Tension Load Link Systems and Applications

Tension link load cells are specialized force sensors designed to measure tensile or “pulling” forces. They’re designed for lifting, weighing, tension testing, and monitoring applications. Tension load links are frequently used in demanding environments, including nearshore and offshore areas, which require certifications for hazardous locations.

Interface Tension Load Links are compact, lightweight, and durable, making them ideal for use in hoists, cranes, and marine operations. Interface offers standard and custom tension load links, as well as pre-configured complete systems featuring our robust tension load links.

Six Key Features and Benefits of Interface Tension Load Links

#1 Robust Construction – These specialized load cells are manufactured from high-tensile aluminum or stainless steel. They are built to withstand harsh conditions, including exposure to water and extreme temperatures. They are typically sealed to IP65, IP66, or IP67 standards for environmental protection.

#2 Easy Installation for Immediate Use – Our tension load link standard products are designed to match standard shackle sizes. They are lightweight and straightforward to install in new and existing systems. This includes lifting and rigging equipment.

#3 Reliable Measurements with High Accuracy – Interface tension load links provide precise and reliable force measurements. They are known for their high-quality design and performance, as well as their expertise in testing and monitoring use cases.

#4 Wireless and Cabled Options – Durability is standard, and flexibility is a bonus. Our tension load link load cells are available in both wired and wireless configurations. Wireless tension load links are particularly useful in applications where cables could be a safety hazard or in remote locations, such as subsea platforms or heavy equipment.

#5 Customizable – Interface offers off-the-shelf tension load links, and we can custom-engineer load links with specific dimensions, capacities, and ratings, including high-capacity versions that can handle loads of up to 500 tons or more. Working closely with our application engineers, we can help you address your unique requirements.

 #6 Hazardous Environments: ATEX/IECEx Certified – Interface provides versions of our tension load links for use in hazardous areas (Zone 1 and 2), offering intrinsic safety and explosion-proof designs, complete with the necessary certifications.

New Interface Tension Load Link Complete System Solutions

To get started, consider a complete system that includes a tension load link and a compatible display or data logging unit.

Tension Load Link Wireless System

The WTSATL Lightweight Aluminum Wireless Tension Load Link and WTS-BS-1-HA Wireless Handheld Display for Multiple Transmitters Complete System offers a lightweight wireless tension load link paired with a handheld display, providing ultimate portability and flexibility. This type of system is ideal for quick, on-site measurements.

WTSATL Lightweight Aluminum Wireless Tension Load Link:

• Ranges from 5 to 300 MT (11K to 661K lbf)
• Lightweight aluminum construction
• High accuracy
• Environmentally sealed to IP65
• License Free 2.4GHz radio
• Internal antenna
• 300 hours of battery life using standard AAA batteries
• Can be supplied with various telemetry and/or software packages

WTS-BS-1-HA Wireless Handheld Display for Multiple Transmitters:

• Connect up to 12 transmitters
• Tare function
• Provides a summation of up to 12 transmitters
• Sleep/ wake acquisition modules
• Auto shut down
• Rugged construction

 Tension Load Link Cabled System

The ITL Tension Load Link and 9325 Portable Sensor Display Complete System combines a rugged stainless-steel tension load link with a portable sensor display. It’s a reliable choice for precise, real-time measurements in lifting applications.

• ITL Tension Load Link:
  • Range: 11K to 220.4K lbf (5 to 100 metric tons)
  • Stainless steel construction (17-4PH)
  • IP66 Environmental Protection (IP67 available)
• 9325 Portable Sensor Display:
  • USB port providing configuration, calibration, save & restore, live logging
  • Superior Linearity Performance Specifications
  • Measurement Rate up to 2400 Samples per Second
  • High Internal Resolution (up to 500,000 counts)
  • IP64 Environmentally Protected Enclosure
  • Battery Powered (Long Battery Life)
  • 128 x 64 Graphical Display with Backlight
  • Multiple Display Modes (Peak/Valley, Delta, Live, Gross, and Net)
  • Logging and Graphing to PC (Software is Included)
  • Supports TEDS Templates 33, 40, and 41
  • Live Calibration and Multi-point Calibration
  • Standard Audio Alarm
  • CE Environmental Approved

Wireless Load Link System with Data Logging and Visualization

The WTSTL Wireless Tension Load Link and WTS-BS-4 Wireless Base Station with USB Interface in Industrial Enclosure is a complete system for continuous monitoring and data analysis. A wireless tension load link can be used in conjunction with a wireless base station, which is then connected to a PC.

WTSTL Wireless Tension Load Link:

• Capacities from 11K lbf to 220K lbf (5 to 100 metric tons)
• IP67 Environmental Protection
• Stainless Steel Construction
• Simple installation and operation
• Wireless Transmission range up to 600 meters
• Long battery life

WTS-BS-4 Wireless Base Station with USB Interface in Industrial Enclosure:

• Up to 800 m (2,625 ft) range
• Simple plug & play USB
• Configure & calibrate the WTS range
• IP67/NEMA 4 rated enclosure

Log 100 Software:

• Logs and visualizes up to 100 data channels from WTS Wireless Telemetry transmitters
• Allows users to build custom visual representations of a system
• Supports live assignment of sensor readings to system layouts
• Includes a built-in web server for multi-device access
• Compatible with standard web browsers on PCs, tablets, iPads, and smartphones
• Free to download and use with WTS systems
• Enables comprehensive multi-channel monitoring in one software platform
• Improves clarity through live, graphical system views
• Offers real-time visibility into sensor data for faster response and decision-making
• Simplifies remote monitoring across multiple devices without special software

Common Tension Load Link Use Cases

Tension load link load cells are versatile tools with a wide range of applications across various industries.

• Underhook Crane and Hoist Weighing: Load links provide a convenient method for obtaining real-time weight measurements of lifted loads, ensuring safe operation and preventing overloading.
• Cable and Mooring Tension Monitoring: Used to measure the tension in cables, ropes, and mooring lines, which is crucial for safety in the marine and construction industries. This helps prevent line breakage and ensures all lines are tensioned equally.
• Bollard Pull Tests: Essential in the maritime industry to measure a vessel’s pulling power by attaching the tension load link between the vessel and a fixed bollard.
• Water Weights Calibration: Used to measure the force during the testing and calibration of water bags for proof load testing of cranes and other lifting equipment.
• Proof Loading and Safe Load Monitoring: Used during certification and testing to apply and measure specific forces, ensuring the equipment can safely handle its rated load.

If you need to measure tensile forces for lifting, weighing, or tension monitoring, a tension load link load cell is an ideal solution. With options ranging from simple, portable handheld systems to advanced wireless data logging setups, you can find a complete system to meet your specific application needs. Their rugged design, high accuracy, and customizable features make them a versatile and reliable choice for a wide range of industries, including aerospace, maritime, construction, logistics, and manufacturing.