Weight measurement is an essential task in several industries and applications. Load measuring systems such as crane scales, load cells, and dynamometers are used to weigh during lifting. It is also essential to determine the weight of any load when lifting. This measurement serves two purposes, first, we can secure safety through the prevention of overloads, and second, we can gather information regarding the weights of the raw materials. In this article, we will discuss the categories, applications, and model selection of the load measuring systems.
Categories:
Load measuring systems can be categorized into two groups- i) single-point load monitoring, and ii) multi-point load monitoring.
i) Single Point Load Monitoring:
When there is a load monitoring system below the hook and the system is held by a single crane, the measuring system is known as single point load monitoring. This system helps to measure the lifted load of the crane.
- ii) Multi-Point Load Monitoring:
In order to measure super heavyloads, multi-point load monitoring systems are used. These systems can handle complex multi-crane lifts. However, in order to prepare multi-point load monitoring systems, a crane scale manufacturer needs to focus on the safety of the personnel and infrastructures.
Multi-point load monitoring is useful in different applications such as-
A) Heavy-Complex Lifting:
Load monitoring becomes very important when a heavy object is lifted through several hanging points. As in this scenario, the calculation of the actual load on each point is very difficult, it is important to maintain the distribution of the planned load across every point. Therefore, in order to complete the complex lifting with a good distribution of the weight of a heavy object and protect the equipment and people from any danger, a real load is required along with continuous measurements.
- B) Safe Stage Rigging:
Live events and concerts require complex rigging structures and to manage this type of structure, multi-point load monitoring systems are necessary to display all the measurements on a real load map. In order to lift a single truss with several attached equipment, 3 or more hoists are required for live events. Load distribution becomes very important when the single truss is suspended above the audiences and performers.
- C) Advanced Logistics and Stock Management:
In order to utilize the resources of multiple sites, transport the stored materials, and supply new materials, a multi-point load monitoring system plays a crucial role to show a real-time load map. Complex load monitoring systems can also reduce costs by avoiding the slack time, spoilage, and poorly scheduled transportation runs.
Applications:
Besides weighing during lifting, load measuring systems also have significant applications in tension measurement and horizontal force measurement such as pull and drag force measurement, control cable tensioning, etc. These systems are also useful for the protection of infrastructures and personnel from overloads. In shipment weighing, these systems help to determine the weights of the finished products and raw materials. In order to inspect various load-bearing structures and cranes, load measuring systems are essential. These systems are also effective for controlled cable monitoring and tensioning. Above all, load measuring systems play a crucial role to measure the weights of any load during the manufacturing process.
