Specifications

METTLER TOLEDO Weigh Module Systems Handbook
(12/99)
5-2
Angular Loading
Angular loading occurs when a force that is not perfectly vertical is applied to a
load cell. This diagonal force can be defined as the sum of its vertical component
and its horizontal component. In a well-designed weigh module application, the
load cell will sense the weight (vertical force) but will not sense the side load
(horizontal force).
Figure 5-2a and Figure 5-2b show a weigh module application with the load cell
anchored to a foundation. In Figure 5-2a, the force exerted by the tank’s weight is
perfectly vertical. In Figure 5-2b, the force is applied at an angle. The vertical
component (F ) of this angular force is normal to and sensed by the load cell; it is
equal to the force applied in Figure 5-2a. The horizontal component (side load) =
F × Tangent θ.
Figure 5-2a: Vertical Force Figure 5-2b: Angular Force
Figure 5-3a and Figure 5-3b show how angular loading would affect a load cell
anchored to the tank that is being weighed. Figure 5-3a shows an ideal
installation with a perfectly vertical force. In Figure 5-3b, the force (F
N
) that is
normal to and sensed by the load cell would be less than the vertical force (F )
applied to the load cell in the ideal installation. In this case, F
N
= F × Cosine θ.
Figure 5-3a: Vertical Force Figure 5-3b: Angular Force
N