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Weigh Bridges in Industry: Types, Working, and Importance in Food and Manufacturing Plants

Weigh Bridges in Industry: Types, Working, and Importance in Food and Manufacturing Plants

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)


  1. Approach the platform slowly, without sharp turns or braking
  2. Ensure the vehicle is completely on the platform
  3. Record the gross or tare weight via the terminal system
  4. After loading/unloading, record the second weight
  5. Net mass = Gross - Tare
  6. 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 conditions
  • Digital 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 Build World-Class Food Factories 1 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 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 Build World-Class Food Factories 2 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. Build World-Class Food Factories 3 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 Build World-Class Food Factories 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. Build World-Class Food Factories 5 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 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. Build World-Class Food Factories 6 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 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. Build World-Class Food Factories 7 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 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, Build World-Class Food Factories 8 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 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. Build World-Class Food Factories 9 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 Build World-Class Food Factories 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 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 Build World-Class Food Factories 11 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 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 Build World-Class Food Factories 12 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 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. Build World-Class Food Factories 13 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 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. Build World-Class Food Factories 14 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 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. Build World-Class Food Factories 15 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 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. Build World-Class Food Factories 16 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 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). Build World-Class Food Factories 17 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 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. Build World-Class Food Factories 18 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 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. Build World-Class Food Factories 19 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 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. Build World-Class Food Factories 20 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 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. Build World-Class Food Factories 21 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 Build World-Class Food Factories 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 Our Clients Build World-Class Food Factories # 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

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