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Eratic Reading in Weigh Bridge

03/12/2013 3:13 AM

Hai,

We are having 50 ton weighbridge for Measuring our incoming raw material.Recently we are facing frequent variation of readings(like with out weight it is showing readings of 1Ton/2Ton),We got doubt with Neutral to Earth voltage.Its swing between 10 to 15 V.Then we put Salt & water in Earth pit & reduce the voltage between Neutral to Earth to 4V.Even though we are not getting 100% perfect reading.

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#1

Re: Eratic reding in Weigh Bridge

03/12/2013 4:17 AM

Well, there will always be a voltage between neutral and earth as it expresses the current flowing in the neutral conductor, which isn't a perfect conductor in itself and is there to carry the imbalance current presented by a range of single-phase loads connected to a 3-phase supply, and the earth loop impedance, so that's nothing to worry about. The earth conductor is a safety provision and its job is to carry the fault current until the circuit protective device(s) operate(s) to disconnect it from the supply.

There should be a very-high-to-sort-of-infinite resistance between the earth conductor and both the live and neutral conductors with the device's cable disconnected from the supply. If there isn't, then it needs correcting; call a qualified local Electrician.

More likely to be the cause of the problem is a piece of the raw material jamming up the mechanism in some way so as to give a deflection that suggests 1-2ton at the read-out. Another possibility is a loose connection onto the primary measuring device. Another possibility is water ingress to the primary measuring device or some part of its cabling. These are the things that need to be checked out first, if necessary in the company of the equipment supplier's local Service Technician; make the phone call and get 'em in.

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#3
In reply to #1

Re: Eratic reding in Weigh Bridge

03/12/2013 9:08 AM

Yes, I saw that it in our own scale, it was water ingress to the transducers wiring. The scale is installed outdoors.

You hear OP ? check that first.

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#7
In reply to #1

Re: Eratic reding in Weigh Bridge

03/13/2013 9:37 AM

PWSlack, thank you for that neutral to earth explanation. I have seen it and wondered about this. Now I know why.

To me this is the biggest value of CR4. Posters oftentimes explain the reasons behind something instead of just spouting standard practice. I am glad I read topics that are not in my area of experience because I can learn something.

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#2

Re: Eratic Reading in Weigh Bridge

03/12/2013 9:00 AM

Have you ruled out a defective load cell?

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#4

Re: Eratic Reading in Weigh Bridge

03/12/2013 3:52 PM

Also if an older scale the weight load may be on the load cell with pivots and arms. These pivots can get worn out or contaminated. Most trucks scales will have load cells on each corner. By moving a load from corner to corner you can usually find a discrepancy to give indication of where to look.

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#5

Re: Eratic Reading in Weigh Bridge

03/13/2013 12:00 AM

I agree with that first check if you have any material that is jammimg the functioning of the load cells.

secondly, in my opinion check the resistance of the load cell and try to install filters in series with the load cell. Standard RC filters will do.

finally call technician.

hope it helps.

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#6

Re: Eratic Reading in Weigh Bridge

03/13/2013 5:28 AM

Dear Mr.rubeshrishna,

You have indicated the Earth Voltage. What is the Earth Resistance - it should be below 2 OHMS, in some cases it should be 1 to 1.5 Ohms only. What is the size of Earthing Conductor.? Is it single Earth or Double Earth.? What is the supply Voltage.?

All these Factors have impact on the Working on Weigh Bridge.

DHAYANANDHAN.S

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#8

Re: Eratic Reading in Weigh Bridge

03/13/2013 11:49 AM

I suggest you verify and ensure that the shielding and static drains on all the instrument wiring from the weight sensor (load cell?) and all other sensitive devices are intact and properly terminated to earth ground with <1 ohm impedance.

These electrical noise "drains" should only be attached on one end so that a circulating induced voltage loop is not created.

If the shielding and drains are ok, and you still have the issue:

Procure/obtain a dual channel oscilliscope and following the scope operation OEM directions for safe operation:

1. Set one of the channels of the scope up on AC coupling and connect the probe between the signal conductor and earth or circuit reference.

2. Set the other channel to DC coupling and connect it in parallel with the AC coupled channel.

3. Operate/activate the scale and observe the scale signal circuit waveform to determine the type and magnitude of signal variation.

4. Move the scope probes throughout the signal testpoints and identify the source of the issue.

5. Repair or replace the component that is causing the issue.

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DaveB (1); dhayanandhan (1); JNB (1); nrmahadeokar (1); ozzb (1); PWSlack (1); SHOCKHISCAN (1); Yahlasit (1)

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