Vibrating Wire Load Cell 037X
Load Cells (VW)
The Record Tech Electronics 037X Series Vibrating Wire (VW) Load Cells are designed for reliable measurement of static and long-term loads in structural, geotechnical and civil-engineering applications. Typical uses include monitoring loads in anchors, tiebacks, rock bolts, struts, piles, tunnel supports, retaining structures and structural testing systems.
The load cell incorporates multiple vibrating-wire sensing elements positioned around a precision-machined, high-strength steel body. When a load is applied, the resulting strain changes the resonant frequency of the sensing elements. Readings from the individual sensors are averaged to determine the applied load while reducing the influence of eccentric or uneven loading. An integral temperature sensor enables temperature measurement and supports compensation for temperature-related effects.
Vibrating-wire technology provides excellent long-term stability, high resolution and reliable signal transmission over long cable lengths. The load cells can be connected to portable VW readouts or integrated with automated data-acquisition and remote-monitoring systems. These load cells are intended primarily for static and slowly varying loads and are not recommended for dynamic load measurement.
The 037X Series is available in two principal configurations:
Model 0370 — Solid-Type VW Compression Load Cell: Designed for compression-load measurement.
Model 0377 — Center-Hole Universal VW Load Cell: Designed for both tension and compression load-measurement arrangements. Its central hole permits installation around anchor rods, tendons, bolts, strands and similar structural members.
Note: Suitable bearing plates and centralizing arrangements are recommended to ensure uniform load distribution and minimize errors caused by eccentric loading.
FEATURES & Application Areas
- Vibrating wire sensing technology suitable for long-term monitoring
- Center-hole construction for installation around anchors, bolts and tendons
- Multiple sensing elements for improved measurement of applied load
- Averaging of individual sensor readings helps minimize eccentric-loading effects
- High stability and repeatability
- Built-in temperature sensor
- Suitable for long cable lengths
- Compatible with vibrating wire readout units and data acquisition systems
- Suitable for manual as well as automated monitoring
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| S. No. | Parameter | Specifications | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0370 | 0377 | ||
| 1 | Rated Capacity (In Ton) | 50,100, 200, 500, 1000, 1500 | 50,100, 200, 500, 1000, 1500 |
| 2 | Measurement Principle | Vibrating Wire | |
| 3 | Type | Center-Hole / Hollow Load Cell | Solid Load Cell |
| 4 | Safe Overload | 150% FSR | |
| 5 | Resolution | 0.025% FSR | |
| 6 | Accuracy | ±0.1% FSR* | |
| 7 | Non-linearity | ±0.5% FSR | |
| 8 | Coefficient of Linear Expansion |
10.8 × 10−6/°C | |
| 9 | Operating Temperature | -40°C to +80°C | |
| 10 | Built-in Temperature Sensor |
Thermistor, 3 kΩ | |
| 11 | Temperature Measurement Range |
-40°C to +105°C | |
| 12 | Temperature Accuracy | ±0.5°C | |
| 13 | Standard Sensing Arrangement |
3 Vibrating Wire Sensors, individually readable | |
| 14 | Optional Sensing Arrangement |
4–6 Vibrating Wire Sensors | |
| 15 | Waterproof Rating | 105 m H2O | |
| 16 | Load Cell Material | High-strength steel | |
| 17 | Sealing | High-grade silicone potting | |
| 18 | Signal Cable | Shielded PVC-sheathed cable | |
Note: Customization of load cells are available on request
DIMENSIONS
| Hollow Type | Solid / No Hole Type | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part No. |
Load (ton-f) |
ID (mm) |
OD (mm) |
Height (mm) |
Part No. |
OD (mm) |
Height (mm) |
| 0370-50 | 50 | 50 | 88 | 80 | 0377-50 | 88 | 80 |
| 0370-100 | 100 | 100 | 138 | 80 | 0377-100 | 138 | 80 |
| 0370-200 | 200 | 150 | 188 | 80 | 0377-200 | 188 | 80 |
| 0370-500 | 500 | 200 | 268 | 100 | 0377-500 | 268 | 100 |
| 0370-1000 | 1000 | 125 | 280 | 100 | 0377-1000 | 280 | 100 |
| 0370-1500 | 1500 | 125 | 335 | 100 | 0377-1500 | 335 | 100 |
ACCESSORIES
Optional accessories may include:
- Upper bearing plate
- Lower bearing plate
- Anchor bearing plate
- Signal cable
- Cable protection accessories
- Terminal/junction box
- Portable vibrating wire readout
- Automatic vibrating wire data acquisition system
INSTALLATION
- The load cell should be installed concentrically with the load-bearing member. Suitable bearing plates should be provided above and below the load cell to distribute the applied load uniformly over its bearing surface.
- The bearing surfaces should be flat and sufficiently rigid to prevent excessive deformation under load. Proper alignment is important for minimizing eccentric loading and obtaining reliable measurements.
- The supplied reference similarly recommends flat upper and lower bearing plates of adequate strength and emphasizes correct positioning and alignment.