Hygienic Load Cells for Certified Weighing Systems
Hygienic load cells provide precise weight measurement for machines, tanks and process equipment in food-processing, pharmaceutical and other washdown-sensitive environments. MOVET offers 3-A-certified IP69K compression load cells with rated loads from 1,000 to 20,000 kg, together with compatible hygienic levelling feet, pre-matched sets and junction boxes for industrial weighing systems.
Loading cell for machine base 3A, connection thread M12, load 2000 kg, with footplate Ø120
Loading cell for machine base 3A, connection thread M30, load 10000 kg, with footplate Ø120
Loading cell for machine base 3A, connection thread M12, load 1000 kg, with footplate Ø120
Loading cell for machine base 3A, connection thread M30, load 10000 kg
Loading cell for machine base 3A, connection thread M24, load 10000 kg
Loading cell for machine base 3A, connection thread M24, load 10000 kg, with footplate Ø120
Loading cell for machine base 3A, connection thread M16, load 5000 kg, with footplate Ø120
Loading cell for machine base 3A, connection thread M36, load 20000 kg
Base plate stainless steel Ø120 for loading cell, spindle M24
Hygienic terminal box made of AISI 304 stainless steel for load cells, dimensions 143.4 x 92 mm
Loading cell for machine base 3A, connection thread M12, load 1000 kg
Base plate stainless steel Ø120 for loading cell, spindle M30
Base plate stainless steel Ø120 for loading cell, spindle M36
Loading cell for machine base 3A, connection thread M12, load 2000 kg
Loading cell for machine base 3A, connection thread M16, load 5000 kg
Hygienic Load Cells for Food and Pharmaceutical Machinery
Hygienic load cells enable weight and process loads to be measured directly at the support points of machinery, tanks and production equipment. Typical applications include food-processing systems, beverage production, pharmaceutical machinery, filling lines, dosing systems and hygienic packaging equipment.
MOVET supplies 3-A-certified compression load cells for installation between the machine structure and a compatible levelling foot. Hygienic stainless steel feet, pre-matched load cell sets and a junction box for connecting several measuring points are also available.
Which Components Are Required for the Weighing System?
Depending on the existing machine design, a compression load cell can be installed individually or combined with a compatible hygienic levelling foot. The following overview explains the functions of the available components:
| Component | Function | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Hygienic compression load cell | Converts the compressive force acting at the machine support point into an electrical signal | Retrofitting or constructing hygienic industrial weighing systems |
| Hygienic foot for load cells | Creates a stable and height-adjustable connection between the load cell and floor | Cleanable machine installation and precise alignment |
| Load cell and hygienic foot set | Combines mechanically compatible measuring and levelling components | New machinery and simplified component selection |
| Hygienic junction box | Combines and routes the signals from several load cells | Weighing systems with multiple measuring points |
Standard industrial load cells without 3-A certification may also be displayed within the wider product range. For hygiene-sensitive applications, the certification, protection class and product-specific technical data of the selected component must therefore be checked.
How Does a Compression Load Cell Work?
A compression load cell measures the vertical force transferred by a machine, tank or process vessel to its support point. When the measuring element is loaded, it undergoes a very small mechanical deformation.
Strain gauges inside the sensor convert this deformation into an electrical signal. Suitable weighing electronics process the signal and calculate the corresponding weight or process load. Installing the sensors directly beneath the machine makes it possible to monitor filling quantities, batching processes and changes in operating weight without a separate weighing platform.
Reliable measurement requires controlled and predominantly axial force transmission. Side loads, mechanical tension, misalignment, rigid pipe connections and uneven floor contact can influence the measurement and should be considered during the design of the weighing system.
Select Hygienic Load Cells by Rated Load and Thread
The rated load and connection thread must match both the expected load at the individual support point and the compatible machine foot. MOVET hygienic compression load cells are available in the following combinations:
| Rated load per load cell | Available connection threads | Typical scale of application |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 kg | M12 | Compact machinery and smaller vessels |
| 2,000 kg | M12 | Equipment requiring greater capacity with a compact connection |
| 5,000 kg | M16 or M20 | Medium to heavy production and process machinery |
| 10,000 kg | M24 or M30 | Heavy machinery, tanks and industrial weighing systems |
| 20,000 kg | M36 | Large vessels and very heavily loaded machine structures |
The rated load must not be selected solely according to the empty machine weight. Maximum product contents, moving components, dynamic operating forces, impact loads and an appropriate safety margin must also be included in the calculation.
3-A-Certified Load Cells with IP69K Protection
Hygienic compression load cells are designed for weighing applications in regularly cleaned production environments. Their stainless steel construction, sealed design and blue silicone sealing elements support use in food, beverage, pharmaceutical and chemical processing machinery.
The MOVET hygienic load cells are available with certification according to the 3-A Sanitary Standard and an IP69K protection rating. In addition to the required measuring range, the cleaning method, operating temperature, chemicals and mechanical installation must be considered when selecting the sensor.
The protection rating applies to the individual load cell under the specified test conditions. It must not automatically be transferred to the complete machine or weighing system. Cable routing, electrical connections, mounting interfaces and all adjacent components must also be suitable for the intended washdown conditions.
Hygienic Levelling Feet and Pre-Matched Load Cell Sets
A compatible hygienic levelling foot creates the mechanical connection between the compression load cell and the installation surface. The stainless steel base plate supports machine alignment and transfers the load into the sensor through the intended force path.
MOVET supplies hygienic feet with a base plate diameter of 120 mm for connection threads from M12 to M36. The thread must correspond to the selected load cell and its rated load. The sensor and foot should therefore always be assessed as a combined mechanical system.
Complete sets contain a hygienic compression load cell and a compatible stainless steel levelling foot. These pre-matched combinations simplify product selection for new machinery and retrofitting projects. The installation height, rated load, number of measuring points and available space must nevertheless correspond to the machine construction.
Load Distribution, Accuracy and Mechanical Installation
In a machine supported by several load cells, the total weight is rarely distributed perfectly equally across all measuring points. An offset centre of gravity, uneven filling, agitators, moving machine components and external pipe connections can place significantly higher loads on individual support points.
The rated load must therefore be checked separately for each compression load cell. Selecting a sensor with an unnecessarily large measuring range should also be avoided, as the complete weighing system should be matched to the expected operating loads and required resolution.
The achievable system accuracy depends not only on the load cell itself but also on mechanical installation, force transmission, cable connection, signal adjustment and calibration. Applications subject to legal metrology or trade measurement requirements must additionally comply with the relevant regulations and approved weighing equipment.
Connect and Select Hygienic Load Cells
Several load cells are often combined beneath one machine, tank or process vessel. The MOVET hygienic junction box is manufactured from AISI 304 stainless steel and can connect up to four load cells with four- or six-wire technology. The electrical connections are protected to IP68.
Use the product filters to select hygienic load cells by rated load, thread, protection class and certification. Then compare the installation length, housing diameter, connection thread, cable arrangement and technical documentation with the planned machine design.
Standard and hygienic load cells, compatible machine feet, complete sets and junction boxes are available under load cells for industrial weighing systems . The load cells, levelling feet, junction box, weighing electronics and supporting structure must be coordinated to create a reliable complete system.