In the pharmaceutical, building materials and food industries, on vessels and silos, on platforms and dosing systems, right up to kitchen and bathroom scales ? weight is measured everywhere. In industry, it becomes particularly interesting with regards to the particular level in vessels. There are many possibilities for weight measurement or weighing. The filling level can be determined optically, hydrostatically, by ultrasound, microwaves and radar, mechanically, capacitively, by heat dissipation, by displacement and resistance or, what this short article is about, gravimetrically.
The term gravimetric is composed of the Latin ?gravitas? for ?gravity? and the Greek ??? ??????? for ?measure?. In gravimetric measurement, therefore, the heaviness of the mass is combined with weight force to form a meaningful value and therefore the level is determined by weighing vessels (the filling level results from the density of the medium and the geometry of the vessel). This makes gravimetric level measurement a part of weighing technology.
Gravimetric level measurement is particularly suitable when uneven distribution may appear within the vessels.
Gravimetric level measurement: Advantages
This type of weighing has several advantages. Possibly the greatest advantage is that the force transducers used for gravimetric level measurement are located outside the vessel. Thus, they do not touch the product. Nor is it necessary to open or modify the vessels. Contamination can thus be eliminated. Cleaning is also easier. Furthermore, very precise measurement can be done ? 0.02 % of the rated load is not uncommon with regards to relative linearity error. This makes dosing possible when, for example, food is filled into bags ? and of course the packaging must contain the amount specified.
Another advantage is that the merchandise does not influence the measurement. The level could be determined gravimetrically for several contents ? solids, liquids, viscous substances, foaming substances ? even toxic or aggressive contents can be viewed as. Furthermore, the measurement is not falsified even though voids or uneven contents distribution occur inside the silo or tank, because the entire contents are weighed.
Suitable mounting modules not merely make sure that the weight force is properly led into the force transducers, they also make installation very easy. The module and force transducer have a low height and a little installation volume. However, it might be problematic if the vessels already are permanently installed and will only be positioned on modules with a great deal of effort. Then it really is probably advisable to bolt strain transducers to the supports. The strain transducers determine the compression of the supports due to the weight of the contents. They thus be able to weigh immovable vessels gravimetrically.
Gravimetric level measurement: Disadvantages
The disadvantages of gravimetric level measurement vary in significance depending on application. Results are mainly distorted when force shunts can’t be prevented. Ideally, the vessel should be mechanically decoupled. Used, however, it could always happen that, for instance, struts are essential. Then it depends on what great their supporting effect is. Similar problems can occur if the measurement is influenced by a high bearing weight. The low the weight of the vessel compared to the product, the more accurate the gravimetric measurement. Finally, free-standing outdoor vessels can be affected by natural factors. For instance, if wind pushes or snow leads to a significant increase in weight.
Left Behind for the weighing of vessels
Single point load cells are classically used for scales. These not only have a low price and high accuracy, but the weight is also determined reliably, no matter where it is placed on the platform. For optimal force introduction, bending or shear beams with the corresponding weighing modules are often installed under tanks, silos or vessels that stand on supports. To look for the rated load of the force transducers, divide the full total weight of the vessel by the amount of supports. If the rated load exceeds 10 t, it is possible to switch to compression force transducers, the utmost capacity of which reaches up to 300 t. With four supports, vessels as high as 1,200 t can be weighed with the highest accuracy. Alternatively, vessels can be suspended from S-type force transducers or fitted with strain transducers.
Note
Level could be measured in many different ways. Whether gravimetric as described, or with a submersible pressure sensor, float switch or pressure sensor ? WIKA has the right sensor for each application. Would you like to buy the products? Inside our WIKA online-shop you will discover a few of our standard designs. In case you have any questions, your contact will gladly assist you to.
Also read our posts
Bending beam and shear beam in weighing technology
Request of strain transducers

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