In the pharmaceutical, building materials and food industries, on vessels and silos, on platforms and dosing systems, right up to kitchen and bathroom scales ? weight is measured everywhere. In industry, it becomes particularly interesting in terms of the particular level in vessels. There are several possibilities for weight measurement or weighing. The filling level could be determined optically, hydrostatically, by ultrasound, microwaves and radar, mechanically, capacitively, by heat dissipation, by displacement and resistance or, what this short article is about, gravimetrically.
The term gravimetric comprises the Latin ?gravitas? for ?gravity? and the Greek ??? ??????? for ?measure?. In gravimetric measurement, therefore, the heaviness of the mass is combined with the weight force to create a meaningful value and thus the level depends upon weighing vessels (the filling level results from the density of the medium and the geometry of the vessel). This makes gravimetric level measurement part of weighing technology.
Gravimetric level measurement is particularly suitable when uneven distribution can occur within the vessels.
Gravimetric level measurement: Advantages
This sort of weighing has several advantages. Possibly the greatest advantage is that the force transducers useful for gravimetric level measurement are located beyond your vessel. Thus, they do not come into contact with the product. Nor is it essential to open or modify the vessels. Jumpstart can thus be eliminated. Cleaning can be easier. Furthermore, very precise measurement is possible ? Certain of the rated load is not uncommon in terms of relative linearity error. This makes dosing possible when, for instance, food is filled into bags ? and of course the packaging must support the amount specified.
Another advantage is that the merchandise will not influence the measurement. The level can be determined gravimetrically for several contents ? solids, liquids, viscous substances, foaming substances ? even toxic or aggressive contents can be considered. Furthermore, the measurement isn’t falsified even though voids or uneven contents distribution occur in the silo or tank, as the entire contents are weighed.
Suitable mounting modules not merely make sure that the weight force is properly led in to the force transducers, in addition they make installation very easy. The module and force transducer have a minimal height and a small installation volume. However, it usually is problematic if the vessels already are permanently installed and may only be positioned on modules with significant amounts of effort. Then it really is probably advisable to bolt strain transducers to the supports. The strain transducers determine the compression of the supports caused by the weight of the contents. They thus make it possible to weigh immovable vessels gravimetrically.
Gravimetric level measurement: Disadvantages
The disadvantages of gravimetric level measurement vary in significance with regards to the application. Email address details are mainly distorted when force shunts can’t be prevented. Ideally, the vessel should be mechanically decoupled. In practice, however, it can always happen that, for example, struts are absolutely necessary. Then it depends on how great their supporting effect is. Similar problems can occur if the measurement is influenced by way of a high bearing weight. The low the weight of the vessel when compared to product, the more accurate the gravimetric measurement. Finally, free-standing outdoor vessels could be suffering from natural factors. For instance, if wind pushes or snow results in a significant upsurge in weight.
Typical force transducers for the weighing of vessels
Single point load cells are classically used for scales. These not merely have a low price and high accuracy, however the weight is also determined reliably, regardless of where it is placed on the platform. For optimal force introduction, bending or shear beams with the corresponding weighing modules are often installed under tanks, silos or vessels that stand on supports. To look for the rated load of these force transducers, divide the full total weight of the vessel by the amount of supports. If the rated load exceeds 10 t, it is possible to switch to compression force transducers, the maximum capacity which reaches up to 300 t. With four supports, vessels of up to 1,200 t can be weighed with the best accuracy. Alternatively, vessels could be suspended from S-type force transducers or fitted with strain transducers.
Note
Level can be measured in many different ways. Whether gravimetric as described, or with a submersible pressure sensor, float switch or pressure sensor ? WIKA has the right sensor for every application. Do you want to buy the products? In our WIKA online-shop you will find a few of our standard designs. When you have any questions, your contact will gladly assist you to.
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