Applications Load Cell | Fluid Flow Rate Measurement

Non Contact Fluid Flow Rate Measurement using Load Cell Sensor

Application Summary

Measuring fluid flow rate in food production, blood infusions, catheterization, and chemical compounding requires sanitary and sterile processes. Non-contact measurement solutions such as using an occlusion or obstruction of the tubing provide one type of flow measurement solution. Additionally, this technique allows for bubble and blockage detection. To measure the force exerted by the fluid on the occlusion, a load cell is incorporated into the clamping mechanism. The obstruction mechanism assembled with the load cell sensor can operate indirectly as a non contact flow sensor.

Products in Use

One FUTEK LSB200 Jr. Miniature S-Beam Load Cell paired with Instrumentation (IAA, IDA100)

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fluid flow rate measurement using load cell non contact flow sensor

How it Works

An artificial restriction (occlusion) is placed at the desired point using a clamp.
One end of the clamp has FUTEK's LSB200 mounted between the clamp and the mount point.
By creating an artificial flow restriction (an occlusion), the fluid exerts an increased force onto the tubing.
The LSB200 measures the force applied to the occlusion by the fluid which can be correlated to fluid flow rate.
The LSB200 was chosen to provide a high accuracy and linearity force measurement with significant overload protection.
FUTEK's IAA and IDA100 amplify and transmit the load cell signal to the system PLC for flow measurement (fluid measurement using load cell).
Additionally, the IDA100 enables logging and monitoring of the load cell output via a PC with FUTEK's SENSIT software.