Description
Product Overview
The ABB PFTL101B 5.0 kN is a Pressductor PillowBlock load cell designed for horizontal force measurement in industrial web-tension applications. It is commonly associated with paper-processing machinery, including paper machines, calenders, coaters, and winders. Installed at a suitable roll-bearing support, the transducer measures force transmitted through the mechanical mounting and supplies a measurement signal to the connected tension-measurement or control equipment. Its 5.0 kN nominal measuring capacity makes it a specific option within the PFTL 101B family for installations where the required measurement range matches that rating.
The Pressductor measurement principle uses changes in magnetic properties under mechanical force to produce an electrical measurement signal. Unlike a conventional strain-gauge design that relies on measurable elastic deformation of sensing elements, this principle supports high overload tolerance and repeatable measurement under demanding industrial operating cycles. ABB’s published PFTL 101 data lists a 0.5% accuracy class and repeatability error below ±0.05% for the family. The specified 5.0 kN PFTL101B version has a published deflection of 0.015 mm, a permitted transverse load of 30 kN, and an overload capacity of 25 kN in the measurement direction without permanent change in measurement data. These values describe different load conditions and should not be treated as interchangeable ratings.
For maintenance and procurement teams, the ABB PFTL101B 5.0 kN can support the replacement of a failed sensor in an existing web-tension measurement system. Before ordering, confirm the full model designation, article number, mounting dimensions, force direction, connector arrangement, and compatibility with the existing measurement electronics. The standard PFTL101B must also be distinguished from the PFTL101BE mill-duty version and PFTL101BER acid-resistant version. Those variants have different construction or environmental provisions and should not be substituted solely because their rated load is the same.
Product Introduction (Non-Templated)
Incorrect load-cell selection can distort web-tension feedback, even when the replacement fits the existing bearing housing. The ABB PFTL101B 5.0 kN measures horizontal force using Pressductor technology, supporting tension monitoring on paper machines, coaters, calenders, and winders.
With a published deflection of just 0.015 mm and a 25 kN measurement-direction overload capacity, this model is designed for demanding cyclic-load applications. For a legacy replacement, verify the original article number and mechanical interface before installation.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | ABB |
| Product Model | PFTL101B 5.0 kN |
| ABB Article Number | 3BSE004191R0001 |
| Product Series | Pressductor PFTL 101 |
| Product Type | PillowBlock load cell |
| Measurement Direction | Horizontal |
| Nominal Measuring Load | 5.0 kN |
| Permitted Transverse Load | 30 kN |
| Overload Capacity in Measurement Direction | 25 kN without permanent change in measurement data |
| Accuracy Class | 0.5% |
| Repeatability Error | Less than ±0.05% |
| Deflection | 0.015 mm |
| Spring Constant | 325 kN/mm |
| Mounting Style | PillowBlock / bearing-support installation |
| Primary Application | Web-tension measurement in paper and converting machinery |
| Electrical Connection | Connector type; verify the exact unit and drawing |
| Operating Temperature | Confirm from the applicable technical documentation |
| Protection Rating | Do not assume the IP66 rating of the mill-duty variant applies to the standard B version |
| Condition | Subject to individual unit inspection and stock confirmation |
Specifications are based on ABB’s PFTL 101 family data and documentation for the 5.0 kN B variant.
PFTL101B 5.0KN
Related Products
The following products are related by function or product family. Rated capacity, environmental protection, and mounting compatibility must be checked before substituting any model.
1. ABB 2.0 kN — A lower-capacity horizontal load cell for applications requiring a 2.0 kN nominal measuring load. It belongs to the same B series, but the process load range must be reassessed before substitution.
2. ABB 10.0 kN — Provides a higher nominal capacity for installations requiring 10.0 kN measurement. Confirm the required sensitivity and measuring-electronics configuration when moving from a 5.0 kN sensor.
3. ABB 20.0 kN — The 20.0 kN option in the capacity range. Consider it only when the process measurement range and mechanical loading justify the higher rating.
4. ABB PFTL101BE 5.0 kN — The mill-duty version intended for demanding applications such as web-tension measurement in paper-machine dryer sections. It uses a fixed connection cable and has an IP66 protection rating; verify wiring and mechanical compatibility before replacement.
5. ABB PFTL101BER 5.0 kN — The acid-resistant version intended for wet-end paper-machine environments. Its environmental protection differs from the standard B version, making it a potential alternative only when the installation requirements and interfaces match.
6. ABB PFTL101A 2.0 kN — A lower-capacity member of the A series, intended for horizontal force measurement in suitable web-tension applications. Its capacity and mechanical dimensions differ from the B series, so it is not a direct substitute based on function alone.
7. ABB PFTL101AE 2.0 kN — A mill-duty A-series version for applications requiring its specific environmental and connection characteristics. Confirm its smaller capacity is appropriate before considering it for an existing installation.
8. ABB PFRL101 — A Pressductor radial load-cell family for shaft-mounted web-tension measurement. Its radial measuring arrangement differs from the horizontal force measurement of the pillow-block design.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What does the ABB 5.0 kN load cell measure?
It measures horizontal force transmitted through a suitable roll-bearing support. In web-processing machinery, this measurement contributes to determining web tension and feeding the corresponding measurement or control equipment. The sensor’s output must be interpreted by compatible electronics and configured for the actual installation.
2. Can I replace a 5.0 kN with a PFTL101BE 5.0 kN?
Not without checking the installation. Both versions have a 5.0 kN nominal capacity, but the BE model is designed for mill-duty service and uses a fixed connection cable. Compare the article number, mounting interface, cable routing, electrical connection, and environmental requirements before approving the change.
3. What is the overload capacity of the ABB 5.0 kN?
ABB specifies a 25 kN overload capacity in the measurement direction without permanent change in measurement data. This is five times the nominal 5.0 kN rating. It is an overload limit, not a recommended continuous operating load. The permitted transverse load is a separate rating of 30 kN.
4. Can I install this load cell without recalibrating the tension-control system?
Do not assume that calibration can be skipped. Even when the replacement has the correct rating and article number, mounting alignment, signal connections, measurement-electronics settings, and existing calibration values can affect the displayed tension.
Recommended checks:
- Verify mechanical installation and force direction.
- Confirm signal polarity and electrical connections.
- Check zero balance and calibration against the applicable procedure.
- Test the tension reading at known operating conditions before returning the machine to production.
5. How do I confirm the authenticity of a new-surplus ABB 5.0 kN?
Check the nameplate, model designation, article number, serial identification, physical condition, and available traceability records. The documented ABB article number for the 5.0 kN B version is 3BSE004191R0001.
Request photographs of the actual unit and written disclosure of any prior installation, repairs, or testing. New surplus, factory sealed, and functionally tested are different condition claims; each should be substantiated separately.
6. Is the ABB 5.0 kN suitable for a paper-machine tension-control retrofit?
It may be suitable when the existing system requires horizontal force measurement and the original sensor’s capacity, mounting arrangement, and electrical interface match. ABB identifies the PFTL101 family for paper-machine applications, including calenders, coaters, and winders.
For a retrofit, also confirm the measurement electronics, calibration procedure, force direction, and environmental exposure. If the sensor will operate in a wet or chemically aggressive area, evaluate whether a BE or BER version is more appropriate.
7. What warranty and testing documentation should I request when purchasing this load cell?
Ask for written warranty terms, the unit’s condition declaration, and an inspection report that identifies the checks actually performed. For a critical web-tension loop, useful verification includes physical inspection, article-number confirmation, connector and cable inspection, and functional testing with compatible measurement equipment where available.
A visual inspection alone does not prove measurement accuracy. If calibrated performance is a purchase requirement, obtain confirmation of the test method and results before accepting the unit.
