Load Cells for Tanks – Professional Weighing Technology for Silos and Containers
We offer load cells for tanks as kits suitable for various types of silos. Our tank load cells are ideal for determining weight and fill levels in silos and containers. Matching our tank load cells, we provide suitable weighing electronics including basic indicators, advanced A/D converters, and fieldbus modules compatible with all common systems. Read more...
With silo and container scales, you always stay in control of inventory
Silos provide plenty of space for storing all kinds of raw materials. To keep an accurate overview of a silo's fill level at all times, it is advisable to monitor stock levels by weighing the entire silo or container. Only if the inventory of required raw materials is correct can smooth production be ensured. Silo or container scales are specifically designed for weighing such large containers. They usually consist of an easy-to-install kit that can be optimally adapted to the respective silo.
How does a silo scale work?
The silo or container scale consists of several load cells and a display unit. The number of load cells depends on the number of support legs of the silo – typically 3 or 4. One tank load cell is mounted under each leg. The individual load cells are connected via a junction box and read out through the indicator. Calibration is usually not required, as the kit is typically delivered pre-calibrated. Depending on the control or display unit used, multiple container scales can be combined, enabling the mixing of different materials.
How many support legs can a silo scale have?
BOSCHE silo scales are suitable for silos and containers with tank load cells for 3 to 10 support legs.
What is the maximum allowable total weight of a tank load cell system?
The total weight capacity of tank load cells depends on the number and type of load cells. For example, with a rated capacity of 10 tons per leg, we recommend loading the system to 2/3 of the maximum. That means for a container with three legs, the maximum load including the silo’s own weight would be 20 tons (3 × 10 tons × 2/3 = 20 tons).
What can I weigh with tank load cells?
With a silo scale equipped with tank load cells, you can weigh both solid and liquid materials. Silo scales are often used in agriculture for weighing grain and feed. Liquids can also be weighed in the same way.
Can I also use a silo scale for filling or dosing?
Yes, with the appropriate weighing electronics and tank load cells, simple control processes for filling, emptying, or dosing can be implemented. More complex tasks can be programmed using an external PLC. For this, weighing transmitters or strain gauge amplifiers with suitable digital or analog outputs are ideal.
Fields of Application for Container and Silo Scales
The possible applications for such scales are as diverse as the raw materials stored in large containers. Silo scales are typically used in industrial environments where large quantities of raw materials must be kept available. Thanks to the fact that these scales can be easily combined, entire mixing processes can be controlled through such a weighing system. Silo scales are also useful for loading vehicles, as a precisely defined amount can be extracted from the container, eliminating the need for re-weighing the loaded vehicle.
IoT Components.
Cloud-Based & Smart.
With our innovative silo weighing components, remote monitoring of your silos and tanks becomes child's play. Connected via a cloud (IoT), you can access fill levels and weights online in real time – anytime, anywhere. This allows you to optimize your processes and increase the efficiency of your operation.
Components Certified According to DIN EN 1090
Certifications are often seen as an additional burden with excessive bureaucracy and unnecessary regulations. However, they are an essential tool for quality assurance, contributing significantly to process reliability through error prevention and optimization. Since July 1, 2014, all load-bearing components made of steel or aluminum must go through the conformity verification process according to DIN EN 1090. Since silos and bulk containers fall under the Construction Products Regulation, and the corresponding weighing modules must bear the full load, this standard applies to them as well. These types of scales can be used in many areas – for example, in industry where large quantities of raw materials must be available, or for vehicle loading, where a precisely defined quantity can be extracted without reweighing the loaded vehicle. At BOSCHE Weighing Technology, we only use weighing modules that comply with DIN EN 1090.
Tank load cells from BOSCHE are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Our tank load cells are delivered ready-to-install as complete weighing systems for mounting on silos, tanks, and containers. The weighing module consists of a tank load cell with direct force transmission at each container foot. The tank load cells are connected to the weighing terminal via a junction box (e.g., JBB-04 terminal and trim box) for strain gauge load cells. Our tank load cells are pre-calibrated at the factory and are ready for operation immediately after installation. The weighing modules are mounted directly between the foundation and the container supports.
With strain gauge transmitters, the values from the tank load cells can be determined quickly, accurately, and reliably. Tank load cells can be connected directly to an indicator by wiring them to a junction box (see image), which can then be connected to a BOSCHE MWI indicator or a transmitter (e.g., BOSCHE transmitters WTB or WTS). Transmitters designed specifically for silo applications support all common fieldbus protocols. More information about weighing transmitters and indicators for silo scales can be found in our online shop at BOSCHE.eu
Proper Force Transmission is Key to Accurate Measurements in Tank Load Cells
Stainless Steel Tank Load Cells with Compression Weighing Module
The food and pharmaceutical industries have particularly strict hygiene requirements for silo scales. It is crucial that components are easy to clean and robust. Our tank load cells and silo scales meet these requirements. They are ideal for installation in tank or silo systems handling liquids, powders, solids, or gases. Silo scales have also proven themselves in the chemical industry and in waste and recycling facilities for weighing containers, storage tanks, and silos. BOSCHE tank load cells are compatible with silos from many manufacturers such as Polem, Mertens, Agrico, and Agritech.
Shear Beam Weighing Module for Standard Tank Load Cell Applications
Our tank load cells and weighing modules are specially designed for use in both indoor and outdoor silo applications, as the requirements for components vary greatly. For standard silo applications such as feed or raw material storage, shear beam weighing modules with overload protection are particularly suitable. At BOSCHE, you get all the necessary components for building a silo scale, including weighing electronics, junction and trim boxes, or connection cables – all perfectly matched. This ensures quick and secure installation between the foundation and the container support. Since the tank load cells are factory-calibrated, the silo scale is operational immediately after setup.
Double Shear Beam Weighing Module with Tank Load Cells for Heavy-Duty Silo Scales
Fiberglass-reinforced plastic (GRP) silos for animal feed often store large quantities of material like feed or grain. Regular fill level monitoring with a silo scale helps ensure accurate inventory management and timely restocking. It also allows correct mixing ratios to be set. With tank load cells from BOSCHE for outdoor containers, you're always informed about your silo levels. The weighing system consists of a stainless steel load cell with a galvanized mounting module, combined with a weighing indicator. BOSCHE’s tank load cells as modules feature overload protection and offer long service life. They are available in weighing ranges of 3, 5, 10, and 20 tons per silo foot.
Application Example
Filling with a Silo Scale
How much is left in the silo? How do I mix the correct ratio? Am I dispensing the right amount? These questions are easily answered with the right silo scale. For example, combine a BOSCHE weighing module with the CSW weighing controller. This enables single-component dosing for filling a tank or dispensing specific quantities (in this case, the container underneath the tank is weighed). Multiple formulas can be stored and accessed at any time. All settings/values can be entered directly using the 5-key membrane keypad. The weighing transmitter is equipped with 5 outputs (max. 115V AC / 60 mA) as standard – perfect for controlling relays. Each CSW-C also includes 3 logic inputs.
Control Process of a Silo Scale
To start the filling process, the 3 logic inputs (Start, Stop, Tare) can be used. Components can be mixed, filled, or dosed. Predefined outputs (Preset, Set, Cycle End, Tolerance, Alarm) simplify setup for dosing and filling operations.
Weighing Terminal for Tank Load Cells
Cost-effective and powerful
The BOSCHE process weighing terminal, model PMW, is suitable for both simple and complex filling and mixing applications. The standard programs designed specifically for silo weighing allow for easy operation and setup without the need for complex and expensive programming. Depending on requirements, programs are available for silo weighing, container weighing, dosing units, and mixer scales. Filling and mixing processes with up to 14 components can be quickly and easily configured. Five operating modes can be freely selected: BASE, LOAD, UNLOAD, 03 PRODUCTS, and 06 PRODUCTS. In addition, all industry-standard bus communication technologies are available for connecting a silo scale.
- 300 measurements per second
- Ideal for silos, containers, dosing units, and mixers
- Direct control of valves and filling systems – even without a PLC
- Versatile connectivity and control options
- Wide range of communication protocols & fieldbus interfaces
- Compatible with various types of scales
We are happy to advise you on our products and their possible applications.
Only at BOSCHE. Weighing Technology Service by Professionals.
Planning
Do you have a specific challenge when it comes to weighing your silo contents? Too much, too little, incorrect ratio? Your requirements are not "off the shelf"? We plan, develop, and build completely customized solutions. Get in touch with us.
Design
In our design office, our experienced engineers develop weighing modules with tank load cells that are precise, durable, and tailored to all customer requirements. We’re also happy to modify existing components or develop entirely new solutions that fit your application perfectly.
Assembly
Our electronics specialists assemble all components in-house. We work according to the highest standards and use only high-quality components. Our decades of experience in weighing technology benefit us – and you – every day.
Calibration
Everything has to be just right. We don’t simply pack and ship it. All silo scales are of course pre-calibrated by us. Our professionals measure and test all relevant parameters in advance. That’s a promise.
Quality Control
We stand behind our products. Everything that leaves our facility is thoroughly tested and, if necessary, immediately reworked. Then it’s safely packed and shipped. Our team delivers quality made in Germany.
Service
Whether it’s wiring, installation of transmitters, software setup or interface configuration – we support you during the commissioning of our silo scales and remain your reliable contact even after purchase.
Have Questions? We Have the Right Solution.
Whether standard model or custom solution – we’re happy to advise you on everything related to our silo and tank scales. Simply use the contact form and our team of experts will get back to you promptly!