LMI has developed our own weighbridge loadcells and instrumentation, and we have obtained SABS trade approval on our weighbridges. Since we manufacture the loadcells, we can also easily repair them. This means low maintenance costs. We have designed our weighbridges in a way to substantially reduce the costs without sacrificing structure integrity.
Our open-bottom design eliminates moisture pockets, which induce corrosion. We have a large customer base of weighbridge installations that can be addressed to vouch for our products and our service
The philosophy behind LMI weighbridges is to optimize the use of materials without compromising on strength. Accurate design, combined with thorough stress analysis, has enabled us to achieve structures that are both lightweight and robust.
STEEL STRUCTURES AND FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
Since our weighbridges are mostly built on order, the customer is able to choose the size and the strength of the steel structure according to his needs.
Finite element analysis is a cutting-edge technique employed by LMI to determine the optimization of stress and deflection within weighbridges. By utilizing this advanced analysis method, LMI engineers can precisely assess how different forces impact the structural integrity of the weighbridges. This allows for the identification of areas that may be under excessive stress or deflection, helping to improve the overall design and ensure the weighbridge’s long-term reliability and performance. By using finite element analysis, LMI can create weighbridges that are not only accurate in weighing but also robust and capable of withstanding varying loads, providing peace of mind to customers and offering a dependable solution for their weighing needs.
Other details that we offer as optional are the height of the weighbridge, portable access ramps, side guards, PC operation, solar panel powering, vehicle identification, complete automation (unmanned weighbridge), booms and traffic lights, and remote maintenance management (E-box). Other options can also be arranged, such as portable weighbridges, or grid decks to allow grains to be discharged below the bridge.
LMI manufactures road, rail, and combination road/rail weighbridges
DIGITAL LOADCELLS
Our weighbridges only use digital loadcells. Digital loadcells are guaranteed to give accurate weighing
every time, with uncompromised accuracy. With digital loadcells, loadcell failure results in no signal indicating that repair is required. By using the “Diagnostics” facility present in our readout instrument, you can immediately detect which loadcell is faulty. On the contrary, weighing equipment with analog loadcells, in case of failure of one loadcell will produce a normal ticket but with the wrong weight. This may continue for an extended period before it is discovered, resulting in a substantial loss for the weighbridge owner. Another advantage of digital loadcells is that, in case of a loadcell being hit by lightning, generally it can be repaired in a matter of hours. Analogue loadcells get completely destroyed by lightning and must be replaced.
SOFTWARE
The WMS weighbridge software is the newest edition of LMI’s weighbridge management software.
It presents the following features:
- Error reporting on the weighbridge status. The weighbridge electronics (loadcells and readout instrument) are continuously monitored. In case of fault, the user can immediately detect where the fault has occurred and when. It allows weighbridge traffic control by means of traffic lights and access booms.
- The system permits automatic truck detection through a tag/card reader, license disk scanner, or number plate recognition. This capability enables unmanned weighbridge operation, allowing for a streamlined and efficient process without the need for manual intervention
- A virtually unlimited number of truck registration numbers can be stored in memory and then recalled to automatically determine the payload by subtracting the tare from the gross weight.
- By detecting the loads present on each load cell, it allows displaying separately the loads on the left and on the right side of the truck, making it possible to correct cargo load asymmetries.
- In the case of a multi-deck weighbridge or an axle scale, it detects each axle load and compares it with the legally allowable limits. A sketch of the truck will appear on the screen, showing in different colors (green, orange, or red) different axle conditions (underloaded, near the limit, or overloaded).
STANDARD WEIGHBRIDGE
The LMI standard weighbridge most commonly used is 24 m long and 3 m wide. The structure is made of 4 modular sections 6 m long each. The strength in the longitudinal direction is supplied by 6 universal beams 254x146x31 kg/m that run along the bridge’s full length. The transversal strength is given by a number of 250×16 flat bars that cross the bridge at regular intervals. The top deck is made of 8 mm or 10mm steel plates. The standard height of the deck is 350 mm from the floor. The bridge is equipped with 10 digital load cells. However, it is possible to order any other length, width, or height that may be required.
It is possible to change the width (normally 3 m) according to any requirement. We can produce weighbridges varying between 3 and 5 m in width, depending on the type of vehicle to be weighed.
- High Profile (deck 500 mm from the floor)
- Low Profile (deck 350 mm from the floor)
- In Pit (deck level with the floor)
The advantage of the High Profile is that it is easy to clean underneath (clearance of 230 mm between weighbridge and floor). It can be advisable in rural areas, where grass can be expected to grow underneath the bridge. The disadvantage is that the ramps must be made 500 mm high, and therefore, in order not to be too steep, at least 5 m long.
The advantage of the Low Profile is the lower and shorter ramps. The disadvantage is that it is more difficult to clean under the weighbridge (the clearance between the bottom of the weighbridge and the floor is 90 mm).
The In-Pit weighbridge does not need ramps. It allows vehicles to drive across the weighbridge area. It requires a very efficient drainage system since it is not advisable for the load cells to operate continuously underwater.
HEAVY DUTY
For load conditions more severe than normal (vehicle gross mass higher than 100 tons, or heavy traffic, higher than 100 vehicles/day) we provide the “Heavy Duty” weighbridge type, with the following features:
Structural beams 254x146x37 kg/m instead of 31 kg/m
Deck plates 10 mm or 12 mm thickness instead of 8 mm
For exceptionally high loads the weighbridge gets entirely redesigned. The deck plates can reach a thickness of up to 16 mm, and different beams are used.
MULTI-DECK (AXLE-WEIGHING)
In the Multi Deck weighbridge, the deck is divided into 4 independent sections, which allows for weighing separate parts of the vehicle. Each section rests on 4 load cells, for a total of 16 load cells. This weighbridge allows obtaining of group axle loads (single axles, tandems, triplets) to avoid fines for overloading. The software allows printing the single weights by axle or axle group, as well as the total weight. It also compares the actual axle loads with the ones allowable by law, triggering an alarm in case of overloading. The screen displays the complete truck layout with the group axle loads.
ROAD-RAIL WEIGHBRIDGES
The LMI road-rail weighbridge is 24 m long and 3 m wide. The rails run in two grooves 100 mm wide and 24 m
long, and the top of the rails is level with the top deck. The capacity is 100 tons. The 10 load cells are placed under the steel structure at intervals of 6 m. The weighbridge is positioned in a pit 24 m long, 3 m wide, and 1.2 m deep.
OTHER FEATURES AVAILABLE :
PC OPERATION
The LS210 readout instrument is connected to a computer, which can record all the weighing operation data. The software allows to control the weighbridge and printer directly from the PC.
UNMANNED WEIGHBRIDGE
This weighbridge is unmanned and electronically controlled. A tag/card reader, license disk scanner, or number plate recognition on the side of the bridge identifies the vehicles accessing the weighbridge. A traffic light will indicate to the driver that this vehicle has been identified and the weight has been taken. Automatic invoicing is also possible.
SOLAR POWER
It allows the weighbridge to operate in areas without electric power. In this case, the LS210 instrument is provided with a tally roll printer which can be operated with 12 V.
Alternatively, it is possible to use a PC + printer by increasing the solar panel area.
WEIGHBRIDGE MAINTENANCE AND VERIFICATION
If the weighbridge is malfunctioning, a message is automatically sent via SMS to the operator’s cellular phone. A report is also sent via the Internet to a remote PC. The user can log onto the relevant Internet site and download all the weighing information.
LMI ALSO OFFERS THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:
Civil construction for our weighbridges
Verification of most types of scales and weighbridges
Repair of most types of scales, weighbridges, and loadcells
Refurbishing of old weighbridges
Transformation of mechanical weighbridges into electronic ones
Extension of existing weighbridges
Maintenance contracts of weighing equipment
Transformation of analog loadcells into digital
Design and manufacturing of new products and devices according to the customer’s needs and indications
