Underwater / Submersible Sensors

Sensing Systems is the premier manufacturer of underwater load cells for all applications.  We design and manufacture all configurations and capacities of load cells for underwater service.  Our sensors are used in ocean depths up to 2 miles and in direct contact with seawater.  Our load cells are used around the world by oil companies, marine research institutions, medical device manufacturers and the military.  Applications include monitoring underwater forces in towing submerged structures, underwater vehicles, commercial fish cages, medical stent testing and anchored structures among others.  Our load cells may be supplied with underwater mateable connectors, integral cables, amplified high level signals and other interfacing options.

Configurations

The design of Sensing Systems underwater load cells allows them to be incorporated into any shape or configuration.  The most common shapes are tension links and flat load cells.  The outside geometry may be machined to square, rectangular, circular or any other section or shape required by the application.  Sensing Systems’ approach is to incorporate our standard sensing elements into a shape that fits the customer’s application.  This allows us to deliver underwater load cells matched to the customer’s application within a short period of time.  The sensing elements in our underwater load cells include design features to properly encapsulate and waterproof the electronics from the harsh environment.  

Capacity & Traceability

Capacities vary from 1 lb to 3,000,000 lbs.  All units are calibrated in the laboratory using NIST traceable standards.  Calibration certificates are provided with each unit.

Torque Sensors

Reaction or stationary torque sensors are also available for underwater service.  These include any of our standard, custom or OEM reaction torque sensors.  The same options available for load cells are available for torque sensors.  Rotating torque sensors may be used for some underwater applications and require the use of rotating seals.

Environment

In addition to the underwater environment and high external hydrostatic pressure, our load cells can operate throughout a wide temperature range and exposed to corrosive environments.  The range of temperatures is -452˚F to 350˚F (-269˚C to 176˚C).   Service in chemically active and magnetic environments is also possible.  A large amount of our small size/low capacity underwater load cells are used for testing medical devices in saline environments set to simulate the temperature of the human body (98.6˚F).  These load cells are designed to undergo billions of load cycles. 

Applications 

Underwater load cells are used in a wide variety of applications and industries.  Examples of applications include monitoring mooring loads for research buoys, monitoring dynamic loads on drill strings, testing medical devices in saline solutions and determining hydrodynamic loads in underwater cages used for fish farming.  

Underwater load cells find use in the following industries:

• Oil and Gas Drilling, Exploration and Production
• Commercial and Farm Fishing
• Marine Transportation
• Marine Research and Environmental Studies
• Underwater Construction
• Medical Device Manufacturing
• Marine

Technical Assistance

Please contact our Sales or Engineering departments to discuss your application.  We will recommend the best solution based on your specific requirements and our accumulated experience.

Contact Us now to discuss your application.