--- title: A Guide to Bolt-on Sensor Quantity & Placement description: The quantity and placement of each bolt-on sensor is important in order to get the most accurate and consistent measurements. image: https://blog.kistlermorse.com/hs-fs/file-1311525258-jpg/KM_Products/Hand_Microcell.jpg --- [![km-logo](https://blog.kistlermorse.com/hs-fs/file-2242254027-png/kistlermorse/km-logo.png)](http://www.kistlermorse.com) [Rep Login](http://12.27.253.71/reps/) - [About Us](http://kistlermorse.com/about-us/) - [Products](http://kistlermorse.com/products/) - Solutions - [Why Weigh](http://kistlermorse.com/solutions/weigh/) - [Inventory Management](http://kistlermorse.com/solutions/data-interpretation/) - [Weighing Details](http://kistlermorse.com/solutions/weighing-details/) - [Product Selector](http://kistlermorse.com/solutions/product-selector/) - Support - [Service Support](http://kistlermorse.com/support/service-support/) - [Application Assistance](http://kistlermorse.com/support/application-data-sheets/) - [Resources](http://kistlermorse.com/support/resources/) - [Installation Manuals](http://kistlermorse.com/support/installation-manuals/) - [Specification Sheets](http://kistlermorse.com/support/specification-sheets/) - [Software Downloads](http://kistlermorse.com/support/software-downloads/) - [Find Your Rep](http://kistlermorse.com/find-your-rep/) - [Contact](http://kistlermorse.com/contact/) - Media - [News](http://kistlermorse.com/news/) - [Kistler-Morse Blog](https://blog.kistlermorse.com) - [Trade Shows & Events](http://kistlermorse.com/news/trade-shows/) - [Case Studies & White Papers](http://kistlermorse.com/case-studies-white-papers/) # Kistler-Morse Blog ## [A Guide to Bolt-on Sensor Quantity & Placement](https://blog.kistlermorse.com/bolt-on-sensor-guidelines) Posted by [Kistler-Morse](https://blog.kistlermorse.com/author/kistler-morse) on Aug 17, 2015, 10:04:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) | ![Hand_Microcell](https://blog.kistlermorse.com/hs-fs/file-1311525258-jpg/KM_Products/Hand_Microcell.jpg?width=70&name=Hand_Microcell.jpg) |   | The design and type of vessel impacts the number of bolt-on sensors and the specific placement of them. The quantity and placement of each sensor is important in order to get the most accurate and consistent measurements. | | --- | --- | --- | We'll go over the 3 most prominent types of vessels. Please remember that this is just a guide and that sensors are only one part of the whole weighing system. For a more comprehensive explanation, download the complete Bolt-on Sensor Quantity & Placement Guidelines below. Remember that you can always contact the [Kistler-Morse Applications Department](http://kistlermorse.com/support/application-assistance/) with questions. ## 1. Legged Vessels Legged vessels, one of the most common types of silos, are simply held up by a leg structure. The primary factor in separating legged vessels into different groups in the number of braces between the legs or supports. A brace is designed to make the structure stronger and more sturdy, usually being able to hold more weight.   If there are no braces, there are no additional factors to consider in determining the number and mounting location of sensors. If the vessel structure does include one or multiple layers of bracing supports, more information will need to be known to determine where and how many bolt-on sensors will be the most effective.   ## 2. Horizontal Beam or Shear Vessels If a vessel is supported by horizontal beams which are connected to vertical legs, it is considered a horizontal beam or a shear application. The weight forces of the vessel are distributed to the horizontal beams. The horizontal beam connection to a vertical leg creates the shear force, which is what is being measured by the sensor to determine the weight of the material. The number of support points for each vessel is essential to determine the number and location of sensors used. ## 3. Skirted Silos Skirted silos have a weight bearing metal wall or 'skirt' around the material container. Skirted silos can either be welded or bolted together - however, the construction type does impact the placement of the sensor pairs. The sensors need to be placed around the silo that that is balanced for consistent measurements.   [![Bolt-On Sensor Quantity & Placement Guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/385257/276740bc-1b95-4740-8e69-10fdf16d454f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/385257/276740bc-1b95-4740-8e69-10fdf16d454f) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ![](https://blog.kistlermorse.com/hs-fs/file-2242253992-png/kistlermorse/footer-logo.png) 150 Venture Boulevard Spartanburg, SC 29306 U.S.A. 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