
Operating Instructions
For the
12-0000 Series
Weavexx Tensometer Instrument

Description
The Weavexx Tensometer is a patented instrument for measuring tension in flexible,
thin textile conveyor belts, paper, and the like, or webs, generally encountered in paper
mills such as:
•
Forming Fabrics
•
Press Felts
•
Dryer Fabrics
The operation is based on the principle that the amount of deflection of a flexible
membrane under load is dependent upon the tensile stresses in the membrane.
The load is provided by an internal spring, and a dial indicator calibrated in thousandths
measures the amount of web deflection. Using the chart included in this booklet,
deflection in thousandths is converted to tension in pounds per linear inch (PLI).
The Weavexx Tensometer has been designed to minimize “operator variation” caused
by the different pressures applied by the operator. Further, the unique “picture frame”
bearing surface eliminates the effect of stress in adjacent areas of the web.
The Weavexx Tensometer instrument can be used on webs running in any angular
attitude, and it can be applied on either side of the web. The magnitude of readings is
independent of speed or moisture content of the web. The dial face, however, should
always be directed toward the same side (usually the front side) of the machine.
The instrument can be used safely in wet surroundings since seals protect the
mechanisms and rubber bellows.
The range of tension measurable with the instrument is 10 to 50 pounds per linear inch.
Accuracy is +/- 10 percent of the converted tension reading.

Operation
1. Set the pointer of the dial indicator to the zero mark by pressing the push button at
the bottom of the instrument.
2. Hold the instrument by the outer housing assembly. DO NOT contact the picture
frame while taking measurements.
3. With the longer side of the frame oriented in the machine direction, press the
instrument slowly against the web until the pointer of the indicator stops. (This will
occur at approximately 4 pounds hand pressure.)
4. Remove the instrument and read the dial. Then use the appropriate table to convert
the dial reading (thousandths) to web tension (pounds per linear inch) for the give or
equivalent membrane.
5. Reset the pointer of the dial to the zero position and perform the measurement at
least once more to check repeatability.
6. Always make sure that the web is running over the frame of the Weavexx
Tensometer in the same direction. This will eliminate a slight directional bias.
Recommendations
To ensure your own safety and to prevent machine damage, do not apply the
instrument to a moving web in the vicinity of an ingoing nip.
Where lapped seams are present, avoid seam impact n the instrument by timing the
measurement to correspond with the web cycles.
When measuring slack spans, avoid wrinkling the web by measuring close to a support
roll.
Maintenance
No special maintenance procedures are required. However, the Weavexx Tensometer
instrument should be cleaned externally and dried after each use.
Service
For service contact Customer Service, Weavexx, Post Office Box 471, Wake Forest,
North Carolina 27588-1709. Telephone number (919) 556-7235.
DO NOT DISASSEMBLE THE INSTRUMENT

Figure 1.
Do not contact the picture frame while taking measurements with the Tensometer instrument.

Figure 2.
Do not apply the Tensometer instrument in the vicinity of an ingoing nip.

Figure 3.
Do not use the Tensometer instrument on top of a roll.
Figure 4.
The longer side of the Tensometer instrument frame must be oriented in the machine
direction.

Figure 5.
To prevent wrinkling of slack webs, measure close to a support.
Figure 6.
Gently apply the Tensometer instrument.

Other Products from
Weavexx Fabrics
Weavexx Hydrofoil Dewatering Equipment
Vacufoil
Contact your local Weavexx Sales/Service Representative or our Wake Forest Office for
details about how these products can improve your machine productivity and sheet
quality.
Weavexx
Post Office Box 471
Wake Forest, NC 27588-1709
Telephone: 919-556-7235
Units