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Applications
Load Cell Applications
With over four decades of experience in the load cell industry, LCM Systems have both the application experience and technical knowledge to enable us to design and manufacture load cells, load pins and associated instrumentation for a large number of applications across multiple market sectors. We can help you specify the right load cell solution for your specific application and our sales team and engineers are on hand to provide advice and support.
To learn more about some of the different applications we service and the types of products we can supply, click on the links below.
- Aircraft Weighing
- Airframe Testing
- Anchor Line Monitoring
- Automotive Component Testing
- Bagging Machinery
- Balancing Systems
- Batch Weighing & Control
- Beam Proof Testing
- Boat Lifting & Weighing
- Bollard Pull Testing
- Bolt Tensioning Systems
- Brake testing
- Bridge Lifting & Positioning
- Cable Stay Tension Monitoring
- Cable Tension Monitoring
- Cable, Rope and Wire Dynamometers
- Centre of Gravity Weighing Systems
- Clamping Force Measurement
- Container Crane Weighing and Overload Systems
- Converting Machines
- Conveyor Weighing
- Corner Weight Scales
- Crane Load Monitoring & Control
- Crane Proof Testing
- Crane Safe Load Monitoring
- Crane Weighing & Overload Protection
- Crash Test Rigs
- Curtain Walls & Fascade Monitoring
- Earthquake Force Monitoring
- Engine & Motor Dynamometers
- Entertainment Stage & Lighting Hoist Monitoring
- Fatigue Load Testing
- Fish farm cage load monitoring
- Floating Production Storage & Offloading Monitoring (FPSO)
- Fork Lift Truck Overload Protection
- Flight Simulators
- Friction Testing
- Floor Scales
- Force & Displacement Testing
- Force Measurement Systems
- Hanging Scales
- Hoist Load Monitoring & Control
- Hoist Proof Testing
- Hoist Safe Load Monitoring
- Hoist Weighing & Overload Protection
- Hopper Weighing
- Hydraulic Actuator Load Monitoring & Control
- Hydraulic Cylinder Load Monitoring & Control
- Hydraulic Jacking Systems
- Hydraulic Position Control
- Hydraulic Press Monitoring & Control
- Jetty Load Monitoring
- Landing Gear Test Rigs
- Lifting Equipment Testing
- Load Cell Calibration Systems
- Lock Gate Load Monitoring
- Material Testing Machines
- Mooring Line Load Monitoring (MLM)
- Mooring Tension Measurement
- Multipoint Structure Weighing
- Offshore Module Weighing
- Offshore Wind Jackets
- Pallet Truck Weighing
- Pile Force Measurement
- Pipe and Cable Laying Tension Monitoring
- Platform Weighing Scales
- Portable Weighing Systems
- Press Calibration
- Press Force Monitoring
- Press Load Monitoring
- Press Tool Force Monitoring
- Process Weighing & Control
- Quick Release Hooks (QRH)
- Rail Switching Points
- Rolling Road Dynamometers
- Silo Weighing & Control
- Single Point Mooring Systems (SPM)
- Structural TestingStructural
- Support Prop Load Monitoring
- Subsea Load Monitoring
- Tank Weighing & Control
- Tensile Test Machines
- Thrust Test Stands & Dynamometers
- Towing & Mooring Tension Load Monitoring
- Under Hook Crane Weighing
- Vacuum Pipe Lifters
- Vehicle Weighing Systems
- Vessel Towing Tension Monitoring
- Vessel Weighing & Control
- Water Bag Weighing & Filling
- Winch Load Monitoring
- Winch Tension Monitoring & Control
- Winding Machines
- Wire Rigging Tension Monitoring
- Wireline Measurement
- Yacht Rigging Load Monitoring
Load Cells for Aircraft Weighing
Before leaving the factory, every new aircraft must have a weight and balance report. This report details the empty weight of the aircraft and the point at which the aircraft balances, also known as the centre of gravity.
Following delivery, reweighing might be required if the weight and balance report has been lost, if new equipment has been installed or as part of ongoing quality control. Interestingly all aircraft tend to gain weight over time due to repainting and the accumulation of dirt, grease, and oil.
LCM Systems supply load cells that can be incorporated into an aircraft weighing system to both accurately weigh the aircraft and provide its centre of gravity. We can supply just the load cells or provide display and instrumentation to make up a complete load measuring system.
Load Cells for Airframe Testing
All aircraft must undergo a rigorous flight testing and certification process. Only when fully approved and certified can the aircraft be cleared for service. Part of this testing includes structural static testing of the airframe, wings, spoiler, and tail.
A series of loads is placed on the airframe and activated by hydraulic jacks. Strain gauged load cells are used to provide measurement data that is then used for analysis.
LCM Systems provide a variety of load cells for airframe testing.
Many include built-in amplifiers to provide an output compatible with a PC. If you can’t see what you are looking for, please get in touch, as we are always happy to offer help and advice.
Load Cells for Anchor Line Monitoring
This is particularly significant in the oil and gas industry for FPSOs, Semi-Submersibles, Spars, TLPs, SPM buoys and fixed platforms, where anchor line failure could lead to spillage and put personnel at risk. While some measurements and inspection can be carried out by divers and ROVs, the most common inspection methods are visual. This can lead to defects being missed.
The installation of an anchor load monitoring system can significantly improve safety by providing the vessel operator with real time data on anchor load tensions. This allows preventative action to be taken in the event of anchor line loads exceeding their limits.
LCM Systems can provide complete anchor line monitoring systems that include alarms to alert control room personnel that an over tensioning issue has been detected and remedial measures are required. Alternatively, systems can be installed in new mooring arrangements or retrofitted into existing vessel operating systems.
Load Cells for Automotive Component Testing
Automotive manufacturers demand the highest quality components throughout the supply chain. Every component must undergo rigorous testing to make sure it meets stringent industry and legal requirements. This helps quality, efficiency and safety of vehicles coming off the production line and helps protect the motorist too.
LCM Systems offers several ‘off the shelf’ tension and compression load cells that can be used for automotive component testing. We can also design and manufacture a load cell to suit a specific requirement, as well as providing displays and instrumentation to make up a complete load measuring system.
Our experience in this industry makes us an ideal partner, and we are always on hand to offer help and advice.
Load Cells for Bagging Machinery
Bagging machinery is the equipment used to efficiently pack bulk product, which is fed through a feed system into a pan for insertion into final packaging. These machines dramatically increase workflow speed and decrease packaging costs. Profit margins are maximised with the correct amount of product being delivered every time.
To fill the packaging to the exact selling weight, load detection is required. This involves the use of strain gauged load cells that are mounted under the pan.
LCM Systems supply a range of cost effective, high accuracy load cells that are ideal for this application. They also have high levels of environmental sealing to make them suitable for use in washdown areas and can be supplied with weighing assemblies.
We also have a selection of displays and accompanying instrumentation for a more sophisticated solution.
Load Cells for Batch Weighing & Control
In many factories that batch blend bulk products, weigh batching is a manual, time-consuming process in which ingredients are weighed individually before being emptied into a blender or other vessel. These factories would certainly benefit from the installation of an automated batch weighing and control system, as a batch weighing system can pay for itself within a short space of time through increased productivity and more accurate measurement of ingredients. This results in reduced product loss due to errors and higher quality, as the correct ratio of ingredients is automatically supplied every time.
Batch weighing and control systems comprise of a central vessel or tank mounted on a load cell weigh frame. One or more feeders are positioned around the vessel and are used to automatically deliver materials in accordance with the recipe. After each deposit, the load cells verify the correct amount of product has been delivered before the next ingredient is added. Alerts can be set up to inform controllers when too little or too much product is delivered.
LCM Systems supply load cells and instrumentation for use with weigh frames and have a range of accessories including weighing mounts that allow for movement of the vessel or tank, whilst still maintaining high accuracy weight measurement.
Load Cells for beam Proof Testing
All lifting equipment such as lift shaft and runway beams must be marked to indicate their Safe Working Load (the maximum load the equipment can safely lift when in use). Load testing ensures that lifting equipment has been installed correctly and is strong enough to resist the bending and shear forces generated during lifting operations.
Beam proof testing should be carried out after installation on-site and before first use if there has been a potential overload that could have caused damage or fatigue, or if it has been out of use for a long period of time. Some companies also include regular retesting as part of their quality procedures.
LCM Systems manufacture a selection of load cell products suitable for beam proof testing and can supply just the load cells or additional instrumentation and displays to provide a complete load monitoring system. For this application we are often asked for wireless systems that eliminate the need for long lengths of cable that is prone to snagging and damage.
We supply a range of wireless load pins, load shackles and load links that are simple to install and use, and can be supplied with wireless instrumentation and displays.
Load Monitoring for Boat Lifting & Weighing
Boats routinely need to be lifted out of the water for checks and maintenance, repairs, anti-fouling work, moving to another location or for winter storage. Boat hoists and the installation of a load monitoring system can ensure a safe lift is achieved every time.
Load bearing pins in the hoist block can be substituted for load measuring pins, and when combined with a display can provide real-time monitoring of loading during the lift. This data can be used to monitor the load distribution between lifting points to check the load is spread evenly. If not, there is a danger of straps or cables becoming overloaded, resulting in failure that can cause damage to the boat, as well as putting the safety of nearby personnel at risk.
This system provides an accurate weight that can be used to check dry dock supports are suitable or to verify weight for transportation purposes.
For instances where a non-permanent or portable load monitoring system is required, load shackles or load links can be used. These are normally fitted in the lifting points. Wireless systems are also suitable for this, and we have a comprehensive range of both wireless and cabled products.
Whatever your requirements when it comes to boat lifting and weighing, LCM Systems can supply a system specially tailored to your needs.
Load Cells for Bolt Tensioning Systems
Most industrial environments contain hundreds of bolts that hold equipment and machinery in place. Some of these are critical for the safe operation of the machinery and the safety of workers that rely on them. Should these crucial bolts fail, it may lead to equipment damage, production downtime, and even serious injury. Ensuring correct bolt tensioning is essential, as over tightening that can lead to premature fatigue and the breakdown of joints, and if under tensioned the joints could come apart. In most instances tightening to the correct tension relies on operator alone and so is subject to error.
LCM Systems manufacture washer/bolt tensioning load cells that can be used to improve the accuracy of the bolt tensioning process, resulting in improved infrastructure reliability and safety. Monitoring tightness becomes a simple exercise and removes the need for a physical inspection and a mechanical torque reading of each bolt. This is particularly useful for bolts that are difficult to reach.
Our WAS load cells are simple and quick to install and can provide continuous tension monitoring. We can provide just the load cell and a handheld display for checks, or a more comprehensive system that includes instrumentation with alarms to alert operators when tensions are out with pre-defined limits.
In addition to our WAS bolt tensioning load cell, we also supply several other load cells that can be used for bolt tension monitoring.
Load Monitoring for Bridge Lifting
Newly built bridges need to be lifted and carefully positioned into place following construction and transportation. They may also have to be lifted for bearing replacement or repairs. This requires the use of jacking systems or cranes, which can benefit from using a load monitoring system to improve safety and efficiency.
If a hydraulic jacking system is being used, our load cells can be incorporated to provide real time information of the jacking forces being applied to the bridge structure, allowing them to be either increased or reduced to achieve optimal lift and performance.
When using cranes to lift bridge structures, our crane safe load monitoring systems provides the operator with lifting load data so they can continually monitor the lift to ensure it stays within maximum safe load limits.
LCM Systems can provide load monitoring solutions for bridge lifting and positioning, and have a range of load cells to suit. Below is a selection of the most used load cell types, with both cabled and wireless options.
Cable Stay Tension Monitoring Load Cells
Structural cables (cable-stayed bridges, suspension bridges, suspended roofs) are complex civil engineering structures in which the stay cable system is a vital structural element. To achieve maximum effectiveness, stay cables require regular monitoring in addition to detailed inspections following certain events, such as strong winds, earthquakes and accidental impacts.
The use of tension monitoring can reduce the need for time consuming individual cable stay monitoring/inspections by providing operators with continuous tension data that can be used to warn them of any under or over tensioning.
For long-span cable bridges, it is important to monitor cable tension when the bridge is in use and subject to traffic loading. A cable stay tension monitoring system facilitates the safe operation of the bridge and can reduce both cost of maintenance and disruption by alerting bridge operators to any potential issues with cable stay over/under tensioning. This allows remedial action to be taken before it becomes a safety concern.
LCM Systems provide a wide range of tension monitoring solutions that include tension load cells, load links and load shackles. These can be installed in the anchor block or cable stay load path to provide continuous load monitoring. Instrumentation and displays can also be provided with alarms that are triggered when pre-set over or under tensioning limits are detected.
Load Cells for Cable Tension Monitoring
Cables are used in many industries to support and secure different types of structures, from bridges to stage rigging and sailing yachts to architecture. The life of these cables can be significantly shortened when they are over tensioned, resulting in fatigue and possible failure. Conversely, under tensioning can have severe safety implications, as the stability of the structure can become compromised.
LCM Systems provide a range of products that monitor cable tension through the use of load cells and digital read outs. This can be achieved using various types of load cells, including load shackles, load links and load pins. The selection of equipment depends on several factors including space available, cable configuration and accuracy. Our sales team and engineers are always on hand to offer advice on the best type of load cell to use.
Our cable tension monitoring systems provide real time load data on cable tension and can be set up to include alarms that warn operators when cable tension has either fallen below or gone above specified levels. This allows preventative action to be taken before any problems occur.
Centre of Gravity Weighing System
When a load is lifted by crane it is free to tilt and move. It will continue to do so until the centre of gravity is directly under the crane hook. If this is known, the exact angle of tilt can be predicted before the lift. This is critical when planning the lift and working out whether the lift will be stable. If the load is unstable because the centre of gravity is not centralised, the integrity of the lift and the safety of nearby personnel are at risk.
LCM Systems centre of gravity systems both weigh and calculate the centre of gravity of any large structure, including offshore oil rigs, boats, turbines, and reactors. A typical system comprises of compression load cells and custom designed software that displays individual load cell readings, the total load, and the centre of gravity of the module being weighed. The total number of load cells needed will depend on the number of lifting points and the size of the structure.
Our systems facilitate both safe lifting and transportation, as well as determining the type of crane required and the best position of the lifting points.
Crane Load Monitoring & Control Load Cell Application
Crane load monitoring and control systems are installed on all types of cranes to provide data to operators that allows them to increase productivity and improve safety. Monitoring lifted loads enables the operator to move the maximum product safely, resulting in fewer lifts and faster completion. As overload instances are eliminated, safety is improved and wear to the crane avoided. Information on crane usage and loads lifted also provides information to operators on integrity, life expectancy and scheduling of maintenance and repairs.
LCM Systems offer a full range of weighing and overload systems to suit most applications. Our crane load monitoring and control systems can be fitted either to new cranes as original equipment or retrofitted to existing cranes. The type of load cell used in a system depends on many factors including crane design, amount of headroom available and the level of accuracy needed, and so could comprise of a load link, load shackle or load pin.
Each system requires a load cell to sense the load and an indicator to display it and provide control outputs required. We can supply just the load sensing component or the complete system with a display. For customers who already have a display or PLC system that they would like to integrate the load cell into, we offer various signal outputs for simple connection.
Load Cells for Crane Proof Testing
Crane proof load testing involves a crane lifting a known load in line with its rated load capacity to verify its strength and ability to safely lift that load. The proof load test is normally expressed as a percentage of the working load limit (WLL) or safe working load. (SWL). Typically, a crane proof load test will be carried out following manufacture, repair, refurbishment, modification, or an overload incident. Periodic testing may also be specified as part of the asset owner’s quality procedures.
Every load cell that LCM Systems manufactures is designed to operate to the highest accuracy and in the toughest of environments. We offer a range of products suitable for crane proof testing applications and can supply the load cell only, or a complete load monitoring system that incorporates instrumentation and/or a display.
For this application wireless systems are often preferred, as the requirement for long lengths of trailing cable is eliminated, making installation much faster and safer. our comprehensive range of wireless products include load links and load shackles, which when combined with Mantracourt’s renowned T24 wireless instrumentation products, provide a reliable, out of the box wireless solution.
Crane Safe Load Monitoring Load Cell Solutions
Crane safe load monitoring systems are a vital tool in crane safety. These systems detect the moment of lifting a load, which can be immediately compared to the cranes maximum safe load limit. They typically use load measuring pins that replace existing load bearing pins in the crane header block to sense the load. In instances where there is not a suitable load bearing pin to replace, below hook measuring solutions can be used.
The system increases operational efficiency and improves safety by providing a tool that alerts the crane operator to imminent excess lifting conditions that may cause harm to personnel and equipment. If the load being lifted exceeds the safe lifting load, either audible or visual alarms can be triggered, or, if part of a control system, the alarm will automatically stop the lift. Additionally, having a real-time display of the lifted load allows crane operators to lift the maximum amount, improving productivity by reducing the number of lifts required to complete a task.
LCM Systems have supplied hundreds of crane load monitoring systems for all types of cranes and can supply both the load cell and a range of instrumentation and displays to provide a total solution.
Load Cells for Crane Weighing & Overload Protection
LCM Systems supply crane weighing and overload protection systems that help the operator by providing the total weight being lifted by the crane in real time, and therefore prevent overload situations. We have been supplying these systems for over 35 years, and they have been installed in all types of hoists and cranes, including overhead travelling cranes, shipyard, and port cranes, as well as marine and offshore cranes.
Load measuring pins that replicate existing load bearing pins in the header block of the crane are used to provide a signal proportional to the measured load, meaning no modifications to the crane are required. The crane weighing and overload system can then be used to alert the crane operator of potential lifting hazards and assist them with safe load management. Pre-set audible and visual alarms can also be incorporated, as can triggers to shut down the crane if a safe load limit is detected.
For demanding applications such as oil rigs and FPSOs etc, we supply equipment that is ATEX and IECEx certified and have both Explosion Proof (Ex d) and Intrinsically Safe (Ex i) approvals. We also supply below hook solutions where a permanent installation is not required or the use of a load measuring pin not possible.
Load Cells for Hydraulic Jacking System Applications
Due to lack of space or access, cranes are often not the best method of lifting heavy structures, and in these instances hydraulic jacking systems are regularlyused instead. Typically, they are used for the jacking of bridges and modules from construction height to final position. Hydraulic jacks are also the main method of lifting or moving permanent existing structures and buildings to overcome structural problems, undertake repairs or when they need to be relocated.
Monitoring and measuring are critical parts of jacking projects, as during these operations it is essential that engineers know precisely when to apply or reduce jacking forces to ensure that structures remain structurally safe and are not at risk of collapse. Hydraulic jack monitoring consequently plays a vital role in both short and long-term projects to achieve maximum safety and minimum disruption.
LCM Systems have supplied many load cells to heavy lift companies, jacking specialists and private building contractors. By incorporating a load cell into the jacking procedure, real time load measurement data can be provided. This can be used to confirm that the correct jacking force is being applied and to provide continuous load monitoring to ensure structural integrity.
Load Cells for Material Test Machines
Material testing machines are used to test the tensile and compressive strength of a range of raw materials, components and finished goods to evaluate the physical properties of the material (particularly in relation to its strength and performance), by subjecting it to tension, compression, bending etc.
These tests are required for several reasons, including production testing, quality control, laboratory testing, research and education. The types of materials tested range from plastics, rubbers, electronic components, metals, packaging, adhesives, and textiles.
The material testing machine incorporates a load cell to measure the compressive, tensile, or bending force the material is being subjected to, and a wide series of tests are available for establishing tensile strength, shear strength, compressive strength, stiffness, puncture and burst resistance. Many of these are required to demonstrate compliance with international testing standards, put in place to ensure the material meets specific safety criteria.
LCM Systems designs and manufactures a range of load cells that are suitable for this application, some of which are available from our standard range, while others are custom designed to meet the criteria needed to fit a specific material test machine.
Mooring Line Load Monitoring (MLM) Load Cells
With the ever-increasing size of oil and gas tankers and container vessels, mooring operations have become increasingly safety critical. If mooring lines are subject to uneven loading due to vessel drift, the line is at risk of failing, which could result in injury to port personnel and significant damage to berth infrastructure.
The installation of a mooring line load monitoring system can reduce these risks by providing real time monitoring of tension in each mooring line during loading and unloading operations. This facilitates safe and efficient securing of a vessel to its berth by alerting port operators and vessel owners to any instance of uneven loading, allowing remedial action to be taken. This ensures moorings remain secure and personnel protected.
For smaller vessels the use of a mooring line load monitoring systems may also be used to ensure that mooring line stays within its safe working load limit and the possibility of line failure eliminated.
The system monitors line tension via the installation of strain gauged load measuring pins into quick release mooring hooks or through the use of load shackles or load links attached to the mooring line and secured to mooring bollards, rings or cleats.
Load Cells for Mooring Tension Measurement
Ports and terminals worldwide face the challenge of dealing with ever larger vessels and cruise ships. Also, due to climate change, extreme weather conditions are having an impact on the levels of strain on the mooring lines. Strong wind, waves and currents mean that, even when docked, ships are constantly in motion. This means the tension placed through mooring lines is changing all the time, contributing to material fatigue and reducing service life. Additionally, if one or several mooring lines experience higher tension levels than others, there is a real risk of the mooring line breaking, resulting in potential damage to the jetty and to personnel.
To ensure a vessel stays securely docked, the tension in each mooring rope must be subject to the same loading or tension, or as close to as possible. This can be achieved through the installation of a mooring tension measurement system, which monitors the loads on each mooring line, so any instances of overload or underload can be identified immediately. Port operators can then alert boat owners so that they can take prompt corrective action to redistribute mooring line loads.
The mooring measurement systems that LCM Systems supply use either load measuring pins installed into quick release mooring hooks, or load shackles/load links that are installed into the mooring line structure and secured to existing port mooring facilities. The load measurement data provided is then fed into a PLC system, but a separate read out can be provided where appropriate. This can also include alarms that are triggered in the event of overload situations.
Quick Release Hooks (QRH)
Quick release mooring hooks form the foundation for most modern mooring systems. They enable mooring lines to be safely secured and quickly released, even when loaded to their safe working limit. This improves both safety and efficiency of mooring operations in demanding maritime settings such as oil, gas, coal, iron, chemical and grain terminals.
By installing a load measuring pin into the quick release hook, a constant measurement of the forces on the mooring lines can be provided, allowing immediate action to be taken in the event of a slack or overload situation. Load information is displayed in real time and alarms can be set up to trigger should a safe working load be exceeded.
LCM Systems have supplied hundreds of load pins to quick release mooring hook OEMs and to end users to facilitate the retrofitting of a mooring load monitoring system or to simply replace damaged or older load pins. We can supply them with amplified outputs, external grease ways and with cable glands and cables to meet each customer’s specifications. We have also designed and supplied many ATEX/IECEx options for use in hazardous areas.
Single Point Mooring Systems (SPM)
A single point mooring (SPM) is a floating buoy anchored offshore that allows the handling of liquid cargo in areas where a dedicated onshore facility for loading and unloading cargo is not available. They serve as a link between shore-based facilities and large oil tankers for loading or offloading oil and gas cargo.
The SPM buoy is moored to the seabed using a mooring arrangement that permits the buoy to move freely within defined limits that take into consideration waves, current and wind conditions. The incorporation of a single point mooring monitoring system provides protection to the mooring by ensuring it is not overloaded. This allows for safe transfer and reduces the risk of accidents and expensive down-time. This is particularly critical during product transfer operations due to increased risk of spillage.
LCM Systems can manufacture load monitoring pins that are installed in the mooring bridle to provide real time load information to SPM operators that allows them to continuously monitor mooring loads and act as required. We can also supply subsea load shackles and load links for inline mooring load measurement. All are manufactured to the highest standards to ensure many years of trouble-free operation.
Load Cells for Tensile Test Machines
Tensile test machines measure the uniaxial force applied to a sample in tension. This is required to determine its strength, and therefore identify whether a component, part or product is suitable for its intended use. Testing consists of monitoring how the test sample reacts when a static or dynamic force is applied to it and is one of the most fundamental and common types of mechanical testing.
By measuring the material while it is being pulled, it is possible to obtain a complete profile of its tensile properties. When plotted on a graph, this data results in a stress/strain curve which shows how the material reacted to the forces being applied. The point of break or failure is typically the main purpose of the testing, but other important properties that can be measured include elasticity, yield strength and the effect the exposure to strain has on the sample.
LCM Systems has supplied many load cells for use in tensile test machines and can supply either a load cell from our standard range or can design a load cell to suit an individual tensile test machine. In addition to the load cell, we can also provide instrumentation and displays to provide a complete load measurement solution.
Towing & Mooring Tension Load Monitoring Load Cells
Towing lines are one of the most common pieces of equipment in the marine industry. However, because they are subject to high tensile forces and significant friction during each use, as well as often sustaining damage in rough seas, they frequently need to be replaced. One way to maximise the longevity of the towing line is to use a towing tension monitoring system that constantly monitors cable tension throughout its service life to reduce overload instances and to ensure safe operation.
LCM Systems towing tension monitoring systems have been designed to give vessel pilots a direct reading of tension in the towing hawser during towing operations. The system comprises a load cell or a load pin installed in the towing hook, mooring hook or winch and a digital readout. It can also include an alarm that is programmed to trigger when overload occurs
We can also supply simple towing tension monitoring using a load shackle or load link installed directly in the towing line path. These are suitable for occasions where a permanent system is not required, as tension line monitoring is only needed for a one-off assignment.
Winch Load Monitoring Load Cells
LCM Systems manufacture and supply winch load monitoring systems that provide winch line tension data. This improves operational safety by allowing operators to take preventative action in the event of overload. The load cells that we use for this application are robust, reliable and built to withstand harsh operational environments. They can be fitted to new equipment or retrofitted without any modification to the winch. We supply standard load pins or dual axis load pins that take into account wrap angles. These pins incorporate separate strain gauges in both the X and Y axis, so that the effect the wrap angle has on line loads is taken into account.
In addition to load pins, other types of load cell can be used to monitor winch loads and include load links and compression load cells. These are used when a highly accurate solution is needed or where the use of a load measuring pin is not practical/possible.
In addition to providing improved safety, the historical data-logging of winch loads gives owners and managers additional information that can be used for scheduling routine maintenance and to demonstrate winch performance and integrity.
Load Cells for Winch Tension Monitoring & Control
LCM Systems winch tension monitoring and control systems have been designed to deliver critical information required for safe winch operation. Our solution comprises a load measuring pin that replaces an existing load bearing pin in the winch sheave and accompanying instrumentation and/or load display. We also supply load pins with a variety of signal outputs that can be integrated directly into existing PLC systems.
Our load pins are designed and manufactured for long-term continuous operation, providing users with real time data on line tension. This is particularly critical for winches on offshore vessels and oil platforms, where deck crew routinely carry out demanding operations at sea, often during severe weather conditions. This work can involve handling heavy wires, chains and ropes under tension, which can expose the crew to risk of serious injury in the event of line failure.
With the use of a winch tension monitoring and control monitoring systems, such instances can be avoided. Should tensions reach pre-set limits, the system can set off alarms allowing operators to take preventative action before any damage occurs to the winch or line.
Our winch tension monitoring and control systems can include simple standalone winch tension monitoring to comprehensive monitoring and control packages. Zone 1 and 2 ATEX/IECEx hazardous area systems are also available.;