Kistler-Morse KM L-Cell Bolt-On - Manual (Page 8)

1: Bolt-On Description
1-1
Chapter 1: Description of the Bolt-On
Weight Measurement Sensors
Figure 1-1. KM L-Cell
General Description of the L-Cell
The patented L-Cell® (Figure 1-1) is a highly sensitive bolt-on strain
gage sensor used to determine the weight of material contained in
storage vessels. L-Cells bolt onto a vessel’s metal support members. As
weight is added to or removed from the vessel, the vessel support
structure experiences strain changes proportional to the changes in
weight.
The L-Cell detects the strain changes in the metal and produces a voltage
output proportional to those changes. A signal processor then converts
this output to engineering units for display and control. The L-Cell
measures strain in two perpendicular directions, eliminating the need for a
rosette array of two one-direction strain sensors. Refer to Appendix A for
the L-Cell specifications.
The L-Cell is easy to install. It mounts to the surface of the structural
support and never comes in contact with the vessel contents. Used in
many different industries, it can weigh any type of material stored in a
vessel with metal support members. The L-Cell is rugged, can operate in
industrial environments, and requires no periodic maintenance. It is
immune to electrical noise due to its high-level output voltage.
The L-Cell goes beyond standard traditional passive temperature
compensation. The L-Cell’s Standardized Axial Strain Sensitivity (SASS®)
provides active temperature compensation.
This chapter will describe the L-cell and the Microcell sensors,
including their application details.
Introduction
Bolt-On Technology creates weighing systems by:
* mounting L-Cells on structural support members of the vessels
legs, shear beam supports, or structural skirts
* mounting Microcells to the vessels pipe leg supports.
No specialized tools are needed for installation and there is no need to
empty vessel or take the vessel out of production while the sensors are
being installed.
Bolt-on sensing utilizes the vessel structure as the measuring system.
To achieve optimal performance a thorough understanding of the
vessel, its support structure, and the operating environment is
necessary. The process requires that you look at the vessel and its
support structure, or have a complete, as built, set of plans or drawings.