DEPARTMENT OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION

ANDHRA PRADESH
Name : D. Simhachalam
Designation : Lecturer
Branch : A.E.I.E
Institute : K.D.R.G.P.T, Wanaparthy.
Semester : III
Subject : Process Instrumentation-I
Subject code : AEI-305
Topic : Conductivity, Weight and
Humidity measurement
Duration : 100 minutes

Subtopic : Strain Gauge Load cells

Teaching Aids : PPTS, animations, Diagrams
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 Objectives
Upon completion of this topic, you will be able
to know about strain gauge load cell

• Introduction

• Construction

• Principle of operation for weight measurement

• Applications

• Advantages

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 Introduction

• Load cell Strain Gauge is an accurate, stable and

reliable load cell or force transducer

• Strain gauge load cells represent the most practical

means of weighing

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AEI305.80 TO 81 4
AEI305.80 TO 81 5
 Principle Introduction

• If a strain gauge is strained its cross section varies

• A relationship between resistance and the force

causing the deformation of the SG is established.

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 Specification

• SG load cells are designed to permit controlled

elastic deformation of SG.

• Strain Gauge load cells are designed for operation

within specific capacity ranges.

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 Specification
• Excessive overloads may result in loss of accuracy or
failure.

• In general, the load cells should not be subjected to

more than 125% of their rated capacity.

• This includes impact or shock loading, as well as

static loading

• When weight is applied, the strain changes the

electrical resistance of the gauges in proportion to the
load.
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 Diagram

Figure 1 schematic diagram of Strain gauge load cell

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 Principle of operation

• It converts weight or force into electrical output which

is provided by strain gauges.

• Four strain gages are used to obtain maximum

sensitivity and temperature compensation

• Two of the gauges are usually in tension, and two in

compression

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 Construction

• Wired with compensation adjustments as shown in

Figure 1

• It consists of a steel cylinder which has four identical

strain gauges mounted upon it

• The gauges R1 & R4 are along the direction of applied

force.

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 Construction

• The gauges R2 & R3 are attached circumferentially at

the lateral direction of R1& R4

• These four resistance strain gauges are connected

electrically as a four arms of Wheatstone bridge

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• The circuit diagram of Wheatstone bridge with
Compensation is also shown.

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Figure 2 Wheatstone Circuit without Compensation

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Figure 3 Wheatstone Circuit with Compensation
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General Purpose Strain Gauges

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 Principle of operation

• When there is no load on the load cell, the four strain

gauges have the same resistance.

• Under this condition the bridge is balanced.

• And the output voltage is zero.

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 Principle of operation

• When the load is applied, the resistance of the

gauges R1 & R4 increases

• At the same time, the resistance of the R2 & R3

gauges decreases.

• Under this condition, the bridge is unbalanced.

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 Principle of operation

• Some output voltage is produced

• This output voltage is the measure of applied load.

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 Advantages

• Temperature compensation is good

• Increases the bridge sensitivity

• Applicable for dynamic forces

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 Applications

• Its largest use is in retailing shops.

• Postal and shipping scales

• Crane scales

• Laboratory scales

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 Applications

• In on-board weighing for trucks

• Agricultural applications

• Petrochemical applications

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 Applications

Thrust measurement on
• Rocket
• Jet engine test standards
• Lunching pads

• Wind tunnels and other branch of Aeronautical research.

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 Summary
We have discussed about
Introduction

Construction

• The principle of operation of Strain Gauge load

cells for weight measurement.

• Applications of Strain Gauge load cells.

• Advantages

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 QUIZ

1. Strain gauge load cells converts weight or force into

a) Pneumatic signal

b) Hydraulic signal

c) Electrical signal

d) None

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1. Four strain gages are used to obtain maximum

– Sensitivity

– Temperature compensation

– Both a) & b)

– None

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1. Excessive overloads to Strain Gauge load cells are
may result in loss of

a) Accuracy
b) Failure
c) Both a) & c)
d) None

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1. When weight is applied to the strain gauges, then
it results in change in the

• Electrical resistance of the gauges

• Electrical capacitance of the gauges
• Electrical inductance of the gauges
• Above all

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1. Strain gauge load cells are largely used in

• Retailing shops
• Laboratories
• Both a) & b)
• None

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 Frequently asked questions

1. Explain the principle of operation of Strain gauge

load cells for weight measurement.

3. Draw schematic diagram of Strain gauge load cell.

5. List the applications of Strain gauge load cells.

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