Gravimetric level measurement – precise level detection for tanks and silos
Gravimetric level measurement offers a particularly precise and reliable method for level measurement in vessels, silos and tanks – regardless of medium or process conditions. Instead of measuring the level directly, this method detects the total weight of the vessel and derives the current level through accurate calculation.
A key advantage of gravimetric measurement is that it is independent from the medium. Whether liquids, solids or challenging media – the measuring results remain consistently accurate. What is more, the sensors are installed outside the vessel, making the technology ideal for hygienic applications as well as aggressive or difficult-to-access media.
Thanks to its high accuracy and robustness, gravimetric level measurement is suitable for a wide range of sectors – from the chemical and food industries to process automation. It enables reliable level detection, optimises processes and ensures precise dosing.
WIKA offers complete weighing systems from a single source:
- Sensors (load cells, bending beams, pressure transducers)
- Accessories (modules, cables, junction boxes)
- Electronics (indicators, transmitters, wireless solutions)
By providing complete systems for reliable weight measurement, integration into existing processes and plants, as well as a range of global services including calibration services, WIKA offers real added value to end users.
FE230 weighing transmitter
The FE230 is a weighing transmitter for mounting on a DIN rail, which has been developed for integration into control cabinets. It serves as a signal amplifier for measuring instruments with mV/V output, for example strain gauge load cells. The transmitter converts these weak signals into usable analogue or digital output signals and supports communication with PLC or PC systems via a serial interface. In addition, it enables electronic calibration (eCal) without the use of test weights.
It is used in industrial applications that require fast and precise weight measurement:
- Weighing systems
- Process control
- Dosing and filling systems
- Tank and silo monitoring
FE330 process weighing indicator
The FE330 is a compact, high-precision industrial weighing indicator for panel mounting. It offers fast signal processing (up to 1,600 measurements per second) and a high indication accuracy, making it ideal for demanding industrial applications. The instrument supports electronic calibration (eCal) without test weights and offers extensive interface options for seamless integration into automation and PLC systems.
It is used in industrial weighing applications, such as:
- Gravimetric level monitoring (tanks, silos, containers, bioreactors)
- Filling and dosing processes
- Standard weighing applications and checkweighers
FE430 weighing indicator
The FE430 from WIKA is a universal weighing indicator designed for analogue load cells (4- or 6-wire, mV/V). It offers a precise and stable weight display and features calibration functions, filtering functions and advanced weighing functions for reliable operation, even under demanding conditions.
It is used in industrial weighing applications, such as:
- Gravimetric level monitoring (tanks, silos, containers, bioreactors)
- Industrial scales (floor scales, weighbridges)
- Standard weighing applications, checkweighing and piece counting
FA205 mounting kit
- Mounting kit for shear and bending beam load cells
- Rated loads from 250 kg to 10 t (four different sizes)
- Self-centring
- Compensates temperature-related expansion
- With integrated lift-off protection
- Optionally available with anti-rotation lock (e.g. for tanks with stirrers)
- The load cell can be replaced without dismounting the mounting kit
- Very easy to install
What are the advantages of weighing technology?
For many applications, it is advantageous if level measurement does not require intrusion into the tank or vessel. Thus the measurement takes place independently of the material and its properties. For the different vessel geometries, for example of silos, containers or reservoirs, we offer suitable weighing solutions that fulfil these requirements – regardless of the type and character of the media. Whether liquid or solid, aggressive, generating foam or dust, steaming, conductive or non-conductive, with small or large grain size – none of these factors matter. Neither do hoppers or conical piles, bridging, caking or stirrers affect the measuring result.
Gravimetric level measurement is also in demand in temperature-critical applications and where high durability and robustness are required, such as in the steel industry.
What are single point load cells in weighing technology?
Single point load cells are by far the most commonly used load cells, with a wide range of possible applications. They are also referred to as platform load cells and are particularly suitable for use in scales and weighing equipment in which the weight determination is not predictably centric.
They are easy to install and operate, and just like common bathroom scales, they are insensitive to side loads and corner loads. Typical fields of application are in the logistics sector, in machine building or in the packaging industry.
What are bending and shear beams used for in weighing technology?
Bending and shear beams are often used to determine the weight of small and medium-sized vessels. In these measurements, high accuracy, high ingress protection, robustness and low costs play a major role.
The bending beam is fixed using two mounting holes at the transducer side with the cable outlet. At the opposite side, the force is applied perpendicularly to the measuring unit, centrically and without any transverse force. Since it is manufactured completely from stainless steel, trouble-free operation is possible, even under unfavourable ambient conditions.
In which areas is weighing technology used?
WIKA weighing technology is used in a wide variety of industries and applications. The following examples illustrate this diversity:
Medical engineering:
- Our products, for example, help to monitor the weight of newborns in incubators.
- In blood mixing scales, load cells are used for the exact delivered volume of blood donations.
Agricultural technology:
- The levels of aggressive media, such as in silos, can be precisely measured by our weighing technology.
- In agricultural engineering, for example, exact weighing of the harvest yields on a combine harvester is made possible.
Machine building:
- Our weighing technology is used, for example, in heat sealing devices. Single point load cells measure the optimum contact force for the heating rail.
If your requirements go beyond our existing range, our experts are happy to advise you individually and seek a suitable solution together with you.
Rely on years of experience and know-how from WIKA and tecsis!