A Double Ended Shear Beam (DESB) load cell is a rugged force sensor characterized by two mounting points and a central loading point.

• > Design: It is rigidly mounted at both ends to the support structure, and the load is applied to a central hole or feature located in the centre section of the beam.
• > Difference: Unlike the Single Ended beam, which is cantilevered (supported at one end), the DESB is supported at both ends, making it significantly more robust and capable of handling much higher capacities (often exceeding 50 tons).

Double Ended Shear Beams are designed for heavy-duty, permanent weighing installations where maximum stability, robustness, and capacity are required.

• > Truck and Rail Scales (Weighbridges): This is the most common application, where DESB cells are installed under the main structure to weigh massive vehicles.
• > Large Tank and Silo Weighing: Used under large chemical, grain, or cement silos where the vessel weight and product load are substantial.
• > Heavy Industrial Process Weighing: Applications involving extremely large hoppers, mixers, or customized high capacity weighing platforms.

The most critical factor is the use of a high-quality, specialized Load Cell Mounting Assembly (also known as a weigh module or foot).

• > Preventing Damage: These assemblies are mandatory because they manage forces that could otherwise damage the cell, such as lift-off (wind or agitation forces), thermal expansion/contraction of the vessel, and seismic movement.
• > Self-Alignment: The module ensures the load is always applied correctly to the center of the beam and often includes a self-checking or self-aligning mechanism to maintain verticality, which is essential for accuracy in high-capacity environments.

Calculating the required capacity involves considering the dead load, live load, and the number of support points:

• > Dead Load: The weight of the empty structure, tank, or platform.
• > Live Load: The maximum expected weight of the product being weighed.
• > Safety Factor: Use a minimum factor of  (150%) to account for potential overloads, shock, vibration, and non-uniform load distribution, ensuring the longevity and safety of the cell.

Given their use in heavy industrial and often outdoor environments (like weighbridges), DESB load cells require maximum durability:

• > Material: Almost exclusively made from High-Grade Alloy Steel (often nickel-plated for corrosion resistance) or Stainless Steel for maximum resistance to moisture and chemicals.
• > Sealing: Due to the risk of moisture ingress in outdoor or washdown environments, you should prioritize cells with IP67 or IP68 ratings. An IP68, hermetically sealed construction is highly recommended for permanent, high-exposure installations like truck scales, as it guarantees long-term performance against continuous immersion and extreme weather.