Everything you need to know about weighing a silo

The main method: using load cells

The most effective method for weighing a silo is to install load cells (also known as load cells) directly under the silo. These sensors measure the total weight of the silo and its contents, offering high accuracy.

Advantages

• High accuracy: The sensors provide an exact measurement of the weight of the stored material.
• Real-time monitoring: Continuous monitoring of the fill level is possible.
• Easy integration: Data can be integrated into management systems for automated monitoring.

You can find out about the different types of sensors used to weigh your silo on our product page.

Precautions to take

• Avoid rigid connections: Ensure that no rigid connections (such as pipes or fixed structures) impede the movement of the silo, which could distort the measurements.
• Correct installation of load cells: Sensors must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure accurate measurements.
• Perform accurate calibration: Calibrating a load cell is not as easy as calibrating a hopper. For this, you can follow the Syvrac blog on load cell calibration.

How to weigh a silo?

Accurate silo weighing is essential for optimal management of powder and bulk material stocks. Whether you use flexible, rigid or stainless steel silos, it is crucial to understand the available weighing methods, their advantages and their limitations.

Alternative methods: indirect weighing systems

In some cases, particularly during modernisation projects or when budget constraints apply, alternative methods may be considered.

Systems based on structural deformation

These systems measure the deformation of the silo legs to estimate the weight of the contents. However, they generally offer less accuracy and are more suited to indicating trends than providing exact measurements. Furthermore, they do not comply with legal weighing standards, such as IFS controls.

Level measurement using sensors

Level sensors such as radars can be used to estimate the volume of material in the silo. However, this method does not take into account the variable density of materials, which can lead to inaccuracies.

Conclusion

For accurate and compliant weighing, installing load cells under the silo remains the most recommended method. Although alternatives exist, they do not provide the same level of accuracy and may not meet legal requirements.
To learn more about weighing solutions for your silos, contact the experts at Syvrac.