ABB Loadcells

Optima are proud to install the full range of ABB Pressductor® Loadcells on all our web processing machine upgrades and to replace old loadcells. The Pressductor® operating principle is a patented mechanical design strategy intended to further enhance measurement quality. This technology offers a significant advantage over standard strain gauge loadcells. Strain gauge load cells are often vulnerable to aspects of the machine operating environment and other factors including:

  • Limited overload tolerance. The movement-based transducer operates close to the plastic deformation point of the metal in the foil grid. The overload tolerance is limited to approximately 150 to 200% of the cell capacity.
  • A comparatively weak signal when compared to the Pressductor®  Loadcells
  • Sensitivity to environmental contaminants

Advantages of the Pressductor®  Loadcells are:

  • The smaller Pressductor® load cells are machined from solid blocks of corrosion-free stainless steel, giving strength and rigidity, and they do not need seals.
  • Their permissible application range is extensive – approximately 30:1 overload capability with no performance deterioration
  • Since the measuring effect take place inside a steel core, environmental
    contamination does not influence the load cell’s performance and reliability.
  • A strong AC signal contributes to signal integrity as well as tolerance of electrical interference

Optima recommended ABB Pressductor® Loadcells for our drive system upgrades. In over 20 years of engineering drive systems upgrades we have successfully modernised:

  • Metal processing
  • Paper (both wet and dry end)
  • Web laminating and printing
  • Wet end belt sections

We can also provide training on loadcell applications such as how to select the correct loadcell for the application. From Radial Load Cells PFRL 101 to PillowBlock Load Cells PFTL 101 we will help you select the correct type for your application.

Loadcell Types:

Mini Series PillowBlock. The Mini Series are available in two versions, vertical and horizontal measuring.

  • Measurement range:                   0.01 to 20 kN (2.5 to 5000 lbs)

Standard Series PillowBlock. Machined from a solid block of steel, the
load cells are rugged and stiff, affording high overload protection as well as an extended measurement range above the nominal capacity.

  • Measurement range (standard): 0.5 to 5.0kN (112 to 1125 lbs)
  • Extended range:                          0.75 to 7.5kN (169 to 1687 lbs)

Radial Load Cells.  For measuring web tension with shaft-mounted
load cells, the Pressductor® Radial Load Cell System (PRT System) is a high-quality system that provides exceptional and long-lasting performance.

  • Measurement range (standard): 10.0 to 100.0kN (2250 to 22500 lbs)
  • Extended range:                          15.0 to 150.0kN (3375 to 33750 lbs)

Paper

Generally, paper machine applications require PillowBlock Load Cells PFTL 101

Converting and Printing

The PillowBlock Load Cells PFCL 301 and PFTL 301 are better suited for these applications. Alternatively, the Radial Load Cells PFRL 101 may be used as well.

Recent Posts

Safety Scanner Issues and EN999

Optima were recently asked to advise on a safety guarding application for one of our customers. 

There had been a number of false trips of the laser scanner causing the machine to stop. As a result of this, a plastic chain ‘barrier’ had been fitted as a temporary measure with instructions to operators to not breach the barrier whilst the machine was running. 

The customer naturally wanted this rectifying as soon as possible, so Optima performed a short-notice service visit to site.

On the site visit, our engineer noted that the scanner was showing a code which indicated that the front screen required cleaning.

Once the screen was cleaned thoroughly the scanner did not show any faults or errors and was in normal run mode.

However, we performed further checks on the original software to ensure that the scanner configuration still met the requirements of the safety guarding application. 

The diagrams to the left show the Warning Field configuration (Yellow) and the Protective Field (Red). Both of these were confirmed to be operational. 

The warning field causes the klaxon to operate and the protective field caused an emergency stop of the machine.

We did, however find a few concerns that needed to be addressed.

1. None of the scanner safety circuit had been documented on any drawings.

2. Non-compliance with EN999 ‘Safety of machinery – the positioning of protective equipment in respect of approach speeds of parts of the human body’ includes a formula to be used to calculate the distance from a hazard that a safety zone must be triggered. Based on the stopping times of the machine, the scanner was placed too close to the machine to be effective in an emergency.

We are working closedly with our customer to assist them with this application and help them achieve a safe and effective solution to this.

If you need any support with safety applications or other upgrades, please get in touch.

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