Custom Load Cell Sensors For Pipeline Pigs

Market: Oil & Gas | Product Line: Load Cells

Application: 

Pipeline pigs use sensors to measure deflections caused by radial probes inside the diameter of the pipe. The “pig” is used in an oil pipeline for inspection, it is carried down the pipeline by the fluid being transported.

Customer Challenge:

These sensors are exposed to high temperatures, vibration, and shock. Given the high cost and long down-time required to replace damaged sensors,there is a need for a durable design to survive harsh conditions.

SMD Sensor Solution:

Strain Measurement Devices designed custom elected standard S220 and S230 load cells to provide both the accuracy and long life required for this application.

Longer Life: The Wheatstone Bridge circuit included in these load cells are created using a vacuum sputtering process. Strain Measurement Device’s sputtered thin film circuits are atomically bonded directly to the surface of the metal load cell structure with no adhesives. This results in a more robust sensor design capable of high accuracy and extended long life.

Overload Protection: Strain Measurement Devices designed an overload feature that prevented the load cell from deflection beyond its 250% maximum limit. This design allowed the customer to write operation procedures with confidence so that their instrument would survive well beyond its warranty specification.