What are the common types of dynamic weighing equipment for bulk materials? How does an electronic belt scale differ?

In the industrial sector, dynamic continuous weighing of various bulk materials is indispensable. This weighing method is characterized by its high efficiency and uninterrupted operation, making it particularly suitable for industrial settings with large conveyance volumes.

However, different dynamic weighing equipment is applied depending on the specific industrial context. Common types of dynamic weighing equipment for bulk materials include: electronic belt scales, nuclear belt scales, and loader electronic scales. What are the differences between these devices?

Electronic Belt Scale: This device is used for weighing materials during the conveyance process on belt conveyors. It utilizes load cells to detect the weight of the conveyed bulk materials and outputs a load signal, while a speed sensor detects the belt speed and outputs a speed signal. The instrument acquires these signals and processes them to calculate the instantaneous flow rate and cumulative flow rate of the materials.

Nuclear Belt Scale: This device is also installed on belt conveyors for dynamic weighing, but its working principle differs from that of the electronic belt scale. It calculates the weight of the measured materials based on the degree of attenuation of gamma rays as they penetrate the materials. Similarly, it can provide the instantaneous flow rate and cumulative flow rate.

Loader Electronic Scale: This device differs from the aforementioned two types of belt scales. It is a metering device used during the loading process of loaders. Installed on the loader, it measures the weight of each scoop and the cumulative weight, primarily serving to monitor the loading process to ensure that the loaded amount matches the specified quantity.

The differences between electronic belt scales and other dynamic weighing equipment are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

(1) Measurement Principle: As evident from the brief introduction above, the electronic belt scale is a contact-type weighing device that measures the weight of goods through sensors. Notably, the use of sensors in electronic belt scales does not involve environmental protection issues.

(2) Application Scope: Electronic belt scales can adapt to various solid bulk materials conveyed by belt conveyors, such as lumps, powders, and granules, with no restrictions on the volume or density of the measured objects. In contrast, nuclear belt scales may struggle to achieve high accuracy when the volume or density of the measured objects is irregular. Loader electronic scales are used in the loading process of loaders in freight yards, logistics, and other settings.

(3) Device Structure: An electronic belt scale consists of a scale frame, load cells, a speed sensor, and an instrument. It can also be equipped with an upper computer software system or a data substation. A loader electronic scale mainly comprises hydraulic pressure sensors, position sensors, an instrument, and an upper computer software system. A nuclear belt scale primarily consists of a radioactive source, a gamma-ray detector, a frame, a speed sensor, and a weight indicator.

(4) Installation Method: The scale frame of an electronic belt scale is installed at an appropriate position on the belt conveyor, with the sensors then installed on the scale frame. In contrast, a nuclear belt scale is relatively simpler to install, being fixed to the longitudinal beam of the belt conveyor.

Dynamic weighing of bulk materials is widely used due to its efficiency. However, when selecting equipment, it is essential to consider various factors such as the application scenario, requirements, and material characteristics.

Additionally, the accuracy achievable by different dynamic weighing equipment varies, but all devices are influenced by factors such as product quality, application environment, and the reasonableness of maintenance and inspections.