The best scale to measure liquefied gases is a digital cylinder scale. A digital cylinder scale determines the weight of the liquid in cylinders, not the volume of gas in the cylinders. Liquefied gases require special scales, because of the weight and size of the containers. The scales operate when a gas cylinder is placed on the scale and the digital display delivers a weight readout. By measuring liquids with liquefied gas scales, users can determine how much chlorine is used in water treatment facilities, or even to chlorinate pools. The scales measure continuously as gas is used, and the display can show how much gas remains in the cylinder. The scale also measures other gas-feeding systems. The integration process is relatively simple and its benefits are worth the extra effort it will initially require to set it up. Wireless weighing systems have the capabilities to send the information on to hand held devices or to computer systems. This relay of this information will speed up the information transfer. It will also take human error out of the equation. Before the use of liquefied gas scales, users had no reliable way to measure how much gas was expended from a container. The pressure gauge measures the amount of pressure which might be thought to be an indicator of remaining gas. However, pressure in the cylinder decreases rapidly once gas is emptied. When the pressure drops suddenly, it is too late to begin the process of replacing that cylinder, which can ruin a process. A liquefied gas scale solves the problem.
Types of Liquids to Measure
Liquefied gas scales are recommended to weigh liquefied versions of chlorine, sulfur dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen chloride, nitrous oxide, fluorocarbons and carbon dioxide. A liquefied gas scale for small containers measures a variety of other liquids. These liquefied gases include propane used for torches, stoves, lanterns and heaters. The scales may contain support structures that hold a propane gas cylinder in place while the scale measures the cylinder’s weight.
Must-have features
- A large, easy-to-read LCD display makes for fast and easy recording of the weight. The displays should report scale measurements up to 1/10th of pound or a kilogram.
- Stable, sturdy platforms promote safety and make the burden of shifting cylinders easier.
- The scales should have controls so that users can pre-set the target weight and then alert the user when the target weight is reached. This allows the operator to carry out other tasks without worrying that too much gas will be expended.
- A strong, durable enclosure of either polycarbonate or metal should protect the display electronics from moisture, water and the elements. Protection for the displays promotes durability and increases overall life span.
Optional features
- Many manufacturers offer liquefied gas scales that measure two cylinders simultaneously. The function saves time and allows multiple gases to be used simultaneously to speed up distribution.
- Most scales provide readouts in pound or kilograms. A scale that does both is often a choice, which can be helpful when delivering readouts to different customers without having to worry about time-wasting conversions.
- Displays can be incorporated into the scale itself or mounted several hundred feet away via remote access. The feature allows the chemicals to be safely weighed in another room, while the person records the data in an office a few hundred feet away.
- Color-coded displays can be purchased, making it easier to distinguish between weight, measurements and other measurement parameters.
- Corrosion-resistant, stainless steel bases increase durability and lifespan.
- Scales can have an anti-skid pad installed to keep cylinders from skidding or sliding off the platforms.
