Load monitoring

Overview

The LoadTrack is a connected solution designed for the measurement, recording and remote monitoring of mechanical loads and forces on structures, industrial equipment and lifting systems.

The kit combines a force sensor suited to the application, a connected acquisition node and a supervision platform that enables automatic tracking of load evolution.

Depending on the configuration, the LoadTrack can be paired with:

• a dynamometric pin
• an instrumented shackle
• a tension load cell
• a tension or compression load cell
• a specific sensor integrated directly into the structure or equipment

This modularity makes it possible to adapt the solution both to occasional load checking and to permanent monitoring of a structure or equipment.

Monitored quantities

The LoadTrack makes it possible in particular to monitor:

• the applied load
• tension forces
• compression forces depending on the sensor
• load variations over time
• loading and unloading cycles
• overloads
• imbalances between several measurement points
• the gradual build-up of a force
• the exceeding of predefined thresholds

Values can be displayed in the unit suited to the application: N, kN, kg, tonnes or any other configured unit.

Kit composition

The LoadTrack system may include:

• one or more force sensors
• a connected acquisition node
• a local display depending on the version
• a signal tower light
• the required cables and connectors
• a power supply suited to the site
• an IoT transmission system
• the PMI-CloudVIEW supervision platform
• the mechanical accessories required for installation

The configuration is defined according to the measurement capacity, the number of instrumented points, the site environment and the available communication means.

Compatible sensors

Dynamometric pin

The dynamometric pin directly replaces an existing mechanical pin in order to measure the forces applied to it.

This solution is particularly suitable for:

• cranes and lifting equipment
• pulleys and hoists
• articulated structures
• industrial machinery
• handling equipment
• offshore systems

Instrumented shackle

The instrumented shackle makes it possible to directly measure the tension force applied in a lifting or mooring chain.

It is particularly suitable for:

• lifting operations
• cranes
• cables and slings
• handling operations
• load tests
• moorings
• offshore applications

Tension load cell

Tension load cells make it possible to monitor high forces directly in the load line.

They can notably be used for:

• tie rods
• anchorages
• cables
• tensioned structures
• industrial equipment
• test benches
• lifting systems

The sensor capacity is selected according to the nominal load and the potential overloads of the application.

Version with display

The LoadTrack with display version allows the measured value to be consulted directly at the installation.

The node handles:

• acquisition of the sensor signal
• conversion into load units
• real-time display of the measurement
• threshold management
• control of the signal tower light
• data recording
• transmission to PMI-CloudVIEW

This configuration is suited to applications where operators must have both local and remote information simultaneously.

The signal tower light makes it possible to quickly identify the load status:

• green: normal operation
• orange: vigilance threshold
• red: alarm threshold

The thresholds are configurable according to project requirements.

Version without display

The LoadTrack without display version handles acquisition, recording and transmission of measurements without any local display.

It is particularly suitable:

• for standalone installations
• for hard-to-access areas
• for installations that already have centralized supervision
• for projects where consultation is carried out exclusively remotely
• for installations requiring more compact equipment

A signal tower light can be added to retain a local visual indication of the load status.

Operating principle

The force sensor is installed directly in the mechanical chain or on the structure to be monitored.

When a load is applied, the sensor generates a signal proportional to the measured force. This signal is acquired by the LoadTrack node, then converted into an usable load value.

The monitoring cycle includes:

1. measurement of the force by the sensor
2. acquisition of the signal
3. conversion into a load value
4. local display depending on the version
5. comparison with the configured thresholds
6. optional control of the signal tower light
7. time-stamping and recording of the measurement
8. transmission to the remote platform
9. archiving and visualization of the data
10. issuing an alert in case of threshold exceedance

Remote supervision

LoadTrack measurements can be transmitted automatically to PMI-CloudVIEW.

From the platform, the user can:

• consult the current load
• track historical curves
• compare several measurement points
• supervise several pieces of equipment or several sites
• visualize loading and unloading phases
• configure vigilance and alarm thresholds
• receive notifications
• analyze load evolution over time
• export the data
• integrate the measurements into a third-party system via API
• check the communication status of the system

Applications

• cranes and lifting equipment
• hoists and winches
• overhead cranes
• tie rods and anchorages
• steel structures
• cables and stay cables
• industrial machinery
• test benches
• handling systems
• offshore equipment
• moorings
• load monitoring on structures
• overload control
• monitoring of temporary structures
• permanent or temporary monitoring

Advantages

• complete solution from sensor to dashboard
• continuous measurement of forces
• several compatible sensor technologies
• installation adaptable to existing equipment
• optional local visualization
• immediate indication via signal tower light
• remote monitoring
• load history
• automatic overload detection
• configurable thresholds and alerts
• supervision of several measurement points
• scalable architecture

Force sensors

Dimensions and mechanical characteristics depend on the type of sensor and the selected capacity.

• Configuration: tension, compression or dynamometric pin
• Capacity: selected according to the maximum load
• Dimensions: depending on the chosen model
• Mechanical connection: suited to the installation
• Cable length: configurable

LoadTrack node with display

• Format: industrial enclosure
• Display: built-in screen
• Inputs: configured according to the number of sensors
• Mounting: wall-mounted, on structure or on stand
• Signal tower light: integrated or remote
• Dimensions: depending on the chosen configuration

LoadTrack node without display

• Format: compact industrial enclosure
• Display: without screen
• Inputs: configured according to the number of sensors
• Mounting: wall-mounted, on structure or in an enclosure
• Signal tower light: available as an option
• Dimensions: depending on the chosen configuration

Options

• dynamometric pin
• instrumented shackle
• tension load cell
• compression load cell
• measurement capacity suited to the project
• single-channel or multi-channel version
• node with display
• node without display
• green / orange / red signal tower light
• configurable number of measurement points
• custom cable length
• industrial connectors
• mechanical cable protection
• configurable measurement frequency
• configurable transmission frequency
• custom vigilance and alarm thresholds
• local recording
• mains or battery power supply depending on the configuration
• IoT transmission
• visualization in PMI-CloudVIEW
• automatic data export
• integration into a customer server via API
• calibration certificate
• on-site installation and commissioning

Accessories

• dynamometric pins
• instrumented shackles
• tension load cells
• load cells
• cables and extension cables
• industrial connectors
• cable glands
• junction boxes
• cable protectors
• signal tower light
• signal tower light bracket
• protective enclosure
• wall bracket
• external power supply
• battery
• communication antenna
• mechanical fixing accessories
• plates and adapters
• linkage elements
• calibration certificates