Description

Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Detail
Brand / Model	ABB PFTL201C, 3BSE007913R50
Product Type	Pillow block horizontal-force load cell
Rated Load	50 kN
Measurement Direction	Horizontal strip-tension force component
Output Signal	2 mV/V standard; 4–20 mA / 0–10 V only with transmitter version
Repeatability Error	< ±0.05 % of rated load
Non-Linearity	≤ ±0.5 % F.S.
Overload Capacity (Measurement Direction)	500 kN
Overload Capacity (Transverse Direction)	250 kN
Deflection at Rated Load	0.05 mm
Spring Constant	1,000 kN/mm
Protection Class	IP65
Operating Temperature	−20 °C to +70 °C
Electrical Connection	6-core shielded cable (typically 5 m; verify per order)
Typical Weight	~0.45 kg
Material	High-strength alloy / stainless construction
Typical Pairing	PFEA111 / PFEA112 / PFEA113 or equivalent tension controller

Product Introduction

Strip tension loops do not forgive sloppy sensors. The ABB PFTL201C 3BSE007913R50 is a 50 kN Pressductor pillow block load cell built to measure the horizontal force created by strip tension on a roll. That design choice matters because it lets the system read tension without the roll’s own weight dragging the signal down.This is not a generic strain-gauge load cell. It uses ABB’s Pressductor magnetoelastic principle, which means there are no fragile strain gauges to fatigue under vibration or shock. With a 500 kN overload capacity in the measurement direction and repeatability under ±0.05 %, it holds up in paper machines, coaters, rewinders, and metal strip lines where impact loads show up uninvited. The 2 mV/V output is clean, but it must go to a proper tension controller or matching unit. Treat it as a legacy spare; verify the cable length and connector type before you commit.

Quality SOP & Tech Pitfalls

The Lab Report (SOP)

Visual inspection: housing, machined surfaces, cable gland, connector, and nameplate.
Counterfeit check: verify 3BSE007913R50 marking, ABB label format, and build quality.
Mechanical inspection: check mounting faces, bolt holes, and sealing surfaces for damage.
Electrical check: measure excitation and signal circuits with a Fluke 115 or equivalent.
Insulation resistance check: confirm no moisture ingress or cable breakdown.
Cable integrity check: inspect shield continuity and pinout against the OEM wiring diagram.
Documentation: record serial/lot number, condition, cable length, and test date.
Packaging: anti-static bag plus moisture barrier for storage or shipment.

The Engineer’s Warning (Pitfalls)
Do not confuse PFTL201C with PFCL201C. PFTL201C measures horizontal force. PFCL201C measures vertical force. Swapping them will give you a stable, confident, and completely wrong reading.Also, this cell outputs 2 mV/V. If your controller expects 4–20 mA and you do not have the transmitter version or a matching unit, the loop will not work. I have seen a mill spend half a shift chasing “noise” when the real problem was a missing signal conditioner.Finally, photograph the old cable pinout before you touch anything. Reversing the measurement leads flips the force sign and makes tuning impossible.

Installation & Configuration Guide

Pre-Installation
⚠️ Lock out the drive and tension controller. Wait for stored energy to discharge. Photograph the existing load cell, cable routing, connector pinout, and controller settings.
Removal
Support the roll bearing block before loosening bolts. Label every cable. Do not pull the cable by the conductors. Inspect the mounting surface for burrs or corrosion.
Installation
Confirm the replacement is PFTL201C 3BSE007913R50, 50 kN, horizontal-force type. Clean the mounting faces. Install the cell with the correct force direction arrow aligned to the strip-tension load path. Torque bolts evenly. Route the cable away from motors, VFDs, and high-current trays.
Power-On & Testing
Verify controller power and excitation voltage. Check zero balance with no strip load. Apply a known mechanical reference if possible. Confirm force sign, scaling, wrap gain, and filter time in the tension controller. Run a slow thread test before returning to full speed.

Compatible Replacement Models

✅ PFTL201C 3BSE007913R50 (50 kN): Direct replacement if cable length, connector type, and mounting match.
⚠️ PFTL201CE-50.0 kN: Same 50 kN horizontal cell but with fixed armored cable. Requires cable-length and connector verification.
⚠️ PFTL201C-20.0 kN or PFTL201C-10.0 kN: Same family, wrong capacity. Only acceptable if the process load and controller scaling are re-engineered.
❌ PFCL201C series: Vertical-force cell. Not a drop-in replacement for a horizontal PFTL201C application.
❌ PFTL201D series: Different capacity range and mechanical data. Do not substitute without OEM approval.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I replace a 20 kN PFTL201C with this 50 kN unit?
Only if the controller, scaling, and mechanical fit are verified. A higher-capacity cell reduces signal per unit force and may degrade low-tension resolution.Does this output 4–20 mA directly?
No. The standard PFTL201C outputs 2 mV/V. You need a PFEA111/112/113 controller or an approved matching unit to get 4–20 mA or 0–10 V.Is PFTL201C the same as PFCL201C?
No. PFTL201C is for horizontal force. PFCL201C is for vertical force. Mixing them is a common and expensive mistake.Can I hot-swap this load cell?
No. Disconnect power, isolate the controller, and follow lockout/tagout before replacing the cell or its cable.What causes erratic tension readings after replacement?
Usually reversed signal leads, damaged cable shielding, poor grounding, wrong wrap gain, or a misaligned load path. Check wiring first.What warranty should I expect?
Typically 12 months for new or tested surplus units. Confirm condition, cable length, and test records before payment.What should I send for verification?
Photos of the nameplate, connector, cable length, mounting arrangement, and the tension controller model. That avoids sending the wrong revision.