ABB PFTL101A 2.0KN 3BSE004172R1 | Pressductor Pillow Block Load Cell, 2.0 kN Horizontal Force Measurement

Description

Key Technical Specifications

Product Introduction

If you have ever pulled a load cell out of a paper machine dryer section only to find the tension signal drifting every time the steam valves cycle, you know why magnetoelastic sensors still hold their ground. The ABB PFTL101A 2.0KN 3BSE004172R1 is a horizontal Pillow Block Pressductor load cell built for exactly that kind of work: low-tension, high-speed web lines where strain-gauge cells tend to fatigue, creep, or get killed by vibration.Its real advantage is the lack of moving parts. The Pressductor element senses force through changes in magnetic permeability rather than mechanical deflection, so you get only 0.015 mm deflection and a 500% overload margin in the measurement direction. That 2.0 kN range sits in the middle of the PFTL 101A family, making it useful on narrower rolls, coaters, winders, film lines, and foil handling stations where the bearing loads are modest but the control loop still has to stay tight. Pair it with PFEA or PFCA electronics and you get a clean 0–10 V or 4–20 mA signal without fighting noisy millivolt wiring. Just remember: the “A” version uses a pluggable cable and is not the acid-resistant AER type.

Quality SOP & Tech Pitfalls

The Lab Report (SOP)

• Visual inspection: order number 3BSE004172R1, model PFTL 101A-2.0, nameplate, machining marks, connector pins, mounting faces.
• Mechanical check: flatness of bearing seats, thread condition, signs of overload or corrosion.
• Electrical check: coil resistance and insulation between excitation and measurement windings; screen/ground integrity.
• Live test: connect to compatible PFEA/PFCA electronics, verify zero balance, step-load response, and signal stability.
• Packaging: anti-static bag, rigid box, connector protected, cable strain relief preserved.

The Engineer’s Warning (Pitfalls)

• Do not confuse PFTL 101A with PFTL 101AE or PFTL 101AER. The “A” has a pluggable connector; “AE/AER” have fixed cables, and “AER” is acid-resistant stainless. I have seen plants order the wrong suffix and then spend a shutdown arguing about cable glands.
• Check the 2.0 kN rating against the actual roll load and wrap angle. A 2.0 kN cell can survive short peaks, but sustained side loading or wrong adapter plates will kill repeatability.
• Verify the cable and connector part numbers before shipping. ABB used specific mating cables and adapter plates for PFTL 101A, and a mismatched plug is an easy way to create noise.
• Keep the polished measuring surfaces clean. Dirt, scale, or paint on the contact faces creates uneven load distribution and fake tension drift.

Installation & Configuration Guide

1. Pre-Installation
   • Lock out power to the tension electronics and associated drives.
   • Support the roll and bearing housing before loosening any mounting bolts.
   • Photograph the existing load cell orientation, cable routing, adapter plates, and terminal connections. ⚠️
2. Removal
   • Label the connector and cable.
   • Remove mounting bolts carefully; do not hammer the load cell body.
   • Inspect the base plate and bearing housing for burrs, corrosion, or uneven contact.
3. Installation
   • Clean all contact surfaces. The load cell must sit flat.
   • Install the correct upper/lower adapter plates for PFTL 101A.
   • Seat the cell so the measured force acts in the specified horizontal direction.
   • Torque mounting bolts evenly. Do not overtighten.
4. Power-On & Testing
   • Reconnect to PFEA/PFCA electronics using the correct cable.
   • Apply 24 V DC to the electronics, not directly to the load cell.
   • Check zero signal, direction of force, and span response.
   • Verify tension reading against a known reference or controlled web load.
   • Confirm alarm thresholds and control loop behavior before returning to production.

Compatible Replacement Models

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is 3BSE004172R1 the correct order number for PFTL 101A-2.0?
Yes. ABB documentation and spare parts lists identify PFTL 101A-2.0 as 3BSE004172R1. Always confirm against the nameplate before ordering.Can I replace a PFTL 101AE or PFTL 101AER with this PFTL 101A?
Not without checking the cable and environment. PFTL 101A uses a pluggable connector, while AE/AER versions have fixed cables. The AER version is also designed for corrosive wet-end areas.Does this load cell output 4–20 mA directly?
No. The Pressductor element itself is a passive magnetoelastic sensor. You need ABB PFEA, PFCA, or compatible tension electronics to generate 0–10 V or 4–20 mA.Can it handle occasional overload?
Yes. The PFTL 101 family is rated for about 500% overload in the measurement direction, which is one reason these cells survive web breaks better than many strain-gauge designs.Is it suitable for acid wash lines or wet-end paper machines?
The standard PFTL 101A is stainless steel, but the acid-resistant fixed-cable version is PFTL 101AER. If the environment sees acid spray, condensate, or frequent washdown, do not assume the “A” version is enough.What causes unstable tension readings after replacement?
Most often it is mechanical: dirty contact faces, misaligned adapter plates, uneven bolt torque, or cable damage. Electrical issues usually come from wrong wiring between the excitation and measurement coils.Do you guarantee zero drift forever?
No. Pressductor cells are tough, but they are not magic. Bad mounting, corrosion, cable damage, or wrong electronics configuration will still produce bad data. Verify with the OEM manual and your actual process conditions.