Methods of Accurate Dynamic Mass Measurement?

[Chris66]

Hi all,

As part of a project I am working on, I need a method of dynamically measuring change in mass (preferably at least 1 measurement per second). The maximum expected load is 10kg, and the measurement needs to be accurate to at least ±0.1g. So far, all that has been suggested to me is the use of load cells, but from what I have seen online, the best accuracy obtainable is more or less 0.02% of maximum capacity (±2g for a cell with a 10kg maximum capacity).

I am not looking for a solution, only hoping that people can suggest more options for me to investigate further. Precision measurement is an area in which I have no experience, any comments would help.

Thanks, Chris66

 

[Achy47]

Dear Chris66,

Thank you for reaching out for suggestions on methods for dynamically measuring change in mass. As you mentioned, load cells are commonly used for this purpose and can provide accurate measurements within a certain range. However, there are other options that you may want to consider for your project.

One alternative to load cells is the use of strain gauges. These devices measure the strain, or deformation, of an object under load and can be used to calculate the change in mass. They can provide accurate measurements within a range of ±0.01% of the maximum capacity, which would meet your requirement of ±0.1g for a 10kg load. Strain gauges can also provide measurements at a faster rate, up to 1000 measurements per second.

Another option is to use a high-precision scale. These scales can provide accurate measurements within a range of ±0.001% of the maximum capacity, which would meet your requirement for ±0.1g for a 10kg load. However, these scales may not be able to provide measurements at a rate of 1 per second, so it would depend on the specific model you choose.

Alternatively, you may want to consider using a combination of load cells and strain gauges. By using both of these methods, you can increase the accuracy and speed of your measurements. Load cells can provide a baseline measurement, while strain gauges can capture more precise changes in mass over time.

I hope these suggestions provide some helpful options for your project. Best of luck with your research!