Hopper And Tank Scales

Choosing the right weigh module for your tank, vessel, or hopper is crucial for achieving accurate and reliable weight measurements. Key factors to consider include:

1. Weighing Capacity – Ensure the weigh module can handle the total weight of the structure and its contents, including peak loads.
2. Accuracy Requirements – Some applications require precise measurements (e.g., pharmaceutical and food processing industries), while others prioritize durability over extreme accuracy.
3. Environmental Conditions – If the weigh module will be exposed to moisture, dust, extreme temperatures, or vibration, choose one with an appropriate protection rating.
4. Mounting and Stability – The weigh module must support the correct type of movement (rigid, semi-floating, or fully floating) based on the application to prevent structural stress.
5. Safety Features – For applications in hazardous environments, explosion-proof or intrinsically safe weigh modules may be required to meet industry standards.
6. Calibration and Maintenance – Consider how the weigh module will be calibrated and maintained over time to ensure continued accuracy and efficiency.

Selecting the right weigh module ensures longevity, safety, and efficiency in your weighing system.

The accuracy of hopper and tank weighing systems depends on multiple factors, including the quality of load cells, proper installation, environmental influences, and calibration methods. Generally, high-quality industrial weigh modules can achieve accuracy levels between 0.03% and 0.1% of the full-scale capacity.

Several factors affect accuracy, including:

1. Load Cell Resolution – The more sensitive the load cell, the more precise the readings.
2. Even Weight Distribution – Tanks or hoppers must be evenly loaded to avoid inaccurate measurements due to force imbalances.
3. Vibration and Movement – Excessive movement can introduce errors. Proper mounting and damping solutions help stabilize the weighing system.
4. Temperature Fluctuations – Extreme temperatures can cause material expansion, impacting readings. Load cells designed for temperature compensation help mitigate this effect.

Regular calibration and maintenance are essential to ensuring the long-term accuracy of weighing systems.

A tank load cell is used to weigh large containers designed for storing or processing liquids, gases, or granular materials. These tanks are often stationary and can be mounted either vertically or horizontally. Tank weighing systems are commonly integrated into manufacturing and processing plants to track inventory, batching, and mixing.

A hopper scale, on the other hand, is typically used to weigh dry bulk materials such as powders, granules, or solids. Hoppers are usually open at the top and are often suspended from a supporting structure. These scales are commonly found in industries like agriculture, food processing, and chemical manufacturing, where material flow and batch processing are key.

Both systems use load cells to measure weight, but their applications and mounting configurations differ based on the material being weighed and the specific industry requirements.

If you already have a tank or hopper in place, you can convert it into a scale by integrating weigh modules or load cells. This process involves:

1. Selecting the right weigh modules – You need to determine the appropriate load cell capacity based on the full weight of the tank or hopper, including the material it holds.
2. Installing weigh modules – Weigh modules are mounted between the support structure and the base of the tank or hopper. The modules are designed to accommodate movement and thermal expansion while maintaining accuracy.
3. Connecting to a weighing indicator – A digital weighing controller or indicator processes the signals from the load cells and provides accurate weight readings.
4. Calibration – The system must be properly calibrated using test weights or alternative calibration methods to ensure precise measurements.

By retrofitting weigh modules onto existing tanks or hoppers, you can improve accuracy and automate inventory tracking without major modifications to your facility.

Shop our catalogue of hopper and tank scales, or contact us for a quote.