Description
BLH Nobel (Vishay) KIS-2-20KN — Load Cell / Tension Sensor
What It Is
The KIS-2-20KN is a high-precision load cell / force transducer manufactured by BLH Nobel, a brand under the Vishay Precision Group. It is part of the KIS-2 series of compact, stainless-steel load cells designed for weighing, batching, and tension measurement in demanding industrial environments. The “20KN” denotes its nominal capacity of 20 kilonewtons (approximately 4,500 lbf).
Despite being widely marketed and often referred to as a “tension sensor” in Chinese-language industrial channels, the KIS-2 is fundamentally a load cell — it measures compressive or tensile forces applied along its main axis. Its robust mechanical design, however, makes it exceptionally well suited for tension-control applications such as web tension monitoring on paper, foil, cable, and steel mills.
Key Features at a Glance
- Capacity: 20 kN (4,500 lbf) — part of a range spanning 0.5 kN to 50 kN
- Accuracy class: ±0.05% of rated output (R.O.) — one of the most precise in its class
- Repeatability: 0.01% of R.O.
- Material: Stainless steel (AISI 316L typical) — corrosion-resistant, hygienic
- Protection rating: IP67 — fully dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion
- Side-load capability: Exceptionally high — can withstand large off-axis forces without damage or signal shift
- Moving load point: The contact point where force is applied can be repositioned along the cell body — a unique feature that simplifies mechanical integration
- Easy installation: Compact form factor with standard mounting threads; no complex alignment needed
- Hazardous area certified: ATEX, IECEx, FM, CSA — approved for use in explosive atmospheres (Zone 1/2, Class I/II Div 1/2)
- Operating temperature range: Typically -20°C to +60°C (industrial grade)
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Nominal capacity | 20 kN (4,500 lbf) |
| Rated output (R.O.) | 2.040 mV/V |
| Input resistance | 350 ± 3 Ω |
| Output resistance | 350 ± 3 Ω |
| Comprehensive error (at R.O.) | ±0.05% |
| Repeatability | 0.01% of R.O. |
| Creep (30 min) | ≤0.02% of R.O. |
| Zero balance | ±1% of R.O. |
| Temperature effect on zero | ±0.02% of R.O. / 10°C |
| Temperature effect on span | ±0.02% of R.O. / 10°C |
| Safe overload | 150% of nominal capacity |
| Ultimate overload | 300% of nominal capacity |
| Excitation voltage | 5–16 V DC (typical 10 V) |
| Cable | Shielded, PUR or PVC jacket, typically 3–6 m |
| Weight | Approximately 1.5–2.5 kg (depending on configuration) |
| Mounting | Threaded (M24×1.5 or custom), with movable load point |
How It Works
The KIS-2 uses strain gauge technology bonded to a stainless-steel elastic element. When force is applied, the element deforms slightly, causing the strain gauges to change resistance. These gauges are arranged in a full Wheatstone bridge configuration, producing a millivolt-level output signal proportional to the applied force.
The movable load point is a standout mechanical innovation: unlike traditional load cells where the force must be applied at a fixed spot, the KIS-2 allows the contact point to slide along the cell body. This means you can position the mechanical linkage (rod, clevis, or tension arm) wherever it is most convenient for your machine design — without sacrificing accuracy.
The high side-load tolerance comes from the cell’s internal geometry, which decouples off-axis forces from the strain gauges. In practice, this means the sensor survives misalignment, vibration, and dynamic loading that would destroy or distort cheaper alternatives.
Where It Is Used
The KIS-2-20KN thrives in applications that demand both high accuracy and mechanical ruggedness:
- Batching and dosing systems — pharmaceutical, chemical, food — where precise ingredient weighing is critical (the KIS series was originally designed for this)
- Reactor vessel weighing — monitoring the weight of large process vessels during filling or reaction
- Belt / web tension control — paper mills, foil mills, cable production, steel strip processing
- Conveyor scales — in-motion weighing of bulk materials
- Hopper and silo weighing — inventory management in process plants
- Test stands and material testing — compression and tension testing of materials
- Crane and lifting monitoring — overload protection in heavy lifting
- Mining and aggregate processing — robust enough for dusty, wet, high-vibration environments
The KIS-2 Family — Quick Comparison
| Model | Capacity | Accuracy | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| KIS-2-0.5KN | 0.5 kN (112 lbf) | ±0.05% | Lab, small batch |
| KIS-2-2KN | 2 kN (450 lbf) | ±0.05% | Light process weighing |
| KIS-2-5KN | 5 kN (1,125 lbf) | ±0.05% | General purpose |
| KIS-2-10KN | 10 kN (2,250 lbf) | ±0.05% | Medium process |
| KIS-2-20KN | 20 kN (4,500 lbf) | ±0.05% | Heavy process / tension |
| KIS-2-30KN | 30 kN (6,750 lbf) | ±0.05% | Heavy duty |
| KIS-2-50KN | 50 kN (11,250 lbf) | ±0.05% | Maximum capacity |
Other KIS variants (KIS-1, KIS-3, KIS-8, KIS-9, KIS-11, KIS-12) offer different capacity ranges and accuracy classes (from ±0.02% to ±0.1%) for specialized applications.
Compatible Instrumentation
The KIS-2 outputs a low-level mV/V signal, so it requires a compatible load cell indicator / transmitter / amplifier:
- BLH Nobel AST-3P — compact panel-mount indicator (most common pairing)
- BLH Nobel AST-3IS — intrinsically safe version for hazardous areas
- BLH Nobel WST-3 — wall-mount transmitter with 4–20 mA output
- BLH Nobel GATE-3S — gateway for network integration
- Vishay Nobel deltaCOM — PC-based configuration and data logging software
These instruments provide excitation voltage, signal amplification, A/D conversion, and communication (RS-232, RS-485, Modbus, Ethernet) to PLCs, DCS, or SCADA systems.
Brand & Heritage
The Nobel brand traces its roots to 1940, when it was part of Bofors (the famous Swedish defense and industrial group). Nobel pioneered process weighing and force measurement, establishing what became the global standard for high-accuracy load cells in harsh environments.
In 2009, Vishay Intertechnology spun off its precision measurement division as Vishay Precision Group (VPG), under which the BLH Nobel brand operates today. The KIS series remains one of the most recognized load cell families worldwide — installed in tens of thousands of plants across pharmaceutical, chemical, food, paper, steel, and mining industries.
Availability & Pricing
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | Active product — not obsolete |
| Lead time | Typically 4–8 weeks from stock; 10–16 weeks for special configurations |
| Price range | Approximately ¥8,000–20,000+ RMB (~1,100–2,800 USD) depending on cable length, connector type, and region |
| Distributors in China | Guangzhou Nanchuang Electronics, Guangzhou Yangyi Electronics, Shanghai Huaying Automation, Tianjin Celiss, among others |
| Global distributors | BLH Nobel / Vishay Precision Group direct sales network |
Common Installation Tips
- Always use the movable load point to align the mechanical force vector with the cell’s measurement axis — this maximizes accuracy and minimizes side-load errors.
- Use torque-controlled wrenches for mounting bolts — over-tightening distorts the elastic element.
- Route cables away from high-current power lines to avoid EMI; use shielded cable with the shield grounded at the indicator end only.
- Perform a zero calibration after installation and periodically (every 3–6 months in harsh environments).
- If operating near the 20 kN limit continuously, consider derating to 80% (16 kN) for long-term stability.
Bottom Line
The BLH Nobel KIS-2-20KN is a premium-grade, stainless-steel load cell delivering ±0.05% accuracy at 20 kN capacity — with a uniquely movable load point, exceptional side-load resistance, IP67 sealing, and ATEX/FM/CSA hazardous-area certification. It is the go-to choice for high-precision process weighing, reactor vessel monitoring, and web tension control in pharmaceutical, chemical, food, paper, steel, and mining applications. Backed by the Nobel / Vishay legacy since 1940, it remains one of the most trusted force measurement products in the world.
For datasheets, CAD models, calibration certificates, or technical support, contact Vishay Precision Group / BLH Nobel directly or reach out to an authorized distributor such as Guangzhou Nanchuang Electronics or Shanghai Huaying Automation.
