ABB PFCL201C 20KN Pressductor Vertical PillowBlock Load Cell 20 kN

Description

1. Key Technical Specifications

1. Product Introduction & Supply Chain Strategy

The ABB PFCL201C 20KN is a vertical-force Pressductor load cell engineered for continuous web tension measurement in paper mills, steel processing, and converting lines. Machined from a single block of stainless steel, it utilizes magneto-elastic Pressductor technology to measure force without internal physical movement or strain gauge degradation.

Maintaining this unit as New Surplus inventory ensures zero downtime during unexpected load cell failure. Refurbished load cells often suffer from uncalibrated internal drift or microscopic material fatigue from prior overloads, triggering erratic tension feedback and line breaks. Securing genuine New Surplus inventory protects Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) by providing factory-calibrated accuracy and full mechanical integrity at lower costs than emergency factory lead times.

1. Installation & Configuration Guide

Stage 1: Pre-Installation (Prep & Safety)

1. Perform Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) on the processing line drive motors and tension control electronics.
2. Inspect the mounting baseplate to ensure it is clean, flat within 0.05 mm, and free of burrs or rust.
3. Wear an ESD wrist strap when handling the signal cables connected to the tension electronics module (e.g., PFTL or PME series).

Stage 2: Removal

1. Disconnect the pluggable signal cable from the damaged load cell socket.
2. Support the pillow block bearing housing above the load cell using temporary mechanical jacks or a crane.
3. Unbolt the four top bearing housing screws, then unbolt the four lower mounting screws securing the load cell baseplate. Lift the load cell out vertically.

Stage 3: Installation (Clone & Seat)

1. Position the new PFCL201C 20KN load cell onto the baseplate, paying strict attention to the arrow indicating the force measurement direction.
2. Hand-tighten the lower mounting bolts, then torque them sequentially in a cross-pattern to 120 Nm using a calibrated torque wrench.
3. Align the pillow block bearing housing on top of the load cell and torque the upper bolts to manufacturer specifications without applying lateral pre-stress.

Stage 4: Power-On & Testing

1. Reconnect the pluggable signal connector, ensuring the seal ring locks firmly.
2. Power up the ABB tension electronics and verify the zero-load output signal (tare balance).
3. Apply a known test weight or calibrate using the mill’s standard web-wrapping routine to confirm linearity across the 0–20 kN operating range.

1. Firmware/Software Versions & Upgrade Notes

• Transducer Compatibility: The PFCL201C 20KN is a passive electromagnetic sensor unit; it does not contain embedded firmware. It interfaces directly with ABB Pressductor tension electronics (such as the PFTL 100/200 series, Millmate Controller, or PME control units).
• Electronics Compatibility: Ensure the tension control module card is configured for a 20 kN nominal load cell rating via hardware DIP switches or software setup parameters.
• Calibration Warning: When swapping load cells, always re-execute the zero (tare) adjustment and gain calibration on the control unit. Do not flash or update control unit firmware during a hardware swap, as firmware revisions can alter analog gain scaling and cause incorrect tension readings.

PFCL201C 20KN

PFCL201C 20KN

1. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between “New Surplus” and a refurbished load cell?

Our New Surplus PFCL201C 20KN units are brand-new, uninstalled OEM equipment sourced from cancelled plant projects or spare parts reserves. They have never experienced operational stress, thermal cycling, or mechanical loading. Refurbished units are used parts that may have micro-fractures, degraded magnetic cores, or compromised seals, posing severe risks of mid-operation failure.

Are these load cells truly original ABB manufacture?

Yes. Every PFCL201C 20KN unit comes directly from authorized global inventory channels in original anti-static packaging with verifiable ABB serial numbers and factory inspection records.

Is the PFCL201C 20KN prone to failure from heavy mechanical overloads?

No. The Pressductor monoblock design withstands up to 1000% (200 kN) of its nominal rating without mechanical damage or loss of calibration. Because it contains no bonded strain gauges or moving parts, it inherently resists high vibration and heavy shock loads.

What is the difference between PFCL201C, PFCL201CE, and PFCL201CD?

The core mechanical and electrical sensing structures are identical. The letter suffix denotes the connection style:

• PFCL201C: Equipped with a detachable pluggable signal connector.
• PFCL201CE: Supplied with a fixed connection cable enclosed in a protective hose.
• PFCL201CD: Fitted with an acid-proof gland and PTFE-insulated fixed cable for harsh chemical environments.

Does this unit store calibration data internally?

No. The load cell produces raw AC voltage output proportional to applied physical force. Calibration parameters (tare weight, nominal range, and signal gain) are stored in the connected ABB tension processing unit.

Can this load cell be hot-swapped while the tension system is powered on?

Hot-swapping is not recommended. Always power down the 24 V DC supply to the tension controller card before disconnecting or reconnecting the multi-pole plugger to prevent signal voltage spikes or terminal damage.

What warranty covers this New Surplus unit?

This unit includes a full 1-year functional warranty from the date of shipment, providing the same operational security as purchasing direct from the manufacturer, but with immediate stock availability.