Electronic belt scales are installed on belt conveyors to dynamically weigh material passing over the belt without interrupting conveyor operation. Their application environments vary, and their performance is influenced not only by their own characteristics but also by factors such as installation quality, conveyor conditions, and the surrounding environment.
Guonuo Technology, a manufacturer specializing in dynamic weighing of industrial bulk materials, has extensive experience with electronic belt scales and has summarized several installation insights based on actual cases, including situations where electronic belt scales are not applicable.
1. Not Suitable for Mobile Conveyors
- Installation on mobile conveyors is not recommended as the conveyor's horizontal position changes during movement, altering the force applied to the weighing sensors. This can even result in sensors hanging in the air, unable to measure the material load, rendering the belt scale ineffective for accurate measurement.
2. Inapplicable for Excessively Short Conveyors
- On very short conveyors (e.g., only a few meters long), the belt scale is too close to the drive wheel, leading to vibration interference from the drive motor. Short conveyors also experience greater variations in belt tension due to correction and temperature effects, and material may rush through the weighing area upon falling from the discharge port. Overall, installation on excessively short conveyors results in significant measurement errors, failing to meet accuracy standards.
3. Unsuitable for Highly Viscous Materials
- Materials with high viscosity tend to stick to the weighing idlers and the belt. Material adhered to the idlers changes their contact with the belt, causing uneven force distribution and altering the belt's troughing angle, which affects the accuracy of sensor force measurement. Material stuck to the belt alters its weight, leading to repeated weighing errors. Therefore, highly viscous materials are not suitable for belt scale weighing due to large errors.
4. Inappropriate for Highly Flowable Materials
- Materials with high water content and mobility are prone to loss from the belt and fail to stable pass through the belt scale's weighing area, resulting in inaccurate weight measurement.
5. Not Suitable for Overly Hot Materials
- Excessively hot materials can damage the electronic components of the belt scale (e.g., weighing and speed sensors), preventing proper weighing.
6. Not Applicable in Extreme Environments
- Electronic belt scales are highly sensitive electronic devices susceptible to electromagnetic interference, which can affect sensor signals. Although digital sensors have enhanced anti-interference capabilities, they can still be affected under strong electromagnetic conditions. Additionally, harsh weather conditions such as strong winds, rain, and intense sunlight can impact the belt scale. Therefore, electronic belt scales should not be used in electromagnetic or extreme environments. They should be installed away from strong magnetic fields, large electromechanical equipment, and vibration sources, preferably indoors.
Of course, when consulting on electronic belt scales, the manufacturer will carefully assess the needs and application conditions to develop an appropriate belt scale solution.