6RFS-8 Conveyor Belt Scales

Thayer’s 6RFS-8 Conveyor Belt Scale is designed for high accuracy (1/10% typical) inventory control and totalization. The weighbridge features exclusive rocking flexure suspension in the approach-retreat configuration. Measurement sensitivity is high, deflection is low, and the load cell is isolated from the error-inducing effects of extraneous lateral forces, off-center loading, foundation distortion, inclination hold-back forces, and high sporadic shocks and overloads. Tare load is mass counterbalanced to create superior signal to noise ratio in weight sensing, orders of magnitude better than belt scale designs supporting full tare load on the load sensor.

Description

6RFS-8 Conveyor Belt Scales

WEIGH BRIDGE

One of the most important components of a conveyor scale system is the design of the weigh bridge itself. Regardless of the type of load cell used, a belt scale will not be able to weigh lightly loaded material and maintain its calibration for long if certain design features are not in place.

Secondary Lever

THAYER employs a secondary lever system, even though it cost more to do so, because it permits the following:

1. We can add mass (weight) to counterbalance the dead load (idler support frame, idlers, belts) and by using a secondary lever, we do not load down the suspension pivot.

2. The scale provides for complete mass counter-balancing of the dead load (idlers and belt) of the conveyor permitting the load sensor to react only to the net material load.

3. By positioning the load cell correctly, relative to the secondary lever we can match load cell size to the net loading. Only in this way can any capacity scale be supplied to the same high accuracy standards.

4. The resulting increased lever ratio of the secondary lever reduces idler deflection, providing additional immunity to errors associated with belt tension.

5. The secondary lever system utilizes stainless steel aircraft cables as flexural elements to transmit and FOCUS pure tension forces to the load cell. The cables, being non-extendable, but laterally yieldable connecting links, permit the lever to align itself under conditions of varying stringer distortion. This is a most significant feature. A belt scale must use the conveyor stringers as its mounting base. These stringers not only deflect under varying conveyor loads, but may also rotate (or twist). A suspension system having the least possible structural redundancy is therefore essential.

6. This unique system is not affected by dirt, shocks or vibration, and can withstand overloads in excess of 1,000 pounds without causing damage or affecting calibration.

Calibration

A belt scale should be thought of as a precision instrument and its performance should be quickly and easily checked. Thayer Scale can provide an accurate reliable calibration using a calibrating weight instead of test chains for all scale capacities. Thayer Scale developed and patented the first automatic calibration system in 1971.

The 4RF-6AR uses a test weight in the form of a round bar which resides in one of two positions (“V” notches) on an intermediate lever between the approach suspension and the load cell itself. This bar provides tare counterbalance in its “zero” position, and simulated calibration loading in its “span” position. This method of “test weight” application is referred to as the “moveable-poise” method, in contrast to the additive weight method.

THAYER’S RF Flexure Suspension (patented)

The axis position is permanent, being held in its horizontal position by the flexure plate and in its vertical position by the load rod which bears on the flexure plate, which in turn is bolted to the bottom side of the square and elevated suspension extension shaft.

There is insignificant rotational hysteresis. While the load rod may be likened to a dull knife edge (it is round), the flexure plate bearing surface directly in contact can rock without sliding through small rotational displacement.

The reaction to lateral forces creates an insignificant moment transfer to the weigh suspension (this is part of the patent). Since the flexure plate (which is hardened blue tempered steel) is also the upper bearing block of the pivot, tensile or compressive forces reacting to lateral forces therein have no moment arm distance to operate.

THAYER Load Cell Utilization Factor

The distinct specification of continuous belt scale weighing applications and the unique environment and operational issues those applications typically encounter, places too many requirements on the load sensing system for any single technology to completely satisfy. Therefore, using THAYER’S exclusive FMSS technology in the design of its belt scale suspension system allows the choice of using either its LC-137 LVDT Load Cell or its LC-174 Strain Gauge Load cell. This puts Thayer in a unique position that allows us to offer equipment to match a wide range of applications such as light material loading, severe environmental conditions, and commercial certification.

Precision Belt Speed Measurement

Accurate belt speed measurement requires the use of a precision wheel and pulser. A spring is used to maintain proper contact pressure of the wheel with the tension side of the belt in all operating conditions. The THAYER belt travel pulser assembly includes a precision cast/machined wheel with a “pre-calibrated” circumferential tolerance of ± 0.05% and a high resolution digital transmitter. The transmitter produces pulses equivalent to 1/100 to 1/200 of a foot of belt travel. The speed pick-up wheel has a narrow face width so it is less susceptible to material build-up, which can result in speed measuring errors. Since belt stretch is not constant throughout the length of the conveyor, and therefore, can affect speed measurement, the speed pickup produces a more accurate speed signal than that which is produced by tail pulley mounted speed encoders.

Thayer Calibration Test Weight