Corrosion Resistant Scales

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There are many severe-usage industrial applications that will call for scales with corrosion resistance. Corrosion resistant scales might include applications such as:

* bench weighing
* check weighing
* drum weighing
* crane weighing
* forklift weighing
* tank and hopper weighing
* crane weighing

Materials that would call for a corrosion resistant scale might include cylinders of liquefied gas such as:

* chlorine
* sulfur dioxide
* ammonia
* hydrogen
* chloride
* carbon dioxide

In scale applications, galvanic corrosion is not often a factor (where two electrochemically dissimilar metals are in contact with each other). Other hazards, however, come from the chemicals themselves. Corrosive agents come from impurities in gases, liquids, solids or compounds. Often they are harmless until they come in contact with water. Hydrogen sulfide, for instance, is a corrosive byproduct of many cracked gases. In such cases, corrosion-resistant materials and safety measures are imperative. Chemicals ...
... that require special handling and corrosion resistant scales might include:

* fluoride
* sodium hypochlorite
* sodium hydroxide
* phosphate
* alum
* caustics

Many corrosion resistant scales feature a low profile for easy loading of cylinders or drums. Typically, chemical resistance comes from a tough epoxy coating over stainless steel construction. Particles of garnet may be embedded in the epoxy for abrasion resistance and a non-skid surface. Scales are available in capacities that run from 500-1000 pounds all the way up to 20,000 pounds or larger, with platforms that range from 20" x 27" to 5" x 5" or larger. Modern corrosion resistant scales are available with numerous options for different applications and needs.

Most modern corrosion resistant scales will also include a graphics display for easy viewing, and 4-20 ma output. Modern, state-of-the-art scales will also feature Ethernet output and a printer. Memory cards and a USB port are also available on many scales. Scales specifically made for weighing drums might also include an 8 level set point controller for automatically filling drums, or even simple batching functions may be built-in.

For years, most drum scales and floor scales were made with sheet metal construction. Experience has shown that this is not sufficient for difficult environments. Instead, stainless steel load cells result in scales that have high levels of accuracy and repeatability. Welded stainless steel construction, sealed load cells, and epoxy compound coating means a scale that will deliver years of durable, reliable service in harsh environments.

In an industrial setting, a durable, reliable instrument is obviously an all-important concern. As you can see, modern scales are well suited for chemical plants, wastewater facilities, petrochemical facilities, distribution and logistics centers, distilleries and other difficult environments. Even highway truck scales can call for corrosion resistance, with the variety of salt and other chemicals used to keep roads clear in the winter. With protection from a wide variety of corrosive chemicals, durability, accuracy and platform size in mind, these instruments are now available at a middle-tier price point that can work for many industries and applications.