Best Scales For The Recycling And Solid Waste Management Industry

Scales are integral in the waste management and recycling industry. They track the amount of waste collected and monitor the inputs and outputs during material recovery and disposal. There are many types of industrial scales to choose from. Here are some of the scales that can benefit waste management companies.

Floor Scales

Floor scales are used to weigh waste as it moves in and out of a processing facility. Floor scales can sit on level flooring or be installed in a pit where the scale platform is even with the surrounding floor. You can place waste directly on top of the scale or use a forklift to place a pallet on the weighing platform.

Forklift Scales

Forklift scales increase efficiency because you can weigh loads and transport them at the same time. Not only do they measure weight, but they can also provide essential data such as storage location and the origin of the waste products. Using a simple barcode scanner, forklift operators can capture all this data and send it wirelessly to your computer network in real-time.

Truck Scales

Truck scales are essential to capture weight data as trucks carrying waste enter and exit the waste management facility. There are several types of truck scales:

  • A permanent weighbridge for trucks to drive over
  • A portable truck scale that can be easily moved to the most convenient location
  • An onboard truck scale that measures the truck’s load during transport

Truck scales can help track incoming loads and prevent overloading your trucks, which causes excessive wear and tear on your fleet. They can also safeguard against overweight penalties.

Rail Scales

Rail scales are useful for weighing significantly heavy loads, allowing you to weigh loads of more than 154,000 kilograms. You can configure a rail scale for static or in-motion weighing. Rail scales take the form of modular decks, spaced to match the distance between the train’s wheels. They can also be combined with truck scales to increase versatility.

Do Your Research

Waste management facilities are dirty and harsh environments for scales and other electronic equipment. Ensure that the scale you choose is impervious to water and easy to clean and maintain. Consult a scale technician to explore your options and help you find the best scale for your operation.

Floor And Forklift Scale System Installation And Maintenance In Alberta

At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we specialize in industrial floor and forklift scale system installation and maintenance services for Alberta customers. Our scales and calibration work are certified by Measurement Canada as legal for trade. Contact us today to learn more about our scales and services.

Is your hopper scale system accurate?

Hopper scales weigh commodities stored in large containers. Like any industrial scale, hopper scales must repeatedly deliver precise and accurate readings. How do you know if your hopper weigh scale gives accurate results? Here’s some information on calibrating hopper scales.

 

Testing scale accuracy

Most industrial scales come with calibrating tools. However, in-house methods aren’t accurate enough to calibrate legal-for-trade scales. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to check your scales regularly. Here are some common ways to test your scale’s accuracy.

 

  • Calibration weights. Calibration weights are the most accurate way to check your scale. They eliminate variables because they have an unchanging mass. Remember always to use weights specified by the manufacturer. Place the weight on the load cell and take a reading: if the scale’s measurement doesn’t match the mass of the calibration weight, your scale isn’t accurate.

 

  • Comparison with another scale. If calibration weights aren’t available, use another scale for comparison — but only if you’re 100 per cent certain the other scale is calibrated correctly. Weigh an object on the calibrated scale and then weigh the same object on the scale that requires testing. If the measurements don’t match, you know your scale isn’t accurate.

 

  • Material substitute. To give you reliable results, calibration weights must be at least 12.5 per cent of the scale’s capacity. If your weights aren’t sufficient to take an accurate reading, you can use a material substitute. For instance, you may have only 2,000 kilograms of calibration weights for a 45,000-kilogram container. You can take an initial calibration using the weights, then fill the hopper with another 2,000 kilograms of material. The reading should come up to 4,000 kilograms. You can continue the process until you have the minimum 12.5 per cent required weight.

 

  • Calibration simulator. A simulator is the least accurate calibration method and should never be used in a legal-for-trade application. Besides being a complex process involving multiple calculations, a simulator doesn’t account for environmental factors.

 

To ensure your hopper scale is accurate, you need it professionally tested and calibrated regularly. The federal government has strict rules about scales used for buying and selling goods. Therefore, call a scale inspector accredited by Measurement Canada if you require legal-for-trade scale calibration, as this is the only way to adhere to federal regulations.

 

Hopper scale system installation, maintenance and repairs in Alberta

At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we can calibrate any industrial scale, including hopper, truck and floor scales. We’re accredited by Measurement Canada to declare scales legal for trade, and our work is accredited, too. Contact us today to book a weigh scale service call with an experienced technician.

 

Crane scales vs dynamometers

Crane scales and dynamometers are measuring devices that weigh suspended loads. Although they may look similar, each has its use, and they aren’t always interchangeable. Knowing the differences between a crane scale and a dynamometer will ensure you use the correct scale for the job.

Dynamometers
A dynamometer measures the tension force between two points in a straight line. Basic models use a spring, while modern models use load cells and digital indicators. A dynamometer typically has a shackle on either end and can come with various handles, grips and hooks. It’s also smaller, lighter and more compact than a crane scale.

You can use dynamometers horizontally or vertically, which gives them an advantage over crane scales, which can only be used vertically. Therefore, dynamometers are often used to measure tension on wires and cables. For example, elevator service companies use dynamometers to test elevator safety.

Crane scales
A crane scale is a specialized dynamometer designed to weigh hanging loads as small as supermarket vegetables or as large as shipyard containers. Crane scales weigh heavy loads between 100 kilograms and 225 tonnes with incredible accuracy. However, their design means they can’t be utilized for any other application than weighing suspended loads.

Crane scales increase efficiency and safety at job sites. Outfitted with rugged steel shackles and an onboard indicator, a crane scale allows you to immediately weigh large, awkward objects without needing forklifts and floor scales. You can attach the scale to your crane and leave it without affecting its performance. Manufacturers also make crane scales with rugged shells to protect the inner mechanisms from the harsh environments on industrial job sites.

Things to consider
When purchasing a dynamometer or crane scale, consider the following features:
Maximum weight capacity
Readability and accuracy
Digital or analogue display
Wireless remote readout
Protection from the environment
Certification

Finally, talk to an expert about the best scale for your application and how to use it.

Crane weight scale and dynamometer sales in Alberta
At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we have various crane weight scale options to suit any application. Our scales are durable, and Measurement Canada accredits us to declare scales legal for trade. Our technicians provide fast, professional repairs to minimize downtime if your commercial or industrial scale breaks down. Contact us today to learn more about our crane and hanging scales.

4 features to look for in a truck scale

Truck scales, also known as weighbridges, provide cargo weight readings by comparing the axle and gross weight of the empty truck against that of the loaded truck. These measures are essential to ensure safety, keep the trucks in good condition, and comply with transportation infrastructure regulations. To help you decide on a truck scale for your operation, here are four features to consider.

1. Permanent versus portable. If you wish to install a permanent truck scale, you’ll need to allow space for trucks to approach the weighing platform. You must also provide enough additional real estate to enable trucks to manoeuvre. Where space doesn’t allow permanent installation, portable truck scales provide an efficient alternative. Versatility is among the portable truck scale’s many advantages. You can use multiple scales simultaneously to deliver a full truck weight reading.

2. Platform mounting.

If you choose a permanent truck scale, you can select either surface-mounted or pit-mounted models. The pit-mounted version is installed by placing the weighing platform over a pit to sit flush with the ground. The surface-mounted scale requires less labour to install, but you’ll need to provide ramp access. When planning to install a truck scale platform, be sure to check with your local authorities to find out what permits you’ll need.

3. Platform material.

Your truck scale platform may be constructed of steel or concrete. The steel platform typically costs less and allows for faster installation. Because it’s lighter in weight, you can move it more easily. However, the steel surface will become slippery in wet conditions and can corrode over time. Concrete is also subject to deterioration with age and weather, but it tends to be more durable under high-traffic conditions.

4. Platform size.

When deciding on platform size, consider both your current capacity needs and any future vehicles you may need to weigh. Platform widths are typically three to five metres, but it’s possible to get wider ones. The length can be as short as six metres or as long as 60 metres.

Industrial scales in Calgary, Alberta

For your truck weighing needs, talk to the team at Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. We offer a wide selection of portable and permanent truck scales in Calgary and are available to serve clients throughout Alberta. We have decades of experience in the industry and are accredited by Measurement Canada to provide authoritative scale inspection and certification. Contact us to request a free quote.

3 advantages of weighing scales in the mining industry

There are several advantages to using accurate and durable weighing scales in the mining industry. Scales help businesses comply with government and industry regulations and increase efficiency and profitability. Here are three ways weighing scales can give your mining company an advantage.

1. Prolong the life of your trucks

You should follow the 10-10-20 rule for loading your trucks: no more than 10 per cent of your loads should exceed 10 per cent of your target payload. You should also never exceed 20 per cent of your allowable payload. When you overload a truck, it puts undue stress on the vehicle’s tires, suspension and engine. Moreover, it burns more fuel. You can also incur fines and penalties for breaking transportation laws and industry regulations. If you overload your trucks, you’ll likely end up spending more time and money on repairs. Furthermore, your fuel bills will skyrocket. Additionally, your employees may be stuck troubleshooting and changing blown tires when they could be attending to other matters. Industrial truck scales help prevent overloading and prolong the lifespan of your valuable fleet. They also prevent you from under-loading your trucks, which can increase your business’ efficiency and bottom line.

2. Protect your commercial infrastructure

Besides being hard on your fleet, overloaded trucks also cause roadways to crack and deteriorate under the excess weight. Consequently, you’ll spend time and money repairing road surfaces to ensure steady traffic flow on your job site. Fortunately, an onboard truck scale can help you meet your payload targets with even greater efficiency than a truck scale. The scale is attached to the vehicle’s chassis. Therefore, you don’t have to waste time moving the truck onto a separate scale.

3. Increase your business’s efficiency

Modern scales can streamline your operations. For example, conveyor belt scales allow you to measure quantities in real-time during extraction, relocation, processing and storage. This means that you don’t have to remove the materials from the conveyor belt to weigh them. Additionally, front-end loader scales attach directly to your heavy equipment, providing accurate measurements while loading and moving materials.

Industrial scales in Calgary, Red Deer and Swift Current

Since 1992, Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. has provided high-quality, industrial-strength weight scales to Alberta’s mining industry and other commercial clients. Our team is accredited by Measurement Canada to certify scales as legal for trade. Moreover, we provide certified inspections. If you need a quote for a weight scale, contact us today at our Calgary location.

A brief guide to bench scales

Bench scales are compact, affordable and versatile tools suitable for various commercial applications. However, there are many models and styles to choose from with different functions and features. Here’s some helpful information about bench scales and how to choose the best one for your business.

What’s a bench scale? Bench scales are weighing instruments designed to sit on a counter or table. They don’t take up much space but generally have a large weighing pan. Some models have the display and keypad built right in, whereas others have a separate display that can be mounted to a wall for easy viewing. Bench scales aren’t generally suitable for weighing fine powders and weighty objects because their range is typically between two and 150 kilograms. In fact, many bench scales are designed explicitly for check weighing and counting. However, most are multi-functional and can be used for various applications. Bench-scale applications Bench scales have a variety of industrial and commercial uses, including:

  • Weighing fruits and vegetables at grocery stores

  • Weighing meat and fish

  • Weighing small animals in veterinary clinics and zoos

  • Weighing goods at farmers markets

  • Weighing ingredients in commercial kitchens and restaurants

  • Weighing screws, nails and bolts at hardware stores

How to choose a bench scale When choosing a bench scale, check the scale’s maximum weight capacity. High-capacity scales are typically less precise than small-capacity units. Also, make sure the weighing plate is large enough to accommodate the items you’ll be weighing to prevent overhang, which can skew your readings. Moreover, determine the scale’s linearity or graduation. This number determines the scale’s accuracy. For example, a scale graduation of 0.5 grams is more accurate than a scale with a graduation of 1.0 gram. Additionally, stainless steel scales with sealed keypads are easy to use and safe to wash down. If your workplace is dusty or messy, look for a scale with a high ingress protection (IP) rating. Finally, if you’re selling any commercial products by weight, you must use a scale that’s certified legal for trade.

Bench-scale features

Bench scales are often equipped with various innovative features, including:

  • Power-saving mode

  • Piece counting

  • Dynamic weighing that filters out vibrations

  • Rechargeable batteries and AC adaptors

  • Quick toggle between metric and imperial units

Many scales also come with USB ports that allow you to connect your scale to a laptop or a printer to quickly and easily compile data, track inventory and print tickets, labels and invoices.

Precision bench scales in Calgary, Red Deer and Swift Current

At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we offer a wide variety of bench scales designed to suit any need. Furthermore, Measurement Canada accredits us to certify scales as legal for trade. Contact us in Calgary to learn more about bench scales and our other products and services.