Why are multiple weighing sensors configured for electronic belt scales?

An electronic belt scale is an automated weighing instrument used for dynamic weighing of conveyed material flows. It detects the weight of materials passing through using weighing sensors and monitors the belt speed in real-time with speed sensors. Both the weighing sensors and speed sensors are installed on the scale frame to complete the detection of material weight or belt speed.

From the working principle and composition of electronic belt scales, it might seem that a single weighing sensor could suffice for detecting the weight of the material flow. However, in practical applications, many types of belt scales are equipped with multiple weighing sensors. Many users are puzzled as to why this is done, thinking it only increases costs.

Indeed, configuring multiple weighing sensors for an electronic belt scale undoubtedly increases costs, but this is also driven by practical application needs and is determined by a combination of factors such as the scale's structure, user requirements, and environmental conditions.

Firstly, it is important to clarify that configuring multiple weighing sensors for an electronic belt scale significantly enhances measurement accuracy and precision. Belt scales need to monitor the weight of materials in motion, and a single weighing sensor cannot meet the measurement requirements across the entire belt.

In contrast, the combination of multiple weighing sensors can balance the measurement results of each sensor, ensuring the measurement accuracy and precision of the entire material flow on the belt. For example, an ICS-30B belt scale equipped with only one weighing sensor achieves relatively low measurement accuracy.

Additionally, configuring multiple weighing sensors reduces the likelihood of measurement errors caused by the failure of a single sensor. In applications where only one weighing sensor is used, if that sensor fails, inaccurate weighing results are inevitable. However, if multiple weighing sensors are configured and one sensor fails, the other sensors can continue to operate normally, maintaining measurement stability.

Secondly, the number of weighing sensors required varies depending on the structure of the electronic belt scale. Belt scale structures include double-lever, single-lever, and fully suspended types, with idlers available in single-idler and multi-idler configurations.

Multi-idler belt scales typically have longer weighing zones and require multiple weighing sensors. Furthermore, there are currently modular matrix belt scales that lack crossbeams and levers.

These scales configure four weighing sensors for each weighing unit with two sets of weighing idlers, allowing for flexible configuration of multiple weighing units to form a measurement platform.

Naturally, the overall number of sensors is higher, but they can achieve higher measurement accuracy, adapt to harsher working environments, accommodate greater conveyor inclinations, and require less maintenance.

In summary, the configuration of multiple weighing sensors for electronic belt scales is determined by multiple factors. When selecting a belt scale, users can clearly communicate their needs to the manufacturer, who will then customize a cost-effective solution.