Rice Lake Weigh Modules/Mount Assemblies - Manual (Page 50)

2-21
WEIGH MODULES S-Beams
The three load cell suspension system shown in Figure 2-40 uses
three S-beam load cells placed 120
°
apart on a cylindrical vessel.
This avoids the problems of having to adjust the weight carried by
each cell, as the inherent stability of a 3-point hanging system will
ensure equal loading at each point. To ensure stability, suspension
rods should be attached to the vessel at or above the center of
gravity of the filled vessel. Though this configuration is inherently
stable, special attention is required when significant vibration,
agitation, wind or seismic activity are possible. In this case,
bumpers or horizontal check rods should also be employed.
Each support point should be equally rigid and deflect by the same
amount when loaded. If not, the load may be transferred un-
equally, which may overload one or more of the cells.
The 4-cell suspension system shown in Figure 2-41 is most com-
mon for rectangular hoppers. As mentioned previously, adjust-
ment will be necessary to equalize the load carried by each load cell
to within 10% of each other.
Figure 2-41
Note the use of safety check rods in the
suspension mount illustrations. Each
rod passes through a large clearance
hole at the lower end and the nuts are loose so there is
no interference with the weighing accuracy. All suspended
vessel weighing systems must be protected by safety
check rods or chains to prevent damage or injury in the
event of a failure. See more detailed information on
vessel safety restraint systems in Section 4.
Figure 2-40
Caution