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Topic Title: Silo measurement
Topic Summary: load cells
Created On: 08 May 2009 10:07 AM
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08 May 2009 10:07 AM
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fitzpatrick1976

Posts: 28
Joined: 15 December 2006

Hello,

I need to measure the load in a bulk tank that weighs upto 50 tonnes. the tank has 4 legs. I want to cut all 4 legs and in two of the legs insert load cells and in the other two dummy load cells.
Am I right in saying that 15 tonnes measuring capability is more than enough for each load cell.
Also can anybody put me onto a good loadcell manufacturer who will help me in this application?

If anybody has any better ideas let me know.

cheers,
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08 May 2009 10:15 PM
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seeker

Posts: 318
Joined: 10 March 2007

Originally posted by: fitzpatrick1976

Hello,



I need to measure the load in a bulk tank that weighs upto 50 tonnes. the tank has 4 legs. I want to cut all 4 legs and in two of the legs insert load cells and in the other two dummy load cells.

Am I right in saying that 15 tonnes measuring capability is more than enough for each load cell.

Also can anybody put me onto a good loadcell manufacturer who will help me in this application?



If anybody has any better ideas let me know.



cheers,



You need to take advice regarding cutting all four legs of a silo/tank. I would be particularly concerned about ther ensuing stability of the structure in the event of wind or a lateral impact.
Would it be feasible to position compressive cells under the feet of the legs?
Also worth considering is the effect on the load distribution if the contents are not a fluid and become piled at one side. In that case you may need to use four point measurement.
If the contents are fluid and the density does not vary why not use the pressure at the bottom of the silo/tank as your measurement?
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11 May 2009 11:00 AM
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mstaple

Posts: 324
Joined: 23 July 2004

You would need a load cell under each leg or the measurement would be innacurate. Try Nova Weigh or Mettler Toledo for load cells.

Have you considered level measurement instead? I've used guided radar in powder silos before and converted the level to weight. Much easier than trying to install load cells.
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21 May 2009 10:22 PM
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jonny27

Posts: 32
Joined: 14 December 2007

ABB do a very good range of loadcells. They are more expensive than most, however you would need to return to site weekly to re-calibrate.
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14 November 2009 09:01 PM
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kirso

Posts: 1
Joined: 14 November 2009

Why not look at strain gauges. These can be fitted direct to the legs and no alteration to the structure.
We had 4 setups like these at work . They all give a consistant reading,
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