Vent Holes in Load Cell for Pressure Compensation and Cleaning

Load Cell Product

Model 11 Miniature Load Cell with two vent holes, 250-pound range.

Load Cell Application

The customer needs to measure the force on a hydraulic cylinder in a down-hole well logging tool. The pressure inside the oil-filled tool can reach 20,000 psi, which will cause the load cell to give false readings as if it was a pressure transducer.

Solution to Load Cell Application

We drill two holes on opposite sides of the Model ll Miniature Load Cell element to allow the ambient pressure in the tool to be on both sides of the load cell element. While one hole would work, two are provided to facilitate cleaning (flushing), if necessary.

Load Cell Applications