A Comparison of Tacuna Systems Load Cell Mounts and Modules

Tacuna Systems sells over 20 weighing modules and mounts from ANYLOAD to support over 60 types of compatible load cells in various processes such as tank systems, silo measuring systems, hopper and bin weighing, truck scales, railroad track scales, and production line systems.  These modules form the mechanical structure of a weighing assembly in these applications. Pairing a weigh module with a compatible load cell builds an integrated weighing system that gives more accurate data results and substantially increases safety.

This article provides a load cell module buying guide. It compares Tacuna Systems’ load cell module and mount offerings in two tables. list each product with their material composition, features and usage to make the selection process a bit simpler. The first table compares mounts designed for tension loads. The second table compares compression load mounts and modules. A third table at the very end of this document quickly summarizes the comparison of all load cell module features.

For any specific questions or any clarifications of the information in this document, please contact Tacuna Systems.

A Comparison of Tension Modules and Mounts

The table below lists the important features of each ANYLOAD load cell module or mount sold by Tacuna Systems for tension applications. Note: For more complete information, all thumbnail images link to the specification sheet for each product. All product numbers link to the product pages in our online store.

A Comparison of Compression Modules and Mounts

The table below lists the important features of each Anyload load cell module and mount sold by Tacuna Systems for compression applications. Note the table is divided by load cell type. Also note the use of a tension load cell (the ANYLOAD 110BH load cell) in a compression application through the use of a suspended link mount design.

For more complete information, all thumbnail images link to the specification sheet for each product. All product numbers link to the product pages in our online store.

Definition of Load Cell Mount and Module Features

This section defines the product features of the load cell modules and mounts listed in each table.

Anti-lifting protection:

At times, wind and other forces can lift a load (such as a tank weighing assembly), causing tension or side forces on a compression load cell. Mounts with this feature prevent this lifting force, usually up to half the rated normal load of the mount.

Center pivoted:

Center pivoted means the load bearing bolt or pin is able to pivot with the natural movement of the weighed object while maintaining the load in the intended axial direction and load point. Two designs typically accomplish this: a suspended trunnion or a rocker pin.

The suspended trunnion design directs the applied force at a specific point on the load cell through a center loading bolt connected to a hanging trunnion that can pivot in all directions on a set of spherical washers. The trunnion connects to the loading platform though a suspension link. This allows the weigh module’s loading platform to swing with side loads but self-correct to the original steady state position, while the load direction remains consistently parallel to the intended load direction and at the intended load point. It avoids twisting the load cell and enables the load cell to be replaced without moving the weighed vessel. The rocker pin design is described below.

Check rods not required:

Check rods, or restraint rods are structures external to the weigh module/load cell assembly used to minimize horizontal movement and prevent overturning in compression designs or to serve as back up hangers in tension designs. These structures can introduce force shunts that can alter measurements. Mount designs with this feature can eliminate the use of check rods, thus increasing accuracy of measurements.

Four-points overloading protection:

The mount is designed with rigid supports on the four corners that limit the downward force of the weighed object, to prevent the load cell from bearing more weight than its overload limit. These typically apply to beam load cells that measure with bending forces.

Free swaying motions:

With these designs, the top mounting plate is free to move laterally. This cushions side forces from the load cell and maintains accuracy of load cell readings.

Insensitive to side loads and bending moments:

This is a feature of center-pivoted and self-checking designs. The side load decreases while the platform swings, ensuring the force is axial to the load cell and its reading is stable. It is particularly useful in applications with rotating equipment in production activity such as blenders, or mixers, high degree of expansion due to temperature, or any other application where twisting forces to the load cell would otherwise repeatedly occur over time.

Lateral stops:

Lateral stop structures prevent side loads from moving the top plate of weigh module out of place, ensuring a more accurate reading by maintaining the load in optimal position. They also prevent damage to the load cell and increase safety of the weighing system. Typically with this design, the base plate of weigh module is fixed through welds to the base of the supporting structure. Lateral stops are a good feature for conveyor systems since they prevent horizontal drift of the conveyor. They are also ideal for vessel weigh systems that require limited lateral movement.

Multi-directional movement:

This design offers some protection to the load cell from shock loading regardless of the direction of the load. With compression modules this feature is accomplished by low friction pads that allow the mounting plate to move freely horizontally and provide some cushioning.

Overload protection (Overload stops):

Overload stops prevent excessive loads from damaging the load cell with rigid supports that limit the downward force of the weighed object, to prevent the load cell from bearing more weight than its overload limit. These typically apply to beam load cells that measure with bending forces.

Rocker pin loading design:

The rocker pin design consists of a vertical pin bearing the weight of the loading platform, whose ends are curved and can therefore pivot around a fixed point. This fixed point on its bottom end makes contact with the loading point of the load cell. This increases load cell reading accuracy by preserving the axial direction of the load even if the load is slightly off vertical.

Self-aligning/self-checking:

These are the same concept. This type of mount keeps the load aligned with the intended direction and center position of the load cell at all times while simultaneously allowing free horizontal movement of the mounting plate with temperature expansion or contraction and side loads. This design also lets the mounting plate self-correct to the original steady state position. Several load pin designs accomplish this. A rocker pin mount design directs the applied force at a specific point on the load cell via a pin with rounded ends. With a fixed pin design, the mounting plate moves freely over the pin by sliding along a pad.

Side force protection:

This design prevents lateral movements of the mounting plate from altering readings (lateral stops). It also prevents damage to the load cell from side loads.

Summary of Key Features

In the table below, the top row abbreviates the features listed above, in order. The “x” marks indicate the feature is present in the load cell module product.

Module Model No.	ALP	CP	CRNR	FSM	ISL	LS	MDM	OP	RP	SC	SFP
102BHM1		x	x				x			x
102DHM3	x	x					x			x
102DSM3	x	x					x			x	x
102EHM2		x			x		x			x
102ESM2	x									x	x
102THM5		x	x				x			x
106MHM1	x	x					x			x
110BHM1	x			x
110BHM2	x			x
110BHM3							x			x
276EHM1	x					x	x			x
563RSM5	x					x		x		x
563YHM2	x	x								x
563YHM4	x	x				x		x	x	x
563YHM5	x	x					x			x
563YSM2	x	x								x
563YSM3	x					x		x	x
TMA-108B	x							x

References

[1] ANYLOAD (anyload.com)