User Manual for RICE LAKE models including: Belt-Scale, In Motion Belt Scale System, Belt-Scale In Motion Belt Scale System, Belt Scale System

Belt Scale In-Motion Belt Scale System Maintenance and Troubleshooting Manual

Rice Lake Weighing Systems

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m 130194 belt maintenance enus reva
Belt Scale
In-Motion Belt Scale System
Maintenance & Troubleshooting Manual

February 28, 2023

PN 130194 Rev A

© 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

Revision History

This section tracks and describes the manual revisions for awareness of major updates.

Revision A

Date

Description

February 28, 2023 Revision history established; added idler alignment instructions

Table i. Revision Letter History

Revision History

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.

© Rice Lake Weighing Systems  All Rights Reserved

3

In-Motion Belt Scale System
Contents
1.0 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.0 Maintenance Checkpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.1 Housekeeping Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2.1.1 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2.1.2 Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2.1.3 Idler Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2.1.4 Belt Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2.1.5 Belt Tension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2.1.6 Belt Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2.1.7 Material Sticking to the Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2.1.8 Skirtboards and Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.2 Idler Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.0 Scale Calibration Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.1 Conveyor Preparations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 3.2 Weather Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 3.3 Conveyor Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.0 Belt Scale Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.1 Calibration Shifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 4.2 Zero Calibration Shifts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 4.3 Span Calibration Shifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 4.4 Field Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5.0 Integrator Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Rice Lake continually offers web-based video training on a growing selection of product-related topics at no cost. Visit www.ricelake.com/webinars

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Introduction
1.0 Introduction
Belt conveyor scales are an important part of most bulk material handling facilities. Lack of maintenance can potentially cause a significant reduction in the accuracy of the belt scale instruments. Most conveyor belts are capable of providing accurate and reliable readings within ±1/2% of their full-scale rating. Regardless of the accuracy capability of the design, it is unlikely that these devices will perform optimally if maintenance procedures are not followed. Establishment of a routine inspection procedure of the entire material handling system will result in better control of the accuracy that the scale is able to provide. It's important to remember that as the entire conveyor belt is installed it becomes part of the larger "weighing system" and any changes that occur or are performed to this conveyor can affect the performance of the scale. The information in this manual describes in-motion belt scale maintenance and troubleshooting.
Manuals and additional resources are available from Rice Lake Weighing Systems at www.ricelake.com/manuals Warranty information is available at www.ricelake.com/warranties
Safety Definitions:
DANGER: 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. WARNING: 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.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
IMPORTANT: 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. Failure to follow the instructions or heed the warnings could result in injury or death. Contact any Rice Lake Weighing Systems dealer for replacement manuals.
WARNING Failure to heed could result in serious injury or death. DO NOT perform maintenance on this scale until electrical, air, hydraulic and gravity energy sources have been locked out or blocked. DO NOT operate, service, inspect or otherwise handle this scale and parts until all operators have read this manual. Allow only authorized personnel and trained personnel to maintain this equipment. Ensure everyone is clear of the scale before applying power. Keep hands, feet and clothing away from moving parts. Loose or floppy clothing should not be worn by the operator.

© Rice Lake Weighing Systems  All Rights Reserved

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In-Motion Belt Scale System
2.0 Maintenance Checkpoints
The scale should be checked frequently to determine when calibration is required. Check zero calibration every other day and calibration every week for several months after installation. Observe the results and lengthen the period between calibration checks, depending upon the accuracy desired.
Establish a routine inspection procedure including the belt conveyor scale and entire material handling system. Note changes in the scale function and report them to the individual or department responsible for the scales' performance.
2.1 Housekeeping Tips
The following maintenance issues need attention to maintain the mechanical fitness of the belt scale:
2.1.1 Cleaning Keep the scale area clean of rocks, dust and material build-up.
2.1.2 Lubrication The weigh idlers should be greased one to two times yearly. Overloading the weigh idlers with grease can change the tare weight and place the scale out of calibration. A zero calibration is necessary after greasing.
2.1.3 Idler Alignment The alignment of the scale service idlers to close tolerance is the single most important step in the installation of a belt weighing system. In order to minimize the dynamic effects of the moving belt and to provide a straight belt path through the scale, the weigh area idlers must be aligned to close tolerance.
2.1.4 Belt Training The belt must be trained to run true to the center line of the idlers in the area of the scale while running empty, as well as under loaded conditions. Where this cannot be accomplished due to off-center loading, the loading should be modified. Where a belt does not train while empty but does train while loaded, it will be necessary to train the belt over the scale area at least during the calibration checks.
Because of lateral forces and changes to belt tension produced within their area of influence will degrade scale accuracy, training idlers should not be located closer than 12 meters from any scale mounted idler.
2.1.5 Belt Tension It is important that the conveyor conditions remain constant at all times. Therefore, gravity-type take-ups are recommended on all conveyors where belt scales are installed. Conveyors which do not have a constant tension device will require calibration whenever the belt tension changes and the take-up is readjusted.
A gravity take-up weight that is fully supported by accumulated spillage can no longer be effective at maintaining the correct tension of the conveyor belting. The take-up carriage should move freely in its guides when the belt is operating.
2.1.6 Belt Loading Extreme loading conditions which cause flow rate of material to be above 125% of the instrument range must be avoided. Any load capacity above this amount can't be measured. Belt loading should be adjusted to stay within the instrument range. On the other hand, very low flow rates, with respect to full scale range, can produce low accuracy.
2.1.7 Material Sticking to the Belt Material can form a film on the belt which is carried continually around the belt and is never discharged. This condition is often true when handling wet, fine material. Belt scrapers may correct this condition. If the film can't be removed, the zero will have to be adjusted. Any change in the build-up of the film adhering to the belt will require further adjustment.
2.1.8 Skirtboards and Covers Skirtboards should not be placed closer to the weigh idlers than the +3 or -3 idler. If skirts or covers are necessary in the weighing area, they must not place any external forces on the scale. Even though the skirts are clear of the belt under "no load" conditions, material will jam or slide between the boards and the belt when the conveyor is operating. Errors of several percent can be expected where such conditions exist.

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Maintenance Checkpoints

Item Scale area - debris

Daily x

Zero calibration

Condition of idler rolls

Span calibration

Belt scraper Belt condition Belt take-up Speed pulley

Speed sensor coupling Load cell offset Load cell balance Static weight condition Resolution time Zero reference number

Audit trail Line voltage

Alignment Excitation Belt length

Check rods

I/O Dead band Auto zero track limit Auto zero track correction Passwords Wire terminations Cable integrity Spherical washers Material factors

Belt Scale Maintenance Checklist

Weekly Monthly Quarterly Annually

Description

Clean scale area. Determine cause of debris and take steps to remedy.

Perform zero calibration procedure. If change is greater than 0.25%, identify cause and correct. Record results.

X

Inspect idlers for wear and damage. Replace rolls and

bearings as necessary.

Perform auto span simulated load tests. Check repeatabilty and record results.

Adjust or replace blades if worn.

Visual inspections for cuts, tears or worn edges.

X

Inspect for free travel (bearings, belts, etc).

Inspect for wear, material build-up and belt wrap. Check bearings also.

Inspect for tightness, wobble and corrosion.

X

No load output must be within 1% of rated maximum.

Multiple load cell scales must be balanced to within 1 mV.

Check for corrosion, location and clearances.

Verify time for 1 belt revolution at maximum speed.

Compare zero number with reference an maximum change is 2%/year.

Review scale history.

Measure hot and neutral. Hot to ground, neutral to ground and correct as needed.

X

Complete per manual.

Verify value and stability.

Measure and verify. Perform acquire test duration if changes noted.

Inspect check rods. Rods must be straight, spherical washers without corrosion.

Check and verify performance of all I/O being used.

Confirm settings and adjust if necessary.

Record data.

Record data.

Confirm and revise if required. Inspect for tightness and corrosion. Visual and ohm check (corrosion, moisture, deterioration). Inspect for corrosion, pitting, etc. Replace if necessary. Verify with weighed load test.
Table 2-1. Maintenance Checklist

© Rice Lake Weighing Systems  All Rights Reserved

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In-Motion Belt Scale System
2.2 Idler Alignment
Use the following string test to align the idlers: IMPORTANT: Include at least three idlers before and after the belt scale in this alignment procedure zone. Ensure scale and each idler are square with the ramp. Ensure that the belt scale and idlers are equidistant from each other.
1. Secure the end of one string to the conveyor structure under the idler at one end of the alignment zone. 2. Run the string along the center of one row of idler cans. 3. Secure the loose end of the string to the conveyor structure under the idler at the other end of the alignment zone. 4. Repeat this process on each row of idler cans.
IMPORTANT: String should be a taught line from one end of the alignment zone to the other. The string should touch each of the cans without gaps or deflection (see Figure 2-2). If there are gaps or deflection, adjust the idlers to align as in Figure 2-1. The difference in height between idlers cannot be greater that 1/16 inch. 5. Adjust the height of the idlers by placing shims under the mounting feet as needed to align with the plane of the string
without gaps or deflection.
Mounting Foot
Idler can
Scale
Ramp

Skewed Rollers

Figure 2-1. Aligned Idlers (top and side views)

Horizontally Misaligned Rollers

Vertically Misaligned Rollers

Figure 2-2. Misaligned Idlers (top and side views)

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Scale Calibration Maintenance
3.0 Scale Calibration Maintenance
It is generally advised, throughout the belt scale industry, that calibration checks be made frequently during the weeks after initial installation, then to increase the time frame between calibrations as statistical results are obtained. Calibrating too often can cost production time. Defining a calibration schedule is a balance of maintaining the accuracy required and minimizing the cost associated with calibrating the scale.
There are several considerations when determining the proper calibration interval for a conveyor belt scale such as:
· The condition of the conveyor · The expected accuracy · Seasonal temperature changes · Conveyor maintenance The condition of the conveyor and the accuracy required should be used to set the calibration interval, but wide temperature swings and conveyor maintenance are events that should be considered to determine when additional calibration is needed.
3.1 Conveyor Preparations
The condition of the conveyor is the primary consideration when determining the belt scale calibration interval, considering the calibration for the current model belt scales (that are properly installed), is mainly to adjust for changes in the conveyor. Starting with a fairly short interval is a good idea since it is impossible to quantify the condition of the conveyor or predict how much error there will be based on a specific conveyor problem. It is suggested to start once every week or two in the beginning of an installation.
During the belt scale calibration, most integrators will provide a deviation (the error between the previous calibration and the current calibration); this number is the most useful tool in determining the proper calibration period for that scale. If, after several calibration intervals, the deviations are less than the desired accuracy, the calibration interval can be increased. If the deviations are higher than the desired accuracy, calibrate more frequently.
3.2 Weather Issues
Wide temperature changes can cause a belt to be longer or shorter. Of course, changes in length will affect the tension of the belt as well as alter the accuracy. Using a gravity tensioning device on conveyors longer than 100 feet and setting the belt tension as loose as possible, without allowing the belt to slip, will minimize the effects of temperature changes. Even when taking these precautions, it is still a good idea to include at least two calibrations per session.
3.3 Conveyor Maintenance
There are many things that can occur on the conveyor and affect the scale's accuracy causing a shift in the zero calibration such as:
· Adjusting the tracking or gravity take up · Replacing or even lubricating the idler · Changing the belt speed it's a good idea to always calibrate the scale after any maintenance is done to the conveyor. Set up a system to flag conveyor maintenance when regular maintenance is being performed.

© Rice Lake Weighing Systems  All Rights Reserved

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In-Motion Belt Scale System
4.0 Belt Scale Troubleshooting Tips
The following section covers basic troubleshooting tips for the belt scale. If the in-motion belt scale fails to operate properly during or after performing set up and calibration, it's suggested to perform the procedure again, and if the problem still persists, follow the troubleshooting procedures listed in the following sections.
4.1 Calibration Shifts
Frequent calibration shifts should be isolated to zero shifts or span shifts.
4.2 Zero Calibration Shifts
Zero shifts are normally associated with the conveying system. When a zero shift occurs, the span will shift by a like number of TPH, this then appears as a span shift. Common causes of zero shifts:
· Material buildup on the carriage/weighbridge assembly · Rocks lodged in the carriage/weighbridge · Conveyor belt tracking · Non-uniform conveyor training · Conveyor belt belting stretch due to material temperature variations · Trouble in the electronic measuring components · Severely overloaded load cell
4.3 Span Calibration Shifts
Span shifts are normally associated with the electronic measuring of components of the system, with one exception, which is conveyor belt tension. A span shift is present if both points change by the same percentage TPH. Common cause of span calibration shifts include:
· Change in conveyor belting tension · Speed sensor roll build-up and/or slipping · Conveyor scale alignment · Severely overloaded load cell · Trouble in electronic measuring components
4.4 Field Wiring
If a wiring problem is suspected, use the following points to double check the electrical portion of the scale. · Check for proper interconnections between the components of the system. All the wiring must be as specified on the installation drawings. · Check all wiring and connections for continuity, shorts, and grounds using an ohmmeter. · Loose connections, poor solder joints, shorted or broken wires and unspecified grounds in wiring will cause erratic readings and shifts in weight readings. · Check that the grounding of all cable shields is made at only the locations as specified in the installation drawings.

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Integrator Troubleshooting Tips

5.0 Integrator Troubleshooting Tips

The following table lists general troubleshooting tips for various hardware and software error conditions regarding the in-motion belt scale.

Symptom

Remedy

Integrator does not power up
Front panel power integrator blinking ( ) "Blue screen"
Tare storage is corrupt error messages at startup Divide by zero error message at startup Dashes in weight display
Display reads 0.000000 Cannot enter setup mode Serial port not responding A/D scale out of range
Locked -- Scale in use
Option x Error
Option card failure

Possible blown fuse or bad power supply. Check fuses and replace if necessary. If fuses are good, check all voltages on CPU board. Power supply should output both +6V and ­6V levels to the CPU board. If power supply appears bad, check the small glass fuse (2.5A, 5x20mm) on the power supply board.
Power supply overloaded. Check for shorts in A/D card regulators or in the DC-to-DC converter of any installed analog output or pulse input cards.
Check LCD contrast pot (under interface board access cover; possible corrupt core software; reset or reload software).
Possible dead battery. Perform configuration reset then check for low battery warning on display. If battery is low, replace battery, perform another configuration reset, then reload files.
User program error.
Overrange or underrange scale condition. Check scale. For out-of-range conditions in total scale display, check all scale inputs for positive weight values.
Scale not updating. Check for bad option card hanging the bus.
Possible bad switch. Test switch; replace interface board if necessary.
Possible configuration error. For command input, ensure port INPUT parameter is set to CMD.
Check source scale for proper mechanical operation. Check load cell and cable connection. Possible bad load cell: check integrator operation with load cell simulator.
Scale is assigned as an input to a total scale or is the source for a serial scale, analog output or setpoint. If not correct, deconfigure this scale assignment and reconfigure as required.
Field bus card (Profibus, DeviceNet or Remote I/O) in slot x failed to initialize.
Possible defective card or slot. Disconnect power, install card in different slot, then apply power again.

Table 5-1. Basic Troubleshooting for the In-Motion Belt Scale

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11

In-Motion Belt Scale System

12

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© Rice Lake Weighing Systems Content subject to change without notice.

230 W. Coleman St. · Rice Lake, WI 54868 · USA U.S. 800-472-6703 · Canada/Mexico 800-321-6703 · International 715-234-9171 · Europe +31 (0)26 472 1319

February 28, 2023

www.ricelake.com

PN 130194 Rev A



References