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Loss In Weight Rate Controllers are not designed to provide precise Totalization measurement data. This is true in the HI 2160RC and the HI4060 rate controllers.
The reason for this rests in the requirement that all loss in weight (LIW) feeders require to be refilled at some point in time. If you wish to stop the feeding process for the duration of the refill, your Totalization data can be assured to be 100% accurate. The reason for this is that the totalizing data will be based on an actual measurement of weight dispensed from the feeder hopper during the feeding operation. This totalizer accuracy is considered to have less than 1% error.
If, however, you wish to have continuous feeding operation during the refill process, the Hardy rate controller use a Rate Exception Control (REC) method to estimate the output required to maintain a constant feed rate. While the methodology that Hardy uses for the Rate Exception Control is the best, no control methodology can be 100% accurate given all of the potential fluctuations in the product and/or the process. See the attached file for a brief description.
If a precise Totalization figure is required, it is recommended that a weighed batch hopper be placed in service above the loss in weight feeder. When a refill is requested the weighed hopper above dumps it's contents into the feed hopper and refills, waiting for the next refill request. The total of the material collected and dumped would be totalized in a PLC. At the end of the run. Subtract the ampount left in the feeder hopper and you have an accurate total. This type of process will ensure 100% accuracy as it will track the entire product - in a batch methodology - being conveyed into the feeder. See the attached file titled "2160 Totalizing Tech Note Attachment 2".
