Weighing Trucks at the Weigh Station

Posted on October 2, 2018 by Scale Man

Let’s see how a truck scale weigh station generally operates. In many states all across the United States, Weigh Stations are an important part of truck size and weight enforcement efforts. They help protect DOT investments in road and bridge infrastructure by identifying overweight violators. State DOT’s typically own and maintain multiple weigh stations around your state and usually the State Patrol, or some other related state agency, is responsible for their operation.

In addition to catching trucks that are overweight. Another purpose of weigh stations is to increase highway safety by identifying defective vehicles and unqualified drivers. Hundreds of thousands of vehicles are weighed at the various weigh stations each year. For many years, the standard weigh station consisted of a small structure on each side of the interstate. Beside each structure was usually a couple of large truck scales. Depending on the number of vehicles that travel that particular road, some weigh stations might have many more truck scales on each side of the road.

In today’s modern world, some weigh stations even utilize weigh-in motion technology in addition to the stationary deck scale. As a truck goes by, usually there will be a lighting system and that will tell the truck which direction to go and if it gives them a green light to go to the by-pass lane. If it gives them a different signal, then they need to approach the actual truck scale. Then at that time, they will drive over the scales.

Many weigh stations have locations on each side of the road, so they are able weigh trucks going in each direction. Law enforcement usually watches as the trucks come through and are usually looking to see if there’s any weigh violations. Then after that they are also looking at the equipment to make sure a truck is in compliance with proper names on the side of the doors, DOT numbers, annual inspections that have been done on the equipment as well and making sure that everything is working as it should, as they drive over the scale.

If law enforcement find any violations, they will interact with the truck driver and collect some information. Then, sometimes the truck is pulled to the side and an inspection is conducted. DMV officers are not only looking for weight, but they are also looking for vehicle violations; such as headlights, flat tires and so on. Inspectors also look at permits, making sure that they’re in compliance within the State. Officers also monitor watching the traffic as it’s coming up to the scale. As it’s coming up to the scale, if it starts backing up where it’s backing up out onto the roadway, they can shut the scale down so they are not causing any issues on the road itself.

When a truck actually drives on the scale it usually goes something like this. You enter the lane where the scale is located. Now you need to wait for the truck ahead of you to clear the scale. The truck ahead of you is okay to go as the sign indicates. Now the sign says, pull on to scale or perhaps you see a green light. Now you will slowly drive on to the scale and the system will automatically position the driver to stop at the correct location. The sign usually says, stop or displays a red dot. The truck stops and the weight of the truck is examined. If everything is good, the driver will be given the green light from the inspector and allowed to drive off.

truck scales for weigh station

Weigh stations help to make the roads safe for all users. Weigh stations help accomplish this by creating a level playing field holding all trucking companies accountable for the same vehicle and driver regulations. And these inspection results, in turn, help trucking companies improve safety and performance. States must remain committed to providing facilities and equipment that easily and efficiently identify violators of size and weight requirements. Preserving and maintaining a states infrastructure as well as providing a safe roadway and bridge system is important for every state.

And finally, it’s important that states commitment continues regarding data collection and technology as well as investment in important weigh scale system. As many state leaders have seen, weigh stations are an important part of the overall truck size and weight compliance program. State DOT programs need to remain committed to working with partner agencies and other stakeholders in developing effective truck size and weight compliance strategies.

Central Carolina Scale, located in Sanford, North Carolina has provided truck scale sales and service for these types of scales for decades. The company understands that high quality weighing equipment is paramount when you are weighing the quantity of trucks often seen at a weigh station. For additional service or sales information, call (919) 776-7737 or visit the company website and complete the Request for Quote button.

Rice Lake Weighing Systems Expands Alabama Truck Scale Manufacturing Capability

Posted on September 21, 2018 by Scale Man

Rice Lake Weighing Systems, maker of the popular Survivor line of truck scales, has been manufacturing a portion of those scales in Alabama for many years. However, due to increased demand, an additional manufacturing facility in Jasper, Alabama has been acquired which will allow Rice Lake to expand manufacturing capabilities. In an effort to expand manufacturing capacity and provide additional support to their customers, Rice Lake is expanding their presence in Walker County with the purchase of an additional manufacturing building located in Bevill industrial park.

This additional facility will increase manufacturing capacity for the company, where employees will produce Rice Lake SURVIVOR® truck scales among other product lines as production comes online. Rice Lake Weighing Systems is looking forward to the facility becoming operational as soon as possible by hiring skilled employees and procuring advanced manufacturing equipment.

President of Rice Lake Weighing Systems, Mark Johnson, Jr. remarks about the company’s increased manufacturing in Alabama, “Rice Lake Weighing Systems plans to maintain production at our existing facility in Curry and we will be hiring additional staff for the new Jasper location.”

Rice Lake Scale and previously as Powell All Steel Scales, has enjoyed more than 30 years of manufacturing in Jasper, Alabama and is grateful and proud of the Jasper community and those who have helped the company succeed.

Rice Lake Weighing Systems is a family-owned, ISO 9001 certified corporation, and has been manufacturing and distributing weight-related products and supplies since 1946. Today, Rice Lake Weighing Systems is a global leader in measurement and automated process control with a dealer network covering over 85 countries. Headquartered in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, Rice Lake Weighing Systems has additional facilities in North and South America, Europe and Asia.

Customers interested in purchasing Rice Lake scales and weighing equipment can contact authorized distributor, Central Carolina Scale located in Sanford, North Carolina.

You can call the sales department at (919) 776-7737. Central Carolina Scale has sold and installed numerous Rice Lake scales and weighing systems. The company also provides calibration services for Rice Lake products as well.

Answering Your Questions About Truck Scale Load Cells & Mounting Systems

Posted on August 14, 2018 by Scale Man

The majority of this article is provided by Rice Lake Weighing Systems. We have also added a few insights and thoughts of our own as well.

What is a Load Cell?

A load cell, also commonly referred to as a transducer, converts a mechanical force into an electrical signal. Basically, the load cell bends slightly when weight is applied.

In a compression mounted load cell where the load cell is beneath the weighing vessel, like a truck scale, the load cell compresses when a load is applied. This would apply to scales like the Cardinal PRC which has the SCA load cells.

The load cell produces an analog output signal that is proportional to the applied weight or force. The load cell transmits this signal to a digital weight indicator that converts the signal into a digital weight measurement.

When an application requires multiple load cells, each load cell should measure the same proportion of the total load. So in a four load cell system, each load cell should measure exactly one quarter of the load.

Many load cells are proprietary to a specific manufacturer, and may require additional maintenance and costs of ownership. Carefully discuss with your scale supplier all options for load cell systems.

replacement rl75058-75k truck scale load cells

Analog Load Cells
The most common load cells on the market work on the strain gauge principle. All load cells need to convert their analog values to digital before the load’s weight reading can be displayed on an indicator.

Some load cells are directly cabled to the digital weight indicator where the translation occurs. Other cells are connected to summing junction boxes on the scale where the box sums analog readings from multiple load cells, converts it to a digital signal and sends that signal to the digital weight indicator.

Hydraulic Load Cells (pressure transmitters)
Unlike most other load cells, hydraulic load cells do not use strain gauges or internal circuitry. Instead, hydraulic load cells contain hydraulic fluid, and during compression, a change in pressure is created and transmitted via tubing to a summing system where the pressure is applied to an analog load cell to determine weight.

The advantages of the hydraulic load cell typically relate to being resistant to lightning damage. The disadvantage of this type of scale and replacement load cell is the cost.

Analog-to-Digital Load Cells
Some analog load cells perform the analog-to-digital signal conversion within the load cell housing. Although sometimes referred to as digital load cells, the cell still measures in analog. Making the conversion from an analog signal to a digital signal in the load cell allows the system to compare the output of individual load cells and perform a diagnostic analysis based on that information.

Some would say that because the conversion happens in the load cell, sensitive electronic components are increased throughout the scale system, making them susceptible to damage from vibration, moisture and increased solder joints.

Types of Load Cells Found in Truck Scales

Double Ended Shear Beam
This is the most widely used vehicle scale load cell configuration in North America. A double-ended shear beam load cell is a compression load cell that offers a large capacity range from 1,000 to 200,000 pounds.

The double-ended shear beam is secured at both ends with the load applied to the center of the load cell. As in all shear beam designs, the strain gauges are mounted on a thin web in the center of the cell’s machined cavity.

The load cell also has the advantages of being less expensive in high capacity applications than the canister load cell because it does not require checking, making it virtually a maintenance free solution.

Canister
A canister load cell is the oldest load cell type. Also a compression device, it is shaped like a vertical canister and can handle loads from 100 to 1,000,000 pounds.

It is either hermetically sealed or welded to protect the gauges. This load cell’s drawbacks include the fact that it requires checking — installing check or stay rods to hold the weighing vessel in place on the load cell’s top plate during weighing.

For these reasons, many canister load cells on the market today are used to replace older canister load cells on existing weighing systems.

Rocker Column
Some manufacturers prefer rocker column load cells because they are inexpensive. However, they require check rods and bumper bolts that require maintenance, increasing your cost of ownership. The cost saved by the manufacturer on the raw material is passed down the line to the end user in the form of additional maintenance.

Load Cells Are Usually Manufactured as either Alloy Steel or Stainless Steel

Truck scale load cells are generally made of stainless steel or alloy steel, but most manufacturers offer a variety of load cell solutions that best fit your application needs.

Alloy Steel Load Cells
Load cells manufactured from tool alloy steel elements are by far the most popular cells in use today. The cost to performance ratio is better compared to either aluminum or stainless steel designs. The most popular alloys are 4330 and 4340 because they have low creep (the change in load cell output over time while under load) and low hysteresis (the difference between load cell output readings for the same applied load).

Stainless Steel Load Cells
Stainless steel cells are more expensive than tool alloy steel load cells. They are sometimes fitted with hermetically sealed web cavities, which make them an ideal choice for corrosive, high-moisture applications. Stainless steel load cells that are not hermetically sealed have little advantage over comparable cells constructed of tool alloy steel, other than a higher resistance to corrosion.

We hope you enjoyed learning more about the different load cells found in the average truck scale. Since 1980 we have been providing customers throughout the central part of North Carolina with truck scale inspections, scale repair and calibration services. Our test weights and weight cart are certified by the state of North Carolina for accuracy. Our scale technicians are highly trained and knowledgeable when it comes to checking and installing various brands of truck scales.

If you need your existing scale checked or perhaps you’re in the market for a new truck scale, please give us a call today (919) 776-7737.

Maintenance and Cleaning Requirements for a Truck Scale Weighbridge

Posted on August 1, 2018 by Scale Man

Keeping your Truck Scale well maintained and clean is an important part of truck scale ownership. Not only is it good practice to keep your weighbridge clean, it also contributes to a pro active scale maintenance plan and can significantly reduce the risk of equipment downtime and inaccurate weighing.

Before we get very far with this entry, lets clarify one thing… When we say to clean your truck scale, we are typically referring to the areas where mud and dirt can build up and cause weighing errors. Having a pristine scale diamond tread platform is great but that is not what we are referring to when we ask, is your scale clean?

You can see in the picture below an example. The photo on the left shows the scale before cleaning. Notice all the dirt on top of the concrete, especially between the approach ramp and the scale? Now look at the photo on the right after cleaning. You can see the concrete and very little dirt is left at all.

truck scale dirt buildup causing errors

Over time, the build-up of mud and debris can have a negative impact on a weighbridge performance. Compacted mud can set hard and reduce the movement of the weighbridge. This in turn causes reduced accuracy in weighing. Certain types of site environment will suffer more with mud and related issues and weather conditions can also play a part.

Keep in mind, weighbridge cleaning can be a balancing act. You need to remove the mud and buildup so the scale platform can perform correctly. However, the water jet force required to remove dirt and debris from around a weighbridge’s critical weighing points can, if not performed correctly, damage load cells, cables, junction boxes, and summing boards.

When cleaning the scale, the lightest amount of water pressure you can use and still get adequate cleaning, the better.

Weighbridge maintenance should take place as part of a daily or weekly routine depending on the type of site. The build-up of debris and water should be monitored and obstructions should be removed from beneath the scale to provide clearance between the weighbridge and the ground. Otherwise, your scale accuracy will suffer.

Pit weighbridges should be checked to make sure clearances are clean and the correct gap between the deck and pit wall are in place. ‘T’ section rubber can be used to help maintain gaps and should be replaced if worn or damaged. Regular end-middle-end tests with a loaded truck should be carried out to review the accuracy of the scale to see if there are any buildup issues. This basic cleaning and maintenance can be carried out by a site foreman or truck scale weighbridge operator.

If you are a current customer and you are curious about cleaning your truck scale, contact us and we can discuss this further or we can show you the key areas during our next scheduled maintenance visit. If you’re interested in our services, please contact us at (919) 776-7737.

Measurement Density Using a Weight Scale

Posted on July 4, 2018 by Scale Man

Intelligent Weighing Technology supplies a complete range of high-quality laboratory balances, industrial scales, load cells, and weighing accessories. Its leadership team has more than 70 years’ experience in the weighing and measurement business, both in the USA and worldwide. With its 8,000 square foot facility, Intelligent Weighing Technology offers increased product inventory for faster shipping. We appreciate them providing the content below.

Have you ever heard of Under Weighing Hooks or Below Balance Weighing?

This is a large section of the weighing business that is often overlooked. Of course, many weighing balances have the ability to “under weigh” by the use of a hook that is connected to the weighing mechanism, and much of the time this is used only to weigh items that are too large or bulky to fit on the platform or in the weighing chamber on an analytical balance.

But there is another sector of weighing that is more complex;

Density Determination.

Measurement Density Using a Scale

In this field, we look for the density of our material by using Archimedes Principle of weighing the item in air and then in a liquid. One of the largest industries to use this method of testing is the construction business.

Customers use this for identifying the density of anything from Bitumen in road surfaces, concrete, to core samples taken from the ground where construction is going to take place. Here, an end user will weigh the core sample suspended from the under-weighing hook, (normally in a basket with holes) in air and then, using a bath of water, suspend the core in the water and weigh it again. (Still in the basket).

Seems a bit complicated? But, with use of a suitable “Below Balance Weighing” device, these measurements are easy to accomplish. The balance will not see the weight of the water, just the effect of the water on the object.

Note! For correct results, the water should be free of contaminants and the temperature of the water is a variable that should be taken into account.

Generally one of these “under balance weighing” balances or scales is not difficult; the customer almost always is familiar with the formulas. For instance, in the construction business often the state has already specified the tests and interestingly, what weighing equipment to use. (Certainly 0.1 g and capacities varying from 3000 g up to 20,000 g)

Density is required for many industries, all you need to do is know which balances have under-weighing capability or, in the case of analytical balances, which ones can have the density kit fitted. The more sophisticated balances have a density program included, so an end user can easily input the data he/she needs to get an accurate and consistent result. Many low capacity balances, such as analytical balances, have density kits that can be purchased; simplifying the process even more.

In fact, the more sophisticated electronic balances have a density program to lead users through the process. So! That is density in solids. There is some scratching of heads when we talk about densities in liquids. How can you do that???

Well, instead of suspending the object in a liquid such as water, you suspend an object of a known weight in the liquid to be tested, sometimes known as Gravimetric Displacement.

In conjunction with the Density Kit, an optional glass sinker enables you to determine the density of liquids. The difference of the weight of the sinker in air and in the liquid is
used to calculate the density.

To recap, the area of density determination with digital scales involves terms like “undeweighing” or “below balance weighing”. Please contact the sales team at Central Carolina Scale (919) 776-7737 or complete our Request a Quote form on the website for assistance with a particular application.

Select Avery Weigh-Tronix Floor Scales now come with a 5 Year Warranty!

Posted on June 1, 2018 by Scale Man

Avery Weigh-Tronix is pleased to announce the addition of a 5-year warranty across its family of floor scale products. Another strong statement for the reliability and robust performance of these Weigh Bar® enabled products. You can rely on these industrial floor scales for all your warehouse weighing needs. Please see the summary of model numbers that are included in this new policy.

prodec floor scale

Models with 5-year Warranty

DS & DSFS
DSL & DSLS
FCQH
MaxDec™
LP/LPFS
DW/DWS

Models that are exempt and retain their 2-year warranty

Pancake Cargo Scale
DRS Cargo Scale
SCS Cargo Scale
PFS and PT800

Effective June 1, 2018, any qualifying floor scale order or shipment will be registered under the new warranty policy. Thank you for your business and continued support. You can obtain a quote for these products by calling our Central Carolina Scale customer service line at (919) 776-7737 or clicking the Request for Quote button on our website.

Brewery and Beverage Manufacturing Equipment Co. Uses Cardinal Scales in Process and Packaging

Posted on June 1, 2018 by Scale Man

In the case study below, we take a look at how a brewery and beverage company that manufacturers equipment for that industry, uses Cardinal Scale equipment in its process. The company that is featured in the case study chose Cardinal products for various reasons, one important reason was the wide range of products that Cardinal offers which allowed the company to utilize Cardinal Scale products throughout and not have to contend with multiple different brands of scales.

The systems provided by IDD provide answers for operations such as keg cleaning, sanitation and filling, flash pasteurization, bottling, and their HEBS (High Efficiency Brewing System). IDD manufactures these intricate and precise equipment systems to meet the distinct needs for their many customers in the beverage industry.

IDD’s reach extends all over the world. While primarily servicing America and Canada, IDD Process and Packaging, Inc. ships to Western Europe and as far as countries in the Oceania area, such as Australia. The burgeoning craft brewery and distillery movement in America and Canada provides IDD with a great deal of business opportunities; however, they are not limited strictly to beer and spirits. IDD delivers expertise in more traditional beverage production, such as grape juice, to more exotic and contemporary drinks, like kombucha and cold-brew tea.

To round out the design of a few of their systems, owner Jeff Gunn researched scale manufacturers to compare products lines and breadth of products. Cardinal Scale was capable of providing the load cells he preferred, along with the digital weight indicators meant to complete filling functions for keg, grain, and yeast managements systems, plus the scales themselves. “Cardinal Scale provided all of the implements that I needed within one company, and that influenced my decision to go with them,” said Gunn.

Cardinal Scale products are featured in Squire Keg Systems, Grain Handling Systems, and Yeast Management Systems. For the Squire Keg series, Cardinal Scale’s model EB-300 scale is coupled with the 190 STORM indicator. The EB-300 weighs the keg that can be moved on a roller platform, and the 190 provides the weight preset programming that is invaluable to precision filling. The Squire Series system can fill up to 30 kegs per hour.

The Grain Handling Systems and Yeast Management Systems utilize Cardinal Scale’s 825 or 225 weight indicator and the company’s TCBSS1KM-4 load cell kits. The TCBSS1KM-4 load cell kits provide the durability and precision needed to take on filling of grain augers, mills, and hoppers or multi-tank yeast propagation systems. The 825 or 225 weight indicator guides the more complex filling functions associated with the aforementioned tanking systems.

So as you can see, the robust product features of the Cardinal Scale Manufacturing lineup of products was a key ingredient in the success of the featured company in the case study. With more than five years of business between the two entities, both the companies are poised to achieve even more success in the beverage industry.

You too can enjoy this same level of success for your business. Contact our sales department to discuss adding load cells under your tanks or adding digital weight indicators to your scales that can collect data that you can then analyze in a spreadsheet on the computer. Call (919) 776-7737 to get started.

Important Changes to Rice Lake 920i Display & CPU Board

Posted on May 10, 2018 by Scale Man

The Rice Lake Weighing Systems 920i digital weight indicator has been an extremely successful indicator. It’s been utilized in thousands of different applications with accurate and reliable results. But as we all know things change and technology improves. So Rice Lake is making a few updates to the 920i which should allow it to continue to be a great choice for your scale needs for years to come.

To make the 920i programmable weight indicator even more robust and further extend its life, Rice Lake Weighing Systems is now manufacturing the 920i with enhanced display and CPU boards. These changes offer several benefits and are essential to ensure availability of components needed to continue manufacturing the 920i in the future.

ENHANCED DISPLAYS
As of February 1, 2018, Rice Lake began manufacturing the 920i with a technologically improved LED backlight display. While this change may go unnoticed, it affects the replacement part process.

If a 920i was built prior to February 1, 2018, and needs a replacement display, Rice Lake recommends replacing the old fluorescent backlight display with a new LED backlight display.

LED BACKLIGHT DISPLAY PART NUMBERS

LED backlight display
board (transmissive) …………………. 186275

LED backlight display
board (transflective)………………….. 186276

LED backlight only …………………… 187677

A new power supply cable must also be installed during this replacement:

AC POWER DC POWER
Universal models ……………………………186464 186464
Deep Universal model………………………186278 187603
Panel mount models ………………………..186278 187603
Wall mount models ………………………….186760 188345
Two-slot expansion for
Wall mount models …………………………188716 189424
Two-slot expansion for Panel mount
or Deep Universal models …………………188717 189425
Six-Slot expansion for Wall mount……… 188774 N/A

Please note, fluorescent backlight displays are temporarily available if an upgrade to LED is not desired. CPU boards compatible with fluorescent backlights are also temporarily available.

ENHANCED CPU
As of June, Rice Lake will begin implementing a new CPU board in the 920i. This updated board (PN 186272, blue in color for easy identification) is compatible with firmware version 4.0 and above, and offers the following benefits:

– Updated power regulation for 5V and 3.3V supplies
– Merged analog, digital and chassis grounding to new industry standard
– Increased transient voltage protection
– Improved signal integrity
– Digital power conditioner for safe shutdown in unreliable power environments

The new CPU board is not compatible with fluorescent backlight displays, please use caution when ordering replacement parts.

Call the sales / service team at Central Carolina Scale (919) 776-7737 to obtain the 920i indicators and replacement parts that you need. For replacement parts, you will want to have indicator serial numbers handy along with the date that you purchased the indicator.

Case Study: Intercomp LP600™ to Weigh RVs for Customer Safety

Posted on May 1, 2018 by Scale Man

Over the years we have been asked quite a few times about different ways to effectively weigh things like Recreational Vehicles and Trailers that are custom built. One of the choices that we often recommend is one of the wheel weighers from Intercomp such as the LP600.

Truck Scales for Aftermarket Vehicle Outfitters

Similarly to working with a trailer tongue weight scale, when fitting aftermarket equipment on vehicles and trailers, installers must make sure the vehicles are safe to drive once fully loaded. Because a vehicle can be weight compliant, and still have unsafe weight distribution, it is important to measure individual axle weights before allowing it back on the road.

Automotive Aftermarket Scales Overview

Intercomp Company portable scales weigh a vehicle axle-by-axle, ensuring individual axle/wheel and GVW, for proper axle and gross load distribution. We actually have a large selection of Rice Lake, Intercomp, CAS and more, accurate weighing and measurement solutions for aftermarket equipment installers.

As you can see from the case study below, the Intercomp LP600 wheel weigher is often a very accurate and flexible choice for companies in today’s world.

As the size and complexity of modern RVs continue to increase,manufacturers and customers must also take into account axle weight compliance and safe weight distribution. While an RV may be weight compliant, RV manufacturers and dealers need to ensure these vehicles are safe to drive once the end user loads personal items, water and fuel.

In the RV market, checking and understanding weight distribution among the vehicle’s axles is becoming increasingly important. Manufacturers, dealers and owners need to have a better understanding of weight for the sake of compliance and safety.

North Trail RV, a dealer for one of the most well-known RV manufacturers in the United States, decided to tackle these potential issues. The company needed an accurate way to measure GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight), and obtain wheel and axle weights, to ensure proper load distribution when fully loaded with personal equipment, fuel and water. The dealer also wanted a way to record and print the data to provide the customer during the final walk through and when customers brought their RV back to the dealer for a standard one-month checkup.

With six LP600™s, North Trail RV recognized an increase in buyer satisfaction based on the additional information provided to each customer after fully loading their RV. The dealer also gained a better handle on what additions and modifications produced the most significant changes in weight distribution. In addition, the scales helped dealer technicians troubleshoot potential problems with suspension components and tires during the one-month checkup. Not only did this decrease the possibility of the customer having service issues in the near future, but it also helped customers understand how critical weight distribution is to proper drive ability and safety while using the unit.

If this sounds like a solution that you could use for your business, then give us a call at (919) 776-7737 or visit our website and click the Request a Quote button.

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