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Weigh Bridges in Industry: Types, Working, and Importance in Food and Manufacturing Plants
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Weigh Bridges in Industry: Types, Working, and Importance in Food and Manufacturing Plants
By PMG Engineering Team
·
Published
July 11, 2024
Introduction: What is a Weigh Bridge?
A weigh bridge is a large, permanent (or portable) scale used to weigh entire road or rail vehicles and their contents. The weight is measured both when the vehicle is empty (tare weight) and when it is loaded (gross weight) to determine the net load .
In the dairy industry , weigh bridges are vital for tracking milk receipts and dispatches , calculating payment, and ensuring transport integrity.
Weigh bridges are widely used in:
Food and Beverage Industry Agro and Dairy Plants Chemical, Textile, Oil, Plastic, Packaging Pharmaceuticals and Logistics hubs
Working Principle of Weigh Bridges
Weigh bridges operate using load cells —electronic devices that convert weight (mechanical force) into electrical signals . These signals are then processed and displayed on a digital terminal for precise measurement.
Non-automatic weighing instruments Calibrated and verified for legal use in trade Interfaces with ERP systems for automated invoicing and reporting
Key Components of a Weigh Bridge System
Types of Weigh Bridges
Food processing consultants often recommend pit-less or mobile weigh bridges for plants requiring regular relocation or expansion.
Weighing Procedure (As per PMG Guidelines)
Approach the platform slowly , without sharp turns or brakingEnsure the vehicle is completely on the platform Record the gross or tare weight via the terminal system After loading/unloading, record the second weight Net mass = Gross - Tare Data is logged and a measurement ticket is printed
These records are essential for:
Invoice generation Inventory reconciliation Legal and regulatory traceability Third-party logistics billing
Features and Benefits of Modern Weigh Bridges
Accurate and rugged for harsh conditionsDigital calibration and tamper-proof data Easy transport, low civil work requirements Integrates with ERP for direct invoicing Minimal maintenance , suitable for outdoor and remote operations
Conclusion: Weigh Bridges Are Critical for Operational Accuracy
In food factories and industrial plants, weigh bridges ensure:
Precise product accounting Cost recovery and accurate invoicing Regulatory traceability and transparency Operational efficiency in dispatch and goods receipt
Partner with a qualified food industry consultant or engineering expert to:
Select the right type of weigh bridge for your plant Optimize installation, pit layout, and drainage Integrate weighbridge output into your ERP or automation systems Set up calibration and SOPs as per weights & measures regulations
PMG Engineering Private Limited
The End-to-End Engineering Company in Food Industry
info@pmg.engineering | www.pmg.engineering
www.pmg.engineering
info@pmg.engineering
Weigh Bridge
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PMG Engineering Private Limited
The End-to-End Engineering Company in Food Industry
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info@pmg.engineering
CONTENTS
1
2
3
4
5
6
x
Introduction
Working Principle
Components of Weigh Bridge
Types of Weigh Bridge
Features
Procedure for Weighing
About PMG Engineering
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PMG Engineering Private Limited
The End-to-End Engineering Company in Food Industry
info@pmg.engineering | www.pmg.engineering
www.pmg.engineering
info@pmg.engineering
1. Introduction
▪ Weigh bridge, large set of scales, usually mounted permanentally on a concrete
foundation
▪ Used to weigh entire rail or road vehicles and their contents which aimed to be
sold by weight.
▪ By weighing the vehicle both empty and when loaded, the load carried by the
vehicle can be calculated
▪ In Dairy Industry, weighing is an essential step in accounting for milk receipts
and disposal, making payment for milk etc.
▪ Used at:-
- Chemical, Textile, Agro, Food,
Pharmaceuticals,
Dairy, Oil,
Jewelers, Paper, Plastic and
packaging industries etc.
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The End-to-End Engineering Company in Food Industry
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info@pmg.engineering
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PMG Engineering Private Limited
The End-to-End Engineering Company in Food Industry
info@pmg.engineering | www.pmg.engineering
www.pmg.engineering
info@pmg.engineering
2. WORKING PRINCIPLE
▪ A weigh-bridge is a platform that is supported by weight-sensing elements
which produce an output proportional to the load placed on the platform.
▪ It is treated as a non-automatic weighing instrument and is verified as such.
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3. Components Of Weigh Bridge
3.1 Foundation
▪ These are permanent concrete installations.
▪ It is the lowest component that interfaces the weighbridge system with ground.
▪ It should be properly leveled and there should be a provision for adequate
drainage to prevent flooding.
▪ T-rubbers Installations are recommended for weighbridges which fill the gap
between deck and foundations. It protects deck against deterioration by
preventing dirt from entering the pit.
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3. Components Of Weigh Bridge (Cont.)
3.2 Platform
▪ It is the structure that creates driving force for
the trucks.
▪ The platform may be chequered or plain and
should be rigid and sufficiently strong for
carrying maximum load.
▪ The load cells are arranged on both the sides in
pairs.
▪ Ideal construction material for platform can be
either Stainless Steel or Concrete.
▪ Steel is ideal if the weighbridge is likely to be
moved while Concrete can offer longevity.
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The End-to-End Engineering Company in Food Industry
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3. Components Of Weigh Bridge (Cont.)
3.3. Load Cell
▪ A load cell is an electronic device (transducer)
that is used to convert the gravitational force
into an electrical signal.
▪ Through a mechanical arrangement, the force
deforms a strain gauge. The strain gauge
converts the deformation (strain) to electrical
signals.
▪ Load cells come in a range of different sizes,
shapes, capacities and performance parameters.
▪ Load
cells
can
Compression or Sheer Beam Type.
be Analogue, Digital,
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The End-to-End Engineering Company in Food Industry
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3. Components Of Weigh Bridge (Cont.)
3.4 Terminal Point
It is the control panel for scale which consists of 3 parts:
1. Digitizer -The load cells' output is combined in a summation box,
which then sends the net value to a digitizer for digital conversion.
2. Display - The Computer is used for entering vehicle data through a
keyboard and mouse
3. Printing Unit -The weighing result is recorded directly from the
digitizer and sent to the printer for receipt issue. Software options allow
data entry and calibration through the keyboard.
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3. Components Of Weigh Bridge (Cont.)
3.5 Cables
a. Signal Transferring: These are
used for transmitting signal load
cells to terminal.
b. Heating Cables: These are used
for melting the snow and ice
when
temperature drops
below 0 °C. to melt, depending
on geographical requirement
the
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4. Types Of Weigh Bridge
• There are six types of weighbridges i.e., classified depending upon their
characteristics.
1. Pit Type
2. Pit Less
3. RCC Weigh
Bridges
5. Mechanical
Weigh-bridge
4. Movable Weigh
Bridge
6. Hybrid Weight-
bridge
7. Potable
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4.1 Pit Type
▪ Weighbridges are installed in a pit, keeping them flush to the road surface.
▪ Requires less surface area which makes them ideal for smaller areas.
▪ Do not require ramps.
▪ Pit installations can be expensive as initial civil and foundation work are
required.
▪ Requires provision of sump-pumps and manholes for maintenance purposes in
order to prevent debris formation and water logging
▪ Guide-rails not required.
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4.2 Pit Less
▪ This type of weighbridge sits above of the road surface and requires ramps on
either end to allow the vehicles to access the platform.
▪ Installation cost is reduced as amount of civil foundations work is less.
▪ Requires more space for installation.
▪ Increase in height of deck shall require longer ramps for vehicles approaching
the bridge resulting in overall increase in footprint of weighbridge.
▪ Require guide rails fixed on the sides of the platform, which help vehicles to be
aligned centrally on the bridge.
▪ Better suited when the bridge requires shifting, or for temporary installations.
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4.3 RCC Weigh Bridges
• Concrete weighbridges offer low costs, high strength, and minimal maintenance,
requiring no annual painting and a low-cost platform.
• Cost of material required for construction of concrete platform is approximately
40% less than that of steel platform.
• Being a totally RCC structure, there is no rusting of components in concrete
platforms hence they are totally maintenance free.
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4.4 Movable Weigh Bridge
▪ Mobile weighbridge needs no foundation, just smooth hard surface on which
the load cell plates rest.
▪ Saves lots of cost and time as these are foundationless weighbridges which can
be installed within 2-3 hrs.
▪ Its modular design renders cost effectiveness which makes it transportation and
re-installation friendly.
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4.5 Mechanical Weigh-bridge
▪ Load receptor is supported on a mechanical lever system
▪ Primary indication of mass is by a mechanical indicator
▪ May be non-self-indicating (Steel Yard) or self-indicating analogue display (Dial
Type).
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4.6 Hybrid Weight-bridge
▪ Lever system is used for weighing and the mechanical output is fed to a load
cell which converts it into electrical signal for processing.
▪ Two-way switch allows change over either
-
-
the output of the lever system is directly connected to the indicator (steel
yard or dial) or
the output is passed to the digitizer for processing.
▪ Mechanical and electronic system are verified separately.
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4.7 Potable
▪ These are either statically or dynamically operated which are normally used for
screening purposes.
▪ Can be set up next to any road where there is a suitable surface and an area to
pull off and weigh trucks.
▪ Not to be used for law enforcement purposes but are sufficiently accurate to
identify vehicles that are probably overloaded with a high degree of
confidence.
▪ Fairly high accuracy, considerably cheaper than static scales, relatively light, can
be set up very rapidly and measure individual wheels, axles, axle units and
vehicle/combination mass.
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5. Features
▪ Rugged, Reliable and Accurate.
▪ Helps in checking and authorising weight documents for invoicing.
▪ The calibration and testing for each system is carried out prior to delivery.
▪ It automatically enforces credit control at the weighbridge.
▪ Easily convert weight documents to invoices.
▪ Very compact and robust.
▪ Easy to transport & Install.
▪ Requirement of less civil work.
▪ Height of the track scale is leas.
▪ Minimum maintenance.
▪ Stringent quality inspection.
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6. Procedure For Weighing
1. Driver must approach the weighbridge slowly and proceed directly onto the
platform without turning or harshly applying brakes.
2. Ensure that vehicle is completely on the platform.
3. As the vehicle (loaded or unloaded) enters the weighbridge port, its gross (or
tare) mass must be recorded which must be indicated on the measurement
ticket issued from the terminal.
4. Again, the weight of the vehicle (loaded or unloaded) is recorded as the vehicle
exits the plant. Tare (or gross) mass shall be included on the measurement
ticket as soon as the weighing is completed.
5. By subtracting tare mass from gross mass net mass can be obtained that is
recorded in the measurement ticket.
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PMG Engineering Private Limited
The End-to-End Engineering Company in Food Industry
info@pmg.engineering | www.pmg.engineering
www.pmg.engineering
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Our Clients
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We deliver End-to-End Engineering Design and Construction Management Projects in Food and Beverage Industry. Meeting Global Benchmarks In ENGINEERING DESIGN and PROJECT MANAGEMENT for FOOD and BEVERAGE Industry with SINGLE POINT ACCOUNTABILITY Process Engineering | Project Management | Mechanical | Electrical | Automation | Food Safety Key Clients We deliver End-to-End Engineering Design and Construction Management Projects in Food and Beverage Industry. Meeting Global Benchmarks In ENGINEERING DESIGN and PROJECT MANAGEMENT for FOOD and BEVERAGE Industry with SINGLE POINT ACCOUNTABILITY Process Engineering | Project Management | Mechanical | Electrical | Automation | Food Safety Key Clients We deliver End-to-End Engineering Design and Construction Management Projects in Food and Beverage Industry. Meeting Global Benchmarks In ENGINEERING DESIGN and PROJECT MANAGEMENT for FOOD and BEVERAGE Industry with SINGLE POINT ACCOUNTABILITY Process Engineering | Project Management | Mechanical | Electrical | Automation | Food Safety Key Clients