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Interface Details Hydrogen Electrolyzers Solution in Design News

In the new article, Force sensing helps hydrogen electrolyzers efficiently harness energy, Randy White, OEM Business Development Manager at Interface details how products made the the leader in force measurement are used for increasing operational efficiencies in renewable energy production.

Published in Design News in November 2022, the article focuses on using advanced sensor technologies to measure critical infrastructure that is used for hydrogen production and storage. As outlined in the article, Interface is a supplier of choice for innovative solutions used in the energy industry. Randy details how Interface LWHP14 Precision Load Washer Load Cells are used to monitor tie rods and submit results via a WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Module for accurately reporting critical measurements in real-time.

Here is a quick excerpt from the article, Force sensing helps hydrogen electrolyzers efficiently harness energy.

The use of hydrogen as a clean and reliable renewable energy source has been a carrot on a stick for green energy innovators for many, many years. Scientists and technologists have understood the positive impact of hydrogen for a long time, and even harnessed it at times, but the ability to reliably store and harness this energy at a reasonable cost has previously eluded them. However, hydrogen is back in full force as storage and battery technology has advanced, giving new life to the promise of hydrogen.

Hydrogen is critical to the future of green energy because it is an optimal solution to storing renewable energy from other sources such as wind and water. In certain areas, like California, we’re actually producing too much energy from renewable sources, but have no place to store. This is leading to a tremendous amount of resource loss. Therefore, hydrogen innovation has come back to become a storage solution to curtail waste and hold enough energy to power more infrastructure with green energy.

Read more here.

Watch the actual use case in our animated Electrolyzer and Fuel Cell Tie Rod Monitoring Application Note.

Interface engineers and application experts work to design force measurement solutions that are customized for unique applications. Our solutions are available as stand-alone and at scale to include in manufactured parts, components, machines and products. Contact us to learn more.

Interface and Green Energy Innovation

Green energy has been part of the energy sector for decades. The demands to rapidly commercialize types of green energy at scale requires significant R&D, testing and production to increase global supply. As the world looks to address climate change, green energy takes center stage. Investment into infrastructure and tools for alternative energy production is on the rise. This impacts all types of innovations across various industries, as seen in electric vehicles and solar-powered consumer products.

As corporations and consumers are taking a closer look at how they can reduce their carbon footprint, green energy innovation is an essential element. Energy is complex, with market players that span from scientific researchers to production engineers. With advanced sensor-based technologies in demand to manage different segments of the energy cycle, testing equipment used to design and validate new products within the energy industry grows. Among those testing technologies, force measurement devices and instrumentation offered by Interface play a key role.  Interface is a supplier of choice for the energy industry, see some of the solutions we provide in our Energy Overview.

Interface has developed both off-the-shelf products along with custom solutions and OEM designs for a wide variety of clean energy innovations. Our load cells, torque transducers and more can be found within a wide variety of testing and monitoring systems used in production of wind, water, solar, and hydrogen energy. The accuracy of measurement is critical for capture and storage systems. We also understand the unique requirements for these industries and can collaborate directly with customers to create custom solutions for the newest technologies.

To outline the challenges found in this industry, as well as the various force measurement solutions available from Interface. In Interface Solutions for Growing Green Energy, we showcase how our products are used in the green energy markets. In the case study, you will find a variety of application notes showing how Interface solutions have been used to enable critical green energy applications for wind, hydrogen, solar and more.

Here is a quick preview of what you learn as we discuss the solutions, challenges, and results of using Interface products for green energy innovation.

Interface Solutions for Growing Green Energy Case Study

Interface provides the industry’s most accurate and reliable force sensors, and we have been working with organizations in the energy industry, both traditional and alternative. We understand the unique requirements of green energy and have developed a widening line of products uniquely suited for these innovations.

We have recently worked with multiple types of components for electric vehicles including batteries, engines and more, as well as with alternative energy sources like wind, solar, and hydrogen power. Interface brings the accuracy and reliability, in addition to having an expert engineering team that can quickly develop customized solutions.

Interface solutions are cost effective and can often end up saving critical dollars overall. Take for example a recent case study we developed in which we outlined our role in harnessing hydrogen power using an electrolyzer. In this case, force sensors were used to significantly reduce downtown by creating an automated monitoring system that replaced regularly scheduled maintenance that was often unneeded but caused downtimes. And with that process came significant losses in energy and money. Interface helped to create an autonomous monitoring system that reduced downtime and estimated the customer would break even on their investment on the force monitoring system in one year.

Additional Green Energy Applications Using Interface Products

Windmill Energy

Wave Energy Generator

Solar Panel Strength Testing

More Resources

Interface Supports Renewable Energy Innovation

Demands for Quality Energy Measurement Solutions

Interface Most Promising Energy Tech Solution Provider

Ruggedized Test and Measurement Solutions Webinar

 

Interface Supports Renewable Energy Innovation

Interface is a core test and measurement solutions partner to some of the largest energy production and equipment manufacturers in the world. We continue to provide sensor devices and instrumentation, including custom designed OEM solutions, for a range of energy applications used above ground, below ground and at sea.

As expansion of green and clean energy innovation rapidly grows, Interface finds our precision force and torque measurement products in high demand to use in producing new energy from wind, solar, hydrogen, geothermal, biomass and biofuels. If it is designed to create sustainable power, chances are Interface products play a part in the test, management, and monitoring of equipment used for renewable energy production.

The test and measurement sensors and instrumentation devices our energy sector customers use must be durable, high quality, rugged and provide the most accurate results possible even in harsh environments. If the equipment fails, our customers risk steep losses from lack of products, and potential exposure to safety hazards.

A renewable sources application that we are incredibly excited about for the ability to put our innovation to work and make an impact in the mass production, is in the production of hydrogen energy. Hydrogen fuel cells have been around for a long time; however, recent advancements in how we harness the power of hydrogen have led to a renaissance in its use. Interface has had the opportunity to provide robust and accurate products used to evaluate some of the infrastructure being built to harness this renewable power source.

 

Electrolyzer and Fuel Cell Tie Rod Monitoring for Hydrogen Production

Converting to renewable energy is one of the primary tools to address growing energy consumption, as well as addressing climate change. Storage of energy is critical to make renewables work, and hydrogen, or its derivatives are a promising way to store power. Electrolyzers convert power to hydrogen, and fuel cells convert the hydrogen back to electricity. They are both made by stacking multiple anode and cathode plates and a membrane between each, and tie-rods hold them in place.

A real-time fuel cell monitoring system needs to measure the tension of the tie rods to avoid costly preventive and unplanned maintenance shutdowns. Interface suggested installing LWHP Precision Load Washer Load Cells connected to WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Modules, under the bolts of the tightened tie rods. The WTS-AM-1E’s were encased in a junction box enclosure. The LWHP’s measured the tension between the plates from the tie rods, and the real-time results were transmitted wirelessly from the WTS-AM-1E’s to the WTS-BS-6 Wireless Telemetry Dongle Base Station when connected to the customer’s computer. Interface’s load cell system successfully monitors the tie-rods tension in real time, thus preventing unnecessary costly preventive maintenance and unplanned shutdowns of the electrolyzer. This hydrogen fuel cell electrolyzer application note shows Interface base products. The actual application used customized column load cells and instrumentation. Contact Interface team for a customized solution designed to your exact specifications.

Renewable Energy Use Cases

Our moment and temperature compensated LowProfile load cells use proprietary alloy strain gages to provide the most accurate readings possible in the harshest environments, such as wind turbines. Interface has a special line of intrinsically safe solutions for harsh environments.

Our LowProfile load cells with loop-powered intrinsically safe amplified output are designed for use in hazardous locations. These load cells are specifically designed from Interface models by adding high resistance strain gages for low-current loop power and shielded internal amplifier for extra low emissions and minimal EMI susceptibility.

Interface’s S-Type Load Cell series provides a suitable force measurement sensor for applications in heavy industries where explosive dust and environment conditions. Our miniature load cells are found to measure alternate energy testing, such as hydropower equipment and solar testing. Tune in to Interface’s Superior S-Type Load Cells webinar to learn more about these special sensors.

Windmill Energy Blade Measuring

A customer wanted to improve the performance of a windmill by adjusting the blade pitch and measuring the torque generated as power ramps. Interface offered its T2 Ultra Precision Shaft Style Rotary Torque Transducer, which is coupled between windmill blade propeller and electric generator. Test torque data is logged into the customer’s data acquisition system (DAQ). Using this solution, the customer was able to use torque data to determine the optimal blade pitch for the windmill. The windmill will now generate more power and with less stress on the bearings. Read about this use case here.

 

Wave Energy Generator

A scientist sought to create electricity by using the energy that is generated by ocean waves and Interface was able to help provide an important sensor for the generator. As electricity is generated by ocean waves, an Interface load cell can measure tether line tension using a submersible 3200 Hermetically Sealed LowProfile® Precision Stainless Load Cell or ITCA Tension and Compression Load Cell. The mooring line was attached to the load cell base and the platform generator was connected to the load cell hub. This measured the forces that were generated by the ocean waves and data was later analyzed by the customer’s data acquisition system (DAQ). The scientist was able to use force data to adjust the tether line. Also, if tether line breaks free, the scientist is alerted immediately to reattach the tether line. Read more here.

Interface is a resolute partner to the energy sector. The opportunity to help enable renewable energy solutions is something that Interface has a committed interest. And these innovators turn to us because of our proven capabilities in the energy industry, as well as our products ability to deliver industry leading accuracy and reliability. To learn more about our work in energy, please visit go to https://www.interfaceforce.com/solutions/energy/.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Demands for Quality Energy Measurement Solutions

Interface Most Promising Energy Tech Solution Provider

Interface Leads Innovation in Oil and Gas Force Measurement

 

Demands for Quality Energy Measurement Solutions

Powering the world is no simple task, especially as research and innovation into alternative energy sources are at an all time high. Across the energy supply chain there are soaring demands from engineers, scientists, equipment makers and suppliers to provide quality and accurate market solutions.

The energy market is constantly evolving to power our infrastructure as well as finding new ways to reduce our carbon footprint. Interface is a key differentiator when it comes to test and measurement. We play an important role in the development and deployment of effective energy market solutions as our sensor technologies are used to test and monitor energy equipment, sources and methods for extraction and containment. As well, Interface is center in supplying devices used in the development of fueling alternatives and introducing new energy solutions.

To explain our role in the energy market and how are products can be used by engineers in these industries, Interface Energy Solutions Overview details the types of products and examples of applications used by industry market leaders and innovators.

Interface force measurement solutions are used in all types of energy related applications to produce oil, gas, wind, coal, solar, hydrogen, nuclear, geothermal and emerging energy sources around the world. We are recognized as a provider of choice for our reliability and accuracy in designing, engineering, testing, innovating, and manufacturing precision sensor-based solutions for the energy industry.

One of the industries where Interface’s experience and knowledge of force measurement is vertically integrated into production and manufacturing processes is in the energy industry. The conditions energy professionals work in can be harsh. They are often in hazardous environments extracting oil and natural gas, wind, or coal to fuel our world’s dependencies for power. The equipment our energy sector customers use must be rugged and provide the most accurate results possible. If the equipment fails, our customers risk steep losses and exposure to safety hazards.

Based on market requirements, we recently introduced the new Interface Pressure Compensated Downhole Load Cell solution specifically designed for the energy sector. The downhole environment poses many challenges for well-drillers, operators, tool-string designers, and other engineers in the oil and gas industry. This innovation eliminates the need for “wet” load cells to monitor forces on their downhole load strings, which don’t hold up for extended use where there are extreme pressures and temperatures in a caustic environment. Interface created a dry load cell with an innovative protective design that reduces the number of sensors required in any downhole load string, extending the life of the load cell by a decade or more.

The types of products the energy market demands from Interface for these applications include standard LowProfile load cells, various torque transducers, multi-axis sensors and all types of instrumentation. We supply engineered to order and custom products for various energy testing environments and OEM solutions. The range of options include uniquely designed torque transducers, load washers, tension and compression load cells, load pins, wireless gear and more.

ENERGY APPLICATIONS USING INTERFACE PRODUCTS

  • Solar panel design and testing
  • Wireless monitoring devices
  • Submersible and hazardous environment products
  • Hydrogen electrolyzer devices
  • Storing and transporting crude oil and natural gas
  • Windmill testing and management
  • Wireline spool tension control
  • Oil and gas equipment
  • Hydro power generation
  • Hook load tension
  • Torque tong monitoring
  • Tool recovery and fishing
  • Wave energy
  • Downhole OEM parts
  • Calibration and equipment maintenance

Interface force measurement solutions are used in components, machines and field equipment for energy R&D and production. From prototyping to monitoring equipment, our durable load cells and torque transducers assist suppliers of parts along with energy industry leaders and innovators to fuel the world. You can find more energy applications here.

Energy-Brochure-1

To learn more about our work in the energy industry or to inquire about how our force sensors can benefit your next project, contact our application engineers today.

Additional Resources

Interface Helps Power the World

Interface Most Promising Energy Tech Solution Provider

Announcing the Launch of the Interface Pressure Compensated Downhole Load Cell

Fueling Global Demand for Interface Solutions

 

Interface Helps Power the World

As technology and infrastructure have advanced to accommodate various forms of energy collection, the role of force measurement in the test and manufacturing of these machines has grown significantly. As a precision force measurement solutions provider, Interface has been a long-time partner to these global production and equipment customers in the energy industry. Interface sensors are used in different applications for various sectors, including oil, gas, wind, coal, solar, hydro, geothermal, nuclear, renewables and emerging alternatives around the world, as detailed in our energy solutions overview.

As a pioneer of load cell technology, Interface is recognized globally for providing the most accurate and reliable force measurement solutions utilized by energy market leaders and suppliers of parts, machines and technologies used in the sector. Accuracy matters for safety and reliability in energy-related test and measurement projects, engineering and product design, and in the original equipment manufacturing of components that require precision sensor technologies.

Interface products are used in several different applications for the energy marketplace. In fact, Interface is recognized as the prominent oil and gas solutions provider of force measurement solutions. These companies within the energy industry recognize Interface for product reliability, accuracy, and innovative design, as detailed here: Interface Most Promising Energy Tech Solution Provider.

To meet the growing demands for best-in-class energy market solutions, Interface recently launched our new downhole force measurement solution for high-pressure, high-temperature applications, the Interface Pressure Compensated Downhole Load Cell (IPCD). The IPCD is a Wheatstone bridge foil-gaged-based force measurement solution using proprietary compensation methods and designed to provide highly accurate force data in harsh environments, like those found in the oil and gas industry, while requiring limited maintenance compared to similar solutions on the market. Read the new IPCD technical white paper here.

Another area that is growing tremendously are alternative energy applications. Recently, Interface has been involved with projects involving wind and water energy, as well as playing a significant role in testing batteries on electric vehicles. Also, our energy customers come to us needing a custom force measurement solution to deal with these unique challenges for all energy types including thermal, radiant, chemical energy, nuclear, electrical, motion, sound, elastic, and gravitational energy.

Types of energy industry applications that utilize Interface products, services and technologies include:

  • Oil and gas extraction equipment and parts
  • Hydro power generation
  • Windmill energy equipment
  • Wireline spool tension control
  • Fuel management and measurement
  • Solar panel testing
  • Hook load tension
  • Torque tong monitoring
  • Tool recovery and fishing
  • Wave energy generator
  • Downhole equipment
  • Plug setting
  • Calibration and equipment maintenance
  • Storing crude oil and natural gas
  • Transporting crude oil and natural gas
  • Wireless monitoring equipment
  • Activation of components and embedding sensors

We recently introduced a new solutions brochure on our energy solutions page.  Additionally, we have included a few application examples below to give you an idea of the type of work we do and the customers we serve in energy:

 

Wave Energy Generator

A scientist had been tasked to create electricity by using the energy that is generated by ocean waves. As electricity is generated by ocean waves, an Interface load cell was used measure tether line tension using a submersible 3200 Hermetically Sealed LowProfile® Precision Stainless Load Cell. The mooring line was attached to the load cell base and the platform generator was connected to the load cell hub. This measured the forces that were generated by the ocean waves and data was later analyzed by the customer’s Data Acquisition System (DAQ). Scientists used force data to make adjustments to the tether line. Also, if tether line breaks free, the scientist can be notified immediately to reattach the tether line.

Windmill Energy

A customer wanted to improve the performance of a windmill by adjusting the blade pitch and measuring the torque generated as power ramps are studied. Interface offered a T2 Ultra Precision Shaft Style Rotary Torque Transducer which can be coupled between windmill blade propeller and electric generator. Information is sent to customer’s Data Acquisition System (DAQ). Using this solution, the customer was able to use torque data to determine the optimal blade pitch for the windmill and generate more power with less stress on the bearings.

Interface has worked with market leaders and innovators in the energy industry for decades. As new forms of energy are developed, new force innovations are required to confirm and test accuracy and reliability. As well as enhancements to machines, parts, equipment and materials, Interface is a supplier of choice for standard, modified and custom solutions. Our sensors are embedded into equipment, as well as part of everyday monitoring of force and pressure.  To learn more about our work in the energy industry, visit our solutions page at https://www.interfaceforce.com/solutions/energy/.

Additional Resources

Interface Leads Innovation in Oil and Gas Force Measurement

Announcing the Launch of the Interface Pressure Compensated Downhole Load Cell

Interface Pressure Compensated Downhole Load Cell White Paper

 

Fueling Global Demand for Interface Solutions

Increasing demand for quality, accurate and reliable sensor technologies is global.  Interface products are used on every continent and across all types of industries. As manufacturers and product innovators make advances in what they build and test, there is a direct correlation to the growth in precision test and measurement tool requirements we supply.

The overall sensor market in 2022 is expected to continue its fast past growth, estimated between 8-12% across all types of sensors. In force measurement, this pace is consistent with the experience in the global markets we serve in Africa, Asia, Australia and Oceania, Europe, Middle East, South and North America.

Represented by hundreds of sensors experts around the world, Interface distributors continue to experience growth in market share and Interface product users.  In fact, Interface’s fastest growing markets are represented in our global network.  Solutions that utilize our precision load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis load cells and instrumentation are all experiencing high growth worldwide.

What is impacting the greatest international growth for all types of sensors technologies?  According to market analysis and based on Interface’s experience, it’s being fed by:

  1. Miniaturization of Products and Sensors Used in Testing and OEMs
  2. Industrial Automation and Robotics
  3. Innovation in Aerospace and Automotive
  4. IoT – Internet of Things

Our direct experience in demand for Interface solutions outside of the US is related to these areas and specifically new products and expanding use cases. First, we recently launched our Global G Series products to meet this demand. This specialty product is sold exclusively outside the US. These products are designed and manufactured in the International System of Units (SI), with the same precision and accuracy of all Interface products.

The Global G Series is a global standard product line that is designed for applications that require miniature load cells and for OEM solutions used for automation of machines and components.  The markets that are experiencing the highest growth internationally include:

For example, innovative markets like electric vehicles and hydro-electric energy are growing rapidly domestically and in international markets. These industries rely on force testing to optimize these new technologies.

The Asia-Pacific market is currently our fastest growing market. Interface provides products for this market across all industries including automotive, aerospace, test and measurement and more. As mentioned above, the alternative energy, aerospace and electric vehicle market is a big area for Interface and the Asia-Pacific plays a big role in these areas.

Electric vehicle design and manufacturing requires a precise level of accuracy to improve energy efficiency, minimize weight and maximize vehicle range. For instance, battery technology is a major global focus; therefore, maximizing power output using force testing is the key to improving vehicle design. To achieve this, test and measurement solutions need to be as accurate as possible. Interface also provides high accuracy torque transducers, load cells, load washers and more for two areas of electric vehicle testing: laboratory testing to optimize system performance and production testing to ensure product quality.

Another application for force measurement in Europe is force testing on off-shore hydro-electric power plants. This is a great fit for Interface because we have developed an entire lineup of load cells and other products that are submersible. For this project specifically, we provided submersible WMC load cells. This is one example of an innovative application for renewable energies, and this is another market that is growing rapidly both domestically and internationally.

One of the consistent top selling products in both regions and industries are wireless load cells. In our 2022 Test and Measurement Industry Trends blog, detailed some of this growing demand for wireless force measurement solutions. Wireless systems are helping manufacturers simplify the integration process and create a cleaner safer test environment with far less wiring. It is especially helpful in industries like aerospace or automotive, where large factories want to transmit data across the facility without needing a mess of wires getting in the way.

For wireless needs, Interface supplies its Wireless Telemetry System (WTS) which offers sensor transmitters, receivers, and displays. High accuracy, high quality measurement is interfaced with simple yet powerful configuration and monitoring software and gives sensor manufacturers and integrators the complete flexibility to build their own sensor modules around it. The system easily replaces wired systems, reducing installation and maintenance costs.

One area that Interface is also investing in internally is recalibration services to serve all customers across the world. Many of our customers are becoming more aware of and utilizing these services, as we are continuing to grow this capability amongst international customers who are utilizing Interface products for the first time.

Interface’s presence in the international market is growing quickly. Interface is looking forward to seeing where and how we can supply the best in force measurement solutions to enable innovation around the world.

Source: Tyler Pettit, Application Engineer International Markets

Why Machine and Equipment Manufacturers Choose Interface

For innovators in the equipment and components manufacturing industry, data is everything. Quality data can make the difference between average and high-quality products and every bit of information gathered allows OEMs to make improvements that go a long way in performance and accuracy.

This is especially true in the design, test and evaluation of high-volume manufacturing where an increasing number of companies are implementing automation. To ensure consistent and repeatable quality, it’s important that there are capabilities to constantly gather data to monitor automated systems. If a machine is about to break or needs calibration, an automated system should be able to notify them without any human intervention.

How does an organization get more performance measurement data to improve its manufactured products? The answer we know best is with precision sensors. Sensors of all types, sizes, and shapes are being integrated into a wide variety of machines, equipment, and products to gather analytics that improve design and manufacturing. Interface is proud to contribute to this growing wave of big data requirements through our force and torque sensors.

Force sensors can be used in a number of different applications to help enable automation of certain process and systems. Essentially, force sensors are used as part of a controlled feedback loop. When a force is placed on a part within a product, the sensor can tell an electronic system to make something else happen.

As a simple example, force sensors could be placed inside of a large industrial dumpster outside of a manufacturing plant. When the dumpster nears full capacity, a signal could be sent to an automated compactor within the dumpster to make more space. It could also merely notify a waste management company to come and empty the dumpster.

Interface has worked on a number of what we call “OEM Solutions.” This term basically refers to our products that are typically high volume and have Interface sensor technologies integrated into the design and production. We often custom engineer and engineer these solutions to fit the exact requirements of the innovators and product design teams.

As a end-to-end manufacturer, we build to spec, manage the supply chain of sensors, and inventory for our OEM customers. When engineered-to-order requires thousands of products, they can rely on Interface as a trusted partner. Included below are a few examples of products that we provided our products to advance use, performance and quality. Read more about our custom OEM solutions and capabilities here.

Interface OEM Solution Examples

This first example is the design of force sensors in prosthetic limbs. An Interface force transducer provides feedback from a knee or elbow joint and tell an electric motor to move the limb in certain ways. This would allow someone without an arm or leg to have a wider range of movement and enjoy a variety of new capabilities.

Another example is the use of force sensors in the energy industry. Interface sensors can be used to optimize the process of energy production and extraction. In this scenario, a force sensor measures the rate at which the machine removes the source and provides data that tells the operator the most effective rate for getting the most most volume without overloading the mechanics. Not only does this allow for a more efficient process, it also adds another layer of safety to people and the environment. Interface was selected as the top energy solutions provider.

An interesting consumer packaged goods application example we provided a solution for included multiple Interface SPI Platform Scale Load Cells installed on a machine that filled potato chips into a bag. Force results from the potato chips are read by the load cells and sent to an ISG Isolated DIN Rail Mount Signal Conditioner. The supplier is then able to control the automated production from their command center. Using this solution, the manufacturer can determine the weight of the potato chips being distributed into their bags with highly accurate results – meaning every bag of chips is consistent in the amount of chips and total weight.

These are all examples of OEM solutions that turn data into better efficiency or additional capabilities across three industries, while there are countless other applications for OEM solutions from Interface used in consumer goods, robotics and medical devices. From automation to quality control and safety, force measurement helps manufacturers create better products and better production facilities, resulting in a great customer experience.

Interface has invested a great deal of resources into our manufacturing processes and technologies to serve this market. We’ve improved automation in our facilities to lower costs and work directly with our customers to develop the perfect force sensor for every project that can be produced at volume. Not to mention, our propensity for developing the most accurate force sensors on the market mean high quality data and results every time.

To learn more about our OEM solutions, contact our OEM experts and let us know how we can help!
OEM Brochure Web

Interface Most Promising Energy Tech Solution Provider

Interface is proud to be recognized as one of the ‘20 Most Promising Energy Tech Solution Providers” of 2020 by CIO Review Magazine.

As a pioneer of load cell technology, Interface has long been recognized around the world for providing the most accurate and reliable force measurement solutions on the market. Accuracy matters for safety and reliability in test and measurement projects, engineering and product design and in the original equipment manufacturing of products that require precision sensor technology capabilities.

“The key ingredient to our product’s quality is our more than 50 years of experience and the fact that we have vertically integrated the entire manufacturing process from design to production. Because of this, we have a deep understanding of the materials and product capabilities necessary to suit every industry, application and customer need.” Brian Peters, Director US Sales, Interface

One of the industries where our knowledge of force measurement is vertically integrated processes is in the energy industry. The conditions energy professionals work in can be harsh. They’re often in dangerous environments extracting oil and natural gas, wind, or coal to fuel our nation’s need for power. The equipment our energy sector customers use must be ruggedized and provide the most accurate results possible. If the equipment fails, our customers risk steep financial losses and their staff is more exposed to safety hazards.

Interface has a special line of intrinsically safe solutions for harsh environments. These low profile load cells with loop-powered intrinsically safe amplified output are designed for use in the oil field and other hazardous locations. These load cells are specifically designed from Interface models by adding high resistance strain gages for low-current loop power and shielded internal amplifier for extra low emissions and minimal EMI susceptibility. Interface’s S-type load cell provides a suitable force measurement sensor for applications in coal mining and transfer and other heavy industries where explosive dust and environment conditions are potentially explosion-hazard rated.

Often times, our energy customers come to us needing a custom force measurement solution to deal with these unique challenges for all energy types including thermal, radiant, chemical energy, nuclear, electrical, motion, sound, elastic, and gravitational energy. Innovation in the energy is also heavily dependent upon accuracy in performance, whether it is advancing in the capabilities in the extraction of oil or measuring forces in solar and geothermal. Interface is relied upon by the energy industry leaders and OEM solution providers for their vast ranges of standard and customized load cells, torque transducers, digital instrumentation products and expanding wireless technologies. Read more here about our innovative solutions for the energy industry.

Upon selection for this recognition, Interface application expert Brian Peters contributed to an article for CIO Review Magazine detailing our work developing a custom downhole rig solution for an oil and gas customer. He also explains how Interface has evolved to meet the rising challenges of an industry that is addressing the need for more sustainable energy sources. Click this link to be redirected to Brian’s article online to share.  If you would like to speak with Brian or an application engineer about your test and measurement project or requirements for sensor technology, contact us here.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Interface_H

Interface Leads Innovation in Oil and Gas Force Measurement

The oil and gas industry is among the world’s most dangerous and expensive industries. There’s also the inherent risk of ecological harm caused by faulty machinery. Because Interface is able to address these challenges, the company’s products have become a heavy favorite among oil and gas companies.

Oil and gas companies recognize the interface for product reliability, accuracy, and innovative design.

The oil and gas industry has used “wet” load cells to monitor forces on their downhole load strings for several years. These downhole load strings are equipped with various sensors that travel down thousands of feet during exploratory drilling operations. These load cells provide data to the user that measures the forces on the load string to ensure it doesn’t break due to forces greater than the string has been designed to. When one of these strings breaks, it leaves up to a million dollars worth of equipment trapped underground until it can be fished using expensive recovery techniques.

The problem with wet load cells is that they don’t hold up for extended use in wells that extend several thousand feet underground with extreme pressures and temperatures in a caustic environment. These wet load cells typically last about a year or two before being damaged beyond further use. The turnover rate of these products becomes extremely expensive and can also cause critical measurement inconsistencies or the complete loss of measurement feedback.

These wet load cells break down after a year or two because the sensors on this product are exposed to the harsh underground environment. To address this issue, Interface created a “dry” load cell that protects the sensitive parts with innovative design, reduces the number of sensors required in the customer’s downhole load string, and allows the load cell to last 10 years or more.

“Our dry load cell technology provides Interface’s signature accuracy in a ruggedized package that will stand up to the harsh environments of a deep oil well. These design iterations that allow for longer product lifespans are critical to our customers because of the cost savings and consistency of using a single force measurement solution.” Ken Vining, Chief Engineer at Interface

Interface initially developed this technology as a custom solution to address a customer’s challenge of constantly replacing wet load cells. Based on the positive feedback Interface received, the company has begun developing a standard version of the dry load cell. The standard load cell will be more cost-effective than wet and custom-designed dry load cells.

For more information on Interface’s products for the oil and gas industry, click here.  For details on all Interface solutions, please visit www.interfaceforce.com.

Contributor:  Ken Vining, Chief Engineer at Interface