Rice Lake RL9000 Series User manual

RL9000 Series®Weigh Module Kit
Models TWM & TWM-HT
Installation Manual
PN 89284 Rev BJuly 1, 2019

An ISO 9001 registered company
© Rice Lake Weighing Systems. All rights reserved.
Rice Lake Weighing Systems® is a registered trademark of
Rice Lake Weighing Systems.
All other brand or product names within this publication are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective companies.
All information contained within this publication is, to the best of our knowledge, complete and
accurate at the time of publication. Rice Lake Weighing Systems reserves the right to make
changes to the technology, features, specifications and design of the equipment without notice.
The most current version of this publication, software, firmware and all other product updates
can be found on our website:
www.ricelake.com

Contents
© Rice Lake Weighing Systems ● All Rights Reserved i
Contents
Technical training seminars are available through Rice Lake Weighing Systems.
Course descriptions and dates can be viewed at www.ricelake.com/training
or obtained by calling 715-234-9171 and asking for the training department.
1.0 Introduction ................................................................................ 1
1.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1.1 Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 Safety Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.0 Load Cell Wiring......................................................................... 3
2.1 Junction Box Connections, Adjustments and Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3.0 Troubleshooting......................................................................... 4
4.0 Mechanical Installation.............................................................. 5
4.1 Installation Guidelines for Tank Mounts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.2 Weigh Module Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.0 Dimensional Drawings............................................................... 8
5.1 1K to 100K Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5.2 150K to 200K Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
5.3 250K to 450K Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

RL9000 Series Weigh Module Kit
ii Visit our website www.RiceLake.com

Introduction
© Rice Lake Weighing Systems ● All Rights Reserved 1
1.0 Introduction
This manual is meant to serve only as a general guideline for installation.Each installation
is unique and should be planned by a qualified structural engineer.
Manuals and additional resources are available from the Rice Lake Weighing
Systems website at www.ricelake.com
Warranty information can be found on the website at www.ricelake.com/
warranties
1.1 Overview
The RL9000TWM/RL9000TWM-HT Series weigh module is ideal for use in tank, hopper,
vessel and many other applications. This rugged, high-precision mount is designed for
easy installation and does not require check rods or other stabilizing hardware. The
stainless steel construction and welded seal offer additional protection in wash-down
areas.
They use low profile shear web load cells and transmit the load via a spherical washer on
the load-bearing hub of the cell. The shear web design eases load cell installation and
replacement without the need to raise the weighed vessel a large amount, which could
disturb piping and other connections.
1.1.1 Features
RL9000TWM
• 350 Ω
• Capacities: 1,000 lb-450,000 lb
• Very low profile design
• 3mV/V output
• Self-centering
• Self-checking assembly
• Rated temperatures – 0° to 150° F
• Offers 100% side load, 100% uplift,
150% static safe load and 300% ultimate
static overload protection
• Stainless steel construction
• Welded seal
• Weighs accurately with as much as a 3°
non-parallel load
• Includes 25' load cell cable
RL9000TWM-HT
• 750 Ω
• Capacities: 1000-50,000 lb (higher
capacities by request)
• Very low profile design
• 3mV/V output
• Self-centering
• Self-checking assembly
• Rated temperatures – 0° to 400° F
• Offers 100% side load, 100% uplift,
150% safe load and 300% ultimate
overload protection
• Stainless steel construction
• Welded seal
• Weighs accurately with as much as a 3°
on-parallel load

RL9000 Series Weigh Module Kit
2Visit our website www.RiceLake.com
1.2 Safety
Safety Signal Definitions:
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury. Includes hazards that are exposed when
guards are removed.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided could
result in serious injury or death. Includes hazards that are exposed when
guards are removed.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could
result in minor or moderate injury.
Indicates information about procedures that, if not observed, could
result in damage to equipment or corruption to and loss of data.
General Safety
Do not operate or work on this equipment unless this manual has been
read and all instructions are understood. Contact any Rice Lake Weighing
Systems dealer for replacement manuals.
Failure to heed may result in serious injury or death.
Before attempting to operate this unit, make sure every individual who operates or works
with this unit has read and understands the following safety information.
Do not allow minors (children) or inexperienced persons to operate this unit.
Do not operate without all shields and guards in place.
Do not jump up and down on the scale.
Do not use for purposes other then weight taking.
Do not place fingers into slots or possible pinch points.
Do not use any load bearing component that is worn beyond 5% of the original dimension.
Do not use this product if any of the components are cracked.
Do not exceed the rated load limit of the unit.
Do not make alterations or modifications to the unit.
Do not remove or obscure warning labels.
Keep hands, feet and loose clothing away from moving parts.
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
IMPORTANT
WARNING

Load Cell Wiring
© Rice Lake Weighing Systems ● All Rights Reserved 3
2.0 Load Cell Wiring
The following section provides information for the proper wiring of load cells.
1. Route the load cell cables so they will not be damaged or cut.
Failure to heed could result in product damage.
* Cable should not be routed near heat sources greater than 150°F.
* Do not shorten load cell cable. Cutting the cable affects temperature compensation.
* Coil and protect excess cable to avoid damaged or sitting in water.
2. Provide a drip loop in all cables so that water or other liquids will not run directly
down the cables onto either the load cells or the junction box. Attach load cell cable
to the dead structure.
Figure 2-1. Drip Loop
3. If conduit protection is needed against mechanical or rodent damage to the load cell
cables, use flexible conduit and conduit adapters (20K - 450K only) at the load cells.
4. Connect cables for load cells to the summing board in the junction box according to
the guide shown below and the labels on the terminal strips of the junction box. To
verify the wiring scheme, see the certification shipped with each load cell.
2.1 Junction Box Connections, Adjustments and
Calibration
• Refer to junction box manual for trimming details.
• Refer to indicator manual for system calibration details.
Load Cell Wire Colors (RL9000TWM Only)
Wire Color Function Positive Reading
Green +EXC
Black - EXC
Red - SIG
White + SIG
Gray or Bare Shield
Table 2-1. Wire Function
IMPORTANT
Drip Loop

RL9000 Series Weigh Module Kit
4Visit our website www.RiceLake.com
3.0 Troubleshooting
If the system powers up and gives some type of stable digital readout that varies with the
load on the system, any system problems are probably caused by factors other than the
load cells. The load cells are often blamed for a malfunctioning system, but 90% of the
time, the problem lies elsewhere. Look for mechanical causes for the problem first.
If the system can be calibrated but doesn’t return to zero, loses calibration, or
demonstrates non-linearity or non-repeatability, see the following chart for possible
causes and do the following checks.
1. Check the load cell mount for debris restricting load cell movement or debris
between scale and structure.
2. Check that tank/vessel and mounts are plumb, level and square at critical areas.
3. Check all piping and conduit for connections which restrict vessel movement.
4. If check rods are used, loosen all connections to finger tight only for testing.
5. Check load cell cables for physical or water damage.
6. Check all electrical connections, especially in the junction box.
If the problem is not found:
1. Check possible indicator malfunction by using a load cell simulator to input a known,
good signal into the indicator.
2. Disconnect each load cell’s signal leads at the junction box and check the individual
load cell outputs with a multimeter. Then check input/output impedances for
comparison with load cell manufacturer’s specifications.
If after all these checks the problem still cannot be isolated, reconnect all but one load cell.
Replace the load cell with a load cell simulator. Alternate so that each load cell is
individually disconnected and replaced with a simulator. If there is a problem with a
particular load cell, the symptom should disappear when that load cell is disconnected
and replaced with the simulator.
Symptom Probable Cause
No return to zero Mechanical binding of debris in seals or under the load cells; may have lost
system calibration
Non-linearity Thermal expansion or deflection under load causing binding or side load
Non-repeatability Loosen load cell mount; drifting caused by moisture, load cell overload or
shock damage; mechanical binding
Lost calibration Out of level or plumb; moisture problem; mechanical binding
Drifting readout Moisture in junction box, cables or load cell; mechanical binding
Table 3-1. Possible Causes

Mechanical Installation
© Rice Lake Weighing Systems ● All Rights Reserved 5
4.0 Mechanical Installation
4.1 Installation Guidelines for Tank Mounts
• Mounting surfaces for plates must be level. After installation, the top and bottom plates
must be level within ±0.5°. If the mounting surfaces are not level, use shims and/or
grout to level the mount.
• Check that the mount is level when the vessel is fully loaded, if possible, excessive
deflections in legs and supporting structures can cause additional side forces which
affect accuracy. Deflection of the mount top or base plate due to loading must not
exceed ±0.5°. Reinforcement of legs or other support structures may be necessary to
correct this. Vessels with long legs should have cross bracing applied between adjacent
legs to keep them from spreading under load.
• Compression mounting systems use three, four, or more mounts. More than eight-
mount systems should be avoided as even weight distribution becomes extremely
difficult to achieve. The load on each mount assembly should vary by no more than
20%. Add shims as needed, to achieve correct load distribution.
• Take extreme care to prevent overload damage. A tank or hopper can exert huge forces
when dropped only a fraction of an inch.
• It is crucial that all piping or conduit be horizontal and flexible. If flexible piping is not
used, make sure the distance from vessel to the first pipe support is 20-30 times pipe
diameter. In smaller, lower capacity tanks and hoppers, isolating resultant forces
becomes extremely critical. See the Load Cell and Weigh Module Handbook manual
(PN 22054) for more information.
Figure 4-1. Installation
• The weigh module assemblies should not be installed until all welding is completed. The
heat generated from welding current passing through a load cell can damage the
adhesive holding the strain gauge to the body. If possible, use a dummy mount when
welding to maintain finished height. If welding is unavoidable after load cell installation,
connect the ground in such a way that the current does not flow through the load cell.
Protect the load cell and cable from weld splatter.
Example: if welding on the mount top plate, the ground must be connected to the
vessel, not to the mount base or support structure.
Level
±0.5
Flexible Piping
J-Box

RL9000 Series Weigh Module Kit
6Visit our website www.RiceLake.com
• Use only hermetically sealed load cells in wash down applications. environmentally
protected load cells are not suitable for such applications and will be damaged. If tanks
and surrounding equipment are frequently steam cleaned or if the load cell is subjected
to direct wash down, a protective shroud for the weighing assembly is recommended.
Proper drainage is necessary so the weighing assembly is not standing in water.
• All support points should be equally stiff so that they deflect by the same amount as the
vessel is loaded.
4.2 Weigh Module Installation
The type of installation and strength of the mounting surface governs the method of
locating, attaching, and installing the mount assembly. Three areas which commonly
cause accuracy problems to consider:
• Are the supporting legs adequately braced so they will not spread when the system is
fully loaded?
• Does the supporting structure have the necessary strength to prevent excessive
deflection when the system is fully loaded?
• Is there attached equipment such as skirting, venting, or piping that could cause binding
or lack of flexibility?
Use the following steps to install the weigh module assembly:
1. Determine where to position each mount. The modules are designed to allow for
lateral movement in any direction. Figure 4.1 illustrates sample mounting
orientations to accommodate different vessel shapes.
Figure 4-2. Mounting Orientations
2. Make necessary preparations to the mounting surfaces. A 1'' sub plate can be used
to ensure a good mounting surface.
3. Lift and block the vessel to the same height as assembled mounts.
4. Slide mount into position.
Load Plate
Base Plate
Caulk supplied
by others

Mechanical Installation
© Rice Lake Weighing Systems ● All Rights Reserved 7
5. If the mount is being fitted under the leg of a vessel, verify that the leg’s center line
passes through the center of the top plate (through the center of the load cell).
6. Lower the corner or side of the vessel carefully onto the top plate. The force of a
vessel weighing several tons can damage a load cell if dropped only a fraction of an
inch.
7. With the top plate positioned approximately level, mark holes for attaching the top
plate to the vessel’s mounting surface.
8. Drill holes and attach top plate loosely to vessel with suitable fasteners.
9. Verify that there is no initial misalignment between the base plate and top plate.
10. Attach the base plates to the foundation using suitable anchors for concrete or by
bolting or welding to a steel structure or sub-plate. Verify that the base plates are as
level as possible. They should be fully supported. Shimming is not recommended.
11. Check that the top plates are no more than ±.5° out or level. Shim if necessary and
fully tighten mounting bolts.
12. Repeat steps 4-11 for the mounting assemblies at the remaining corners or sides.
13. To achieve equal load distribution, final height adjustments can be made with shims
between the top plate loading bracket and the weighing vessel. The variation in load
among the cells should be no more than 20%. The load distribution can be checked
accurately by exciting each load cell in turn and measuring the output with a
voltmeter.
14. Consider using a bead of flexible caulk between the load cell and the base on lighter
capacity assemblies. This will prevent debris from lodging between the load cell and
the base and causing repeatability or accuracy problems.
Weigh modules are assembled, with Locktite®, at the factory and should not require
adjustment.
Do NOT attempt to adjust the center bolt unless removing the load cell for
replacement purposes. This bolt is factory adjusted and any attempt to
loosen or tighten this bolt will void the warranty. It is normal for there to be
movement between the load cell and center bolt.
If they have been disassembled for any reason, perform the following:
• Remove the large center screw.
• Align the convex load disc and the load cell with the center hole in the base plate.
• Apply Locktite and install the large screw and continue to turn until the rubber o-
ring just contacts the convex load disc.
• Back the screw off 1/4 turn. The screw provides lateral restraint and lift off
protection. Never remove it or back it off more than the suggested amount.
Note

RL9000 Series Weigh Module Kit
8Visit our website www.RiceLake.com
5.0 Dimensional Drawings
5.1 1K to 100K Assembly
Dimensions (Inches)
Rated
Capacity A B1 C D E F G H I
Conduit
Adapter
1K-10K 4.0 2.0 3.25 3.5 0.4 3/8-16 1.35 0.375 0.75 N/A
15K 4.0 2.0 3.25 3.5 0.4 3/8-16 1.60 0.625 0.75 N/A
20-50K 7.0 3.75 5.50 6.0 0.63 1/2-13 2.48 0.75 1.3 1/2-14 NPT
60K-100K 8.0 4.25 6.50 7.0 0.81 3/4-16 2.50 1.0 1.3 1/2-14 NPT
Table 5-1. 1-100K Assembly
A
CCABLE CONN.
4X F
4X ØE THRU
H
I
G
B1
ØD
CA
B1

Dimensional Drawings
© Rice Lake Weighing Systems ● All Rights Reserved 9
5.2 150K to 200K Assembly
Dimensions (Inches)
Rated
Capacity A B2 C D E F G H I
Conduit
Adapter
150K-200K 10.0 7.825 8.0 9.0 1.1 1-14 4.75 2.0 1.7 1/2-14 NPT
Table 5-2. 150-200K Assembly
A
CCABLE CONN.
B.C. ØB2
4X ØE THRU
H
I
G
4X F
ØD
CA

RL9000 Series Weigh Module Kit
10 Visit our website www.RiceLake.com
5.3 250K to 450K Assembly
Dimensions (Inches)
Rated
Capacity A B2 C D E F G H I
Conduit
Adapter
250K-450K 11.0 7.75 9.0 9.0 1.3 7/8-14 6.42 3.0 2.25 1/2-14 NPT
Table 5-3. 250-450K Assembly
A
CCABLE CONN.
B.C. ØB2
4X ØE THRU
H
I
G
4X F
ØD
CA

230 W. Coleman St. • Rice Lake, WI 54868 • USA
U.S. 800-472-6703 • Canada/Mexico 800-321-6703 • International 715-234-9171 • Europe [phone]
Rice Lake Weighing Systems is an ISO 9001 registered company.
© Rice Lake Weighing Systems Specifications subject to change without notice.
www.ricelake.com
July 1, 2019 PN 89284 Rev B