What are the factors that cause the failure of the weighing sensor in an electronic belt scale?

The electronic belt scale is a dynamic weighing device for bulk materials. One of the data sources for its measurement results is the load signal of the conveyed material, which comes from the weighing sensor of the electronic belt scale. It can be seen that the weighing sensor is a core component of the electronic belt scale, and its performance, quality, and accuracy directly affect the measurement results. In practical use, proper maintenance and repair of the weighing sensor play a crucial role in maintaining the accuracy and stability of the electronic belt scale.

Therefore, it is important to understand the factors that cause the failure or damage of the weighing sensor so that preparations can be made ahead of time:

(1) Environmental factors: Temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions can affect the insulation resistance between the bridge circuit and the elastic body of the weighing sensor, reducing it and thus affecting measurement accuracy. Additionally, the elastic body of the weighing sensor may deform at high temperatures, causing it to lose its original stress-changing ability and subsequently affecting measurement accuracy.

(2) Operational issues: Improper installation or handling, such as dropping or striking, can potentially damage the elastic body of the weighing sensor. This can result in a non-linear strain curve of the elastic body under load, thereby affecting the accuracy of the measurement results. If the weighing sensor is dropped, it may cause the arch bridge voltage to overheat, leading to overheating of the resistance strain gage. This can damage the adhesive on the strain gage or change the resistance value of the strain gage, further affecting measurement accuracy. Therefore, it is essential to avoid bumping or impacting the weighing sensor during installation and use.

(3) Overuse: Prolonged use of the weighing sensor can lead to damage to the sensor's wiring. Aging or accidental damage to the wiring can make the sensor more susceptible to the effects of high temperature and humidity, impacting its measurement performance.

(4) Lightning strikes: During extreme weather, especially thunderstorms, the weighing sensor may be damaged by lightning strikes. It is possible that all sensors equipped on the belt scale could be affected, so they should be individually inspected for damage. To avoid the impact of extreme weather, the scale frame should be properly grounded during installation, and indoor installation is preferable.

(5) Improper use: The weighing sensor has a specified measurement range. If the actual material flow exceeds this range during use, it may cause damage to the sensor. Therefore, the material flow should be controlled within the specified measurement range during use. When initially consulting the belt scale manufacturer, the material flow should be accurately communicated.

(6) Conveyor issues: If the conveyor belt runs off track or vibrates excessively during use, it can cause strong vibrations in the sensor, potentially leading to sensor abnormalities and inaccurate measurements.

(7) Intrinsic issues: As a precision component with high sensitivity, the sensor is susceptible to dust, moisture, and other factors. Therefore, weighing sensors are equipped with sealed housings. If the sealing is inadequate, dust can easily enter the sensor or it may become damp, causing changes in the performance of internal components. Thus, weighing sensors must have good sealing performance.

In consideration of the above factors that can cause failures in the weighing sensor of an electronic belt scale, users should perform maintenance based on actual usage conditions to maintain the stable performance of the weighing sensor.