What issues are easily overlooked during the use of electronic belt scales?

Electronic belt scales are automatic measuring devices commonly used in industrial production and trade settlement, playing a crucial role in industries such as mining, power plants, chemicals, cement, and agriculture. Despite continuous technological advancements, there are still some easily overlooked issues in the actual design and use of electronic belt scales that may affect the accuracy and stability of weighing.

Many users tend to blame the quality and performance of the equipment itself when encountering inaccurate measurements with electronic belt scales.

However, in reality, the measurement accuracy of belt scales is influenced by a combination of factors, including the equipment's performance, installation conditions, operating environment, and operational methods. Therefore, when analyzing and resolving measurement issues, it is necessary to consider multiple perspectives comprehensively.

1. Excessively Short Weighing Section

   The weighing section is the critical and effective area for material measurement in electronic belt scales. However, in practical applications, some users may choose belt scales with shorter weighing sections to save space or reduce costs.

Although this approach may seem cost-effective in the short term, it can negatively impact measurement accuracy in the long run. An excessively short weighing section can lead to significant linear errors due to the influence of belt tension on the measurement results.

To address this, it is advisable to select belt scales with appropriate weighing sections and, when using them, try to maintain a stable belt running speed, reduce the running speed, and increase the cross-sectional area of the material passage to enhance the material load on the belt.

2. Frictional Resistance of the Belt

   In the process design of electronic belt scales, some designs fail to consider the impact of frictional resistance between the materials in the silo, the feeding hopper, and the running belt on the weighing results.

Variations in the material level in the feeding hopper cause changes in the pressure exerted on the belt, directly affecting the magnitude and direction of belt tension. Alternatively, improper handling between the belt and the feeding hopper can cause small pieces of material to become trapped in the gaps, resulting in significant frictional resistance.

These factors can cause substantial changes in the relationship between the force exerted by the weighed material on the pressure sensor and the calibration state, leading to measurement deviations. During use, regular checks and adjustments of the belt tension should be conducted to ensure good contact between the belt and idlers, thereby reducing the impact of frictional resistance.

3. Material Jamming Between Tension Wheel and Belt

   If materials roll into the space between the tension wheel and the belt during operation, it can alter the vertical component of belt tension, leading to significant discrepancies between the actual operation measurement and the calibration settings. Therefore, effective measures must be implemented to prevent materials from rolling in and to promptly clear any jammed materials.

4. Large Temperature Fluctuations of Materials

   Significant temperature variations in materials can cause changes in belt stiffness. When the material temperature rises, the belt becomes softer, and its stiffness decreases; conversely, when the temperature drops, the stiffness increases.

Changes in belt stiffness alter the length of the belt catenary between idlers, directly affecting measurement accuracy. Therefore, it is essential to consider the material temperature during use and adopt heat-resistant belts. For materials with extremely high temperatures, such as the flow measurement of clinker under a cement plant's clinker silo, electronic belt scales may not be suitable.

In addition to focusing on the maintenance and performance of the equipment itself, it is crucial to pay attention to the surrounding environment and other influencing factors when using electronic belt scales.

Factors such as the length of the weighing section, frictional resistance, belt tension, and material temperature variations are all critical to weighing accuracy. By comprehensively considering these factors, the effectiveness of electronic belt scales can be significantly improved, ensuring highly accurate and reliable material measurement.

For users, regular inspections and adjustments, along with good operational habits, will contribute to enhancing the overall performance of electronic belt scales.