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Weighing systems,Instrumentation &Level Measurement

February 2012

www.averyweigh-tronix.com

Product focus

Following increased demand for wheattonnage and with a growingmembership the Mereworth, Kentbased co-operative Weald Granary hasinstalled a Precia-Molen GeneSYS™Enterprise Software system as part ofan on-going development programme.

Owned by a membership of localfarmers Weald Granary is a non-profitmaking organisation functioning as agrain drying, cleaning, handling andmarketing facility. Serving Kent,Sussex, Surrey and Essex the facility isone of a number of co-operative storesin the UK and Scotland, being part ofthe Openfield Store Network (OSN).

A recent further investment of £1.75min a phase 8 development has provideda 26% increase in storage capacity to80,000 tonnes. With the impressivefacilities currently handlingapproximately 100,000 tonnes perannum from 192 farmers alongside anannual projected growth of 4-5,000tonnes from a projected 10-12 newmembers the Precia-Molen GeneSYS™Enterprise system has changed thefundamental time resource completely,throughout the stores, administration,marketing and stock control of theproducts.

Key criteria:

Weald Granary chose the Precia-MolenGeneSYS™ Enterprise Softwarebecause it met four criteria:

• To bring the entire vehicle unloadingoperation, including contractvalidation, sampling, laboratorytesting, weighing and discharge ontwo Precia-Molen weighbridgesunder the control of a single PCnetwork.

• To be fast enough to cope with theincreased traffic in 'harvest time'and ensure that they have all beentested and accepted for delivery.

• Flexible enough to adapt to anyfuture needs of Weald Granary,allowing new commodities to beadded to the database if necessary.

• To be fully supported with technicalback-up and updates.

A smooth transition.

Currently employing seven HGV staffand five store personnel the WealdGranary team are supplemented bycasual staff in harvest time (8-10weeks); when at its peak 3500 tonnesper day is delivered in from farmermembers to the facility.

With each member requiring qualityconfirmation and weight data from thegranary, the GeneSYS™ EnterpriseSoftware was installed with theaddition of a second weighbridge(VS400). This has smoothlyaccommodated the transition to phase8 providing total farm managementthrough the integration of the weighingsystem with the stock managementsystem, allowing the farmers easyaccess to their data through the webportal.

An assurance scheme:

One of the major features of theGeneSYS™ Enterprise system is that itmaintains the traceability of assuredcombinable crops after they have left

the farm, which complies fully withTASCC guidelines. TASCC wasdeveloped because farmers and endusers wanted to be sure that crops ofgrain, oil seeds and pulses weretreated responsibly once they left thefarm. That includes wheat processedby flour millers and malting barley forthe brewers and distillers in the drinksindustry. It also provides independentverification that the trade is meetingfood safety laws. The scheme isaudited and certified by anindependent certification body, inaccordance with the internationallyrecognised standard EN45011. Thismeans that the certification body isitself independently assessed everyyear to ensure that the standard isimplemented and administeredconsistently and fairly. The Scheme ismade up of a Scheme Manual and fourcodes of practice (Storage, Haulage,Merchants and Testing Facilities). TheStorage Scheme is operated to a jointscheme with the Grain and Feed TradeAssociation (GAFTA) coveringcombinable crops and feed materials.

Precia-Molen GeneSYS™

Enterprise System provides total

efficiency for Weald Granary.

WORLDWIDE United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1527 590320 E: sales@preciamolen.co.uk

Product focus

For the project Precia-Molen installedone surface mounted weighbridge-typeVS400, capacity 50,000kg, one RFIDreader, ticket printer and a dialoguedisplay.John Smith-Managing Director - WealdGranary, commented, “The installationof the GeneSYS™ Enterprise System isproving an important part of ourongoing site expansion & developmentprogram here at Weald Granary. This ITplatform has provided customers &farmer members with all theinformation they require at the timethey want it, it has reduced data entry& double handling of data freeing upstaff to focus on other tasks. It has alsoreduced data inputting errors,improved efficiency and visibility ofdata on site. The site operation is a lotmore organised and less stressful nowwith staff having easy access to all theinformation they require to carry outtheir job roles. A testament to the benefits of theGeneSYS™ Enterprise System is thatwe increased storage capacity at theMereworth site by 26% for harvest2010 with no additional staffingrequirement.''

An achievement:

Since the installation the GeneSYS™Enterprise software has provided anexpandable system which hasprovided many benefits including:

• Reduction in staffing levels.

• Increased overall efficiency.

• Decreased phone communication,as most communications are nowthrough the web portal.

• Decreased paperwork anddecreased management ofpaperwork.

• System can be accessed remotely byOSN.

• Management of incoming loads,variety, etc.

A simple and effectivesystem:

Gaining access to the site is through aone-way system which directs thedriver to the incoming weighbridgewhere the driver gains access byreceiving a card from the Precia-Molen automatic card dispenser. Thedriver then enters the relevantinformation including referencenumber, vehicle registration, andcontractor code and commodity type.The GeneSYS™Enterprise System thenretrieves the contract details from thedatabase and checks that thetransaction is valid. Should there be aquery on a load the systemincorporates a search facility(truck/member/quality) which allowsthe operator to quickly interrogate thedatabase ensuring minimal timedelays. Having already un-sheeted theload a sample is then drawn off by aremotely operated vacuum spearsampler adjacent to the weighbridgeand sent to the on-site laboratory forsampling.By the time the sample arrives at thelaboratory, the GeneSYS™ LIMSmodule laboratory InformationManagement System will already haveprinted off a sample document with acheck list of the quality tests requiredfor this load. The results of each testare keyed in by laboratory staff andautomatically checked against thepass/fail criteria. If the sample passesall the quality tests then the driver isgiven permission to unload. If thesample fails for any reason then thevehicle is put on 'waiting' status andthe test details are flagged up on the

screen. This allows staff to contact thesupplier to inform them the load hasbeen rejected, or to negotiateacceptance below contractspecification. Having received a 'pass'the driver then moves forward totransfer his load into the appropriatesilo. When he has completed hisdelivery the driver then draws awayfrom this area and proceeds to the siteexit via the outgoing weighbridge.Any incoming load whether dry or wetcan be dealt with effectively as theload can be calculated as a dry netweight through weight losscalculations within the GeneSYS™Enterprise System (throughalgorithms). The system through itsdatabase will automatically calculatethe moisture content in any grain typeand through this calculationsubsequently provide data on theparameters of protein, (example -Hagburg-suitability for dough in breadmaking), specific weight andscreenings (cleanliness).Outgoing deliveries of grain arehandled by the partnership with DHLwith trucks entering the one- waysystem passing onto the incomingweighbridge and then to theappropriate silo for loading. Exitingthe site they move onto the outgoingweighbridge for sampling andweighing of the load. Here again asample is then drawn off by aremotely operated vacuum spearsampler adjacent to the weighbridgeand sent to the on-site laboratory forsampling. The results obtained fromthe outgoing load are then retained bythe GeneSYS™ Enterprise Systemwhich can be remotely accessed byOSN to check the quality parametersof each individual load if required.

Further added benefits:

Overall the Precia-Molen GeneSYS™Enterprise software has providedfurther added benefits to themarketing of the products to themarket:

• Speed of uplift, drying, cooling andtotal management of the conditionof the crop.

• Material availability to the marketthrough OSN to maximise the profit,which would not be available off afarm.

• Vendor assured quality on outgoingloads which enables end users toreduce their own lab staffing costsas they will be assured of the qualitybeing delivered.

• Reduction of rejection levels ofdelivered grain to a minimum,resulting in major logistical savings(Lorries not waiting for results, etc.)

• Vendor assured grain = big futuremarket!

WEIGHING Ireland T: +353 (0)1 835 3084 E: sales@preciamolen.ie

Precia-Molen’s policy of constant product development dictates that we may alterspecifications and or the appearance of our product range without notice. www.preciamolen.com

ABB has added an extensive range oflevel measurement instrumentation to itsproduct portfolio, following theacquisition of U.S. company K-TEK. LesSlocombe, ABB's Marketing ServicesManager, explains about the recentdevelopments in technology and whatthe future holds for level measurementapplications.

What are the key recent developmentsin level measurement?

Being able to transmit level data via 4-20mA, HART, Foundation Fieldbus and theother commonly used communicationmethods is a key advance in levelmeasurement. An example is K-TEK'smagnetostrictive level transmitters, whichcome ready to support communicationprotocols, allowing transport of levelmeasurement information.

How has this changed the way levelmeasurements are performed?

In the past, level measurement meant anoperator going round to check the level atthe vessels. Today's level transmitters canrelay this information to the control systemso it appears on screen in an easilyreadable format.

What benefits have these developmentsbrought?

As well as being far more convenient, itcan also be much safer, keeping personnelaway from potentially hazardous materials.

As well as the convenience of easycommunication, many of today's levelmeasurement systems are also easier toinstall, configure and maintain. Previousgenerations of level technology oftenrequired a fair amount of technicalknowledge to install and configure properly,today's software rich level measurementsystems allow just about anybody tocommission the device.

There has also been a significant increasein the accuracy of interface measurement.The latest magnetostrictive technology iscapable of accuracies 0.010 per cent to0.25 per cent. This compares extremelywell with older methods like hydrostatic tankgauging, which could only offer accuraciesranging from 1 per cent to 25 per cent.

How should level measurementsolutions be chosen?

One of the most important considerations,particularly when specifying magnetic levelgauge technology, in is in the manufactureof the float. A magnetic level gauge relies

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On the level: Aguide to levelmeasurement

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on a float to give a level measurement, which must be designedspecifically to suit the process medium being measured. Amagnetic level gauge can give 30 to 40 years of reliableservice, but a poor choice of float construction could causeperformance and reliability to suffer.

Avoid the temptation to go for level measurement systems that cando everything. Concentrate on the core goals of the applicationand keep in mind that the product itself is less important than thesolution you're trying to achieve.

To guide your selection, keep some essential question in mind:

• What kind of accuracy does the application require?

• What is the temperature, pressure, media type?

• What is the temperature range of the application?

• What is the budget?

Overall, keep three key factors in mind when evaluating your levelmeasurement systems:

• Safety

• Efficiency & Reliability

• Environmental

What should I look for in a level measurement vendor?

Look for a supplier with a broad range of level measurementsolutions, as they will be able to identify the appropriate solutionfor your application. They might also offer online tools to makecommissioning, installing and troubleshooting the levelmeasurement system easier and more convenient.

Also, keep in mind that a low cost product may not offer theperformance and safety levels provided by current generationlevel measurement solutions.

Talk to the manufacturer and give them as much applicationinformation as possible. For example, if the application involves adirty fluid with the possibility of build-up, then a float-basedapproach will require special considerations. Again, if theapplication is susceptible to a high vibration levels, a reed switchtechnology would probably not be ideal.

What does the future hold for level measurement?

There will be more support for protocols in level measurementsystems, including 4-20 mA, HART and Foundation Fieldbus,together with more emphasis on functional safety with productscertified to standards such as SIL2.

The future is sure to see level instruments incorporating moredigital features, as well as using wireless in creative ways toprovide application visibility and flexibility for level measurements.

ABB now offers an extensive range of level measurement productsacross a variety of applications in pulp and paper processing;mining and construction; food and beverage manufacturing; oiland gas production; and chemical processing.

For more detailed information on ABB's level measurementoffering please phone 0870 600 6122 re: 'levelmeasurement' email: moreinstrumentation@gb.abb.comweb: www.abb.com/measurement

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Drama ashelicoptersensor files intotheatre role

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That critical characteristic was robust, industrial-grade wirelesscommunications, something in which Sensor Technology already has a15year track record from its TorqSense transducer range. In basicterms, each LoadSense has an on-board radio frequency transmitterwhich sends signals to the control room computer. The transmitter has tobe physically robust to cope with the environment it finds itself in andcapable of maintaining its signal integrity through the most corrupting ofharmonic conditions.“By working in real time, we can act instantly to any problems. Forinstance, if a load starts running too fast we would slow it downimmediately. If a prop is heavier than expected this could suggest someonewas standing on it so shouldn't be whizzed 50 feet into the air at highspeed. In fact, in this case, the computer 'jiggles' the load for a second ortwo as a warning to encourage the person to step away: If the load thenreturns to normal we are happy to let it rise; if it doesn't, the floor manageris alerted by an alarm to check the situation.”

LoadSense is proving so sensitive that it can provide a feedback signalto close the control loop on a vector drive controlling the winch.Normally theatre engineers use sensor less vector drives, which offergood dynamic performance without the complications of wiring in afeedback sensor.

Sensor Technology is closing the loop which improves system integrityand enhances safety by a significant margin.“Not that many years ago, stage scenery was fairly static, being movedonly during the interval when the curtains were closed,” Tony recalls. “Thenthe big theatres in the West End and on Broadway started to emulate someof the things you see in the movies. Looking back, those early efforts werepretty crude, but you would say the same about long-running film franchisessuch as James Bond or Indiana Jones.”

“Nowadays, film directors can produce their spectacular images using CGI,and this has upped the ante no end for their cousins in live theatre. Thecomputer power they turn to is not virtual reality but industrial automation.”

In fact, theatre engineers probably work in more demanding conditionsthan manufacturing engineers. Everything has to be right on the night,harmonic corruption is at stratospheric levels, there can be majorchanges at a moment's notice, people run through the 'machinery'without a thought for personal safety.“But with automation some order is brought to this creative chaos. In fact,the health and safety inspectors now insist on it, with lots of fail safes andfeedbacks. I honestly don't think theatre engineers would be able to achievehalf of what they do without wireless communications. There would be justtoo many wires running all over the place and inevitably some would getbroken at the most inopportune of moments.”

For further product information www.sensors.co.uk/hub

With theatres striving to createbreath-taking spectacles and leavethe audience gasping for more,there is often world-classengineering behind the scenes. ABritish company is developingtechnology to ensure safety whenexcited performers and heavymachinery share the same space.

If live theatre is to compete with filmand television, it has to produce visualspectacles to complement theperformance of the actors, singers andmusicians on stage. Hollywood'sincreasing reliance on CGI (computergenerated imagery) has upped the antefor stage set designers, who have towork before a live audience, inrestricted space and with a constanteye on the safety of the many peopleworking frantically round the set.

Many stage props and almost all of thebackdrops are lowered onto the stagefrom the fly tower just behind it. Usuallythis is done quickly between scenes, butsometimes it is during - and as part of -the actual performance. Either way,safety and reliability are essential. “Until recently, the sets were manuallycontrolled with a technical stage managerwatching everything from the wings andgiving instructions by radio to the winchoperators above.” explains Tony Inghamof Sensor Technology who is helping tointroduce safety systems and automationto the theatre industry.“Speed is of the essence during scenechanges, but you have to be confident thewinches won't fail - which could easilydamage the set or injure a person.”

Sensor Technology is achieving thisusing real-time load signals from eachwinch. The data is monitored by acomputer in the control room so thatinstant action can be taken if any loadsmove out of tolerance.“We developed the load cells, which wehave called LoadSense, a couple of yearsago, originally for monitoring cargo netscarried under helicopters.” says Tony.“We were asked to develop one specificcapability within the cell and weredelighted to do so because we could seethat the technology would transfer to manyother fields - although I didn't realise itwould get to be a backstage pass to aworld of greasepaint and legwarmers!” www.hub-4.com/directory/8299

In order to achieve top results; it is necessary to manage lift truck fleetoperations at a lower level, and in the final analysis to reportproductivity results in terms of vehicle utilization measured in real timeon an individual basis.

The ED3 SkidWeigh Plus will do just that.

Unlike the other lift truck management control & reporting systems onthe market that depend on large amounts of data (some irrelevant)from many data loggers installed on the lift truck fleet, over longperiods with huge upfront costs with the potential R.O.I. down theroad the ED3 SkidWeigh Plus will start increase your vehicle

utilization immediately.

The best part of the ED3 SkidWeigh Plus system is that youcan start with a minimum investment, with a single unit andget results.

In addition to the standard onboard check weighingfunction, the ED2 SkidWeigh Plus will monitor theoperational pattern of the vehicle (moving loaded,

unloaded, lift time, loads being lifted,etc.) in real time, every second.

If the operational pattern is less thanthe utilization factor for thatoperational facility, a visual warningand time down, counting in seconds,will be presented to the lift truckoperator indicating the pre-warningof the utilization factor. The operatorcan either ignore it, which will resultin the system recording (web basedwireless or data logger recording)or continue with the normaloperation that will cancel vehicleunder utilization condition visualwarning.

Note: The ED3 SkidWeigh Plusis a decentralized managementcontrol system based on anumber of worldwide patentedtechnologies (USA, Canada,Australia and EC Countries).

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ED3 SkidWeighPlus SystemThe key element to a true lift truck fleetmanagement solution is to understandwhat you want to measure to producepositive bottom line results with littleupfront investment and relatively shortpayback.

Monitoring lift truck utilization may notprovide you with meaningful data as tohow many loads the operator moved thatday, pallets stored, pallets received, theratio of available hours and hours used(Ignition ON time, lift time, etc.) and inmany cases is not relevant.

The most effective means to measure andmanage productivity is achieved bydeveloping engineered standards and thenmeasuring performance as a percentageagainst the standard.

There are, however, certain performancemeasurements surrounding operatorproductivity that can't be easily monitoredor accurately measured through humanresources.

Further information www.skidweigh.com

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amount they recycle and divert from landfill. The credits areexchanged for goods and services from retailers. Each truck has abin weighing kit installed with an identification system, so thatbehaviour and the effect of marketing on waste producers can bemeasured.

Julian Glasspole, MD of VWS says “We believe it is paramount thatcustomers get value for money, especially in these difficult economictimes. Quality and reliability are designed into the VWS product butspeed and manufacturing techniques are also important factors at thepoint of assembly and packing. VWS customises its systems for eachcustomer,” he adds.

VWS has developed a range of systems to handle on-boardweighing demands including M350S, which has been built forrefuse collection vehicles and incorporates a clear, bright, easy-to-read display that can be dash, panel or weatherproof-trailermounted and fits neatly into DIN cab radio slots. VWS is one thefirst companies to use modular open CAN technology.

The company's SD data card logger means weight readings can beeasily stored and transferred stored so data can be analysed orweight-based invoices raised on basic and high end softwaresystems. Other VWS products include the Enviroweigh bin-weighingsystem, and standard and bespoke weighbridge and platformweighing scales.

On-board weighing will continue to improve, especially in the waycompanies are organised and run. The key competence is provingto be quality products supported by a dedicated and skilled serviceteam. Technology and legislation will continue to offer operatorsmore safety and efficiency advances and this in-turn will deliverbetter services to their customers.

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Bespokeweighing fromVehicle WeighingSystemsVehicle Weighing Solutions says thatunder the Road Traffic Act and TheMotor Vehicles (Construction and Use)Regulations it is an offence to use orpermit the use of overweight vehicles,either GVW or axle weights for avariety of sensible, practical safetyreasons. Offenders not only face a£5,000 fine, but repeat offenders couldlose their Operator's License - andVOSA is good at identifying andstopping trucks.

The solution, it says, is to fit vehicles withsystems that warn when an axle or vehicleis approaching an overload. One of thekey drivers for this industry is Landfill Tax,which accounts for 60% of an operator'sdisposal costs. “The upstream measurementtransfer from volume to weight is working itsway to individual bins providing optimumprofitability and efficiency,” VWS says.

There are also incentives schemes, such asRecyclebank (recyclebank.com) whereresidents are rewarded with credits for the

The ability to maintain consistentlyhigh product quality and optimiseoperating capacity are just some ofthe reasons why ensuring theaccuracy of measuringinstrumentation is afforded so muchimportance within the manufacturingindustry. Indeed, calibration canprovide a number of benefits formanufacturers, as well as ensure thesafety of both employees andconsumers alike.

However, traditional calibration methodsare typically associated with productiondowntime and high costs. This can lead toinstances of manufacturers prioritisingcalibration for some measuringinstrumentation at the expense of thosewhich are considered to be less essential.But the risk of neglecting calibration canlead to even greater costs being incurred.

Applied Weighing's HydraCal directforce calibration system allows for aweighing vessel or silo to be fullycalibrated in the fraction of the time takenusing traditional flowmeter or weighbridgecalibration methods, thereby minimisingproduction downtime and generatingsignificant cost savings.

Their revolutionary, proven technique canbe carried out easily on any weigh vesselwith suitable jacking points fitted at eachload cell location. There are two methodsthat can be used depending on thesuitability and type of the vessel; reversecalibration and force calibration.

The reverse calibration method involves theHydraCal system being used to push aknown amount of weight off a full orpartially full system. Applied Weighing'sengineers jack the system in multiple,measured intervals back to zero, enablingthem to check the overall system accuracy,the system linearity and repeatability. Thismethod can often be carried out withoutthe need to modify an existing system asmost systems already have a suitablejacking point at each load cell. Reverse

calibration is particularly good on bulk storage silos which are rarelyemptied, because the calibration method can be carried out with product inthe vessel.

Alternatively, with the correct brackets in place, the force calibration methodrequires the HydraCal system to apply a measured force down onto aweighing vessel, thereby allowing Applied Weighing's engineers tocalibrate the system in multiple intervals, often up to the full scale of theweighing system.

Both techniques are quick and simple once the calibration system ispositioned, consequently limiting the downtime of the vessel and ensuringless production schedule problems. Calibration accuracy is to within 0.1%,signalling the technical superiority that Applied Weighing's HydraCal systemhas over alternative calibration methods. The system is also fully traceable,with certification issued as standard, and ATEX approved for use inhazardous areas.

First established in 1990, Applied Weighing provides a complete range ofweighing solutions and systems. These are custom built to meet individualcustomer requirements. Their range includes platform scales, silo and vesselweighing systems, drum filling systems, high speed weighing systems,telemetry systems and load cells. Applied Weighing products are used in adiverse variety of industry areas including pharmaceutical, food processing,milling and bakeries, aggregates and cement, fuel oils, chemicals andplastics. Their aim is to provide quality products on short delivery times,backed up with comprehensive technical support. Applied Weighing is anISO 9001:2008 registered company and is certified for the manufacture ofATEX compliant products.

To View further products: www.appliedweighing.co.uk

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AppliedWeighing'sHydraCalSystemRevolutionisesCalibration

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At a time when a number ofweighbridge systems and/or sites aretemporarily closing due to a downturnin business, Brian Fisher, RegionalService Manager from Avery Weigh-Tronix, urges you to look to the future.

Naturally we all hope that closure of aweighbridge is merely a temporary measureand that it will be reinstated when the industrypicks up again. Tempting though it may be, itis not a good idea to simply walk away fromthe weighbridge system and hope that it willbe okay. Closing the system down properlywill save you money in the long run.

If you are closing the site, consider whether itis worthwhile moving the weighbridge toanother site to allow the asset to continueworking for you. Such a decision couldimprove productivity elsewhere by increasingtraffic flow and reducing queuing. If this isnot an option, talk to your maintenanceprovider about the best way to proceed. Ifyou don't, you could face an unexpectedlyhigh bill when it comes to reinstating it.

The biggest problem faced by a disusedweighbridge is the build up of mud, slurry andwater and the potential of a nearby lightningstrike. Both could affect the load cells,cabling and indicators and result in theweighbridge being rendered inaccurate andin need of repair. Load cells in particular arecostly items to replace.

To save money on repair in the long term, it isworth calling in your service provider todecommission the weighbridge. They shouldremove the load cells and any cabling forsafe storage so that they can be reused at alater date. When removing the cabling, itpays to plan for recommissioning. When yoursupplier removes the cables, they should leavedraw wires in place so that it is easier to pullthem back into place in the future.

Having removed the load cells, your supplierwill raise the structure of the weighbridge upusing packing material to maintain the height.

This is important for two reasons. First itensures that the weighbridge remainsstructurally sound, particularly if the site is stilloperational and traffic continues to travelacross it. Second it ensures that the steelstructure is lifted clear of the pit floor so that itis not sitting in mud, slurry or water.

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Weighbridgemothballing;protecting yourassets

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If the weighbridge is pit mounted it is worth carrying out a fullinspection of the pit. You need to ensure that the drainage system isnot clogged up, so that water and debris can drain away. Don'tforget that most weighbridges are constructed from galvanised steel,so there is a danger of rusting if it is left sitting in water and theprotective coating has worn away.

Although the weighbridge may not be used in the immediate future,the pit walls should still be inspected for bulging and seepage,particularly if traffic will still be crossing the structure.

Finally, having removed the more costly components for storage, youshould make a note that it is worth inspecting the site visually on aregular basis. How often a regular inspection should take place isopen to interpretation. If the site is still used then the chances arethat mud and slurry will still collect over time in the pit even thoughthe actual weighbridge is not operational. The best advice is to askyour service provider.

In conclusion, it pays to take care when decommissioning aweighbridge. It is, after all, a significant investment that is worthlooking after. Call in your service provider; they should have theexpertise required to ensure that the weighbridge can berecommissioned in the future with minimal cost. Even if you don'tbelieve that this is an option, it is important to preserve your assetswhatever the future brings.

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Greenbank helpsclients weighwhat mattersand tighten theirloose beltsThe Greenbank Group UK now supplya wide range of belt weighers, weighfeeders and loss in weight systems tocomplement their heavy industrialengineering, materials handlingdivisions and boiler optimisationtechnologies.

Greenbank H&H Services' formed after theacquisition in 2009 of H&H Servicesprovide products ranging from simple beltweighers to heavy duty, fully enclosed andexplosion proof gravimetric coal feeders.

We compliment the load cell systems witha variety of controllers providing a totalrange of outputs. These can be coupledwith belt weighing systems to give highlyeconomic and effective solutions.

Our weighing and feeder control systemsare supplemented with optional serviceagreements giving peace of mindperformance and accuracy across theprimary and secondary UK heavy industriesnotably: cement, quarries, aggregates,power generation, process plants, biomassand woodchip as well as tyre and plasterboard industries.

Greenbank H&H Services feeders rangefrom low feed rate, high accuracy feedersfor all industries such as pet foods andcereal manufacturers to high end outputfeeders providing multi product blendingcapability. Greenbank H&H Services alsoprovide fully enclosed volumetric andgravimetric belt feeders.

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To ensure that all our products perform to the highest efficiency andtechnical specification, we provide full service and onsite supportfacilities. This is for both our own supplied equipment and othermanufacturers such as the Merrick Inc. range of volumetric andgravimetric feeders. A full range of optional spares are available andcan be stocked offering rapid response. Calibration certification, withaccompanying data sheets can also be carried out. We also have anextended warranty facility from 12 months to 5 years giving clientslong term peace of mind.

View our site for further information -www.greenbankgroup.com

Belt weighers with option of Merrick controller and H&H controller'

Feeder control panel'

Gravimetric feederfor Egyptian market

handling kaolin at70 tonnes per hour'

Weightron Bilanciai Ltd have designed,built and installed three special versionsof their robust Titan surface mountweighbridges for Tata Steel. The installcomprises two 50 tonne weighbridgesfor weighing road vehicles entering andleaving the site together with an extrawide 100 tonne weighbridge forweighing large on-site vehicles. Thenew 18 metre weighbridge decks havebeen sized to replace existingweighbridges, which had come to theend of their useful life, fitting directlyinto existing foundations.All three weighbridges are used extensivelythroughout the year, with the 100 tonneversion clocking up an average of 150weighings a day and the two road bridgesover 300 weighings between them.

The Titan design has an excellent reputationfor durability and accuracy. The weighbridgehas a fully welded drive-through steel structure,designed to withstand very high concentratedloads and continual use, making it ideal forsuch harsh working environments. The varyingconcentration of lateral steel beams along thelength of the deck takes into account highloading areas and the over-sized longitudinalbeams are specified for minimum deflectionalong the 18 metre length.

Although the 100 tonne weighbridge is onlyused for weighing on-site vehicles, all threeweighbridges are weights and measuresapproved. This gives added site flexibility,allowing the 100 tonne weighbridge to beused for weighing road vehicles if the needarises. The Titan weighbridges are fitted withWeightron's CPR fully welded stainless steelcanister load cells and mounting assemblies,The CPR and its assembly is designed tooptimise load introduction and prevent loadcell damage, even under heavy brakingconditions. The compact format of the CPR(and its CPD digital counterpart) provides anumber of important technical advantagesover other weighbridge load cell designs,especially more cumbersome beam cells.

Weightron have extensive experience inproviding bespoke weighbridge designs forboth pit and surface mount applications. Thismanufacturing versatility and flexibility, togetherwith rapid turnaround, ensures optimisedsolutions for both new and retrofit applications.

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Bespoke heavydutyweighbridgesplay vital role atTata Steel

Weigh module systemshandbook & onlinewebinar

Take advantage of two great resourcesdesigned to make the implementation ofweigh modules in large weighing systemseasy and error-free.METTLER TOLEDO has created a comprehensivehandbook and an online seminar which detail thefundamentals of designing, building and installingcustomised solutions.

Covering the application of load cells and weigh modules fortanks, silos, vessels, hoppers or conveyor weighing systems, theseare both free to access.

The Weigh Module Systems Handbook offers practical guidelinesfor engineers, designers and service personnel to avoid commonerrors. It covers the critical phases you should consider to achievethe required accuracy level in your process. These include designcalculations, thermal effects, piping connections, designing ofsupport structures and calibration.

With more than 150 pages it provides a complete library ofinformation regarding the application and use of load cells andweigh modules.

In support of this document an online webinar is accessible on theMETTLER TOLEDO website. This offers an additional opportunity todevelop a greater understanding of implementing tank, silo andvessel weighing systems. Available on-demand, the session can beviewed at your convenience.

METTLER TOLEDO has a global presence in consulting, providingand installing tank, silo, vessel, hopper and conveyor weighingsystems. It offers a comprehensive range of weigh modules, weighttransmitters and terminals in various versions suitable for use in dry,wet or hazardous environments.

For a free download of the handbook visit: www.mt.com/ind-system-handbook Or to access our online webinar visit: www.mt.com/ind-24x7-webinar-tankweighing

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