Load Cell Mounting and Installation Best Practices
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The document provides best practices for mounting and installing load cells. It discusses choosing the right frame and fixture to maximize performance while avoiding vibration, thermal expansion, improper loading, and electrical interference. It also covers aligning loads properly, avoiding force shunts, and considering environmental factors like temperature, moisture, and electricity that could impact measurements. Following the manufacturer's instructions is critical for accurate readings.
Load Cell Mounting and Installation Best Practices
- 1. Phone Number: 1-800-550-0280 Contact Email: contact@tacunasystems.com Website: https://tacunasystems.com/ Load Cell Mounting and Installation Best Practices While selecting the appropriate load cell model for an application is important, its measurement output could be meaningless if the load cell is not properly mounted and installed. Proper installation is critical to obtaining high-quality, accurate read- ings. It also guarantees ease of use and safe operations. This article will give helpful load cell installation tips but does not replace an installa- tion guide. For best results, always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions, ensure that installers are properly trained, and contact Tacuna Systems to discuss any design or implementation issues specific to your project. 1) Choose The Right Frame and Fixture Every load cell has a design for a specific environment, set of conditions, and me- chanical orientation. Setting up the proper fixture (or load cell mount) and frame is critical to maximize load cell performance and maintain safe operating conditions. The article A Comparison of Tacuna Systems Load Cell Mounts summarizes the fea- tures of each such mount sold by Tacuna Systems, to help simplify the selection pro- cess.
- 2. An optimal frame design should maximize stiffness but minimize weight and costs. The frame must be sturdy enough to support the maximum weight borne by the measuring device (including overload), and rigid enough to withstand deformation and flexing. The supporting features to the structure should be rigid. The fixture design should minimize unintended inputs from the surrounding environ- ment. Vibrations, thermal expansion, mechanical deformation, and stray electrical current can cause false readings and damage to or failure of the load cell. Mitigating Vibration A variety of sources can introduce vibrations that affect the fixture, including com- pressors, pumps, actuators, and engines. Additionally, ground vibrations from seis- mic activity can skew measurement results. Securing the frame to a hard, flat sur- face will reduce vibrations from passing vehicles and local equipment. Accounting for Thermal Expansion/Mechanical Defor- mation Design the mounting frame to allow for unhindered thermal expansion or contraction. Load cell mounts that do not allow for mechanical expansion can cause permanent damage to the load cell or frame. To maintain a safe operating environment, always design for the appropriate amount of expansion clearance. Also build a frame that avoids the intrusion of ice, moisture and other weather-related factors that can cause corrosion or mechanical defor- mation. Avoiding Rotation For suspended loads, the mounting frame should limit the amount of rotation to pre- vent hardware from loosening over time. Accounting for Other Forces Particularly in outdoor environments, the support frame should account for other forces that can add loads to the system, such as wind.
- 4. Avoiding Electrical Interference The fixture and frame should not cause unintentional ground paths. Avoid welding of the frame, fixture or mounts in the presence of installed load cells, as stray currents from welding can damage these sensitive components. 2) Align Loads in the Proper Direction Ideally, in a measuring system all of the load or force will be transmitted through the load cell. If the force to be measured is not fully applied through the intended axial di- rection of the load cell, the measurement system cannot capture the correct reading. This axis is often clearly marked or labeled on the device and is ideally perpendicular to the loading surface. This can happen in two ways: when the frame and mounts improperly guide the load, and when any attached structures (such as supports, safety cables, pipes and hoses) create “force shunts.” Correctly Distributing and Guiding the Load The most common reason for inaccurate load cell measurements is improper axial loading. Since loads can be compressive, tensile, or torsional, properly guiding the load direction depends on the application. Section 4 describes mounting best prac- tices to mitigate improper loading. Compressive Load Applications Place load cells at all corners of the supporting structure to maintain the full weight or load. While some manufacturers recommend placing “dummy” cells on supports and deriving the total load, dummy cells can prevent proper calibration. When using load cells under structural supports, always arrange them symmetrically around the plane perpendicular to the force flow, and level to this plane. When installing shear beams, single-point, platform, canister, and disk load cells, keep the lower mount plate level and flat. The top plate that will translate the load should always maintain a parallel position to the bottom plate, and the load path should be perpendicular to the plates. This will keep a predominately axial loading. A failure to maintain axial loading could result in bending moments. As described in Section 4, install rod-end bearings and clevis mounts to prevent this. Likewise, when using double-end shear beams, align the load vertically through the center, avoiding twisting or torsion. The load should not shift relative to the cell body. Double-ended shear beams have higher load capacity ratings than single-end, so when supporting greater loads with size constraints, implement double-end beams. Canister or disk load cells also handle higher capacities, but are larger and bulkier. Tension and Suspension Applications For tension applications such as pulleys, hoists or cranes, and fork lifts, fewer sus- pended supports will deliver more accurate results. Install suspension systems with adjustable linkages to maintain the ability to evenly distribute loads among load cells. S-beam load cells can be used in both tension and compression.
- 5. They are susceptible to large bending moments; to prevent this, install with rod-end bearings. Also, since the internal strain gauge usually sits on a specific end of S- beam load cells; take particular notice of its correct orientation relative to the mounts and load. Avoiding Force Shunts A force shunt is any device or path through which a portion of the force flow or load is diverted. While the term “shunt” typically describes electrical current, the concept remains true for the “flow” of force. The force being considered is mechanical, and can be created by a physical load, weight, or pressure. Avoiding force shunts is critical for weighed objects such as tanks, platforms, or scales. Failure to set up the fixture in this way will interfere with accurate measurements. For a more in-depth explanation of force shunts, see Meas- uring Forces in the Force Shunt. If attachments to the measured fixture are present due to process connections, (i.e., piping, hosing, ducts per Figure 1) they should remain flexible to reduce force shunting. Small diameter piping, or long segments without significant supporting structures, can also cause significant force shunting. If possible, use larger diameter connections at all times. Connect piping with hoses or accordion tubing for best re- sults. Figure 1. Weighed Vessel with Force Shunt Ladders, pipes, rods, and catwalks can all improperly load, or shunt, a portion of the measured structure. Remove these when measuring or compensate for the errors they introduce to the output measurement.
- 6. Despite these advisories safety is a high priority; therefore use safety features even if they create force shunts. Choose flexible over rigid structures, such as cables or chains, to help reduce force shunts while assuring high levels of safety for operators. If load cell component failure would cause injury (such as load pins in suspension applications), have the proper structural backup in place. Secure the fixture with ca- bles or stops to prevent harm to operators and equipment. 3) Consider Environmental Factors Affecting Load Cells Every load cell will perform differently depending on the environment. Before in- stalling the measuring system, planners should do a thorough analysis of the envi- ronmental factors influencing the load cell and fixture (the latter being discussed in Section 1). Keep the load cell application in a controlled environment and when possible use de- vices indoors to reduce environmental effects. When the load cell application must be outdoors, the operation of the measuring system (including calibration) will need to mitigate the effects of debris buildup, temperature, wind, precipitation, ice, sun- light, humidity, electrical systems and ground conditions to derive accurate readings. Temperature If ambient temperatures fluctuate, use load cells that are temperature compensated. This information appears on the load cell model datasheet. Uncompensated devices will behave poorly at extreme temperatures, so it is im- portant to cover them from radiant heat and cooling systems. Installing a shield or in- sulation around the device can provide protection from extreme temperatures. Moisture If the operating environment will be exposed to moisture or precipitation, discuss with the manufacturer how well the load cell performs and compensates for moisture. Moisture can lead to shorting in the electrical current causing errors in measure- ments, and can often damage the load cell. Take precautions to avoid corrosion of both the load cell device and the mount, and inspect them frequently. Use non-corrosive metals such as aluminum and stainless steel when the device will be exposed to moisture, and keep the load cell and sur- rounding surfaces dry. Also check for cracks caused by corrosion pitting that could lead to damage of the load cell and equipment failure. Electrical and Magnetic Stray electrical currents could interfere with load cell readings and are another possi- ble source of damage to the device. Properly cover and secure all wiring and light- ing, and ground the load cell fixture to the specifications outlined by the manufac- turer. Avoid welding near load cells as stray currents from welding can significantly damage components.
- 7. Magnetic and electrical fields can create interference with weighing system signaling. To avoid this, place the load cell, connection cabling, and electronics in a shielded housing. 4) Properly Prepare the Mounting Frame The load cell mount’s surface and structure is critical for accurate measuring. When installing mounts, surfaces should always be clean, even, and level. Mount the load cell to heavy plates attached to the fixture. These plates should be rigid and non-de- formable. This transfers the total load through the bottom mount to the supporting structure. The load cell should always be the intermediate point between a fixed surface and the introduced load path. The load direction relative to the load cell body’s orientation should always comply with the manufacturer’s installation manual. Mounting acces- sories mitigate misalignment, side loads or bending moments. Rod ends or clevises (Figure 2) can also help reduce bending moments. Figure 2. S-Beam Load Cell Mounted to Rod End and Clevis Assembly Limit lateral deflection, if needed, with end stops. If the load cell design requires self- centering, a pendulum load cell automatically guides the support structure into posi- tion. The installation of elastomeric bearings regulates heat between the tank and load cells in a tank weighing system. If side loading or torsion is unavoidable, use load cells designed to capture these in- puts.
- 8. Drill and tap holes in the mounting plates based on the dimensions in the load cell’s installation drawing or data sheet. Maintain tight tolerances when drilling. Loose tol- erances could cause improper installation of, or unwanted stress in, the device and hardware. Select a size and capacity of the load cell appropriate for the application without sig- nificant oversizing. The dimensions of the load cell will affect clearances of the fixture when it is loaded to capacity. Single point load cells are rated for a specific loading area; therefore design top plates and scales with these limits in mind. Likewise install load stops where the pos- sibility exists for a load to exceed a load cell’s rated capacity (for example, due to ac- cidental shock loading or extreme winds). 5) Choose the Right Hardware Properly securing the load cell to the support plates will limit unintended movement in the device. This keeps the load cell aligned with the load path, maximizing accu- racy and preventing damage to the component. Always use the provided device hardware or other standard hardware approved by the manufacturer. Install all hardware to the specifications outlined in the installation manual. Engage the full threaded section of bolts connecting the support plates, and apply the proper preload before allowing the system to support the full weight of the measured entity. If bolts are not preloaded or preload is not maintained, the hard- ware could experience joint-separation or a fatigue failure. This can also lead to the bolts self-loosening, ultimately causing a failure in the bolted joints. The attachment plate used to mount the load cell should be thick enough to have a significant thread engagement with attaching hardware. If the plate is thin it will pre- vent the component from being properly secured. Apply torque to the hardware per specifications. Use jam nuts and other locking hardware to prevent connections from loosening or separating. Lastly, do not allow suspended systems to rotate, as this might also loosen hardware. Standard hardware should not be the weak point in the load path. Yielding, shearing, or fatigue failures could cause damage to the load cell device. If standard hardware is potentially inadequate for the load cell application, upgrade hardware before be- ginning installation. Conclusion As this article demonstrates, the accuracy of a measuring system depends greatly on its proper installation. Each system is unique and often has specific considera- tions to ensure best results. Tacuna Systems engineers are always available to an- swer your installation or application questions regarding our load cell products.
- 9. References Measurement and Instrumentation Principles, 3rd Edition, Alan S. Morris Introduction to Instrumentation and Measurements, 3rd Edition, Robert B. Northrop Elements of Electronic Instrumentation and Measurements, Joseph J. Carr Phone Number: 1-800-550-0280 Contact Email: contact@tacunasystems.com Website: https://tacunasystems.com/