High-capacity load cell tackles tough tasks

A high-capacity load cell assembly for silo, tank and vessel weighing is proving to be both reliable and cost-effective in demanding environments where mechanical integrity is a prime consideration.

A high-capacity load cell assembly developed by Thames Side-Maywood for silo, tank and vessel weighing is proving to be both reliable and cost-effective in demanding environments where mechanical integrity is a paramount consideration.

Recent applications of the VC3500 include supporting 28m-high storage silos in severe coastal winds, and assemblies under storage vessels in a southern European earthquake zone.

The VC3500 is supplied as a complete weighing assembly containing a fully welded stainless-steel load cell.

The assembly's unique design is resistant to off-axial loading and allows for vessel expansion and contraction.

It also features substantial lift-off prevention, ensuring safety and reliability even in the harshest of conditions.

This eliminates the need for additional vessel restraints or tie rods, with consequent cost advantages in both installation and operation.

The top plate has bidirectional freedom of movement, allowing for a high degree of misalignment.

This is particularly important in large structures where dimensional accuracy, rigidity and angular conformity cannot be guaranteed, or where large changes in ambient temperature are anticipated.

Jacking bolts facilitate routine maintenance and calibration, eliminating the need for expensive installation work.

The double ended shear beam load cell maintains accuracy through a wide temperature range and, sealed to IP68, is suitable for use in dusty, corrosive and wet environments, including wash-down areas.

The assembly itself is finished with a protective "autophoretic" coating, which is extremely hard and resistant to corrosion, yet ductile enough not to crack or flake under heavy loads or stresses.

A stainless steel loading assembly is also available.

The VC3500 is suitable both for new installations and for retrofitting under existing vessels.

Available in five shell sizes, the assembly can be supplied with load cells rated for capacities from 2 to 200t.

Covered by a five year warranty, it is also available with intrinsically safe certification EEx ia IIC T6 to Cenelec standard EN50020:1995.

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