Tank load cells and hopper scales are used for weighing tanks, hoppers, and vessels. These containers are designed to hold products in bulk, often for industrial purposes; this is called batch weighing. Such items are usually loose, tiny, or tedious to weigh individually. Grain is one such example; individual rice or wheat grains are too small to measure one-by-one. You need extreme accuracy for batch weighing.
The load cells increase efficiency by allowing the containers to automatically weigh the items that they carry, without needing to transport it to another scale or device. This also increases accuracy during regular business activities and reduces the time required for regular activities.
Hopper Weighing
Hopper scales are slightly different in that they use weighing to control the transfer of loose items to a vehicle or mixer. These are also called weighing silos, weigh bins, or weigh hoppers. These have weigh indicators for measuring product flow, as well as software to handle batch functionality.
The constant product flow needs to be measured to ensure that the right amount goes into containers for trucks or mixers. These hopper scales can also be used in wet or hazardous environments, depending on the model.
The Right Type Of Load Cells And Hopper Scales For Various Equipment
Determine if you have stationary or dynamic weighing. With stationary weighing, the scale itself does not move during regular operations. It usually requires a human operator. Dynamic weighing measures the movement of an item when its container or vehicle moves across a scale. It does not require a human operator. The difference lies in the scale’s movement during regular business activities.
Check the load cell’s lifespan as well. With some exceptions, more expensive load cells will last longer. It’s in your best interest to go for higher durability to reduce repair and replacement costs.
When it comes to capacity, choose a load cell or weighing system that is twenty percent above the tank, hopper, or vessel’s maximum. This prevents shock overloading when an item is suddenly dropped onto a scale and causes potential damage. Mount the load cells on the same plane, and adjust the modules’ height to accommodate all of them. Check each cell’s output to ensure there is balance.
One option for stationary weighing is beam load cells. They have high capacity while costing less than other types. They can withstand water and dust as contaminants, making them suitable for intense applications. When using a beam load cell scale, make sure that the ground is free of vibrations and has no wind forces. Both can disrupt regular operations.
Process load cells are used for dynamic weighing. Operators like them for their versatility and many configurations. Some displays include digital canister, button, and S-type. They can handle washdowns and constant cleanings to meet regulations, making them good for food industries and agriculture. Button load cells are good in the case of wind forces or vibrations.
Tension load cells allow for suspended mounting assemblies for tanks. These are best for scales with a capacity of up to 45 tons. Weigh modules and tension load cells can be installed on the overhead structure, with the containers below.
Compression load cells are mainly positioned below tanks with a capacity of up to ten tons. These turn the tanks into tank scales and can withstand changes to temperature. Generally, compression scales are best for smaller or restricted areas, which fits a tank perfectly.
Protected load cells are used for outdoor tanks. The tanks are usually exposed to the weather, including wind forces. The temperature change can drastically expand or shrink the items on a microscopic scale, which potentially skew results as can sudden electric currents. The load cells need shielding and grounding from all of these potential problems.
Load cells are best when you want accuracy, which is important for industries that sell products by weight. Vessels, in particular, need to be freestanding with flexible connections to get the best results. Pipe mounting should be far from the load scale or the vessel, to avoid any binding within the system.
Optimize High-Capacity Load Cells With Arlyn Scales
At Arlyn Scales, we design weighing equipment that can service any industry. Our engineers prioritize precision and accuracy for various designs and have remodeled a strain gauge that can handle larger capacities for longer periods of time. We also offer customization on certain load cells and scales, depending on your business needs.
Contact us today to find out about the load cell and scale options for your vessel operations. At Arlyn Scales, we believe that every industry can benefit from having precision and accuracy within their weighing systems. With our stainless steel housing and a keen eye for high-quality products, you can rest assured that we will add efficiency to regular business operations.
