General description of the microcell – Kistler-Morse KM L-Cell Bolt-On User Manual
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1: Bolt-On Description
1-2
General Description of the Microcell
The Microcell™ (Figure 1-2) is a highly sensitive bolt-on strain gage
sensor used to determine the weight of material contained in storage
vessels. Microcells bolt onto a vessel’s metal support structure. As
weight is added to or removed from the vessel, the vessel support
structure experiences strain changes proportional to the weight changes.
The Microcell detects the strain changes and produces a voltage output
proportional to those changes, thus indicating the change in weight.
KM signal processors convert the Microcell voltage outputs to weight
or level. Refer to Appendix B for specifications.
The Microcell 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 Microcell
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 3-inch Microcell can be installed on carbon steel, stainless steel, or
aluminum vessel supports. The 2-inch Microcell can be installed on
carbon steel vessel supports only. Refer to Appendix B, Microcell
Specifications, for stress limits on each type of Microcell.
Microcells can be installed on leg-supported vessels. Refer to the appro-
priate chapter for installation details for your application:
•
Chapter 6 — Installation on Vertical Pipe Legs
Contact KM for information on non-standard applications.
Be sure to read the entire installation procedure for your application
before beginning installation.
Microcell Application Details
L-Cell Application Details
Currently, L-Cells are available for installation on the following types
of vessels:
•
Carbon steel, skirt-supported vessels with maximum live load
stresses between 1,500 and 8,500 psi (1.0 and 6.0 kg/mm
2
)
•
Aluminum, skirt-supported vessels with maximum live load
stresses between 1,500 and 4,500 psi (1.0 and 3.2 kg/mm
2
)
•
Leg Supported Vessels (non-pipe) with maximum live load
stresses between 1,500 and 8,500 psi (1.0 and 6.0 kg/mm
2
)
•
Beam Supported Vessels with maximum live load stresses
between 1,500 and 8,500 psi (1.0 and 6.0 kg/mm
2
)
Contact K-M for information on non-standard applications. Read the
entire installation procedure for your application before beginning
installation.
Fig 1-2. KM Microcell