CMS-NC Bolt Load Cell

The latest CMS evolution; the CMS-NC bolt load sensor

The Continuous Monitoring System No Cable (CMS-NC) bolt load cell monitors the bolt load with the possibility to disconnect the cable.

The CMS-NC is the next step in the evolution of BoltSafe’s well-known CMS bolt load sensor. This sensor offers the possibility of disconnecting the cable from the CMS load cell. This is very useful in case of continuous monitoring where a permanent cable is not an option, when there’s a risk of damaging the permanent cable or when there is no place for an IoT-node.

With the CMS-NC, you have the best of both worlds. The security of accurate bolt load measurement on demand. Connecting the cable gives you an instant overview of the bolt load of your bolted connections.

How does the CMS-NC bolt load sensor work?

The BoltSafe bolt load cell is an advanced load sensor specifically engineered to measure and monitor the actual load on bolts in bolted joints. The CMS, or Continuous Monitoring System, enables real-time monitoring of bolt loads from a single connection point. Multiple load sensors can be linked together in a network. By using a BoltSafe load cell, you can eliminate uncertainties about bolt load, leading to increased safety, more reliable connections, and improved structural control. Additionally, this technology reduces costs during both installation and the joint’s operational lifespan.

Each sensor is equipped with an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) that handles signal processing and digital communication. This ensures that every BoltSafe sensor has a distinct serial number for easy identification and traceability. The digital monitoring system not only tracks bolt loads but also monitors the sensor’s temperature. BoltSafe load cells are available in two steel variants: standard stainless steel and a stronger version that supports 15% more load capacity while maintaining a compact design.

These load cells are also ideal for temporary structures or Structural Health Monitoring applications. In such cases, the sensors function as washers to measure load levels, ensuring that (temporary) constructions remain stable and safe from potential collapse.

BoltSafe CMS-NC bolt load cell

How the CMS-NC bolt load cell is used

The load cell is shaped and used as a regular washer and is available in sizes M12 to M72 and 7/8” to 2-3/4”. The BoltSafe bolt load cell is typically installed on the non-driven side of a bolted joint, ideally positioned beneath a nut. As the bolt is tightened, the applied force causes slight deformation in the stainless steel washer. The sensor continuously detects changes in electrical resistance caused by this deformation, enabling precise measurement of the bolt load at any given time.

Thanks to their robust construction, these load cells are well-suited for demanding environments, including heavy industrial applications. They can operate reliably in contact with oil, rain, seawater, ice, and temperatures as high as 80 degrees Celsius. However, usage is not recommended in conditions where temperatures exceed 80 degrees Celsius or drop below -40 degrees Celsius.

Each sensor is calibrated once by BoltSafe, ensuring accuracy from the start. After calibration, the sensors are ready for immediate use with no additional adjustments required, regardless of the readout method. As long as the load cell is used within the specified guidelines, recalibration is unnecessary throughout its operational lifespan. 

Contact us for more information or to order our CMS-NC bolt load cells

Benefits of a continuous monitoring load cell

Continuous monitoring makes it significantly easier to measure the bolt load at any time while the load cell remains mounted. In addition to providing real-time bolt load data, the system also allows access to historical records. This feature helps identify when and where bolt load issues may have arisen.

A key advantage of the CMS load cell is its ability to integrate with other CMS sensors within a network, enabling simultaneous monitoring of data from multiple sensors. Live bolt load data can also be accessed remotely through various readout methods, providing a convenient way to stay informed about the system’s performance.

View historical data

Link other CMS sensors

Check live data remotely

BoltSafe CMS-NC bolt load sensor

Readout methods that are compatible with the CMS-NC bolt load cell

The CMS-NC load cell data can be accessed using various readout systems. The first option is a handheld reader, designed for quick and easy measurement of the bolt load from a connected sensor via a cable connection.

The second method uses our Network with PDI (CM-1000 box with PDI), which allows for monitoring and logging data from multiple sensors connected to a Windows PC. Each CMS-NC load sensor comes equipped with a detachable cable for interconnecting several sensors within a network, enabling continuous monitoring of residual bolt load from a single access point.

Another network-based option is the Network with PDI-NT (CM-1000 box with PDI-NT), a standalone system that monitors and logs data from multiple sensors without needing a PC, as it features a built-in display. Both network configurations can connect up to eight sensors per network box and support linking 32 network boxes together, enabling the simultaneous monitoring of up to 256 CMS-NC sensors.

The RS-232 and Analog Converter is another readout method, designed to collect data from one sensor at a time and convert BoltSafe data into various analog outputs. It can also be linked to a PC for data analysis. A standout feature of this converter is its relay, which can trigger an alarm when a predefined minimum bolt load is reached.

Another readout option is the IoT-node, which leverages Internet of Things (IoT) technology. Using LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network), the IoT-node transmits data to a cloud network server. This enables remote monitoring, requiring only an internet-connected device to view bolt load data. Each IoT-node corresponds to one bolt load cell sensor.

Our latest invention is the BLE-node, which uses a Bluetooth 5.2 Low Energy connection. When it’s connected to a Windows device, you can create a real-time plot of 4 BLE-nodes at the same time. Because it’s a standalone system with it’s own power supply, it is very useful for rotating or moving applications.

Handheld Reader
BoltSafe Network with PDI
Network with PDI
BoltSafe Network with PDI-NT
Network with PDI-NT
BoltSafe RS-232 and Analog Converter
RS-232 and Analog Converter
BoltSafe IoT-node LoraWAN
IoT-node
BoltSafe BLE-node
BLE-node

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