During a production process, it is essential to ensure the weight of various components and materials. The weighing process facilitates the collection of crucial data. The size of a tank, load cells and other components may determine the accuracy of weighing. Choosing a system that is suitable for a particular process can make the installation process easier, as COOPER Instruments & Systems offers a variety of load cell designs and mounting hardware. Additionally, budget-conscious companies can benefit from the company’s extensive product range.
One of the biggest benefits of weighing is its accuracy. The weighing process is non-contact, meaning no contamination can occur. The GWP (re) also ensures the reproducibility of weighing results. The GWP is in harmony with the current quality standards in manufacturing and laboratories. It helps users select scales that are compatible with industry-specific standards. Users can download the white paper “Quality by Design” for more information.
Another benefit of a weighing system is the ability to minimize operating errors. An operator can easily interpret the weighing results and select the appropriate action. An advanced weighing system can also automatically detect weights that are out of range, so they can only proceed with a process if they meet the set standards. A weighing station can capture a variety of information, including the exact weight of a particular material. It can also alert the operator when it is close to reaching its limit or if it is beyond it.
While weighing small amounts of samples is relatively simple, some complications can complicate the process. If a sample is too small to be measured properly, the sample must be prepared for the weighing process by wearing disposable gloves and a head cap. The operator should also wear a face mask to protect against the elements that could affect the results. Dedicated sample management software can help in the weighing process by guiding operators through the entire process, providing an audit trail of operations.
To transfer precisely weighed samples, a balance that is temperature-compensated is necessary. Outdoor weigh vessels are subject to large temperature changes and may heat up quickly during the day. Furthermore, seasonal changes in temperature can cause temperature to fluctuate significantly. Thus, temperature-compensated load cells can improve weighing accuracy. However, when weighing outside, it is best to avoid temperature changes altogether. This way, the weight of the product will be consistent.
The weighing process can be automated or manual. In both cases, ICS can help increase the efficiency of production. However, in the case of manual weighing, ICS is a necessary addition to the manufacturing process. Its benefits are numerous. In addition to improving the efficiency of production, it allows for a seamless integration of different machines and equipment. Once the weighing process has been automated, a manufacturer can focus on manufacturing with the highest level of efficiency.
While weighing, the analytical balances can detect even a single grain of chemical substance. To avoid this, the sample must be placed in a properly tared container. Never add the substance directly onto a pan or weighing paper. To prevent cross-contamination, it is important to store the weights in a dry room. If they get rusty or stick to dust, it will decrease their mass. Also, when placing the samples in the pan, it is important to keep the weights in a separate box. For the same reason, wooden or rubber tweezers are recommended to avoid scratching or damaging weights. Lastly, gloves should be worn when handling heavy weights.
The most common weighing machines include balances. These devices use force measurements to measure the mass of different objects. A balance works by measuring the force exerted by an object on a fulcrum. A balance’s accuracy is not affected by the gravitational field at any location. It is used when the unknown mass needs to be calibrated and is a crucial tool in production. In fact, these instruments are more accurate than scales.
Depending on the application, the load cell used for weighing can have a large impact on the output of the weighing process. Typically, a load cell can weigh 400 pounds, but if the system requires more than 500 pounds, the hopper will be suspended from three 200-pound load cells. This means that a total capacity of 600 pounds can be achieved. Another consideration when selecting load cells is response time. For batching applications, slow response load cells are not necessary, but high-speed checkweighing and rotary filling machines will require fast-responding load cells.