Weighing & Batching Systems

Batching Plant Scale

Company recently designed and installed a batching plant system to improve efficiencies at an oilfield operation. A network of silos gravity feeds major ingredients to weigh-scale-mounted dense-phase transporters. These materials pneumatically convey to an overhead batch hopper. Paper-bagged and bulk-bagged minor ingredients are added to the mix using bag unloaders. The entire batch is then gravity discharged to 330-cu-ft-capacity blender/transporters mounted on load cells for final weight verification and blending before being pneumatically conveyed to delivery trucks.
Whirl-Air-Flow Corp., Big Lake, MN 800-373-3461 www.whirlair.com

Modular Weighing System

The Accu-Portion modular weighing system maintains accuracy to one-tenth of one percent regardless of supply bin capacity (standard from 0.5 to 100 cu ft) or the quantity of automated ingredients. Modules are capable of feeding and weighing 1 to 12 ingredients, can be combined to provide 32 or more materials/ingredients within a system and can process multiple scales simultaneously, maximizing production speed. Modules are available in multiple supply bin configurations and scale hopper designs, eliminating product cross-contamination. These modular designs allow for system expansion or modification. PC/PLCs provide real-time batching data such as weights, batching status, alarm conditions and
batch history.
Prater-Sterling, Bolingbrook, IL 630-759-9595 www.prater-sterling.com

Weigh Module

The Gagemount weigh module is available in 20, 30, 50 and 100-ton capacities. Its compact design allows for simple, economical conversion of tanks, hoppers and silos into weighing systems. It is a self-contained weighing solution that requires no external checking. The integrated check-rod resists side forces generated by internal or external sources such as mixers, blenders, wind, etc. The optional anti-uplift protection device helps prevent the tank system from tipping. Mounting hardware
is available in nickel-plated mild steel or electropolished stainless steel, making it suitable for the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Mettler Toledo, Columbus, OH 800-523-5123 www.mt.com

Customized Weighing & Batching Systems

Company provides customized weighing and batching systems incorporating a scale control specifically designed to accommodate bulk materials. This feature allows independent control of each ingredient with fast and slow feed, automatic target weight preact and auto jog. Multiple weigh hoppers or loss-of-weight feeders may be used to formulate batches. Liquid-addition scale systems are also available.
Nol-Tec Systems Inc., Lino Lakes, MN 651-780-8600 www.nol-tec.com

Weighing Controller

The Batch X5 is a weighing controller with internal recipe handling to allow automation of batching, manual additions and production steps. The stainless-steel housing allows use under rough environmental conditions. Features include automatic recipe control with internal material and recipe database (100 components × 100 recipe lines); free configurable input and output; various standard batch functions for the direct control of batch components; and reports for batch, production and consumption. Fieldbus connection and link to supervisory systems possible (serial/Ethernet TCP/IP).
Sartorius Corp., Edgewood, NY 631-254-4249 www.sartorius.com

Weight Controllers

Only 3 in. deep, the HI 4050 general-purpose weight controller is easily configured to meet specific application needs. Available with AC or DC power and in panel, remote or blind DIN rail mounting, it installs fast with no special holes to cut. The controller comes standard with Ethernet and optional Ethernet/IP or DeviceNet. It includes Waversaver to eliminate the effects of surrounding vibration for fast, stable weight display; C2 electronic calibration without test weights; a Secure Digital (SD)–based Secure Memory Module card for fast transfer of configuration data; and Integrated Technician for performing system diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Hardy Instruments, San Diego, CA 800-821-5831 www.hardyinstruments.com

Heavy-Duty Checkweigher-Rejector

The 4693-R Heavy-Duty Checkweigher is ideal for production facilities that produce heavy or bulky items or for those where space is an issue. It is designed for industrial and institutional packaging applications with weight ranges from 1 to 110 lb. Weigh station conveyors range from 4 to 5 ft long and run at speeds up to 100 ft/min. The unit’s production rate of up to
30 units/min meets the weight requirements of most industrial bag and box products. A pneumatically operated heavy-duty
reject ram is located directly off the side of the weigh station conveyor to quickly and accurately reject all off-spec packages.
Thompson Scale Co., Houston, TX 713-932-9071 www.thompsonscale.com

Digital Weight Indicator

Designed for economy-based applications, the Model 180 digital weight indicator features a highly visible, 0.56-in. high, bright-red LED and is “legal-for-trade” pending. It features gross, tare, net conversion and an all-stainless-steel enclosure. Serial connectivity allows for output to one label/ticket printer or PC. Cardinal also offers nCONTROL ticket/label printing configuration software.
Cardinal Scale Mfg. Co., Webb City, MO 800-441-4237 www.cardinalscale.com

Weighing Indicators

The 640 series of indicators for agribusiness weighing applications includes three easily programmable high-performance models—the 640 for a wide variety of general applications, the 640XL with a large 2-in. display, and the miniature 640M that is 72 percent smaller and ideal for places where space is limited. The 640 series indicates gross and net weights and has a tare function that allows for the temporary zeroing of a scale—all at the push of a button. The 640 series also offers a large backlit LCD display. The units come with a 3-year factory warranty.
Avery Weigh-Tronix LLC, Fairmont, MN 507-238-8253 www.agscales.com