ABB PFTL101B 20KN 3BSE004203R1 | Pressductor Load Cell

Description

Key Technical Specifications

ABB’s official PFTL101 data identifies the PFTL101B-20 kN model with order number 3BSE004203R1, 20 kN nominal capacity, 40 kN permitted transverse load, 80 kN measurement-direction overload capacity, and 0.015 mm deflection.

Application Scenarios & Pain Points

A tension sensor can fail mechanically long before the control engineer sees an obvious electrical fault. Misalignment, excessive transverse loading, bearing problems, or incorrect roll installation can all distort the measurement.

• Paper machines: The PFTL101B is intended for horizontal force measurement where large rolls and relatively low web tension coexist. ABB specifically identifies paper machines as a major application.
• Calenders: Useful for measuring horizontal forces associated with roll loading and web-processing conditions.
• Coaters: The sensor can be incorporated into web-tension measurement arrangements where stable force feedback is required.
• Winders: Suitable for horizontal tension measurement around heavy roll assemblies.

Field note: Do not judge a PFTL101B only by its electrical output. Mechanical installation is critical. If the roll bearing or mounting surface is binding, the load cell may report a believable value that is nevertheless wrong.

PFTL101B

Related Products

• ABB PFTL101B-20.0 3BSE004203R1 — Exact 20 kN standard load cell covered here. Intended for horizontal force measurement.
• ABB -10.0 3BSE004197R1 — 10 kN version of the same family. Appropriate where the measured nominal load is lower; it should not replace the 20 kN unit without a load calculation.
• ABB -5.0 3BSE004191R1 — 5 kN variant for lower-capacity horizontal measurement applications.
• ABB -2.0 3BSE004185R1 — 2 kN version for low-force applications. Its capacity is substantially below the 20 kN model.
• ABB PFTL101BE-20.0 3BSE004217R1 — 20 kN fixed-cable variant. The electrical/mechanical application is closely related, but the connection arrangement differs from the standard .
• ABB PFTL101BER-20.0 3BSE023161R1 — Acid-resistant 20 kN version intended for harsher environments, particularly wet-end or corrosive process areas.
• ABB PFCL201C-20.0 — Different pillow-block load-cell family intended for vertical force measurement. It should not be treated as a direct horizontal substitute.
• ABB PFCL201C-50.0 — Higher-capacity vertical force measurement product. Useful for a different mechanical arrangement where the force direction and capacity require the PFCL201 architecture.

The Engineer’s Guide: Field Pitfalls to Avoid

⚠️ Do not substitute the sensor by capacity alone.

A 20 kN rating does not mean every 20 kN ABB load cell is interchangeable. The measures horizontal force, while other ABB load-cell families use different mechanical orientations.

How to avoid it: Confirm measurement direction, mounting arrangement, load rating, physical dimensions, and connection configuration.

⚠️ Do not confuse with PFTL101BE or PFTL101BER.

All three can have a 20 kN rating, but the environmental and connection arrangements differ. ABB lists separate order numbers for the standard, fixed-cable, and acid-resistant variants.

How to avoid it: Match the complete order number, not simply “ 20 kN.”

⚠️ Do not ignore mechanical overload.

The 20 kN sensor has an 80 kN overload capacity in the measurement direction, but that does not mean the surrounding roll assembly can safely tolerate uncontrolled mechanical loading. ABB also specifies a 40 kN permitted transverse load.

How to avoid it: Check roll alignment, bearing condition, mounting surfaces, and transverse forces before commissioning the replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is ABB 20KN 3BSE004203R1?

It is an ABB -20.0 Pressductor PillowBlock load cell designed for horizontal force measurement. Its nominal load rating is 20 kN and its order number is 3BSE004203R1.

What is the measurement direction of ?

The is designed for horizontal force measurement. This is one of the main reasons it is used in web-tension applications involving heavy rolls.

What is the accuracy of the ABB 20 kN load cell?

ABB specifies an accuracy class of 0.5% and a repeatability error of less than ±0.05%. Deflection is specified at 0.015 mm.

What is the difference between and PFTL101BE?

Both are PFTL101 horizontal load-cell variants, but the BE version uses a fixed connection cable and is intended for applications where that connection/environmental arrangement is preferred. ABB lists PFTL101BE-20.0 as 3BSE004217R1, separate from the standard -20.0, 3BSE004203R1.

Can I replace a -20 kN with a 10 kN or 5 kN version?

Not as a routine substitution. The lower-rated versions have different nominal capacities and are intended for lower-force measurement applications.

Before changing capacity, verify the actual maximum operating force, overload conditions, calibration requirements, mechanical geometry, and the signal-processing configuration.

Is suitable for paper-machine tension measurement?

Yes. ABB specifically identifies the standard PFTL101A/B family for paper-industry applications including paper machines, calenders, coaters, and winders.

What should I verify before purchasing a replacement 3BSE004203R1?

For a plant replacement, verify:

2. 3BSE004203R1
3. 20 kN nominal capacity
4. Horizontal measurement direction
5. Mounting dimensions and orientation
6. Cable/connector configuration
7. Existing measurement electronics
8. Roll and bearing alignment
9. Mechanical loading and transverse force
10. Calibration/test evidence