Usually, it is desirable that a total weight including the tare of hopper or tanks is evenly loaded onto each load cell. If the loading point moves and the centroid is not fixed, estimate the locus of the centroid and referring to the typical position, arrange each load cell so that a maximum load is evenly applied to on each load cell. Also, select load cells of which the rated capacity is enough to cover the expected maximum load.
There may be two installation methods: standard and simplified. With the standard method, a load is wholly received by only all load cells. With the simplified method, a load is received by combinations of load cells, dummies, pivots and hinges. General installation methods of hoppers and tanks are shown in the below table.
Features of Standard Method
- Load cells receive the whole load, thereby enabling measurement with minimal effect of fluctuation of the centroid.
- Applicable to most substances: solid, powder, or liquid.
- Measurement accuracy receives minimal effect of external factors such as temperature, vibration and installation conditions.
- Accuracy of load cells is fully utilized.
Features of Simplified Method
- Reasonable price due to dummies and hinges.
- Applicable to only liquid substances.
- Difficult to be used in special types of hoppers and tanks and inapplicable to tanks and hoppers which centroids move.
- Subject to adverse effects of vibration and temperature.
- Hinges should be installed carefully.
- Subject to adverse effects of vibration and temperature.
Typical Installations of Load Cell
Vertical Cylindrical Tank
Horizontal Tank
1-Point Hanging
