Simple Guide to Using Weighbridge Load Cells in Truck Scale Applications

Posted by Sensomatic Loadcell on January 6th, 2022

A weighbridge load cell is a unique instrument for weighing large vehicles like trucks. Truck scale applications are crucial for ensuring road safety and preventing overloading. That is why you need to source a high-quality weighbridge instrument from one of the top load cell manufacturers in India. After purchasing the load cell, it is imperative to conduct proper maintenance procedures. Such maintenance includes regular on-site calibration to optimise the performance and sensitivity of your load cells.

Decoding the Parts of a Truck Scale

A double-ended load cell for weighbridge applications helps control the deck structure floatation. This unique design is specific to large-scale vehicle weighing applications. Therefore, such a load cell consists of specific components that address these needs. The main parts of such a scale are as follows.

Foundation: Load cells need a basic foundational structure. Typically, permanent structures have a concrete foundation.
Platform: This platform is robust enough to handle the movement of a vehicle driven on it. A steel platform is usually the best suited for this purpose.
Force Transducer: This instrument is the load cell for measuring and converting force to electricity. A stainless steel load cell ensures high durability in truck scale applications.
Terminal: This part is essentially the load cell control panel. It displays the weight from the truck scale and connects other scale components.
Cables: Cables and wires help connect the load cell to its terminal. This connection helps to generate the electrical output signal.

Identifying these parts is crucial for effective operations and maintenance of a weighbridge load cell. You must follow the instructions provided in the manual to operate the load cell effectively.

On-Site Calibration Strategies for Weighbridge Load Cells in Truck Scaling

Effective handling of your weighbridge load cells includes on-site calibration. Regular calibration keeps sensitivity errors under check. At the same time, it prevents issues from accumulating. Hence, the following strategies are essential for their on-site calibration.

Zero Calibration Test: The platform is emptied for getting the tare weight. Then, the load cell output is calibrated to zero to reset the scale.
Repeatability Test: You can add a specific load in multiple directions and check the output value repeatedly. If the weight value remains consistent, then the load cell is performing efficiently.
Eccentricity Test: Error-values may emerge due to the malfunctioning of individual load cells that lie at the different corners of a weighbridge. You can test each load cell with proportionate weight. For example, if you have a 70-tonne weighbridge with seven load cells, each load cell must be tested with a 10-tonne weight.
Linearity Test: You can test the whole weighbridge by placing reference weights alongside dummy loads. The test weights are placed from near-zero to the full capacity for testing sensitivity. This process can help you understand the linearity process.

These thumb rules will help you manage your weighbridge load cells with ease. If you want to buy a new load cell, you must contact the best load cell suppliers today!