Hydraulic Load Cell Calibration: What Every Site Manager Needs to Know

Hydraulic load cells are a popular choice for monitoring programs on harsh or hard to access sites.

But like any other instrument, they need correct and scheduled calibration to provide meaningful data. Monitel’s consultants are experienced in calibrating hydraulic load cells and delivering the reports required by WA’s regulatory bodies.

This article explains what calibration is, why it matters and how our process ensures each hydraulic load cell performs reliably throughout its entire deployment. For more information or to discuss your site, contact Monitel.

What Is Calibration and Why Does It Matter?

Calibration is the process of verifying that a load cell is producing accurate force measurements within its working range. For a hydraulic load cell, this means ensuring internal fluid pressure corresponds precisely with the applied load.

Calibration is essential for any type of sensor, because with out it:

  • Site managers may receive incorrect readings that either underestimate or overestimate force

  • Data may not be an accurate reflection of field conditions

But most importantly, sensor data informs critical decisions. Should units be poorly calibrated, even a 5-10% deviation can cause misinterpretations that lead to structural failures, safety risks and regulatory violations.

How Monitel Consultants Perform Hydraulic Load Cell Calibration

At Monitel, our consultants calibrate hydraulic load cells in controlled environments, using widely accepted methods and traceable standards.

Our process looks like this:

  1. Bench Setup: The load cell is installed in a test rig, where a known load is incrementally applied

  2. Fluid Pressurisation: As each increment is applied, our consultants record rises in fluid pressure

  3. Verification Against Standards: We compare the recorded levels against known force values to assess repeatability and accuracy

  4. Curve Creation: We create a calibration curve that maps pressure to actual force, assisting them in assessing the sensor’s performance

  5. Certificate Issued: Site managers are provided a full calibration report, detailing traceable references, performance metrics and recommendations for further action

What to Consider When Recalibrating in the Field

When recalibrating a hydraulic load cell that has already been deployed, Monitel consultants account for:

  • Zeroing after installation, especially if the sensor is connected via long tubing runs or if fluid levels shift

  • Any damage to surface indicators or abnormal readings, which could require gauge replacements

  • Fluid chamber integrity checks, ensuring readings aren’t affected by air ingress or evaporation

Our team can also assist with calibrating vibrating wire and strain gauge load cells during staged loading or excavation phases.

Monitel’s Hydraulic Load Cell Services

Monitel designs monitoring solutions that address the operational realities of Western Australian projects. Our consultants provide end to end support that ensures accurate, reliable data throughout the length of the monitoring program.

Our services include:

  • System design and sensor selection

  • Installation, including on site verification

  • Integration with data loggers and transducers

  • Custom calibration for non-standard systems

  • Ongoing support for maintenance, quality assurance and recalibration during multi-year projects

All sensors are calibrated prior to dispatch and delivered with compliance certificates.

To Discuss Your Project’s Requirements, Contact Monitel

Whether you’re designing a new monitoring program or verifying the stability of a decades old dam, Monitel consultants can assist with calibrating your load cells and gathering accurate data.

For more information about the price and availability of hydraulic load cells, contact Monitel today.

FAQs

Because they work on a simple principle and have a robust construction, hydraulic load cells maintain a remarkable stability over time.

Nontheless, our consultants would recommend:

  • Initial calibration before each deployment

  • Mid project verification for long term installations or if the sensor is exposed to an extreme, volatile climate

  • Post retrieval recalibration if you plan to use that same unit in the future

This shcedule will ensure continued data quality and support regulatory compliance.

A well calibrated load cell means easily traceable data. That’s a core compliance requirement for industires like mining and infrastructure.

Monitel supports your compliance by integrating calibration data with force data. Our dashboards allow site managers to trace measurements, and the relevant calibrations, from the load event onwards.

It does.

Longer tubing has a direct impact on internal pressures and the way the system responds. Monitel consultants account for this during calibration and will advise you of interpretation techniques that maintain accuracy.

5 Ways a Hydraulic Load Cell Can Support Dam Management

On remote Western Australian sites, dams and storage facilities require constant monitoring to protect people and the environment.

Hydraulic load cells are an ideal choice for this task, with their rugged and robust construction offering protection against the harsh and corrosive nature of dam activity. Monitel is proud to have deployed this sensor on sites across WA to gather accurate and reliable structural stress data.

This post explains 6 ways hydraulic load cell monitoring can support dam infrastructure and how Monitel can install a system on your site. For more information, contact our team.

What Is a Hydraulic Load Cell?

A hydraulic load cell is a hardy sensor with a simple working principle: using fluid pressure transmission to measure applied loads.

When force is applied to the load bearing surface, it compresses the sensor’s internal chamber and the enclosed fluid. This pressure change can be read at the surface through either a manual gauge or pressure transducer.

Hydraulic systems have a simple construction, with no electrical components at the measuring points. This makes them strong, durable and suited to harsh or corrosive conditions like those found in dams.

6 Ways Hydraulic Load Cells Fit into Dam Management

1. Monitoring Anchor Loads in Dams

Many dams use ground anchors to stabilise embankments and retaining structures. Hydraulic load cells can be installed directly on to these anchors, measuring tension force.

This data verifies whether loads are within design limits and detects any progressive loading that could indicate shifting or instability within the dam wall.

2. Measuring Force in Retrofitted Systems

Older, riskier facilities may be reinforced with struts or props during maintenance or raising stages. Hydraulic load cells can monitor these supports, offering a non-intrusive, corrosion resistant option where other sensors would falter.

3. Long Term Structural Monitoring in Corrosive Conditions

Dam water is often riddled with chemically aggressive substances hostile to many types of instrumentation. But hydraulic load cells hold up in these conditions, boasting:

  • No electrical components at the measurement point

  • Ceramic diaphragms

  • Stainless steel housings

These allow for reliable performance over long periods.

4. Early Warning Systems for Settlement and Load Redistribution

Force monitoring doesn’t have to be reactive. By installing hydraulic load cells at key points in the embankment structure, site managers can detect any unexpected changes in force distribution before they escalate into major issues.

Think of it as an early warning system, triggering closer inspection or emergency protocols.

5. Monitoring Internal Embankment Forces

Hydraulic load cells can be installed within embankments to track internal stresses during staged construction. This helps site managers identify compaction inconsistencies as the dam rises.

6. Operational Safety and Design Validation

Because they can withstand aggressive conditions, hydraulic load cells provide long term data on how loads are evolving under operational conditions. This can be used to validate design assumptions and support regulatory compliance, ensuring the safety of the structure.

Our Monitoring Services

At Monitel, we strive to deliver hydraulic load cell solutions that integrate seamlessly into wider monitoring programs. Our services include:

  • System design and supply of load cells from trusted manufacturers

  • Installation and integration with your preferred data logging system

  • Ongoing maintenance and calibration support

  • Data interpretation services, alert setup and reporting assistance

Whether you’re managing a new mine or a legacy dam, our consultants will tailor a solution to fit your operational needs.

How We Install in Dams

Despite their resilience, installing a hydraulic load cell in a dam or storage facility requires a firm understanding of site conditions and loading patterns.

Monitel consultants ensure sensor placement optimises for accurate force transmission without exposing the unit to corrosion risks. Mounted load cells are placed at key structural points and all sensors have proper tubing protection to protect signal degradation.

Our teams are trained to adapt installation procedures to site conditions, deploying weatherproof housing and readout configurations as required.

Contact Monitel and Learn More About Dam Monitoring

Is your dam monitoring system inaccurate or unreliable? Integrating a hydraulic load cell could be the solution to achieving useable data amidst wet and corrosive conditions.

For more information on the price and availability of hydraulic load cells, contact Monitel today.

How to Read and Log Hydraulic Load Cell Data

Hydraulic load cells are a hardy instrument for monitoring force in remote and unforgiving environments. Their rugged build makes them a popular choice where other sensors will almost certainly fail.

But their accuracy and effectiveness hinges on more than just the sensor – how readings are captured, logged and interpreted is just as important to the quality of your data. Monitel systems are designed to maximise sensor performance and ensure data makes sense. Our consultants provide end to end support, assisting from sensor selection through to regulatory reporting.

In this article, we break down how hydraulic load cells output data and how you can ensure it’s accurate. For more information or to discuss your site’s requirements, contact Monitel.

Understanding Hydraulic Load Cell Outputs

Hydraulic load cells operate on a simple working principle: fluid pressure.

As pressure is applied to the cell body, a sealed fluid is compressed, which in turn exerts pressure on a measuring device. This pressure is proportional to the applied load.

Monitel’s load cell systems are compatible with two ways of reading data:

  • Bourdon Gauges: Data is read manually on this mechanical gauge, ideal for quick checks or sites with no power access

  • Pressure Transducer: Pressure is converted into an electrical signal, which is then sent to a data logger for automated monitoring

Each method offers its own benefits. The right fit for your site will be determined by your required accuracy, frequency of monitoring and how the sensor integrates with other instruments.

Using a Bourdon Gauge

A Bourdon gauge’s manual readings are often chosen for low risk projects or when resources are limited.

To ensure reliable data, Monitel installs gauges inside weatherproof enclosures and:

  • Records readings at consistent intervals (whether that be daily or weekly)

  • Logs external factors like temperature, weather and site conditions alongside readings

  • Uses calibrated gauges and routinely checks for mechanical drift

Used for short term projects or visual verification, Bourdon gauges work fine on their own. But should you need long term monitoring or threshold alerts, they will need to be paired with data loggers.

Using Pressure Transducers

Pressure transducers allow site managers to track real time data with minimal manual inputs. By converting pressure measurements into a standardised electrical signal, they enable:

  • Continuous data capture over extended periods

  • Integration with remote data loggers, telemetry systems or SCADA

  • Automated threshold notifications and reporting

Monitel consultants will typically install pressure transducers as part of an integrated system. Load cells, power supply and data loggers are combined in weatherproof enclosures to transmit measurements to your central database via cellular or satellite networks.

4 Tips for Accurate and Reliable Data Logging with Hydraulic Load Cells

  • Protect Tubing and Connections: Use reinforced lines and secure fittings to prevent any damage or leakage to your equipment.

  • Ventilation: Ensure the fluid system is properly vented to avoid trapped air, which can skew results.

  • Temperature Compensation: Where possible, choose sensors or loggers with built in temperature adjustment. This is especially important for climate volatile sites.

  • Routine Verification: Schedule periodic checks with Monitel consultants to validate logger accuracy against manual readings.

Monitel’s Complete Hydraulic Load Cell Monitoring Services

At Monitel, we understand Australian sites require robust monitoring systems designed for maximum performance in unforgiving conditions. Our services include:

  • Assistance designing systems and selecting appropriate equipment

  • Installation, including precise calibration and secure mounting

  • Data logging and integration, including connection of pressure transducers and alert set up

  • Training, calibration, maintenance and more ongoing support to ensure your system delivers long term

  • Reporting assistance

We’re proud of our brand and technology agnostic approach. Monitel has no allegiance to any one company or sensor and will always opt for the product that best serves your site. To view our full range, click here.

Contact Monitel to Arrange a Hydraulic Load Cell Monitoring System

Monitel consultants work closely with site managers and engineers to tailor monitoring systems to Western Australian conditions. Hydraulic load cells form crucial parts of those systems, offering a reliable monitoring solution in unforgiving conditions.

For more information on the price and availability of hydraulic load cells, contact Monitel today.

Hydraulic Load Cells for Harsh and Corrosive Environments

Across WA, mining operations, coastal infrastructure and chemical processing sites must stand up to unpredictable and corrosive climates. Many standard sensors simply cannot cope, affecting the reliability and accuracy of your monitoring data.

Hydraulic load cells are built differently, holding no electronic components at the measurement point to offer a robust alternative that can stand up to environmental extremes.

In this post, we explain why and how hydraulic load cells deliver consistent performance in unforgiving conditions and how Monitel incorporates them into monitoring solutions across Western Australia. To discuss your project’s requirements, get in touch with our team.

The Harsh Reality of Corrosive Environments

WA projects are no strangers to heat, salinity, dust and chemical exposure. Regardless of their purposes, any monitoring instruments must be resilient to these conditions over long periods of time.

Hydraulic load cells are renowned for exactly that. With a rugged construction and tightly sealed fluid chamber, they’re a go to choice in environments where electrical sensors will almost certainly degrade or fail. Hydraulic load cells excel in:

  • Corrosive settings like tailings dams and waste treatment areas

  • Remote installations with limited power supply

  • High vibration zones

  • Ocean adjacent structures where salt and humidity can cause issues

Why Do Hydraulic Load Cells Perform So Well in Extreme Conditions?

Hydraulic load cells have a simple working principle:

  1. A load is applied

  2. That load compresses an internal diaphragm

  3. Subsequently, pressure increases in the fluid filled chamber

  4. Data is measured by a remote readout

A hydraulic load cell’s key advantage is that, unlike strain gauge and vibrating wire sensors, its sensing component is separate from the measurement site. That means electronic components are protected from the environment and the unit can be deployed in less forgiving terrain.

Other advantages include the mechanical simplicity, stability in volatile temperatures and the quality of the sensor’s housing and sealing.

When to Choose Hydraulic Over Other Load Cells

By now, you might have an inkling that the hydraulic load cell thrives in scenarios where stain gauge and vibrating wire options often falter. Monitel consultants opt for a hydraulic unit when:

  • Power supply or infrastructure is limited

  • Equipment corrosion is a major concern

  • The project only requires a short to mid term monitoring solution

  • The site requires a simplistic installation

A hydraulic load cell might not offer the same precision and automation as other types, but their hardiness makes them a practical solution for harsh conditions.

How Monitel Supports WA Industry with Hydraulic Load Cells

At Monitel, our team understands that, in WA, every project is different. That’s why we design load cell monitoring systems that address site specific risks and account for corrosion dangers. Our deployment history includes:

  • Load monitoring on anchors and props

  • Bridge bearing assessments

  • Tailings dam load tracking

  • Pipeline supports

  • Temporary structures

Our consultants offer comprehensive services, advising you from sensor selection through to regulatory reporting:

  • Sensor selection guidance that accounts for load type, duration and exposure

  • Sensor potting and sealing for long term performance and durability

  • Integration with pressure transducers and surface readout systems

  • Custom enclosures that enable easy access for engineers and protect instruments against site specific corrosion risks

  • Connection to Monitel data dashboards or third party systems for remote access and threshold alerts

Selecting Sensors That Work For You

Monitel is proud of its brand and product agnostic approach. We have no allegiance to any one company or sensor and will always guide you toward an option designed to perform in your site’s conditions.

To view our full range of instrumentation, click here.

Enquire Today and Arrange Hydraulic Load Cell Monitoring on Your Site

In harsh conditions and corrosive environments, hydraulic load cells prove their worth every day. Whether you’re building on the coast or dealing with corrosive byproducts, their simplicity and durability will give engineers confidence where other systems fail.

For more information on the price and availability of hydraulic load cells, contact Monitel today.

Understanding Strain Gauge, Hydraulic and Other Load Cell Outputs: How to Choose the Right Signal for Your Project

Load cells are a critical tool for many Western Australian projects, measuring the loads, stresses and forces that impact man made and natural structures.

Whilst strain gauge, hydraulic and other load cells may all measure the same thing, how they output that information can vary. Selecting the right signal format is essential in securing accurate and reliable data.

In this article, we break down the four main load cell outputs and how they could (or couldn’t) work on your site. For more information, contact Monitel.

1. Millivolt (mV/V) Output

This is the most common signal output for strain gauge load cells. It’s a low level, analogue option proportional to the excitation voltage applied (usually around 2 mV/V).

Pros

  • Incredibly sensitive and accurate

  • Works with most typical data acquisition systems

  • Perfect for short cable runs and laboratory work

Cons

  • The low voltage signal is prone to electrical interference

  • A stable excitation voltage is essential

  • Requires significant amplification for success over long cable lengths

How we use it

Monitel consultants opt for a millivolt signal when the logger/unit is located near to the load cell.

2. 4–20 mA Current Loop

In many industries, this is the standard. Instead of voltage, the load cell transmits a current proportional to the load applied. The current sits in the 4 to 20 mA range.

It’s a popular choice for remote field monitoring where sites may be hazardous or hard to access.

Pros

  • Great stability over long distances

  • Largely immune to voltage drops and electrical interference

  • Easy to integrate with remote monitoring systems

Cons

  • More costly than most other options

  • Signal represents an averaged, less specific force

How we use it

Most WA mining projects are in harsh, remote environments, so our consultants often use this current when monitoring tailings dams and bridge foundations.

3. Vibrating Wire (VW) Frequency

Many load cells use vibrating wire technology that converts force into a frequency. That frequency corresponds to a wire tension altered by the applied load.

  • Excellent long term stability

  • Highly resistant to harsh climates

  • Compatible with long cable runs and geotechnical deployments

Cons

  • Only compatible with specialised VW readouts or loggers

  • More expensive than a standard strain gauge model

How we use it

In geotechnical settings, long term accuracy is often more important than frequent samples. That’s why our consultants utilise this signal in embankments, tunnels and dams.

4. Digital Outputs (RS-485, Modbus and more)

Digital outputs convert an analogue signal and transmit it via protocols such as RS-485 and Modbus. They are most common in factory settings but are beginning to emerge as a popular choice in field monitoring.

Pros

  • Immune to analogue noise

  • Easily networked for multi point systems

  • Integrates seamlessly with modern loggers

  • Precise, complex configuration process

How we use it

Monitel deploys this signal in complex, multi parameter monitoring solutions where load data is networked with other instrumentation.

Geosense and Soil Instruments Output Options

Monitel is proud of our brand and product agnostic approach – we have no allegiance to any one sensor or company. Nonetheless, many of the load cells we use are supplied by Geosense or Soil Instruments. Their configurations include:

  • Geosense: Offers strain gauge load cells with mV/V, 4–20 mA, or VW outputs

  • Soil Instruments: Well respected for their VW systems with integrated readout options

How Monitel Helps You Find a Signal Output

Our team understands that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for WA operators.

Whether you’re in the South West or the Pilbara, we’ll assess site conditions, distance to logging equipment, monitoring objectives and regulatory demands to determine the best load cell type and output format. Other considerations include:

  • Environmental noise: Electrically noisy sites are best suited to current or frequency outputs.

  • Existing systems: We’ll ensure new technology is compatible with your existing dataloggers, telemetry or SCADA.

  • Sampling frequency: More dynamic sites may require voltage or digital outputs.

  • Project duration: If you’re monitoring long term, we’ll look to stable, low drift technologies like vibrating wire.

Get in Touch and Discuss a Monitoring Solution for Your Site

If you’re unsure which output is best for your load cell monitoring system, our consultants can help you find an ideal solution.

For more information about the price and availability of strain gauge and other load cells, contact Monitel today.

How Strain Gauge and Other Load Cells Support Regulatory Compliance

If you’re managing an operation in Western Australia, it’s likely governed by strict industry regulations. Monitel designs load cell solutions to provide reliable data on force, weight and structural behaviour in mining and infrastructure projects.

This article explains how strain gauge, hydraulic and other load cells provide regulator ready data that fortifies your compliance. For more information or to arrange a consultation, get in touch with our team.

Why Load Monitoring Matters for Compliance

All levels of government require certain structures and equipment to be monitored for their stability. Common activities/components with load monitoring requirements include:

  • Ground anchors on temporary retaining walls

  • Measuring load on supports during excavation

  • Verifying load distribution across bridge bearings

With precise, real time load data, site managers can identify risks before a structural failure or regulatory breach occurs. Data also acts as evidence of due diligence during audits and inspections, or in the event of a workplace incident.

Regulations That Govern WA Projects

WA’s heavy industries are regulated by complex safety, environmental and engineering standards. Strain gauge, hydraulic and other load cells can be used to satisfy many of them, including:

  • DMIRS who impose rules around the monitoring of tailings dams, underground structures and other infrastructure in mining operations

  • NGER Scheme which regulates how load monitoring can contribute to energy use and emissions

  • AS Standards such as AS 3778, 1170 and 4100, which often require load cell monitoring to verify compliance

  • Work Health and Safety Regulations which regulate employee and occupant safety in structures

Our consultants will tailor your monitoring system to suit the regulatory requirements of your site.

How Load Cells Prove Site Safety

Load cells are a perfect addition to your compliance toolkit. They produce transparent data that acts as a digital footprint of what’s happening onsite. Figures reflecting stress changes, load shifts and other conditions can be used to:

  • Demonstrate adherence to site specific constraints

  • Identify risks before catastrophic failure

  • Show long term structural performance

Reliable, frequent and long term data is particularly valuable for structures where safety margins are tight – such as tailings dams and tunnels.

Common Compliance Focused Uses for Load Cells

Monitel has deployed load cells on sites in many different industries across Western Australia. Our experience includes:

  • Mining and resources, using strain gauge load cells to monitor collapse risks and ensure safe working conditions

  • Utilising hydraulic and vibrating wire load cells to monitor anchor forces in temporary structures

  • Gathering load data in bridge construction projects to ensure even load transfer

  • Monitoring long term stability in slope structures

Supporting Your Project with Regulator Ready Data

Our consultants work closely with engineers and site managers to ensure monitoring systems aren’t just collecting data. We create systems that keep load information traceable, clear and regulator ready by:

  • Selecting a load cell that suits the structure, environment and regulatory frameworks governing your site

  • Ensuring installation meets best practices

  • Integrating data logging and remote alerts as required

  • Providing ongoing support, including calibration checks and reporting assistance

User Friendly Data Systems

All load cells are paired with intuitive data logging and dashboard programs that eliminate any guesswork. Decision makers will be able to interpret data quickly and accurately and export evidence based reports when needed. These features can be used to support inspections and internal reviews.

Custom Alerts

Systems can also be configured with custom alerts and notifications, triggered when critical limits are exceeded. Options include:

  • SMS

  • Email

  • Intra-logging system alerts

They are often set for overloads, structural stress and unusual force. This feature supports swift and informed responses to critical incidents and acts as proof of due diligence to regulators.

Enquire Today and See How Load Cell Monitoring Could Strengthen Your Compliance

Whether you’re preparing for a regulator visit, designing a long term monitoring system or want to be prepared for a surprise audit, Monitel’s load cell solutions put compliance at the fore. With experience across transport, mining and infrastructure projects, our consultants understand how to balance regulatory obligations with operational realities.

For more information about the price and compatibility of strain gauge and other load cells, contact Monitel today.

Maintaining Data Accuracy in Strain Gauge and Other Load Cells

In high stakes industries, the integrity of load data is critical. But engineers and site managers can only be sure their readings are accurate when load cells are well maintained.

Monitel provides installation and maintenance services for strain gauge, hydraulic and other load cells, keeping both premium and affordable units durable and reliable.

This post breaks down the conditions that weaken load cell accuracy and how to maintain a sensor. For more information, contact Monitel.

Why Monitoring Accuracy Matters

Engineers and site managers use load cells and other sensors to inform critical decisions. If readings are out of calibration, it can have serious operational and safety consequences for construction, health and mining operations.

Maintenance schedules and warning systems are also informed by long term trend data. Should signal accuracy drift, those systems could prove inefficient or redundant.

In short: inaccurate sensors create false confidence.

What Causes Load Cell Drift?

There are several internal and external factors that can reduce load cell accuracy over time:

Mechanical Fatigue

Even high precision, robustly built units can deform after many thousands of uses. Just a fractional change can reduce sensitivity and shift data.

Environmental Exposure

Deployment in WA’s regions can leave load cells exposed to volatile temperatures, moisture, dust and chemicals. Without proper installation, all of these can interfere with internal components and data accuracy.

Electrical Noise and Interference

Some models are prone to noise and interference unless they are properly shielded.

Improper Mounting or Use

If a load cell is installed off axis or used beyond its rated capacity, its condition will degrade rapidly. In extreme cases, it won’t be able to gather accurate data even after reinstallation and the asset will be written off.

5 Signs Your Load Cells Could Be Failing

It isn’t always obvious when a sensor is beginning to drift, but those changes could have a catastrophic impact on your data and decision making.

These red flags can help identify failures early:

  • Gradual rise above a zero reading when no load is applied

  • Inconsistent readings under identical repeat loads

  • Excessive noise and fluctuations in output

  • Readings misaligned with known reference loads

  • Sudden drops in signal strength and communications failures

How to Properly Maintain a Load Cell

Keeping load cells accurate doesn’t require constant replacement or a full overhaul of your monitoring system. Good maintenance practices will extend the lifecycle of your setup.

Regular Calibration

Arrange annual calibration checks for low use systems and more frequent assessments for critical units. In between checks, use simulated loads to verify readings. As a part of our comprehensive load cell services, Monitel consultants provide ongoing calibration support.

Climate and Environmental Protection

Protect units with weatherproof housings and sealed cabling if your installation is exposed. If using a hydraulic load cell, ensure fluid reservoirs and tubing remain properly sealed and clean.

Proper Mounting and Alignment

Always install sensors according to manufacturer guidelines. Pay particular attention to orientation and load application, as misalignment here can introduce side forces that alter readings.

Monitor Readouts or Data Logs

Most data loggers are capable of running automated trend analysis and triggering drift and anomaly alerts. This is useful for remote and hard to access sites.

Shielding and Grounding

These protect strain gauge and vibrating wire load cells from EMI and other noise.

How Monitel Promotes Ongoing Accuracy in Geotechnical Monitoring

Our consultants understand that end to end service gives engineers and site managers confidence in their data. Monitel will ensure your sensors are accurate and calibrated from system design onwards:

  • Know your systems are properly selected and installed with installation quality assurance

  • Consultants provide ongoing calibration services on and off site

  • Track data with our remote access dashboards

  • Schedule maintenance as you wish to ensure sensor performance

Enquire Today to Arrange Servicing for Strain Gauge and Other Load Cells

Maintaining a load cell’s value goes beyond installation. Keeping long term data accurate and getting the most out of your investment relies on proper maintenance, monitoring and support.

Monitel consultants can help you devise a strategy that keeps sensors performing to their maximum year on year.

For more information about the price and availability of strain gauge and other load cells, contact Monitel.

Installation in Harsh Environments: How We Ensure Maximum Performance for Strain Gauge and Other Load Cells

Strain gauge, hydraulic and other load cells are critical for force measurement in large scale, remote projects. But it’s important to recognise that not all units are built for the harsh climates of Western Australia’s regions.

This article explains how our consultants deploy these sensors in a way that protects them (and their data) against real world conditions. For more information, get in touch.

WA’s Most Common and Complex Environmental Challenges

Extreme Temperatures and Climate Events

Remote sites, particularly in the Kimberley and Pilbara, face high day time temperatures with rapid drops at sunset. These fluctuations are capable of impacting load cell readings and signal integrity, compromising the long term reliability of your data.

Water, Dust and Other Corrosives

Cell exposure to corrosive substances is an obvious risk. Common dangers include saltwater, groundwater, dust and chemicals from industrial sites. All can damage electronic components and calibration without suitably robust housing.

Mechanical Vibration and Impact

Continual vibration and shock can cause drift and failure in load cells. Blasting and heavy equipment use can easily lead to this if sensors are not installed properly.

Choosing the Right Load Cell for Your Site

Monitel consultants have a deep knowledge of the Western Australian environment and will choose load cells that address your site’s specific challenges. Our range includes:

Hydraulic Load Cells

These are ideal for corrosive and electrically noisy sites. They have no electronics at the sensing point, so are highly resistant to interference and belligerent substances. Our team has used them in tailings dam walls and underground structures, amongst other scenarios.

Strain Gauge Load Cells

In structural and transport infrastructure monitoring, strain gauge load cells offer high precision data in a compact footprint. Monitel installs them with protective coating and hardy enclosures to account for any adverse conditions.

Vibrating Wire Load Cells

These sensors are less vulnerable to temperature fluctuations and moisture ingress. That makes them an ideal option for long term monitoring or where data loggers are difficult to integrate.

How We Install Load Cells to Ensure Maximum Performance in Unforgiving Conditions

Selecting Site Appropriate Housing and Cabling

All Monitel systems are designed with climate protection in mind. Enclosures range from junction boxes to fully submersible units and are selected based on your site’s exposure risk. All cabling is routed to avoid common problems like vibration, sharp turns and chemical exposure.

Using Protective Potting and Mounting Systems

When installing a strain gauge system, our consultants carefully pot load cells to ensure they are fixed and stable. This minimises strain unrelated to the measurement objective (the most common cause of signal noise).

Implementing Temperature Compensation as Necessary

Many sensors come with integrated temperature correction, but where they don’t, Monitel will advise on a sensor that suits your site’s thermal profile and will incorporate compensating factors as needed.

Integrating Remote Logging and Alarms

Difficult climates make manual readings dangerous, if not impossible. All of our load cells are compatible with standard data loggers and can be programmed to trigger notifications when set thresholds are exceeded.

Additional Support for Long Term Success

Our load cell services go far beyond installation. We also offer:

  • Advice on system design and sensor selection

  • Ongoing calibration and maintenance

  • Remote diagnostics for system performance

  • Customised data dashboards and reporting tools

We pride ourselves on our product and brand agnostic approach. We are not tied to any one sensor or company and will always select the units that are effective and reliable for your site.

Get in Touch to Arrange Strain Gauge, Hydraulic or Other Load Cell Monitoring

Installing a load cell in an unforgiving climate isn’t just about picking the most rugged product. It’s about designing an effective system, installing it correctly and having access to ongoing maintenance and support.

Monitel provides operators across Western Australia with load cell monitoring systems, designed for harsh conditions and backed by local knowledge.

To enquire about the price and availability of strain gauge and other load cells, speak with our team.