What is a Weighbridge?

A weighbridge is a large and heavy-duty industrial weighing scale, also known as a truck scale or railroad scale, used to weigh vehicles and their loads, especially road trucks and trailers. They are typically used for commercial and industrial purposes such as determining the weight of trucks for transportation purposes, trading, compliance with weight regulations, and inventory management. They are typically found at ports, truck stops, and transfer stations. They can be either portable or permanent, and can be operated manually or with electronic equipment.

Petra is a weighbridge supplier in UAE. Providing sales and service of weighbridge equipment such as load cells and indicators to many weighing scale companies in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman – all backed by industry-leading warranty options.

Weighbridge Products

The main components of a weighbridge include: the platform, load cells, indicator or computer, ramp, junction box, printer, and power supply. These components work together to accurately measure the weight of vehicles and their loads. Some weighbridges may also include additional features such as wireless connectivity, data storage and retrieval, and remote monitoring capabilities.

Weighbridge Loadcells

Weighbridge Display and Indicators

Weighbridge Softwares

Weighbridge Accessories and Parts

Uses of Weighbridge

Weighbridges are commonly used in a variety of businesses and industries that involve the transportation of goods or materials. Some examples include:

  1. Transportation and logistics companies use weighbridges to weigh trucks and their cargo to ensure compliance with weight restrictions on roads and bridges and to manage inventory.
  2. Construction companies use weighbridges to weigh heavy equipment and materials to ensure they are within legal weight limits.
  3. Mining companies use weighbridges to weigh large trucks and equipment used to transport raw materials, such as ore or coal.
  4. Agriculture companies use weighbridges to weigh large trucks and trailers used to transport crops and livestock.
  5. Recycling and waste management companies use weighbridges to weigh vehicles and their loads of recyclable materials or waste.
  6. Ports and cargo terminals use weighbridges to weigh the container and cargo for compliance, shipping, and logistics purposes.

These are just a few examples, weighbridges are used in many other industries as well.

Weighbridge Types

Weighbridges or truck scales are based on static or dynamic weighing mechanisms. Static weighbridges are used to weigh a vehicle when it is parked, while dynamic weighbridges are used to weigh a vehicle while it is moving.

There are several types of weighbridges, including:

  • Pit Type Weighbridges: These weighbridges are installed in a pit, which allows for easy access for vehicles to drive onto the scale. They are commonly used in locations where space is limited.
  • Surface Mount Weighbridges: Also known as pit-less weighbridges, these scales are installed on the ground surface and do not require a pit for installation. These are more versatile and can be installed at any location.
  • Portable Weighbridges: These weighbridges are designed to be easily transported and set up in different locations. They are commonly used for temporary or mobile applications such as construction sites or agricultural operations.
  • In-motion Weighbridges: These weighbridges are used to weigh vehicles while they are in motion, they are commonly used at ports and cargo terminals to weigh the container and cargo while being loaded or unloaded.
  • Axle Weighbridges: These weighbridges are used to weigh individual axles of vehicles, they are commonly used to ensure compliance with weight restrictions on roads and bridges.

All these types of weighbridges are available in electronic versions and can be operated manually or with electronic equipment.

Petra is a weighbridge manufacturer and supplier, that specializes in the production of various types of electronic weighbridges, such as Pit Less (Surface Mount) Weighbridges, Pit Type Weighbridges, and Portable Weighbridges.

Pit Type Weighbridge

A Pit Type weighbridge, also known as an Inground weighbridge, is a type of industrial scale that is installed in a pit or excavation in the ground. The scale is level with the ground surface (so a ramp will not be needed), allowing vehicles to drive onto the scale for weighing from any direction. The pit is typically structured with concrete, and the weighbridge is installed on top of the concrete pit.

Most public weighbridges prefer this design.

Pit-type weighbridges are commonly used in locations where space is limited, such as in industrial sites, ports, and transfer stations. Because the scale is at ground level, it is easier for vehicles to drive on the scale

They are available in different capacities and sizes to accommodate different types of vehicles and loads.

One of the advantages of the pit type of weighbridge is that it provides a stable foundation for the weighbridge, which helps to improve accuracy and longevity. Additionally, the pit provides a level and stable surface for the weighbridge, which helps to improve accuracy and longevity, and also reduces the risk of damage to the weighbridge from heavy vehicles.

Points to be considered

  • Constructing a concert pit can be an expensive and long process
  • Because the load cells and connection are in the pit inside, it requires special access for service of maintenance and calibration.
  • It also requires an excellent cleaning and drainage system inside the pit to avoid floods and sand from damaging the load cells or affecting the performance

 

Pit-less Weighbridge

Surface Mount Weighbridges, also known as Pitless Weighbridges, is a type of industrial scale that is installed on the ground surface, rather than in a pit or excavation. They do not require a pit for installation and can be placed on any level surface. But it requires a ramp with a length between 3-5 meters long base on the height of the weighbridge weighing surface

Suitable where the excavation work for the foundation is difficult or construction of the pit is expensive

Surface Mount weighbridges are commonly used in locations where space is not limited or where a pit is not feasible, such as in commercial and retail settings, agricultural and farming operations, and construction sites. They are also used in places where the ground conditions are not suitable for pit-type weighbridges.

Surface Mount weighbridges are available and come in different capacities and sizes to accommodate different types of vehicles and loads.

One of the advantages of Surface Mount weighbridges is that they are more versatile and can be installed at any location, unlike pit-type weighbridges which require a pit for installation. Additionally, they are easy to install and maintain and are less prone to damage from heavy vehicles. They are also more cost-effective than pit-type weighbridges, as they do not require excavation and construction of a pit.

Other benefits:

  • Costly Pit construction is eliminated.
  • A platform above ground level- No water logging during the rainy season
  • The problem of pit maintenance is eliminated.
  • Easy maintenance since all parts are accessible above ground level.

 

Points to be considered:

  • Require special entrance and exit ramps
  • Require large spaces for its operation
  • Load cells should be protected from getting damaged or theft

Portable Weighbridge (Portable truck Scale) / Modular type weighbridges

Portable weighbridges, also known as mobile weighbridges or movable truck scale, are industrial scale that is designed to be easily transported and set up in different locations. They are used for temporary or mobile applications such as construction sites, agricultural operations, and events where weight needs to be measured. They are made of a steel platform that can be mounted on a trailer or skid for easy transportation. They can be powered by electricity or battery, and can be operated manually or with electronic equipment.

These weighbridges come in different capacities and sizes to accommodate different types of vehicles and loads. They are available in both electronic and mechanical versions and can also be single or multi-axle versions, which can weigh the vehicles and loads with a higher degree of accuracy.

The main advantage of portable weighbridges is that they are highly portable and can be used in a variety of locations, making them ideal for temporary or mobile applications. They are easy to set up and take down, require minimal maintenance, and are cost-effective as compared to permanent weighbridges. With short assembly times, these weighbridges are easy to transport and re-install and do not require a foundation. They are also modular and cost-effective, which makes them a good option when there is a cost or time constraint.

In-motion Weighbridge

In-motion weighbridge, also known as a dynamic weighbridge or dynamic axle weighbridge, is a type of industrial scale used to weigh vehicles and their loads while they are in motion.

Typically found at ports, truck stops, and transfer stations, they are used for taxation and compliance with weight restrictions on roads and bridges.

They are made of load cells placed under the roadway, which measure the weight of each axle of the vehicle as it passes over the scale, allowing for accurate determination of the total weight of the vehicle and its load.

They are known for their speed, efficiency, and safety as they can weigh the vehicle without stopping it.

Self-service Weighbridges (Unmanned)

Self-service weighbridges, also known as automated weighbridges or unmanned truck scales, are standalone industrial scales that are designed to be operated by the vehicle operator or driver rather than by a weighbridge operator.

Weighbridge Equipment

A weighbridge typically consists of the following main components:

  • Platform: The platform is the surface on which the vehicle and its load are weighed. It is typically made of steel or aluminum and can be either portable or permanently installed.
  • Load cells: These are the sensors that measure the weight of the vehicle and its load. They are typically made of steel or aluminum and are placed under the platform. They convert the mechanical force of the weight into an electrical signal that can be read by the indicator or computer.
  • Indicator or computer: This is the device that displays the weight of the vehicle and its load. It can be either an electronic indicator or a computer. The indicator or computer receives the weight information from the load cells and displays it on a screen for the operator to read.
  • Junction box: This is a protective enclosure that houses the electrical connections between the load cells and the indicator or computer.
  • Ramp: Ramps are used to allow vehicles of different heights to drive onto the platform. They can be either portable or permanently installed and are typically made of steel or aluminum.
  • Power supply: electrical connection or a battery.

 

Weighbridges additional features and accessories

  • Computer: the computer receives the weight information from the indicator and displays it on a screen for the operator to read.
  • Weighbridge software: is a computer program that is used to manage and control the operation of a weighbridge
  • Printer: A printer is used to print the weight of the vehicle and its load, it can be connected to the indicator or computer.
  • Scoreboard: a large additional display to show the weight of truck drivers and outside operators

 

Some weighbridges also include additional features such as wireless connectivity, data storage and retrieval, and remote monitoring capabilities.

All these components work together to accurately measure the weight of vehicles and their loads. The quality of the weighbridge’s main components will determine the accuracy of the weighing process.

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