Research advances weighbridge systems

Mettler-Toledo introduces the first truly digital weighbridge, the Digitol weighbridge, the heart of which is the DigiTOL Power Cell. In the DigiTOL system each load-cell is practically an ideal machine: except for the lack of a weight display, it is a self-contained scale. It has virtually no moving parts; to be more precise, the only movement is in compression, a very small movement indeed. The load is detected by an array of resistive strain gauges bonded to the load-bearing counter force. The resulting analogue signal, which previously had to be summed and sent to the instrument for analogue to digital conversion, is now interfaced with a powerful microprocessor contained within the cell body. In summary, the DigiTOL system has solved most of the problems commonly associated with conventional load-cell scales; however, additional long-term benefits are derived by DigiTOL technology, with such advances as: built-in lighting protection; scale diagnostics; power cell replacements. Aside from describing the DigiTOL weigh bridge system, the article also addresses the standard software solutions and portable and fixed weigh-in-motion systems.