When you don't want to insert a rotating mass between the driving and driven elements, a hollow flange reaction torque transducer is the sensor to use. This device enables measurement of static and dynamic torque, even when the device under test is rotating at high speed. Flange-to-flange connections enable in-line measurement, and high quality from S. Himmelstein and Company ensures readings are accurate.
Strain Gauge Torque Measurement
Torque produces twist in a shaft or tube, and that's measurable with metal foil strain gauges. In a strain gauge, electrical resistance varies with extension and compression.
Mount four in a Wheatstone bridge arrangement at 45 degrees to the shaft axis and apply excitation. After appropriate conditioning, the resulting signal indicates the torque being produced or transmitted.
Hollow Flange Reaction Torquemeter Advantages
With a hollow design, the rotating shaft can pass through the center of the torquemeter. This allows equipment operation while measuring reaction torque. Hollow flange designs are also shorter than shaft torque transducers and tolerate higher axial or thrust loads.
Applications for the Hollow Flange Torque Sensor
When rotating equipment applies torque to a fastener, it's critical the applied load is within specified limits. Too tight and the fastener might fail, too loose and the product could fail in service. To avoid these problems, reaction torque sensors are used for power tool testing and calibration in many industries.
A second application field is measurement of torque produced by or loads placed on rotating machinery. Process monitoring is one example, where accurate torque readings confirm equipment is operating within normal limits. In the same applications — rolling, grinding, mixing, for example — torque measurement indicates machinery health and provides early warning of when maintenance is needed.
Choosing the Right Hollow Flange Reaction Torquemeter
Our RTM hollow flange reaction torquemeters feature a patented double wall construction. This provides isolation and delivers exceptional torsional stiffness in a compact package.
Precipitation-hardened 15-5PH stainless steel is used throughout, along with temperature-compensated strain gauges. A precision shunt calibration resistor referenced to a NIST traceable dead weight calibration is included with every unit.
RTM 2000 series hollow flange reaction transducers are available for torques from 60 to 2,400,000 lbf-in. Bore diameters range from 7/8” up to 3-3/8”. If that's not big enough, there's also the High Capacity RTM 2090 range. With a 14-1/4” bore, these models are available for torques from 1,200,000 up to 2,400,000 lbf-in and axial thrusts up to 720,000 lbs.
Why S. Himmelstein and Company?
If you're ready to learn more about how a hollow flange reaction torque transducer can improve your measurement capabilities request a quote today. For any additional needs, view our torque transducers or contact us with your questions today.