Dynamic Scales or Static Scales, which one is the best?

In a country like Brazil, with continental proportions, cargo transportation will always be a complicated task. Therefore, a way to facilitate this type of service is through the railroad network, where it is possible to transport a greater volume of material at once on a train. Even so, there is a maximum limit that can be taken, being necessary to weigh the loads by means of dynamic or static scales.

As a result, after a period of neglect, the scenario for the use of the Brazilian railroad network has grown, largely due to the concession of services to the private sector. As a consequence, the transported production has increased by 195% in the last 22 years, jumping from 137 to 407 billion of tons per kilometer.

In addition, cargo handling grew 125% between 1997 and 2018, from 253 million to 569 million TU (Useful Ton). And do you know how it was possible to obtain these measures? Through efficient weighing of the load. In other words, using a quality railway scale.   

So, which scale is best to use in your business? Dynamic scale or static scale?

Static Scale

The first model of railroad scale is called static. This name is due to the fact that this equipment requires the train to be completely stopped and with the wagons properly disengaged for weighing to be carried out, which in this case is made by the difference between gross weight versus tare weight.

When using this weighing method, for unloading goods, for example, the scale may be located under a port hopper, regardless of whether it is before it or on adjacent lines. In the meantime, in the case of supplying wagons, the equipment must be located below a loading bull, afterwards or on adjacent lines.

In order for the weighing to be reliable, it is extremely important that the scale used is approved by INMETRO. Otherwise, there may be numerous errors in the measurement of cargo, which can lead to more drastic accidents during transport.

In addition, a static scale has some points that end up hindering its daily use in an increasingly competitive market. The first of them is the issue of the obligation to make the entire process stopped, which implies a greater time spent to release the flow of products.

This process also implies a greater energy and, consequently, financial expense with the train, since it is necessary to keep walking and stopping at all times.   

Dynamic Scale

The dynamic scale, unlike what happens with static, does not need the wagons to be static on top of the weighing tracks, being possible that they pass at a predetermined speed for the weighing to be done.

This equipment becomes of great value in the market because it offers a much faster and more efficient weighing when compared to other models. This model becomes even more essential when considering the need to weigh more than 30 wagons per day.

To effectively understand how this process works, imagine that the maximum speed allowed for weighing to occur is 15 km/h, so it is possible to weigh around 150 wagons in less than 15 minutes. This is a huge operational gain, even more when there is a need to disengage some wagon.

It is possible to find different types of this equipment on the market, with differences in the accuracy levels. Thus, there are companies that offer models with accuracy levels of 1.0, 0.5 and 0.2, both for wagons and for composition.

Cutting-edge technology

Dynamic scales rely on the application of modern technology to make them work. Because of this, these weighing systems are able to capture the approved weights for commercial purposes of individual wagons while the train remains engaged and moves on the scale at predetermined speeds.

In addition, when choosing this model of equipment, there is also the possibility that it will work without the presence of any employee. In other words, the scale is fully automated and can be customized with accessory items for automatic wagon reading, such as RFID and OCR-Railway, depending on the company's needs.

Implementation of dynamic scale or static scale

Regardless of the choice being a dynamic scale or static scale, it is necessary to understand about the equipment installation process. In case of dynamic scales, it is not necessary a very complex installation, with the creation of ditches or foundations, which makes the start of the operation much faster, compared to static scales that needs a concrete foundation .

Thus, to put a dynamic scale into operation, after choosing a location that meets the requirements predetermined by the scale manufacturer, a section of the existing rails is removed from the railroad and replaced by the scale rails. Then, the railroad ties are repositioned and the ballast adjusted.

Following its installation requirements, the dynamic scale or static scale is ready to be calibrated and, in the sequence, used.

What is the best scale?

When making a comparison to know which equipment is better, the dynamic scale or static scale, it is noticeable that the former is the best one that exists at that moment. Due to the high demands of the current market, you can no longer waste time with simple tasks.

Therefore, by having a dynamic scale instead of a static one, your company gains in speed, precision and, consequently, in profitability as well. Thus, the greater your daily weighing demand, count on a dynamic scale with the highest possible quality, such as those of Massa Pesagem e Automação Industrial.

Conclusion

In short, throughout the article, you can see that in case of doubt about which equipment to choose, dynamic scale or static scale, always choose the dynamic scale. In addition, always count on the partnership of Massa Pesagem to make the best choice for your business.

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