Types of scales used in the industrial sector

Types of scales used in the industrial sector
Darrius Drew
Manufacturing and machinery/Other
It takes approx. 4 minutes to read this article

Industrial scales are essential devices in many companies. Precise measurements made for transport volume monitoring is one of the main functions of these devices. Check what else they are characterized by.

Application

Currently, industrial scales are used in practically every segment and branch of industry. Starting from relatively small ones, i.e. pallet scales, and ending with huge railroad scales. The most commonly used ones include:

  • tank scales,
  • pallet scales,
  • platform scales,
  • railroad scales,
  • truck scales.

Often the quality of workmanship, the used materials and their durability define which scale works best in hard industrial conditions, for example in production. In addition, electronic components and the use of the latest technology are also important aspects which guarantee correct, precise measurement.

Tank scale

In simplest terms, it is a tank that has been placed on strain gauges. It allows you to weigh out the correct amount of product to then drop it into a bowl or mixer. There are several types of tank scales depending on their purpose:

  • non-pressurized – the type prepared for spiral transport,
  • vacuum – vacuum hopper scales support positive pressure and vacuum transport. It takes place in the form of cyclone, which is equipped in appropriate filter ensuring accurate measurement results during weighing of transported products in positive-pressure systems.

The weighing process in tank scales is fully automatic. The operator starts the measurement using one of the buttons. During an hour a tank scale may perform from a few to more than ten measurements.

Pallet scale

The technologically advanced pallet scales are relatively light and mobile at the same time. Thanks to this, they are used in almost every warehouse. What is important, they can be driven on by a hand pallet truck. The whole weighing process is thus extremely simple and fast. The load capacity of pallet scales varies, depending on the producer and the needs of users. It starts with a few hundred kilograms and ends with a few to several tons.

Platform scales

Platform scales are commonly used in warehouses. Therefore, it is very often called a warehouse scale. It is used in distribution centers as well as in warehouses for functional raw materials at the production floor. In order to obtain the measurement, it is necessary to enter directly on the weighing platform. The platform rests on tensometric force transducers. The small height dimension guarantees that goods do not have to be lifted to considerable heights. This in turn translates into greater safety and faster measurements. The platform scale can be recessed into the pavement or equipped with a ramp.

Railroad scales

As the name suggests, rail scales are used for weighing waste loads on trains and transport vehicles with wagons on rails. Interestingly, the scale can measure while the train is stationary, but also while it is moving, and without any loss in the precision of the result given. Weighing, tracking, and reading is made easier by integrating rail scales with RFID systems. This creates a network of detailed collected data used for the railroad industry or a particular company.

Vehicle scales

Truck scales are used to weigh vehicles with a certain amount of goods. When a van or truck stands on the scale, loading begins. This can accurately measure the weight of the vehicle with the load, which translates into the ability to avoid common problems along the way, such as roadside inspections or accidents caused by excessive axle loads. Truck scales are often integrated with GPS mapping devices to give the operator constant control over the fleet of vehicles.

Other scales used in industry

Hook scales are also used in the industrial sector. They work well in auto repair shops, livestock farms, or agricultural operations. All thanks to relatively simple construction and small dimensions.

Main photo of the article: Designed by Freepik

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