A Comparison of Tacuna Systems Load Cell Mounts and Modules

An accurate integrated weighing system depends on the right load cell mount or weigh module to isolate forces properly, maintain measurement accuracy, and ensure mechanical safety. Tacuna Systems offers over 20 weighing modules and mounts that support over 60 compatible load cell models for integrated weighing in process tanks, silos, hoppers, truck scales, and production lines.

This guide compares our complete offering of tension and compression mounts by material, capacity, environmental rating, and application to simplify your selection process. For any specific questions or any clarifications of the information in this document, please contact Tacuna Systems.

A Comparison of Tension Modules and Mounts

Tension weigh modules suspend tanks, hoppers, and bins from overhead support structures. The table below outlines the core specifications for each ANYLOAD tension module and mount.

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

Compression weigh modules support vessels, platforms, and structures from underneath. Note that some designs (such as the 110BHM1 / 110BHM2) adapt tension load cells into compression assemblies via suspended link hardware.

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.

Glossary of Load Cell Mount and Module Mechanical Features

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. This feature prevents upward wind forces or structural tipping from lifting the vessel off the sensor (typically rated up to 50% of nominal module capacity).

Center pivoted:

This feature allows the load bearing bolt or pin to pivot with the natural movement of the weighed object while maintaining the load in the intended axial direction and load point, eliminating torque or twisting moments. Center pivoting designs have either a suspended trunnion or a rocker pin.

By suspending the platform from a central bolt and trunnion that pivots on spherical washers, the suspended trunnion design handles side loads and naturally self-centers. It prevents sensor torque by keeping applied forces strictly axial, and allows technicians to swap the load cell without lifting the vessel.

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. “Check rods not required” designs integrate lateral restrains to avoid the force shunts that check rods can introduce.

Four-points overloading protection:

Modules with this feature have rigid supports on the four corners that limit the downward force of the weighed object, preventing 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:

Modules with center-pivoted and self-checking designs may use this phrase. Look for this for applications with rotating equipment in production activity such as blenders or mixers, a 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/Side force protection:

Lateral stop structures prevent side loads from moving the top plate of weigh module out of place. Typically with this design, the base plate of weigh module is fixed through welds to the base of the supporting structure. Lateral stops can prevent the horizontal drift of conveyor systems and limit thermal expansion.

Multi-directional movement:

Modules with this description offer some shock loading protection to the load cell 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. 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 in contact with the cell’s loading point. It preserves the load’s axial direction even if it is slightly off vertical, without binding.

Self-aligning/self-checking:

These general descriptors indicate that the module maintains axial load alignment at all times by allowing free horizontal movement of the mounting plate to compensate for temperature expansion or contraction and side loads. Their design allows the mounting plate to self-correct to its original steady state position. Several module designs accomplish this: a rocker pin, or a fixed pin design in which the mounting plate moves freely over the pin by sliding along a pad.

Summary of Key Features Matrix

Legend:
ALP: Anti-Lifting Protection | CP: Center Pivoted | CRNR: No Check Rods Required | FSM: Free Swaying Motion | ISL: Insensitive to Side Loads | LS: Lateral Stops | MDM: Multi-Directional Motion | OP: Overload Protection | RP: Rocker Pin | SC: Self-Checking / Self-Aligning | SFP: Side Force Protection

Module Model	ALP	CP	CRNR	FSM	ISL	LS	MDM	OP	RP	SC	SFP
101NHM2
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
363TSM1	x	x				x	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)