Tank Load Cell / Silo, Hopper and Vessel Weighing

Hopper scales, or hopper scale systems, weigh a continuous flow of product, playing an important role in harsh environments, such as food-processing plants. That product then flows into batches for packing from the hopper scales bulk. Regardless of environment, hopper scales using load cell s type do not trade off weighing accuracy for robustness. The hopper scale load cell plays a large role in the durability and longevity of the hopper scale system. Selecting the right hopper scale manufacturers is critical to ensure your hopper scale weight readings are reliable and accurate.

Weighing hopper scales requires a type of weigh module, which can be used to convert nearly any structure into a scale. Hopper scale systems include a hopper container that is open at the top, is generally used to process solid materials in the form of powders or granules, and can be combined with hopper scale load cell s type in the hopper scale design. Hopper scales are most commonly are used to dispense materials or collect ingredients that are then used later for processing, and weighing hopper scales can be a very important part of this process. Hopper scales tend to be smaller in size and are often suspended from a superstructure.

A tank load cell, on the other hand, is larger. Tank load cells feature a tank that is usually a closed container used to store or process liquids, gases or free-flowing solids. Tanks range in size from small, such as residential propane or heating fuel tanks, to large industrial tanks that hold several tons of material. Tank load cells can be horizontal or vertical, as well as symmetrical or non-symmetrical.

Tank Load cells also are typically supported by compression weigh modules. Weigh modules, includes tank load cells and hopper scales, are used for material handling in many industries. By simply attaching a system of weigh modules to one of these containers, you can weigh the contents with accuracy and reliability. Other weigh modules include silos and vessels, which can be more elaborate. Vessels, for instance, allow heating, cooling, mixing or other processes. Chemical reactions often take place in vessels, so precisely weighing material additions is extremely important.

What is a tank load cell?
Hopper scales typically consist of minimum three tank load cells and weigh a continuous flow of product, playing an important role in harsh environments, such as food-processing plants. The products then flow into batches for packing and are monitored by tank weighing load cells or tank scale load cells. Regardless of environment, hopper scales and tank scales load cells use tank load cells with no trade off in weighing accuracy.

Hopper scales are a type of tank load cells, which can be used to convert nearly any structure into a scale. They can be part of a structure’s original design, or the load cells for tanks can be added to an existing structure. Hopper scales and tank scales load cells include a hopper container that is open at the top, is generally used to process solid materials in the form of powders or granules, and can be combined with tank load cells. Hopper scales and tank scales load cells most commonly are used to dispense materials or collect ingredients that are then used later for processing. Hopper scales tend to be smaller in size and are often suspended from a superstructure where the tank load cells can be mounted.

A tank load cell, on the other hand, is larger. Tank load cells feature a tank that is usually a closed container used to store or process liquids, gases or free-flowing solids. Tanks range in size from small, such as residential propane or heating fuel tanks, to large industrial tanks that hold several tons of material. Tank load cells can be horizontal or vertical, as well as symmetrical or non-symmetrical.

Tank Load cells also are typically supported by compression weigh modules . Weigh modules, includes load cells for tanks and hopper scales, are used for material handling in many industries. By simply attaching a system of load cells for tanks to one of these containers, you can weigh the contents with accuracy and reliability. Other tank weighing load cells include silos and vessels, which can be more elaborate. Vessels, for instance, allow heating, cooling, mixing or other processes. Chemical reactions often take place in vessels, so precisely weighing material additions is extremely important.


How do we install tank load cells?
Outdoor tanks must have safety features to protect the tank load cells during load cells tank installation and operation. Load cell installation guide is a good tool for your load cell testing. Tank weighing load cells are exposed to wind forces. This requires features for tank load cells to cope with uplift forces on one side and extreme load on the other. Temperature changes can result in expansion and contraction of the support structure. Our tank scales load cells are designed to cope with such circumstances.
Weigh modules with POWERCELL® technology reduce downtime with condition monitoring. A run-flat function allows you to continue a batch in the event of a damaged tank load cell or a broken connecting cable. A daisy-chain-type network technology with plug-and-play connectors eliminates the need for junction boxes, which can be prone to damage. The CalFreePlus™ feature eliminates need for re-calibration in the event the cables or tank load cells have to be replaced.

METTLER TOLEDO tank weighing load cells inside the weigh modules are designed to mitigate uplift forces resulting from wind and earthquakes and temperature-related expansion and contraction of the tank's support structure. We perform Finite Element Analysis on mechanical parts and perform tests to expose even heavy-capacity tank scales load cells to real-life conditions with full loads.

How accurate is a hopper scale?
Hopper scales and hopper scale systems can be very accurate. The accuracy depends on the hopper scale design. No matter if you are building fertilizer hopper scales, grain hopper scales, or some other kind of weighing hopper scales, the hopper scale design is the key to accuracy. In most cases, it is best to utilize hopper scale load cell S type. If you are designing a new hopper scale system and would like support selecting the best type of load cell and implementing the new hopper scale design, contact your local METTLER TOLEDO weighing expert for a consultation as a load cell company.

Is hopper weighing accurate? Is hopper weighing reliable?
Regular hopper scale calibration also contributes to the reliability and accuracy of the hopper scale system. To determine your hopper scale calibration schedule and ensure accuracy over the lifetime of your system, consider scheduling a consultation with one of our weighing experts.

How much do tanks weigh? How much does a tank weigh?
Tank weights can vary significantly depending on the application. It is important to factor the tank weight into your overall system design when tank weighing is part of your production process. Tank and hopper scales require careful design considerations. If you are working on a new tank scale or hopper scale design, consider reaching out to your local METTLER TOLEDO weighing expert for support.