3 Types of Train Wagons Weighing Processes

Weighing train wagons is a fundamental process for the proper functioning of the railroads. The companies involved in this process depend on this step to ensure that the wagongo transported can pass through the roads and without significant losses.

These weighing processes can take place both when loading and unloading. In addition, due to the extensive technology implemented on the Brazilian railroads, this step can also be performed with the train in motion, without the need to stop.

To obtain the most assertive results possible, weighing takes place on railroad scales, static or dynamic, which are the most used. The static weighs the train wagons with the vehicle stopped and the dynamic can wagonry out the weighing with the train in motion. 

In this article, we'll look at exactly how these processes work. For this, we selected 3 types of train wagon weighing procedures that are widely used in national railroads.

Loading of train wagons

To start with, we have the weighing process when loading train wagons. This stage is one of the most common on national railroads.

Wagon loading is the step in which the trains, which will travel to the scheduled destinations, have their wagons loaded with the designated loads. This step depends on what type of load will be placed on the wagons, as each product has a specific characteristic that needs to be taken into account.

In spaces such as coal mines, agribusiness and factories, for example, loading takes place at the point where production takes place. This process differs in each type of production, as the commodities need to be loaded with instruments specific to their characteristics.

Another charging model, which is very common, occurs in intermodal terminals. Usually, trucks carry the loads to these environments and there these items are placed in the train wagons.

In these environments, the weighing of train wagons needs to be performed following a very specific parameter. In order for the weighing to be accurate, it is necessary to weigh the wagons in two moments.

First, the wagon is weighed and empty, thus obtaining the tare value of the wagons. Afterwards, the wagon is weighed again, with the loads already positioned on them. 

In this way, the result is obtained by subtracting the gross weight (cargoes with loads) and the tare weight (empty wagons). The difference between them is the result of the net weight of the composition. 

Unloading of train wagons

The second stage for weighing the train wagons is carried out at the end of the cargo transport process, that is, unloading the wagons. This process is the reverse of loading, as the loads must be removed from the wagons to follow their proper destinations.

The loading and unloading of wagons also differ depending on the commodity being transported.

In mining, for example, unloading works like this: train wagons are turned upside down by a wagon dumper, which is a very robust machine. In this way, the ores loads are deposited in the adequate structure to continue their journey to the planned destinations.

This train wagon unloading process is very fast and efficient, taking about 30 seconds per wagon. You can check out a lot more about this step by accessing the mining case we ran.

On the other hand, unloading in agribusiness is carried out in a different way. Due to the types of wagons used and the inputs being transported, unloading is done in a railroad hopper.

The Hoppers are essential structures for weighing and unloading grain, as they are structures assembled for this process and have a static scale positioned on them, allowing the wagons to be weighed before being unloaded.

The exits for unloading train wagons are directly under the wagons. This process is a little slower than mining, for example, taking between 10 and 15 minutes for the entire wagon to be emptied.

Difference between loading and unloading and the scale used

The weighing of the train wagons on a static scale, it is necessary that during loading and unloading they need to be carried out with the trains parked, both in the hopper, wagon dumper and the weighing of the empty and full wagons when loaded.

For this, it is mandatory to disengage wagon by wagon so that the weighing calculations are accurate. This process of uncoupling the wagon, using the locomotive itself or a wagon puller (or tractor) system to move the wagons, hitching one wagon at a time and placing it on the scales is very time-consuming, interfering with the consistency of the trips.

Differently from that, when companies choose to use dynamic scales on the tracks, there is no need to carry out all these stages of uncoupling and coupling the wagons, positioning the structures one by one on the railroad scales.

With the dynamic scale, the train passes at speed and it quickly calculates, with very high precision, the weight of each wagon, allowing it to continue along the track or not, checking for waste during the journeys, etc.

Best process model

To understand which is the best process model it is necessary to take into account two main aspects: precision and speed. As we said, the use of static scales, very present in loading and unloading trains, makes it impossible to weighing quickly and efficiently, despite the results being accurate.

In this way, uniting these two aspects, dynamic scales are guaranteed to offer the best process model for weighing wagons. With dynamic scales, weighing is carried out quickly, without the need to uncouple the wagons.

In addition, due to the technology and systems used to carrry out the calculations, weighing are carried out with extremely high precision, helping companies in the transport processes not to suffer from lost goods and difficulties in following their journeys. 

Conclusion

As we have seen, there are different types of train wagon weighing processes, such as loading, unloading and with the train in motion. In the current scenario, the use of dynamic scales appears as the best solution for weighing, as it guarantees speed and accuracy for this important step in the functioning of the tracks. 

Searchs:

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

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