Monthly Archives: February 2021

Tank Mount Scales Buyers Guide

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tank mount scales buyers guide

Cardinal Scale Manufacturing tank mount scales come in a wide range of varieties and uses. Cardinal Scale’s load cell kits are used in a variety of industries ranging from agricultural needs to suspension hoppers in industrial to hydraulic kits that are utilized for tank and hopper weighing. All of Cardinal Scale’s load cell kits are constructed with durable, heavy-duty steel and come in groups of 3 or 4 or 6 or more load cells and stands.

The load cell kits come in electronic, digital, and hydraulic load cell varieties to fit any industrial weighing application. The overall weight capacities per load cell kit can vary greatly, ranging from just a few thousand pounds to 800,000 pounds! Cardinal Scale’s new DC Series Digital load cell kits even feature new technology that has erased much of cumbersome wiring and the junction box for easier transmission of load cell data. Cardinal Scale features load cell kits can be used in suspension, compression, and shear load cell applications for vessel weighing.

Cardinal Scale Manufacturing DB-SP CenterPoint load cell heavy-capacity mounting kits utilize the time-tested and reliably-proven model DB double-ended stainless steel load cells for mixing tanks that feature a center load design. The stands are available in either stainless steel or mild steel powder-painted industrial tan and they bolt directly to the floor and tank. The DB-SP’s environmentally-sealed load cells are NTEP, OIML, and VCAP certified for quality and accuracy. They provide superior performance in a wide range of process control and vessel weighing applications weighing tanks, bins, hoppers, silos, and mixers.

Standard system capacities range from 60,000 lb (27,000 kg) up to 300,000 lb (136,000 kg). The bolt-in-place mounting assembly with articulating top plate makes them ideal for indoor or outdoor weighing applications. Available in three or four-legged mounting assemblies, the DB-SP CenterPoint load cell kits are perfect for mixing, blending, batching, inventory control, and general weighing. Combine them with one of Cardinal’s state-of-the-art 200 series weight indicators for a complete digital weighing system.

DB-SP Tank Scale Kits

The DB-SP stands are engineered for superior serviceability and easy load cell replacement by simply applying a jack under the stand, removing the cotter pins, and swapping out the load cell. The easy load cell removal minimizes maintenance costs. The kits are ideal for new installations or conversions. Each kit, available from Central Carolina Scale, includes the mounting stands, stainless steel load cells, cables, and NEMA 4 junction box. Cardinal Scale’s load cell production facility is VCAP and ISO certified for quality and precision standards offering dependable accuracy for each and every load cell manufactured.

Heavy Capacity Tank Scale Kit

Cardinal’s CenterPoint Tank/Hopper Scales utilize double-ended shear beam stainless steel load cells with center load design. The bolt-in-place mounting assembly with articulating top plate makes them ideal for indoor or outdoor weighing applications.

Available in three or four legged mounting assemblies with mild or stainless steel stands and self-checking sliding pin design, the CenterPoint tank mount scales are perfect for mixing, blending, batching, inventory control, and general weighing. Combine them with one of Cardinal’s state-of-the-art  weight indicators for a complete digital weighing system. Capacities range from 7,500 to 200,000 lbs.

THBC Tank Scale Load Cells

Cardinal Scale’s THBC electronic load cell kits are ideal for weighing tanks, hoppers, mixers, and conveyors. These self-checking load cell kits are available with mild steel or stainless steel stands, system capacities ranging from 7,500 lb (3,400 kg) up to 200,000 lb (90,700 kg), and stainless steel waterproof load cells.

The THBC kits are ideal for medium-to-heavy capacity tank and hopper weighing, new or existing installations, and accommodate multi-legged tanks with up to 10 legs. They offer an easy-to-install, low-profile, bolt-down design. Each kit comes complete with 3 or 4 stainless steel load cells, self-checking load cell stands, load cell cable, and a stainless steel junction box. Special self-centering load buttons protect against offset side loads.

The rugged, environmentally-sealed SB series shear beam load cells, also manufactured by Cardinal Scale, are NTEP, OIML, and VCAP certified.

scale weight indicators for tank weighing

Cardinal Scale Manufacturing digital weight indicators are one of the most vital pieces of equipment available in the company’s extensive product line. These valuable implements can couple with virtually any scale or weighing equipment to provide easy, digital viewing in almost any setting, indoors or outdoors. Each indicator is developed with the highest durability, data integration, and resolution in mind.

Cardinal Scale’s weight indicators service a wide range of industries, from food service and medical to industrial and agricultural weighing applications. Cardinal Scale’s indicators range from waterproof, color-changing displays to full-fledged programmable indicators that can be remotely controlled. Cardinal Scale’s indicators feature stainless steel enclosures, polycarbonate enclosures, or ABS enclosures to protect vital circuitry from the elements and in washdown applications.

These indicators can be gimbal-mounted, panel-mounted, DIN-rail mounted, or placed within unattended weight kiosks. From commercial foodservice product and patient weighing to truck or rail scale weighing, Cardinal Scale has a digital weight indicator for your weighing job.

Cardinal Scales manufactures a wide variety of tank weighing load cells used for weighing tanks, bins, hoppers, silos, and mixers. Ideal for new installations or conversions, each kit comes complete with 3 or 4 stainless steel load cells, mild or stainless steel load cell stands, load cell cable, and junction box. We have also seen some situations where customers would use stainless steel floor scales for this application. 

If you’re in central NC, then we are able to install and calibrate your scales. If you’re outside of our general operating area, then an authorized Cardinal Scale dealer is likely nearby to you can assist.

There’s no need to wait on a slow boat from overseas causing months of delays when you can get tank mount scales shipped from Cardinal Scale’s factory in Webb City, MO. Please give us a call (919) 776-7737 or complete our Request a Quote form today, so we can help with your tank mount scale needs.

What Are The Different Truck Scale Foundation Types?

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Today, most large vehicle scales are installed with above ground or concrete pit foundations. Depending on state or regional requirements, scales can also be installed in a shallow pit, as opposed to the deep pit required by older mechanical scales.

A pit installation requires less space than an above ground scale since longer approaches are generally required for aboveground configurations. However, pit-styles require sump pumps and drains, and are generally more vulnerable to corrosion due to potential standing water.

PROPER SITE PLANNING FOR TRUCK SCALE FOUNDATION

Before we talk about truck scale foundations, it’s important to think about the overall site to make sure we find the perfect location to actually locate the foundation.

To ensure the longest lifespan and best performance for your truck scale, proper site planning is essential. Your truck scale supplier will help you select the best site, considering the traffic flow of your operation, the best location for a foundation, electrical and conduit requirements, soil conditions and drainage, ease of maintenance and accessory locations.

Before purchasing your new truck scale, it may be helpful to draw out a flow map of your current operations and determine if there are any areas for improvement. It is also important to consider future site use when planning. If you expand your site in the future, will the traffic flow and truck scale location still allow for easy operation?

Creating an efficient traffic flow is important to keep operations running smoothly. Be sure there is adequate room around the scale to perform maintenance and to accommodate driver safety. Is there often a waiting line to use your truck scale? Consider the amount of space needed to accommodate a line of trucks, if needed.

Plot out traffic patterns on your flow map, marking where trucks enter the site, load and/or unload material, and exit the site. Make sure there is plenty of room for drivers to maneuver. Take a test drive with a full-size truck around your plotted traffic flow to test for any tight spots or potential safety issues. Note any special filling or dumping that must take place on site to accommodate for the space needed.

Choosing a Truck Scale Foundation Type

Even the toughest scales are put at risk with a poor foundation… Many factors, such as the slope of the site and soil conditions, must be considered prior to construction. The ground must also be free of any settling prior to scale installation. If the foundation is not properly constructed according to the certified drawing provided by your truck scale manufacturer, your truck scale foundation could shift, causing the scale to be outside acceptable calibration tolerance.

Concrete curing periods can vary depending on the type of concrete being used. Work with your scale supplier to integrate the foundation and approach design into your installation and site plan. Your scale supplier should also be able to recommend local contractors with truck scale foundation experience. Of course all of these decisions will be factors in the overall truck scale installation costs.

Above Ground Foundation or Pit Foundation

Until the early 1970s, all truck scales were mechanical and installed in expensive concrete pits. Today, most scales are installed above ground or in concrete pits with floor foundations. With the benefit of new modular construction, scales can also be installed in a shallow pit, as opposed to the deep pit required by older mechanical scales.

One of the biggest reasons for choosing a pit-type installation is space—or lack of it. A pit installation requires less space than an aboveground installation since longer approaches are generally required for aboveground foundations. However, pit-type scales require sump pumps and drains, and are more vulnerable to accelerated rust and corrosion due to the potential of standing water in the pit.

truck scale foundation types


Truck Scale Foundation Designs

Deep Pier Foundation
Typical for colder climates such as those found in northern areas of North America, the deep pier foundation places part of the foundation below the frost line to eliminate the negative effects that freeze-thaw conditions can have on foundations. Discuss with your scale supplier if a deep pier foundation meets your application requirements, or if a deep pier or other specific foundation design is required by your state and region. Similar to isolated pier foundations, the deep pier foundation also requires 2,500-3,000 PSF soil bearing pressure.

Shallow Pier Foundation
Shallow pier foundations are a cost-effective solution for truck scale sites with adequate soil compaction and a warmer climate that will not encounter frost line issues. Discuss with your scale supplier if a shallow pier foundation is best suited for your application and meets state and regional requirements.

Floating Slab Foundation
A full slab foundation is a continuous or monolithic pour of concrete that runs the entire length of the weighbridge. This is the second most cost-effective type of foundation and is designed for ground that has a soil bearing pressure of at least 1,500 PSF. Discuss with your scale supplier if a floating slab foundation is ideal for your application and location, as well as meets state and regional requirements.

Pit Foundation
The pit foundation is available in numerous depths, from two to six feet. Your pit depth should best fit your needs as well as adhere to all federal, state and local requirements.

truck scale foundation design


Drainage Away From Truck Scale

One other thing to think about with truck scale foundations is water drainage and avoiding buildup that can collect under the truck scale or excessive water standing in the pit. Efficient water drainage around the foundation is key to preserve scale components. The installation site should have adequate runoff, allowing water to easily drain away from the scale. Areas with heavy rain and melting snow should take extra consideration when planning site drainage.

We sincerely hope that the information contained in this article assists you in your truck scale buying journey. If you need a truck scale quote or purchasing advice, please contact our truck scale sales department by calling (919) 776-7737 or you can complete the Request a Quote form on our website at your convenience.