UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF RECLAMATION

USBR 1045-89
PROCEDURE FOR

CALIBRATING FORCE TRANSDUCERS (LOAD CELLS)

INTRODUCTION

This procedure is under the jurisdiction of the Geotechnical Services Branch, code D-3760, Research and Laboratory Services
Division, Denver Office, Denver, Colorado. The procedure is issued under the fixed designation USBR 1045. The number immediately
following the designation indicates the year of acceptance or the year of last revision.

1. Scope 5.2 This calibration procedure is to be performed upon

receipt of the force transducer and annually thereafter.
1.1 This designation outlines the procedure for
calibrating force transducers (load cells) for laboratory use.
Two calibration methods are described. Method A outlines 6. Terminology
a calibration procedure using a platform scale load frame
and a set of calibration masses for applying compressive 6.1 Definitions are in accordance with USBR 3900.
forces or banging a set of calibration masses to apply tensile
forces. Method B describes a calibration procedure using 6.2 Terms not included in USBR 3900 specific to this
a universal testing machine. Force transducers (load cells) designation are:
can be calibrated in tension or compression using either 6.2.1 Creep.-Time-dependent strain or deformation;
method. for example, continuing strain with sustained stress (ASTM
definition).
2. Auxiliary Tests 6.2.2 Hermedcallj sealed-Sealed and guaranteed to
be airtight.
2.1 The universal testing machine used in this 6.2.3 UniversaL-In the text of this procedure, the
procedure must be calibrated in accordance with ASTM term universal implies that the device can apply either
E 4. The platform scale load frame used in this procedure compression or tension loads.
must be calibrated in accordance with USBR I012 prior 6.2.4 Linearicy.-The variation of force transducer
to performing this calibration procedure. output values from a straight line. The measurements are
obtained using a series of standard loads applied over the
3. Applicable Documents total rated capacity of the force transducer.
6.2.5 Repeacabilicy.-The maximum difference
3.1 USBR Procedure: between force transducer output readings for repeated
USBR 1012 Calibrating Balances or Scales loadings under identical loading and environmental
3.2 ASTM Standard: conditions.
E 4 Load Verification of Testing Machines 6.2.6 Hysceresis.-The maximum difference between
force transducer output for the same applied load; one
4. Summary of Method reading obtained by increasing the load from zero to the
force transducer rated capacity, and the other by decreasing
4.1 A force transducer (load cell) is loaded in either the load from the force transducer rated capacity to zero.
tension or compression using either a platform scale load 6.2.7 Raced Capacity (maximum capacity).-The
frame and mass standards (method A, compression) and maximum axial load the force transducer is designed to
hanging standard masses (method A, tension), or a measure within its specifications.
universal testing machine (method B). Forces are applied
to the force transducer in increments over its rated capacity.
7. Apparatus
The electrical output of the force transducer is compared
to the known force applied at each force increment; and
the linearity, hysteresis, repeatability, and creep of the force 7.1 Force Transducer (load cell).-A transducer (fig. 1)
transducer are determined. which converts changes in force into an electrical output.
7.1.1 Components of the force transducer should
5. Significance and Use possess the following characteristics:
7.1.1.1 The force transducer should be hermet-
5.1 A calibrated force transducer (load cell) must be ically sealed to prevent damage to the internal electrical
used in the laboratory to ensure reliable test results. components in the event of exposure to moisture.

74
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7' (•
 USBR 1045

7-23s8 (8-86), T
Bureau of Reclamation FORCE TRANSDUCER (LOAD CELL) CALIBRATION 1 Designation USBR 1045-_
89-

MANUFACTURER Example 176 2001

MODEL NO. SERIAL NO.
CALIBRATION METHOD: E] A - PLATFORM SCALE [] S - UNIVERSAL MACHINE
RC (RATED CAPACITY) (a) 200 Ibf N FORCETRANSDUCERFAC'•OR(c)=(@)/(b) 20,000 •llbf/V [--]N/V
VOLTAGE OUTPUT (b) *l 0.000 V
"CALIBRATION PERFORMED BY

i
DATE __ CALIBRATION CHECKED BY DATE __

CALIBRATION MASS REQUIREMENTS

MASS REQUIRED ACTUAL MASS USED
FORCE INCREMENTS Ibm" N Ibm" N
.2x (RC} = 40.0 4'0.0 40.0
.4 x {RC) = 80.0. 80.0 80.0
-6x (RC)= 120.0 120.0 120.0
.8x (RC)= 160.0 160.0 160.0
1.0x (RC) = 200.0 200.0 200.0
"IMPLIES Ibm = Ibf FORCE TRANSDUCER CALIBRATION: [] COMPRESSION [] TENSION

INCREASING FORCE INCREMENTS DECREASING FORCE INCREMENTS

FORCE INCREMENT FORCE TRANSDUCER FORCE TRANSDUCER FORCE INCREMENT FORCE TRANSDUCER FORCETRANSDUCER

OUTPUT
%:,[]
VOLTAGE OUTPUT OUTPUT (2)x(c) VOLTAGE OUTPUT
[]Ibm" [] N (V) •] Ibf ON [] Ibm" [] N (V)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
T/'ial No. I

0.001 O. 02 o 0.005 0. 10
1.986 39.72 4(3.0 2. 000 40.00
80.0 Jt• 3.978 79.56 3. 994 79.88
6.00(2__ 120.00 5 994
119.88m
7.987
10.000
159.74
200.00
,6oo
---r 2-5 .o
7. 993
I0.000
159 86
200. O0

Trial No. 2

0 0.001 O. 02 0.0 0.004 O. 08

40.0 1.989 39.78 40.0 2.000 40.00
80.0 3.986 79.72 80.0 4.002 80.O4
120.0 5.993 119.86 120.0 6.002 120.O4
160.0 8.001 160.02 160.0 8.006 160.12
200.0 10.009 200. 18 200.0 10.009 200. 18

PERCENT ERROR CALCULATIONS

LINEARITY HYSTERESIS REPEATABI LITY CREEP

% ERROR % ERROR %.E RROR %ERROR

,oo FORCE APPLIED [•] Ibf [] N

Trial No.I
TRANSDUCER OUTPUT
AT ZERO MINUTES (a) 200.0 [] Ibf [] N
0.01 0.04 O,.Op
TRANSDUCER OUTPUT
0. 14 0. 14 0.03 AT 35 MINUTE (b) 200.3 •Ibf ON
0.22 0.16 0.08
0.00 0.06 0.07
% ERROR =•x 100 = E;.15
0.13 0.06 0.14
0.00 0.09
ACCEPT I'•
Triel No.2 REJECT []

0.01 0.03 REMARKS:

0.11 0.1l
0.14 0.16
0.07 O. 09
0.01 O. 0.5
0 09 0.00

Figure 5. - Force transducer (load cell) calibration -- example.

77
 USBR 1045

ll.3.7 Carefully remove the scale beam pin; and, if 11.4.4 The output of the signal conditioner should
necessary, turn the wheel of the platform scale load frame read +10.000 volts d-c. If the output is not +10.000 volts
to level the scale beam. d-c, adjust the gain control on the signal conditioner to
11.3.8 The output of the signal conditioner should obtain _10.000 volts d-c. Polarity of the output signal
read +10.000 volts d-c. If the output is not _10.000 volts depends on the wiring of the force transducer and the
d-c, adjust the gain control on the signal conditioner to desire of the user. Record the Voltage output, and calculate
obtain +10.000 volts d-c. Polarity of the output signal and record the "Force transducer factor" (fig. 5).
depends on the wiring of the force transducer and the 11.4.5 Remove the hanger and all the mass from
desire of the user. Record the Voltage output (fig. 5). the force transducer so the force transducer is completely
11.3.9 Place the scale beam pin under the scale beam unloaded and calculate Calibration mass requirements as
and lower the beam onto the scale beam pin by turning shown on figure 5.
the wheel of the platform scale load frame until the force 11.4.6 If necessary, readjust the signal conditioner
transducer is completely unloaded. Calculate and record so the output is equal to 0.000 volt d-c. If it is necessary
the "Force transducer factor" (fig. 5). to again zero the signal conditioner, repeat subparagraphs
11.3.10 If necessary, readjust the signal conditioner 11.4.3 through 11.4.5.
so the output is equal to 0.000 volt d-c. If it is necessary
to again zero the signal conditioner, repeat subparagraphs CAUTION.-Once the appropriate gain has been set, do not
11.3.5 through 11.3.9. readjust. If it is readjusted, the calibration values are incorrect
and the readings are unreliable.
CAUTION.-Once the appropriate gain has been set do not
readjust. If it is readjusted, the calibration values are incorrect
11.4.7 Reattach the hanger to the force transducer
and the readings are unreliable.
and place sufficient mass on the hanger to produce tensile
11.3.11 Remove all tile mass from the scale beam forces equal to 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 percent of the rated
and calculate calibration mass requirements as shown on capacity of the force transducer.
figure 5. 11.4.8 Record the Force increment applied and the
11.3.12 Place sufficient mass on the scale beam so Force transducer voltage output for each load increment.
a force equal to 20 percent of the rated capacity of the 11.4.9 Unload the force transducer by removing mass
force transducer is applied. from the hanger attached to the force transducer to
11.3.13 Lift the scale beam off of the pin by turning correspond to 80, 60, 40, 20, and 0 percent of the rated
the wheel and carefully remove the scale beam pin. If capacity of the force transducer. Read and record the Force
necessary, turn the wheel of the platform scale load frame increment applied and the Force transducer voltage output
to level the scale beam. Read and record the Force increment for each force increment as shown in the Decreasing Force
applied and the Force transducer voltage output as shown Increments section of figure 5.
in the Increasing Force Increments section of figure 5. 11.4.10 Repeat subparagraphs 11.4.7 through 11.4.9
11.3.14 Repeat subparagraphs 11.3.12 through to obtain two sets of readings.
11.3.13 for force increments of 40, 60, 80, and 100 percent 11.4.11 Using the "Force transducer factor," calculate
of the rated capacity of the force transducer. and record the Force transducer output (fig. 5).
11.3.15 Unload the force transducer by removing 11.5 Method B- Calibration Using a Universal
mass from the scale beam to correspond to 80, 60, 40, Testing Machine (compression, fig. 6a):
20, and 0 percent of the rated capacity of the force 11.5.1' Adjust the signal conditioner so the output
transducer. Level the scale beam after each decrement of of the force transducer is 0.000 volt d-c with zero force
mass is removed. Read and record the Force increment on the force transducer.
applied and Force transducer voltage output for each force 11.5.2 Adjust all ranges on the universal testing
as shown in the Decreasing Force Increments section of machine to zero.
figure 5. 11.5.3 Position the force transducer directly beneath
11.3.16 Repeat subparagraphs 11.3.12 through the loading plate of the testing machine; ensure that the
11.3.15 to obtain two sets of readings. force transducer loading pins are in the vertical position.
11.3.17 Using the "Force transducer factor," calculate (For some force transducers, it may be necessary to turn
and record the Force transducer output (fig. 5). a nut onto each loading pin to hold the load cell vertical,
H.4 Method A -- Calibration Using Mass Standards level, and in compliance with the requirements for axial
(tension, fig. 3): alinement as specified by the manufacturer.)
11.4.1 Hang the force transducer using appropriate 11.5.4 Carefully adjust the controls on the universal
adaptors. testing machine until the top load plate just makes contact
11.4.2 Adjust the signal conditioner so the output with the force transducer.
of the force transducer is 0.000 volt d-c. 11.5.5 Compute the force required for 20, 40, 60,
11.4.3 Attach the hanger to the bottom of the force 80, and 100 percent of the rated capacity of the force
transducer using appropriate adapters. Place sufficient mass transducer; select the appropriate load range on the testing
on the hanger so the force transducer is loaded in tension machine to ensure that readings are obtained in its most
to 100 percent of its rated capacity. Record the force applied sensitive range. Record the RC (Rated capacity) of the
as the RC (Rated capacity) (fig. 5). force transducer as shown on figure 5.

78
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11.5.6 Slowly load the force transducer until a force depends on the wiring of the transducer and the desire
equal to 100 percent of the rated capacity of the force of the user. Record the Voltageoutputas shown on figure 5.
transducer has been applied to the transducer. 11.6.8 Remove the tension force from the force
11.5.7 Adjust the output of the signal conditioner transducer by adjusting the controls on the testing machine
so it registers +10.000 volt d-c. The polarity of the signal so the total force on the force transducer is equal to 0.00
depends on the wiring of the transducer and the desire lbf (0.00 N).
of the user. Record the Voltage output (fig. 5). 11.6.9 If necessary, readjust the signal conditioner
11.5.8 Remove the force from the force transducer so the output is equal 0.000 volt d-c. If it is necessary
by adjusting the controls on the testing machine so the to again zero the signal conditioner, repeat subparagraphs
total force on the force transducer is equal to 0.00 lbf 11.6.6 through I 1.6.8.
(0.00 N). Calculate and record the "Force Transducer
Factor" (fig. 5). CAUTION.-Once the appropriate gain has been set, do not
11.5.9 If necessary, readjust the signal conditioner readjust. If it is readjusted, the calibration values are incorrect
so the output is equal to 0.000 volt d-c. If it is necessary and the readings are unreliable.
to again zero the signal conditioner, repeat subparagraphs
11.5.4 through 11.5.8. 11.6.10 Compute the force required for 20, 40, 60,
80, and 100 percent of the rated capacity of the force
CAUTION.-Once the appropriate gain has been set do not transducer. Select the appropriate load range on the testing
readjust. If it is readjusted, the calibration values are incorrect machine to ensure that readings are obtained in its most
and the readings are unreliable. sensitive range for the force being applied. Record the
RC (Rated capacity) of the force transducer and calculate
11.5.10 Carefully adjust the controls on the testing and record the "Force transducer factor" (fig. 5).
machine to produce forces equal to 20, 40, 60, 80, and 11.6.1l Carefully adjust the controls on the testing
100 percent of the rated capacity of the force transducer. machine to produce tensile forces equal to 20, 40, 60, 80,
11.5.11 Read and record the Force incremencapplied and 100 percent of the rated capacity of the force transducer.
and the Force transducer voltage output for each force 11.6.12 Read and record the Forceincrementapplied
increment. and the Force transducer voltage output for each force
11.5.[2 Remove the force from the force transducer increment.
to correspond to 80, 60, 40, 20, and 0 percent of the rated 11.6.13 Unload the force transducer by carefully
capacity of the force transducer. Read and record the Force adjusting the controls on the testing machine to produce
increment applied and Force transducer voltage output for forces corresponding to 80, 60, 40, 20, and 0 percent of
each force as shown in the Decreasing Force Increments the rated capacity of the force transducer.
section of figure 5. 11.6.14 Read and record the Force increment applied
11.5.13 Repeat subparagraphs 11.5.10 through and Force transducer voltage output for each force
11.5.12 to obtain two sets of reading. increment as shown in the Decreasing Force Increments
11.5.14 Using the"Force transducer factor," calculate section of figure 5.
and record the Force transducer output (fig. 5). 11.6.15 Repeat subparagraphs 11.6.11 through
11.6 Method B--Calibration Using a Universal Testing 11.6.14 to obtain two sets of readings.
Machine (tension, fig. 6b): 11.6.16 Using the "Force transducer factor," calculate
11.6.1 Adjust the signal conditioner so the output and record the Force transducer output (fig. 5).
of the force transducer is 0.000 volt d-c with zero tensile 11.7 Creep Test:
force on the force transducer. 11.7.1 Regardless of the method used to load the
11.6.2 Adjust all ranges on the universal testing force transducer, the procedure is the same for determining
machine to zero. creep of the force transducer.
11.6.3 Attach a ball joint coupler to each side of ll.7.2 Apply either a tension or compression force
the force transducer as shown on figure 6b. on the force transducer equal to 100 percent of rated capacity
ll.6.4 Attach the bottom ball joint coupler to the and read and record the Force transducer output as the
table of the testing machine. "Transducer output at zero minutes" (fig. 5).
11.6.5 Carefully adjust the controls on the testing 11.7.3 Maintain the force on the force transducer
machine until the top load plate is low enough so the for a minilnum of 30 minutes, and read the Force transducer
top ball joint can be attached to it. voltage output any time after 30 minutes. Record the time
11.6.6 Carefully adjust the controls on the testing and the force transducer output as "Transducer output at
machine to slowly apply a tension force on the force __ minute" (fig. 5).
transducer equal to 100 percent of the rated capacity of 11.7.4 Calculate the Creep • error (fig. 5).
the force transducer. Ensure that readings on the testing 11.8 Calculate the linearity, hysteresis, and repeatability
machine are obtained in its most sensitive range for the of the force transducer at each force increment of 0, 20,
force being applied. 40, 60, 80, 100 percent of rated capacity.
11.6.7 Adjust the output of the signal conditioner ll.9 Evaluate the values of error obtained. If the
so it registers ___10.000 volt d-c. The polarity of the signal percent error for linearity, hysteresis, repeatability, or creep

79
 [!S, BR llqll a:,

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 USBR 1045

does not fall within tolerances specified by the manufac- 13. Report
turer, the appropriate subparagraphs of the calibration
procedure are to be repeated. If the force transducer still 13.1 The report is to consist of a completed and checked
does not meet specified requirements, it is rejected for "Force Transducer (Load Cell) Calibration" form (fig. 5).
laboratory use. 13.2 All calculations are to show a checkmark.

12. Calculations 14. Background Reference

14.1 "Handbook of Measurement and Control,"

12.1 Calculations required for determining linearity, Handbook HB-76, copyright 1976 by Schaevitz Engineer-
hysteresis, repeatability, and creep of the force transducer ing, Pennsauken, NJ, Library of Congress Catalog No. 76-
are as shown on figure 5. 24971.

81