EXPERIMENT NUMBER : 1

STATIC CHARACTERISTICS OF DIAPHRAGM TYPE LOAD CELL

Aim

To determine the static sensitivity, linearity and hysteresis of strain gauge case diaphragm type load
cell

Apparatus

Pressure cell, dead weight tester, milli-voltmeter and DC Power supply

Theory

Diaphragm elements are used for comparatively low pressure measurements. They are either
metallic with good spring characteristics or non metallic with no elastic characteristics. The force
that acts against a thin stretched diaphragm causes a deflection of the diaphragm with its centre
deflecting the mast. But for working the member within elastic limits the deflection at the centre
should be restricted to less than 1/3 of its thickness. In some cases, a diaphragm element may
consist of a single disc while in other 2 diaphragms are bonded. Together at their circumference by
soldering a pressure welding to form a capsule diaphragm element may consist of one or more
capsule connected together with each capsule deflecting on the application of pressure. The total
deflection is the sum of the deflection of the individual capsules.

Diaphragm elements find extensive use in the application of low pressure measurements including
vacuum.

Procedure

1. Fix the pressure on the dead weight tester and make necessary electrical connections.
2. Open valve by turning the knob in the counter clockwise direction.
3. Bring the handle of the hand pump to the centre mast position and push enough oil into the
handle of the reservoir.
4. Close the valve tightly.
5. Place the weights marked 4.5 kg/m2 on the top of the plunger and rotates the weights by
hand.
6. Rotate the handle of the hand pump clockwise until weights float freely.
7. Note down the indicated voltage on the milli-voltmeter.
8. Repeat the steps 5-7 by adding weights in steps up to 50 kg/m2 and note down the milli-
voltmeter reading.
9. Remove the added weights one by one and note down the readings for unloading.
Observation

Sr No Input Loading Unloading Mean Error % Error % Error

Output Output Output (True (FSD)
Value)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Formulae Used

  
 
   
 
Mean Output = 

Error = Mean Output – Input


Percentage True Value Error = x 100
 



Percentage FSD Error =  
  x 100

Full Scale Deflection = _________

Graphs

1. Input – Output Calibration Curve (Mean Output)

2. Input – Output Hysteresis Curve (Loading/Unloading)
3. Input and Error FSD

Result

1. Static Sensitivity = __________________

 900

y = 1*x + 1.9
800

700

600
Mean Output

500

400

Sensitivity = 1

300

200

100
100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
Input
 900

800
Loading
Unloading
Unloading
700 Line

600
Output

500

400

300

200

100
100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
Input
 0.7

0.6

0.5

0.4
FSD Error

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
Input