Applying force transducers and strain gages for rollbearing force measurements on continuous dewatering pressure filters

In order to optimize the design of the frame of a 22 metric ton (24.2 English tons) band filter press for iron ore slurry, it was found necessary to measure the bearing forces at the high-pressure rolls and pressure rolls while the machine was operating.

In order to optimize the design of the frame of a 22 metric ton (24.2 English tons) band filter press for iron ore slurry, it was found necessary to measure the bearing forces at the high-pressure rolls and pressure rolls while the machine was operating. The instru-mentation had to perform in the very harsh conditions which prevail in ore dressing plants.

One of the principal requirements was that the fitting should involve minimum modification work on the pressure filter and no alterations to the existing bearing housings. The system was built, calibrated and tested in Graz, Austria before being air freighted to its place of use in the USA and comprises strain-gage measuring elements and force transducers operated with carrier frequency amplifiers.