Mechanical Installation
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Rice Lake Weighing Systems
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5. If the mount is being fitted under the leg of a vessel, verify that the leg’s center line
passes through the center of the top plate (through the center of the load cell).
6. Lower the corner or side of the vessel carefully onto the top plate. The force of a
vessel weighing several tons can damage a load cell if dropped only a fraction of an
inch.
7. With the top plate positioned approximately level, mark holes for attaching the top
plate to the vessel’s mounting surface.
8. Drill holes and attach top plate loosely to vessel with suitable fasteners.
9. Verify that there is no initial misalignment between the base plate and top plate.
10.Attach the base plates to the foundation using suitable anchors for concrete or by
bolting or welding to a steel structure or sub-plate. Verify that the base plates are as
level as possible. They should be fully supported. Shimming is not recommended.
11.Check that the top plates are no more than ±.5° out or level. Shim if necessary and
fully tighten mounting bolts.
12.Repeat steps 4-11 for the mounting assemblies at the remaining corners or sides.
13.To achieve equal load distribution, final height adjustments can be made with shims
between the top plate loading bracket and the weighing vessel. The variation in load
among the cells should be no more than 20%. The load distribution can be checked
accurately by exciting each load cell in turn and measuring the output with a
voltmeter.
14.Consider using a bead of flexible caulk between the load cell and the base on lighter
capacity assemblies. This will prevent debris from lodging between the load cell and
the base and causing repeatability or accuracy problems.
Weigh modules are assembled, with Locktite
®
, at the factory and should not require
adjustment.
Do NOT attempt to adjust the center bolt unless removing the load cell for
replacement purposes. This bolt is factory adjusted and any attempt to
loosen or tighten this bolt will void the warranty. It is normal for there to be
movement between the load cell and center bolt.
If they have been disassembled for any reason, perform the following:
• Remove the large center screw.
• Align the convex load disc and the load cell with the center hole in the base plate.
• Apply Locktite and install the large screw and continue to turn until the rubber o-
ring just contacts the convex load disc.
• Back the screw off 1/4 turn. The screw provides lateral restraint and lift off
protection.
Never remove it or back it off more than the suggested amount
.
Note
