Comparison between Variable-Speed Belt Scale and Constant-Speed Belt Scale

Electronic belt scales are continuous weighing equipment widely used in the field of bulk material conveying and measurement across various industries, including metallurgy, food, chemicals, mining, agriculture, and more. They are installed at the bottom of material feeding machines, belt conveyors, and other material conveying equipment. Their primary function is to measure the weight and speed of materials conveyed by the belt.

Belt scales have a wide range of applications and are used in various scenarios. To meet diverse needs, belt scales come in different models, such as different types of weighing sensors, purposes, load-bearing structures, and belt speed classifications. Among them, electronic belt scales can be classified into variable-speed belt scales and constant-speed belt scales based on belt speed, which is often confusing. Today, we will compare and analyze these two types of belt scales to understand their similarities, differences, and respective application scenarios.

Similarities and Differences between Variable-Speed and Constant-Speed

A constant-speed belt scale is installed in the belt conveyor of a production process, equipped with a metering belt scale and a speed measurement device. The weight sensor on the scale frame detects the material flow through the weighing section and sends this weight signal to the weighing controller for weight integration, resulting in the cumulative weight and, ultimately, the material weight. In this process, the belt operates at a constant speed without the need for a frequency converter.

In contrast, a variable-speed belt scale transmits the load and speed signals of the conveyor belt to a computer-controlled measurement, control, and regulation system for processing. It continuously compares the actual feed rate with the set feed rate and adjusts the speed of the conveyor belt to maintain a constant feed rate.

From their definitions, we can see that both types of belt scales are used for continuous material weighing and measurement, but they have different functions.

Different Functions

A variable-speed belt scale integrates speed adjustment and conveying measurement into a single mechanical scale body, which includes an automation control system. The control system typically consists of automation measurement instruments, a frequency converter, and weight and speed sensors on the scale body. Its most important function is to achieve a set production output.

Since a constant-speed belt scale operates at a constant speed, it generally only has a weight sensor and does not measure speed. It usually adopts a fully suspended structure with three sensors, ensuring the zero point is not affected by belt tension. In practical use, a constant-speed belt scale is typically started and operated at a constant speed using low-voltage electrical appliances.

Different Application Scenarios

With its quantitative feeding function, a variable-speed belt scale can be used as a batching scale for continuous batching on belt conveyors. It is used for dynamic batching in highly automated processes, such as quantitative loading of trucks or ships and uniform feeding in production.

It's important to note that while a variable-speed belt scale also achieves quantitative feeding, it differs from a quantitative feeder. A feeder typically refers to a system with a weighing hopper and performs intermittent batching. Quantitative feeders are generally used in applications requiring high precision and small batch sizes. Variable-speed belt scales and quantitative feeders each have their advantages and disadvantages. Belt scales offer high automation and fast batching speeds, while feeders provide high batching precision and low maintenance.

It's worth mentioning that, in practical use, quantitative control can also be achieved by using an automated instrument to control the feeding of a variable-speed belt scale to a constant-speed belt scale. However, this requires more installation space compared to a variable-speed belt scale.

Electronic belt scales are widely used in various scenarios. Understanding the basics of belt scales can help us purchase the right equipment, reduce costs, and improve work efficiency. To precisely meet customer needs, Guonuo Technology arranges experienced professional engineers to thoroughly understand and assess customer requirements and develop detailed solutions.