Package Drop Test - Application 162

Application Summary

Drop testing packaging is a novel way of testing the viability of various packaging processes to ensure that packaged products arrive at their destination safely. To accomplish this, a system is designed to drop packages from varying heights onto a platform that rests upon load cells placed beneath the platform. The load cells output the force of the impact of the packaging. In addition, by making the platform removable, different platforms can be constructed to test different drops, such as dropping down stairs.

Products in Use

FUTEK’s Pancake Load Cells (LCF Series) coupled with USB530 High Speed, USB Data Acquisition Kit. View Product Details

How it Works

1. Four LCF series pancake load cells are mount on the four corners of the drop test machine base. The test platform is then bolted over the four load cells.
2. When a package is dropped, the load cells in each corner measure and send load data to the USB530 data acquisition unit.
3. The data collected is displayed, logged, and graphed via SENSIT on a PC.
4. By changing out the test platform, different drop scenarios can be simulated and recorded for study and compliance with testing standards such as ASTM D5276 and ISTA 1a, 2a, and 3a.

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Application 153 Oktoberfest Fermentation Tank Measurement

Application Summary

Perfecting a good beer takes equal parts of great grains, as well as great equipment. Fermentation vessels are integral in the outcome of beer's taste, color, and alcohol content. Load cells are used to monitor the tank's contents throughout the brewing process.

Products in Use

Four Pancake Load Cells (LCF Family) paired with instrumentation (IAC200 and USB520).

How it Works

1. In commercial breweries, the contents of fermentation tanks (vessels) need to be accurately gaged throughout it's brewing period. These breweries tend to use load cells at the base of their tanks to monitor these measurements.
2. In this depiction, four LCF Family pancake load cells were installed at the base of each of the tank's posts.
3. After the fermentation process concludes, the brewers will need to drain the tank to proceed with packaging the beer.
4. As this occurs, a carefully siphoned amount of liquid leaves the tank. This measurement is monitored by the LCF load cells and passed to a summing junction box (IAC200).
5. The summing junction box averages the beer's emptying rate from the tank and streams that to the USB520, which can display the data on a PC.