In Motion Rail Scale, Logistics

How Weigh a Moving Freight Train

The weighing process of the trains is fundamental for checking the weight of the loads, considering that these values are decisive for allowing the movement of the train on a railroad line. Each railroad line has a maximum amount of weighing and, if the moving freight train exceeds this weighing, it will not be able to continue the journey.

To carry out this weighing, there are two types of scales that are used, as you can check with greater precision on the following link, each of which has its own operating model and specific capacity for weighing. 

The first scale model is the static scale, which performs the weighing of the wagon loads in a static way, that is, it works only with stopped trains. Because of this dynamic, in which weighing is performed with trains parked, static scales tend to be highly accurate in weighing loads.

This is one of the main advantages of using a static scale. In addition, due to the widespread use of this model, for many years, maintenance is more practical and automatic, guaranteeing its operation for much longer. 

However, there are some disadvantages to using this scale, especially the lack of weighing agility, since it is necessary for trains to park and the wagons to be decoupled during weighing, for this to happen. There is also a high incidence of errors, if the static weighing procedure is not respected, weighing with coupled wagons (semi-dynamic) can result in errors of up to 2000 kg upwards or downwards.

The other model, which is increasingly used, is the dynamic scale, ideal for moving freight trains. In the sequence, we will talk all about the functioning of dynamic scales, highlighting, mainly, why this model of scales is taking the place of static scales, being increasingly important for the weighing of wagons.

Dynamic scales check with moving freight train

Dynamic scales

As we said, dynamic scales are gaining a very interesting space in the process of weighing train loads, especially due to the great differential it offers in relation to others, essentially static scales.

Currently, dynamic scales are the only ones capable of weighing the wagons of the moving train. That is, with the use of the dynamic scale, trains are not required to park for weighing to take place.

Operation of dynamic scales

Operation of dynamic scales

Obviously, because it is a different scale model from static ones, the functioning of dynamic scales is also different.

To start with, as we said, these scales have the capacity to weigh the wagons with the freight train in motion, which in itself already requires a functioning mechanism quite different from the others.

First, it is necessary to talk about the process of installing the scales. Depending on the efficiency of the team performing the installation, this procedure can take 8 hours, which is a very optimistic perspective, considering that the team is qualified. 

The speed of installation of the scales is very important, because, while they are being assembled, the track is stopped. Upon completion of the assembly, the track is released. In the video of the link below,you can see an example of the assembly of a dynamic railroad scale, carried out by the MASSA team, an example of quality in the market. 

But how does the dynamic scale manage to weigh the freight train in motion? Well, this attribute is determined by the technologies that are applied to the scales.

MASSA, for example, has very modern systems and a reference in the market, which allow its scales to carry out this weighing with up to 99.8% accuracy. 

For this weighing to happen, the scale has digital load cells. These cells are responsible for making the data omitted during weighing available to the server that is connected to it, verified by the professionals working in this area.

In the case of the scales of the company MASSA Pesagem e Automação Industrial, which is a reference in the market and has several scales positioned by the main Brazilian railroad lines, the SIMMSOFT software is used.

The use of this software, which is constantly updated to new versions, is essential for the data to be processed and made available to the operators of the dynamic scales that carry out the weighing of the moving freight train.

The processed data is obtained through different weighing sets, which happen quickly. Are they:

  • Individual weighing of the wagon;
  • Individual weighing of the train;
  • Weighing the weight per axle;
  • Weighing by trick;
  • Weighing by load distribution per quadrant.

the weighing of the moving freight train becomes very effective. 

Why is dynamic weighing better?

Technical assistance for quality railway scales is with  Massa Pesagem

For the main national railroad lines to be making this change, replacing the traditional weighing model, which was static scales, to use dynamic scales, they need to be advantageous.

As we have already seen, the main difference between the two is the possibility of weighing the freight train in motion. This difference is already enough to guarantee an interesting advantage in relation to the static scale, but along with this gain, other benefits automatically come.

The accuracy of the data, for example, is a very important aspect, which makes the dynamic scale for weighing moving freight trains very interesting. Reaching 99.8% accuracy in weighing the wagon, the dynamic scale is one of the most accurate on the market, mainly due to the wide technology used in its operation.

Another important advantage is the optimization of the weighing time. As the trajectory of the trains needs to be well organized and the route needs to be executed in a certain period, all gain time is very important. 

Due to this potential to be able to measure the weight of trains in motion, without the need for the train to have to stop to carry out the weighing, it is already an interesting gain in relation to common scales.

Finally, the versatility of dynamic scales, essentially those developed by MASSA, is a very interesting aspect. This instrument allows weighing to happen on one or more scales at the same time, something that is not possible on other types of scales. 

Conclusion on weighing with the freight train in motion

We can conclude with the article that the presence of railroad scales on the railroad lines is fundamental for measuring the weight of trains, especially the wagons and the loads present in these wagons. However, as there is more than one type of scale, it is important that companies choose the one that brings the most advantages and, in this sense, the dynamic scale of Massa Pesagem e Automação Industrial has proven to be the most qualified on the market, performing weighing with freight trains in motion, unlike other common scales. 

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https://www.mt.com/br/pt/home/products/Transport_and_Logistics_Solutions/rail_scales.html

https://www.mrs.com.br/post-blog-inovacao/balanca-ferroviaria-dinamica/

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