body materials for chemical and seawater applications.

For further information please contact Ollie Morcom on 0118 981 7339 or send an e-mail to info@appmeas.co.uk.

NOTE: March 2010 – The P9911 is no longer a current product so this article exists for reference only.  The P9911 has been replaced by our Pi9911 Re-Rangeable Depth Sensor.