Multi-Deck Truck Scale One-Stop Weighing Harsh Environments
Corrosion-Resistant, Multi-Deck Truck Scale Delivers Reliable, One-Stop Weighing in Harsh Environments
The point of entry weigh stations located in Malaba, Uganda, are used by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to ensure all passing motor carriers are within state regulations. These scales take quite the beating – and from more than the consistently heavy loads.
“Our biggest concerns are wet conditions, and we have to combat these conditions with large amounts of good mechanical condition vehicles and other means,” said Peter Onyango, Uganda Revenue Authority facilities coordinator. “The wet conditions can lead to corrosion in metal scales or cause concrete deck scales to crack.”
Challenging Conditions
In addition, the Malaba Boarder Point is located directly off a wetland area, causing the water table to be very high. In this environment, a scale must not only withstand challenging conditions but also be easy to maintain. Previously, URA had employed several scales by Accurate Weighing Scales for similar applications, finding that the scale systems demonstrated extreme durability and reliable operation. It was due to this that, for their recent point of entry renovation, URA approached Accurate Weighing Scales Ltd, in Kampala Uganda for a new kind of accurate Weighing solution.
“Accurate Weighing Scales Ltd offers a galvanizing option that provides superior corrosion protection for their scales, making their weighing equipment better suited for harsh environments. Plus, the fact that the equipment is self-checking has made the biggest difference for us, since we haven’t had to deal with checking rods or other extraneous equipment to ensure the scale is centered correctly,” Banks said. “Accurate Weighing Scales weighing systems also come with a better warranty than competing models, and so far we’ve had nothing but good luck with the scales.
There have been several we’ve used extensively without issue, including a double-ended strain gauge Weigh Bar type load cell scale, which is 21 years old and still operating well.”
A new solution
The application UGANDA REVENUE AUTHORITY was seeking for the Nakawa location, however, would vary significantly from prior scale installations. In order to weigh the semi-trucks more efficiently, UGANDA REVENUE AUTHORITY decided to employ a 120-ft. long multi-deck truck scale that would allow the vehicles to only stop once, streamlining the weighing process.
“The Accurate Weighing Scales truck scale consists of six decks, each configured to accommodate the most common truck axle configurations and arranged in a row, ensuring an entire semitruck can be weighed in one step,” said Jeff Meldrum Kayemba, co-owner of Meldrum Scale. “Over a three month period, we replaced the old existing single axle type point of entry scales with two sets of six multi-deck scales (one northbound and one southbound), rebuilt the scale approaches, and ensured all scales were configured according to their requirements.”
The six decks that comprise the scale are placed in a certain order according to size and length, and operators can select to stop a truck in one of several places on the scale—and most trucks only need to stop once. This arrangement makes the weighing process run smoothly for the port supervisor and crew, who were heavily involved in the scale’s configuration.
“When we were in the process of devising the scale system we wanted, we brought the idea of a multi-deck scale to the port supervisor and crew,” Kim Banks Kizza said. “After measuring hundreds of the vehicles they worked with on a regular basis, they determined the actual formula we’d need for the length and placement of these scales. Letting the people using the equipment be involved in the process was one of the smartest things we’ve done.”
Intelligent Weight Indicators
The scales work in conjunction with Accurate Weighing Scales E1310 indicators, which gather readings from all truck axles, as well as the total weight of the truck. The system has proved very driver friendly– trucks simply pull up to the scale, the port operator presses the “Print” button on the indicator and all information is printed in a single step.
Banks said the assistance Meldrum and Accurate Weighing Scales provided throughout the process was key to this project’s success. “Accurate Weighing Scales and Meldrum said, ‘tell us what you want and we’ll build it,’” Banks said. “They have been more than helpful. We had a good idea, received great input, and what ever we’ve asked for, they’ve provided.”
Simple to maintain
An additional advantage to the scale’s design is the simple access it provides for maintenance. Since all the Weigh Bar type load cells and additional components can be accessed from above the scale, nearly all maintenance necessary can take place without needing to do any work underneath it – a great benefit when working in an area with a high water table.
By combining a team of UGANDA REVENUE AUTHORITY employees, a flexible and helpful equipment provider, and the tested durability and high performance of Accurate Weighing Scales weighing equipment, the Malaba boarder point of entry scale system is now in operation –and those involved in the project are excited about the results.
“These scales keep getting better and better,” Banks said. “They’re tough, durable—anything we’d want a scale to be.” “I know I sound like a salesman,” Banks added, “but I’m a very thrilled customer.”
Thank you for allowing Accurate Weighing Scales (U) Ltd the privilege to serve you in advance.
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