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PIP PCCWE001
Weighing Systems Criteria
PURPOSE AND USE OF PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES
In an effort to minimize the cost of process industry facilities, this Practice has
been prepared from the technical requirements in the existing standards of major
industrial users, contractors, or standards organizations. By harmonizing these
technical requirements into a single set of Practices, administrative, application, and
engineering costs to both the purchaser and the manufacturer should be reduced. While
this Practice is expected to incorporate the majority of requirements of most users,
individual applications may involve requirements that will be appended to and take
precedence over this Practice. Determinations concerning fitness for purpose and
particular matters or application of the Practice to particular project or engineering
situations should not be made solely on information contained in these materials. The
use of trade names from time to time should not be viewed as an expression of
preference but rather recognized as normal usage in the trade. Other brands having the
same specifications are equally correct and may be substituted for those named. All
Practices or guidelines are intended to be consistent with applicable laws and
regulations including OSHA requirements. To the extent these Practices or guidelines
should conflict with OSHA or other applicable laws or regulations, such laws or
regulations must be followed. Consult an appropriate professional before applying or
acting on any material contained in or suggested by the Practice.
This Practice is subject to revision at any time by the responsible Function Team and
will be reviewed every 5 years. This Practice will be revised, reaffirmed, or withdrawn.
Information on whether this Practice has been revised may be found at www.pip.org.
PIP will not consider requests for interpretations (inquiries) for this Practice.
PIP PCCWE001
Weighing Systems Criteria
Table of Contents
7.1 Calibration.......................................... 8
1. Introduction .................................. 2 7.2 Maintenance ...................................... 8
1.1 Purpose ............................................. 2
1.2 Scope................................................. 2
2. References ................................... 2
2.1 Process Industry Practices ................ 2
3. Definitions .................................... 2
1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose
This Practice provides criteria for the equipment selection, system design, and
installation of weight measurement devices.
1.2 Scope
This Practice specifies requirements for design and installation of static, continuous, and
scale weighing systems. Static weighing systems use load cells or load beams to measure
weight. Continuous weighing systems and weighing scales are typically packaged units.
This Practice does not offer criteria for mechanical weight scales, hydraulic load cells, or
pneumatic load cell technology.
2. References
Applicable requirements in the latest edition, revision, or addendum of the following codes,
standards, and references shall be considered an integral part of this Practice. Requirements
modified by this Practice, owners referenced drawings, or a purchase order shall take
precedence over published specifications.
3. Definitions
accuracy: The degree of agreement between the result of a measurement and the true value
capacity: The heaviest specified load that can be applied to the load-receiving element
check rod: Backup structural member that holds a vessel in check to prevent gross tipping or
wobbling (also referred to as the safety check rod)
cosine error: An error with the load cell caused by tilting of the support plane where the signal
decreases by 1/cos A (A = the tilt angle)
dead load: The fixed weight of the weighing vessel, support structure, and objects fixed to the
vessel when the weighing vessel is empty (also called tare weight)
deflection: The change in total dimension along the primary axis of the load cell or support
member between no load and full load conditions
gross weight: The sum of the dead load and live load
live load: Material in or on the load-receiving element of a scale beyond that required to maintain
the zero-load balance
load beam: A cantilevered bending arm that produces an output signal proportional to the gross
weight applied
load cell: A compression or tension device that produces an output signal proportional to the
gross weight applied
strain gauge: A metallic or semiconductor material of small cross-sectional area that is bonded to
a surface and elongates or contracts with that surface. This deformation results in a change in its
electrical resistance, providing a weight measurement.
tare weight: The weight of an empty container or the allowance or deduction from gross weight
made on account thereof
total weight capacity: The total weight capacity of the weighing system needed to support the
gross weight of the weighing system
4.5.3.4 The brackets shall be positioned so that the load transducers are
assessable for installation and maintenance.
4.5.4 Process Heating Systems
Steam or heated gas shall not be used in a jacketed vessel if hot oil or water can
be used instead.
4.5.5 Vessels with Agitators
The agitator motor shall be mounted on the vessel to provide the most uniform
weight distribution to the load transducers.
4.5.6 Lifting Lugs for Calibration Weights
Lifting lugs shall be provided on vessels that require periodic dead weight
calibration.
4.8.3 The load transducer cables between the transducers and the summing box shall
be the same length. Depending on wiring codes, excess cable shall be coiled
either inside or outside the summing box.
4.8.4 The weighing vessel must be grounded directly to the structure or grounding
grid. The load transducers must not be in the ground path.
4.9 Calibration
The owner shall specify the calibration method that will be usedeither electronic
substitution, dead weight, or other method.
7.1 Calibration
Calibration can be done with either precise dead weights, hydraulic means, or simulated
electrical signal. The support system and load transducers shall be designed to
accommodate the calibration method.
7.2 Maintenance
The weight measurement system shall be designed and installed for ease of calibration
and maintenance.