Sometimes we throw around the terms weigh modules, load cell kits, and weigh bar kits and we don’t realize that some folks might not completely understand what weigh modules are actually.
In most cases a weigh module kit is usually either 2, 3, or 4 load cells & load cell mounts along with load cell cable and a junction box with summing board. Purchasing the correct weigh module kit can make adding a scale to weigh your existing vessel or hopper much easier.
Our extensive range of load cells and weigh modules allows our customers to create personalized systems no matter what industry they are in. We have an unbelievable selection of load cells and mounts, including B-Tek, Avery Weigh-Tronix, Anyload, Transcell, Locosc, Zemic, Coti Global, Rice Lake, Vishay brand Celtron, Flintec, Interface, Emery Winslow, Revere Transducers, Sensortronics, Tufner, and Tedea-Huntleigh.
You’re Installing The Best Weighing Equipment
Whether we’re installing some of our favorite Rice Lake Weighing Systems weigh modules which incorporate experienced engineering and design or the Coti Global load cell kits that are in stock and often save the day, you can rest assured we focus on providing quality and accurate load cell kits for tanks and vessels.
We offer a variety of load cell tank mount assemblies from various suppliers. Kits are available with gross capacities from 1,500 to 300,000 lbs. and are produced in zinc plated carbon steel and 304 stainless steel. Mounting kits can be used with vertical / horizontal storage tanks, bulk material hoppers, product mixers, and any type of weighbridge platform. Load cells are available in plated steel, stainless steel and hermetically sealed stainless steel. Our tank mount assemblies are constructed to provide the highest level of accuracy, repeatability and long life performance.
We consider factors such as working environment, loading conditions and other design specifications to help you find the best solution. We currently offer over 20 different mount styles, including things like waterproof weigh modules.
And on top of that, we also offer an outstanding selection of strain gauge load cells manufactured to the highest quality standards, our mounts are built complete with everything you need, backed by unbeatable factory support.
Custom Load Cell and Mount Specialists
As you probably already know, Central Carolina Scale offers one of the most comprehensive selections of load cells, mounts and sensors available in the United States.
Have a unique requirement that needs custom solution? We also have weigh module kits that include:
• Customized load cells and mounts
• Special coatings—SURVIVOR® coating for use in hazardous chemical environments
• Customized cable lengths
• Special cable—PTFE load cell cable for harsh environments
Choosing the Correct Weigh Module
The wide variety of weigh modules available can make it challenging to determine the differences and what system is best for your application. Most weigh module uses can be classified into one of three categories:
• Suspended Weighing
• Vessel Weighing
• Truck Scale Weighing
Complete Mounting Kits
Complete mounting kits are available with our weigh modules, simplifying the selection and installation processes. Each kit comes with a detailed installation manual and an analog junction box with cable assembly, eliminating the need to order separate parts.
All standard weigh module kits include the required load cell(s), junction box, mounting hardware and cable, but can be customized to meet your exact needs. All you really need to add is the appropriate digital weight indicator and you have a complete weighing system.
Suspended Weighing
Suspended weigh modules support load cells that are hung vertically and measure through tension, such as in suspended hoppers. Suspended weigh modules are available in stainless or mild steel.
Featuring a clevis and rod-end ball-joint assembly, the ITCM mount is half the overall length of traditional s-beam tension mounts. This unique design consistently corrects loading alignment, even in difficult applications.
The load cell is completely isolated from stray currents using PTFE-lined rod ends and a grounding strap which provides an alternative path to ground. Use in single or multiple module configurations. Most capacities are NTEP approved. Available in Alloy Steel (100 to 20,000 pounds) and Stainless Steel (100 to 5,000 pounds).
Vessel Weighing
Available in either stainless or painted mild steel, we offer a variety of models and configurations for weighing tanks, vessels and other fixed containers. Below are some of the more popular choices.
Utilizing a unique self-checking sliding-pin design, the EZ Mount 1 allows for thermal expansion and contraction and controlled scale-deck movement with minimal friction. FM approved load cells make this module ideal for intrinsically safe, explosion-proof, and medium to heavy-capacity tank and hopper functions. EZ Mount 1 Series is available in stainless steel and hermetically sealed variations as well as an NTEP Certified mild and stainless steel design.
The RL1600 is a low-profile, bolt-in-place model for mounting directly to a tank without additional mounting plates or load buttons. Self-checking movement tolerates thermal expansion and contraction and provides lift-off protection. RL1600 Series is well-suited for medium to heavy capacity tanks, bins, hoppers and general dry ingredient and bulk material management.
The low-profile, IP67 rated, RL9000 TWM maximizes space and offers an all in one package with optimal top plates to minimize installation time. This module delivers accurate readings even while off level by as much as 3°. RL9000 TWM has self-centering in all directions with 100% uplift protection that provides extreme durability. Rice Lake’s RL9000 TWM-HT adds an enhanced FEP cable with special strain gauges and other components that withstand temperatures as high as 400°F.
Combining self-checking and multi-directional movement capabilities, the RL1800 tolerates platform and tank movement in all directions. The center-pivoted, tension-loading design incorporates spherical washers for self-centering. A load is suspended on a high-strength bolt instead of the traditional wire rope, providing added durability. The RL1800 is NTEP and OIML (on request) approved.
The stainless steel RL1900 Series Weigh Module Kit utilizes several Rice Lake Weighing Systems components to provide an unmatched level of performance. The RL1900 Kit is ideally suited for tank, hopper and bin weighing operations with medium-range capacities. Each module combines multi-directional movement and self-checking capabilities. The welded-seal stainless steel load cell withstands corrosive washdown environments. The RL1900 Series is NTEP approved.
The RL50210 TA is a cost-effective solution for indoor applications with low checking requirements and moderate shock. This popular design utilizes neoprene isolation / compression mounts, allowing for minor misalignments, expansion, contraction and shock absorption. RL50210 TA is available in either stainless steel or zinc-plated mild steel and is NTEP Certified in most capacities.
Hydrostatic Tank, Silo, Hopper and Vessel Weighing Systems
In addition to the standard strain gauge weigh modules we’ve mentioned earlier, we also have the Emery Winslow Scale Company Tank, Silo, Hopper and Vessel weighing systems which are the perfect solution for high accuracy weighing performance in the most extreme and challenging environments, because of innovative HYDROSTATIC technology.
This legendary technology ensures a lifetime of high performance, virtually eliminating the need for load cell replacements. Emery Winslow’s HYDROSTATIC load cells are designed to withstand all real-world environmental factors and abuse encountered in tank or vessel weighing scenarios. Whether it’s a 1,000-lb or a massive 1,000,000-lb load, Emery Winslow offers a tailored HYDROSTATIC vessel weigh system to meet your specific needs.
Emery Winslow’s exclusive Hydrostatic technology, combines state-of-the-art electronic
instrumentation with virtually indestructible Hydrostatic load cells for a system with no
electronics in the area of greatest potential abuse – the scale platform. This design allows the weight signals to be transmitted to a clean, controlled area where the signals are totalized and converted into a single electronic signal, which in turn drives the scale’s digital weight indicator.
All electronic components remain isolated from environmental factors, ensuring their safety and longevity. With Emery Winslow, you can trust that your tank or vessel weighing system will deliver unparalleled durability and accuracy, even in the harshest conditions.
Industries served include: Meat, poultry and seafood processing, Chemicals, solvents and acids, Food processing and manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, supplements and nutraceuticals, Aerospace, defense contractors and munitions, Paper, printing, ink and paint manufacturing, Distilleries and high-grade alcohol producers and more.
Truck Weighing Modules
These modules are best suited for weighbridge designs but meet the needs of a broad range of industrial scale applications.
Built to withstand the most punishing environments, MVS mounts use center-loaded double-ended shear beam load cells to eliminate the need for costly check rods. The result is a pendulum effect that removes binding, protects the load cell from damaging side loads and automatically returns the scale to dead center. The mild steel MVS is easy to install and promises high performance and long life.
Meanwhile, the Translink parallel-link truck scale assembly permits free movement in all directions on a horizontal plane while the pendulum action of the links quickly return the scale to center. No need for costly check rods; simply install platform bumpers and forget about over-travel. This painted alloy-steel assembly is ideal for heavy capacity weighbridges and horizontal tanks.
Load Cells
With the largest selection of quality strain gauge load cells available in stock, nobody offers faster, more reliable service. Whether you need a replacement load cell or a load cell for a unique application, we’ve probably got a solution in stock. Our knowledgeable customer service staff can answer your questions and help you select the best load cells for any weighing application. From tank and hopper weighing to bulk material management or mechanical scale conversions, we provide unmatched service for our customers.
Load Cell Types
Single Point
Single point load cells are similar to single-ended beams but designed for lighter capacity applications such as bench scales. Single point load cells are most commonly constructed of aluminum with capacities ranging from 1 to 1,000 kilograms. Popular choices in this range include the Tedea Huntleigh 1042, 1022, 1250 and 1260.
Double-Ended Beam
A double-ended beam load cell is secured at both ends with the load applied to the center. Double-ended beam load cells come in a variety of constructions with capacities ranging from 1,000 to 250,000 pounds. Popular choices in this style include the Rice Lake RL75058, Revere Transducers 5103, and Sensortronics 65040A.
Single-Ended Beam
A single-ended beam load cell is secured at one end with the load applied to the opposite end. Construction can either be mild or stainless steel with capacities ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 pounds. Lots of popular choices in this style include the Transcell SBS, Anyload 563YH, Rice Lake RL30000, Celtron SQB, Sensortronics 65023A, and Revere Transducers 5123.
S-Beam
S-beam load cells are most commonly used to suspend a weighing vessel with tension applied through stretching. Capacities typically range from 25 to 40,000 pounds. Popular choices in this range include the Coti Global CG-SB, Revere Transducers 363, Rice Lake RL20000, RL20001, Transcell BSS, and Zemic H3G.
Canister Type
Canister type load cells are cylindrical load cells with force applied vertically in tension or compression. These load cells are ideal for heavy-capacity and environmentally demanding applications with capacities ranging from 20,000 to 500,000 pounds. Popular choices in this style include the Cardinal AC50K, B-Tek CPD and CPR, and Revere Transducers CSP.
Weigh Bar
We have to mention the Avery Weigh-Tronix Weigh Bar before we wrap this weigh module entry up. The Weigh Bar’s design provides inherent strength and overload protection, while also providing accuracy and high reliability.
The Weigh Bar is one of the most robust weight transducers, with millions of installations worldwide in the past forty years.
It is ideal for: truck scales, floor scales, hopper and tank weighing, particularly in the food, chemical and agriculture industries. High capacity load sensing device, suitable for most industrial environments Environmentally sealed and features worldwide approvals. It is available in capacities from 45kg to 450,000 kg or 100lb to 1,000,000 lb.
It’s available in various kits including: BSS Batching Weigh Bars, BWB Batching Weigh Bars, DEBWB Double Ended Batching Weigh Bars, HSWB Weigh Bar, ITA Weighing Assemblies, and LPBWB Batching Weigh Bar.
Thoughts and Recommendations on Weigh Modules
As you can see, we have lots of different choices when it comes to weighing tanks, vessels or hoppers. Many folks choose one of the standard weigh module kits we’ve mentioned above. Certain locations such as food processing businesses could benefit from the hydrostatic choices or a weigh bar system. Alternatively, the hydrostatic and weigh-bar choices are more specialized and you could run into a situation where parts are not as readily available and/or certain scale companies might not have the expertise to install or support the items.
Ultimately our recommendation to you is to contact us (919) 776-7737 and spend some time discussing either on the phone or email about your particular requirements. We’ve sold and installed many of these tank mounts over the years and certain systems are better for certain situations. Contact us to get started!