Tensile load cells

The most precise form of container weighing and force measurement

Containers and other structures weighing between 5 kg and 20 t can be attached to so-called tension load cells. These load cells enable exact, purely vertical, and centric force application for maximum precision in the weighing process.

Additional mechanical components reliably protect the load cell from pendulum movements and overload. 

Force is transmitted via steel cables, threaded rods, chains, swivel shackles, or ring eyes, depending on the application.

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tension-load cell with shackle, for high accuracy scales, product picture

That's why tension load cells are the right solution for your application

  • Precise weight measurement for suspended containers, cranes, or other loads
  • Very high measurement accuracy (error < 0.015% possible)
  • Measuring ranges from 5 kg to 20 t,
  • Optional with tension suspension
  • Long-term stability and maintenance-free
  • Suitable for dynamic weighing of conveyor belts or screw conveyors
  • Wide variety and optional accessories to suit your application
  • Stainless steel or alloy steel - adapted to your requirements
  • ATEX approval for potentially explosive areas

Folgende Unternehmen nutzen diese Lösung

MBE EWB Ltd.

Evonik GmbH

Scheuch GmbH

Milupa GmbH

How it works - The Tensile load cell at a glance

Any loads are usually attached to three or four tensile load cells. They also work like conventional compression load cells. The weight is measured by the load cells, recorded by weighing electronics, and evaluated.

Thanks to their self-aligning properties, this type of weighing offers considerable advantages over compression load cells, especially when maximum measuring accuracy is required. They are ideal for dynamic loads and suspended containers. Additional mechanical safeguards against pendulum movements and overload protect the load cell and ensure high operational reliability and a long service life.

Like all load cells, tension load cells can be made from various materials. The force is applied via threaded rods with swivel heads/swivel eyes, swivel shackles, or ring eyes, allowing a high degree of freedom for self-alignment.

A prerequisite for suspending the load is an appropriate load-bearing steel structure that is erected above the container. This often requires more effort in terms of steel construction compared to containers and loads that are placed on compression load cells. Therefore, this form of weighing is used in particular when high demands are placed on measurement accuracy or when an appropriate steel structure is already in place or planned.

Do you have a question about the tension load measuring cell?

Our experts are here to help you with advice and assistance. 

Technical specifications

Measuring ranges:5 kg to 20,000 kg (different designs)
  Dimensions:  Approx. 60–350 mm, different designs
Power supply:5–12 VDC, max. 15 V
Output signal:2 mV/V / 4–20 mA, typical
Linearity error:0.02% typical
Hysteresis:0.0015%, typical
Reproducibility:0.002% typical
Max. load:150% of nominal load, typical
Accuracy classC3 (3000 parts), typical
Output resistance:350 ohms, typical
  Temp. comp.           range:  -10° C to 40° C
Operating temp. range:-40°C to 80°C
Insulation resistance:> 2000 MOhm, typical
  Protection class:  IP68, typical
  Materials:  Stainless steel, alloyed steel
Ex approval (optional):ATEX Zone 0, 1, 2, 20, 21, or 22 (Zone 22 partly without safety barriers with suitable evaluation unit)

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Maintenance-free products & simple commissioning

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High availability & quality

Frequently asked questions

A load cell is the actual force measuring element.

Standard load cells are metallic bodies that are deformed in a defined manner by the applied force. The deformation is usually measured by glued-on metal strain gauges and converted into a voltage signal.

For small to medium forces, so-called bending or shear bars are used. For larger forces, cylindrical bodies or double shear bars are usually used.

When the load cell is loaded with a defined force, it emits a normalized signal (mV/V) proportional to the load. The weighing module has the function of introducing the force into the load cell in the desired direction.

In the case of containers, the module has the function of fixing the container on the load cell and preventing it from tipping over. The accuracy of the load cell should not be impaired, or only very slightly.

Some weighing modules also have integrated transport, installation, and overload protection. Regardless of the accuracy of the load cell, the module is of fundamental importance for the system accuracy of the weighing process.

To achieve optimum accuracy, all support points should be weighed. There is no real limit to the number of load cells, except for the cost. Since the load distribution should be as even as possible, 3 or 4 supports are easier to balance than 12. With analog load cells, due to the parallel connection, it is important to ensure that the measuring amplifier can supply the required number of cells.

A lift-off protection device is used on silos and containers when, for example, wind loads or earthquake loads must be taken into account and there is a risk that the silo could tip over. In windy conditions, especially when the silo is not full, the wind force is high in relation to the weight of the silo. An empty silo is therefore most prone to tipping over. There are weighing modules with integrated and separate lift-off protection.

Integrated lift-off protection:
Lift-off protection prevents the silo or container from tipping over. The "Safemount" and "Baby-Safemount" weighing modules used for silo weighing have integral lift-off protection due to their design. The upper and lower mounting plates of the modules are connected to the load cell via bolt connections. This allows the module to compensate for a certain amount of expansion (e.g., due to different thermal expansion coefficients between steel and foundation material) of the overall structure, while at the same time limiting the movement of the lifting silo.

Additional lift-off protection:
Additional lift-off protection is often used for weighing modules that do not have integral lift-off protection. The lift-off protection can be attached to the weighing module itself or directly to the silo. For Safemount weighing modules up to 40 t, additional lift-off protection devices that are attached directly to the weighing module are available if required for structural reasons. Two vertical threaded rods are screwed into the lower mounting plate. The threaded rods protrude through a hole in the upper mounting plate without touching the plate. The maximum lift distance is limited to 2–3 mm by a lock nut above the upper plate.

Cylindrical load cells with so-called "pendulum bearings" require guide rods to prevent the container from rotating. The guide rods limit the horizontal movement of the container, but allow vertical movement with as little friction as possible.

Lateral forces such as wind loads are largely balanced out by the parallel connection of the load cells. When one side of the silo is relieved by the wind, the load on the opposite
side increases. The sum of the forces therefore remains the same. Wind loads are only noticeable in strong gusts when the averaging (damping) of the measuring amplifier is greatly reduced.

All "modern" measuring amplifiers have a so-called "sense" input. Only four wires are required for measuring with standard load cells. Two wires are provided for the power supply (5–15 V) and two wires for the measuring signal. For distances of more than 10 m, we recommend 2 additional wires for the so-called "sense" line. The measuring amplifier "measures" how much voltage is lost along the cable route via the sense line and compensates for the voltage loss mathematically. With a sufficient cable cross-section and separate laying of the shielded connection cable, distances of up to 200 m are possible. For greater distances, we recommend the use of an amplifier on site at the silo or a bus connection via the intelligent terminal box.