Level control using load cells
Compared to other technologies, such as ultrasonic and free-radiating radar, load cells offer several key advantages for measuring fill level in containers, according to this company. Firstly, load cells provide very accurate weight and level measurements regardless of the material. Secondly, they are very robust, which leads to a long service life. Another advantage is that the load cells are mounted below the container, which avoids perforation of the container and thus significantly improves hygiene. In order to be able to use the weight values efficiently in the production processes, the signals from the analog load cells must be determined and passed on to the production control system. These tasks are performed by weighing transmitters. Using a standard web browser, the Link E weighing transmitter (photo) can be easily configured, without having to install additional software. Link E handles nine different interfaces and fieldbuses, including Profibus, ProfiNet or Ethernet/IP. — Minebea Intec GmbH, Hamburg, Germany