Weighbridge measurement accuracy is affected by several factors such as temperature changes, wind, dirt, vibration, and moisture. Dirt and moisture can corrode the electronics and mechanical components of a poorly maintained weighbridge. These components’ performance can be adversely affected by such deposits, particularly the load cells. This resulted in grossly inaccurate results since a weighbridge may not settle to its desired level with the load.

When the vehicle is washed before rolling on a weighbridge, it minimises variations caused due to such depositions.

A dependable and accurate weighing system is essential for the success of your business, and Trakblaze, a renowned weighbridge manufacturer, understands that weigh scales are the heart of it. To ensure accuracy, Trakblaze’s team strives to manufacture scales that are capable of withstanding a variety of industrial environments.

Despite purchasing a high-quality scale system, many factors can affect a weighing system’s accuracy. Considering the location and installation of the system may be useful, along with the environmental factors that can affect its effectiveness.

Vibrations

As vibrations occur, mechanical noise is generated, which affects the weighing instrument’s internal components. Thus, the scales will read differently and may be damaged over time if the environment is not stabilised.

Vibrations can also be caused by passing trains and vehicles, heavy machinery in the lab, and construction equipment. The vibration errors can be mitigated by isolating the weighing system from the sources of vibration. It is also possible to replace your weighbridge scales with the ones with special algorithms that compensate for errors if this is not possible.

Shock loading can cause similar problems. In this case, a heavy load is carelessly dumped such that its initial force exceeds its actual weight. Consider using a loading chute as a feeder to control the loading process. For shock loading, another option is to purchase a scale with high-capacity load cells.

Wind Currents

Wind loading can cause inaccuracies, particularly in outdoor and low-capacity indoor scales. A blowing wind causes a load to exert pressure on the scale, which then raises the readings. In addition, crosswinds can destabilise the load so that one section of the platform is overloaded, thus causing errors.

Air conditioning drafts mostly affect indoor scales with low capacities, such as analytical balances, because of their high sensitivity to changes. Ensure weighing scale doors are closed while weighing indoors and create shelters for outdoor platforms to divert wind currents to avoid erroneous readings.

Temperature and Altitude

Inaccurate readings can result because the internal components of the weighbridge scale are easily damaged by large temperature fluctuations. However, it is noteworthy that most load cells are temperature compensated. For this reason, you might want to consider using a weighing room with a stable temperature. Scales that have been subjected to large temperature fluctuations will experience an increase in wire resistance and a voltage drop. Ensure that there is no large temperature discrepancy between the platform and the goods.

Trakblaze Scale performance is not significantly affected by altitude.

Conclusion

To avoid the aforementioned problems, you should have your weighing instruments calibrated regularly by licensed manufacturers like Trakblaze. As a company with over decades of experience, Trakblaze has been providing highly accurate industrial scales from rail weighbridges to portable weighbridges and more to its customers. Be confident that the quality equipment, commitment to service, and maintenance provided by certified technicians can keep your business operating for years to come.