Calculating Load Cell Capacity for Conveyor Belt Weighing
Step-by-Step Guide to Selecting the Right Load Cell Capacity for Conveyor Belt Weighing Systems
Conveyor Belt Weighing System — Selecting the Right Load Cell
To select the best load cell capacity for a conveyor belt weighing system, you must first calculate key parameters such as flow rate, belt speed, and dead load. The steps for selecting load cell capacity are fully explained below.
Steps for Calculating Load Cell Capacity
Step 1: Determine Belt Capacity
Determine the maximum flow rate or belt capacity in tons per hour. To convert it to kilograms per second, divide the number by 3.6.
Step 2: Calculate Load per Unit Length
Divide the resulting number by the belt speed (meters per second) to obtain the load per meter of belt length.
Step 3: Select Load Cell Capacity
Based on the calculated load and the dead load (weight of the idler frames and belt), determine the required capacity. Typically, load cell capacity is considered to be twice the calculated load.
📐 Practical Example
Question: What is the load cell capacity for a belt with a speed of 0.8 m/s and a capacity of 300 tons per hour?
Result: For a capacity of 200 kg, you can use two 100 kg load cells or four 50 kg load cells.
Important Note: If the effective length (distance between weighing idlers) increases, the load cell capacity must be increased proportionally.
How to Determine Load Cell Accuracy
Load cell accuracy refers to its resolution relative to the total load cell capacity as well as its total error value. Factors affecting load cell accuracy and quality include the alloy type of the core and the strain gauge structure. The international load cell standard organization (OIML) evaluates specific standards to determine resolution, total error, and load cell behavior under humidity and temperature, and assigns the load cell accuracy class.
Single-ended bending beam load cells: These load cells, which are typically made of stainless steel and offer high accuracy, are suitable for use in platforms, packaging machines, and food and chemical production machinery.
🔗 For expert consultation on selecting load cells for conveyor belt weighing, contact Kian Industry experts