Weighbridge verification, calibration and maintenance

A weighbridge often determines what gets invoiced: raw materials, waste, harvest, a lorry driving in or out. A deviation of a few tenths of a percent then adds up to a lot of money over a year. We calibrate, maintain and repair weighbridges and silo weighing systems on site; verification is arranged through the manufacturer.

Weighbridge verification and re-verification

If you settle accounts on the weight the weighbridge shows - for purchasing, sales, waste or transport - it must be verified for trade use. After a repair to the weighing technology, a replaced load cell or a broken seal, it must be re-verified before you may trade with it again. Re-verification is arranged through the manufacturer; for a weighbridge from another brand, we tell you in advance what is possible. More about the inspection itself under scale re-verification.

Weighbridge calibration with a certificate

If you only weigh internally - for your own stock, a recipe or a process - verification is not required, but your quality system does call for a traceable calibration. You receive a certificate with the deviation at several load points, the repeatability, the deviation per side of the weighbridge, the measurement uncertainty and the weights used. See also scale calibration with a certificate.

How it works on site

A weighbridge is not going anywhere; the engineer comes to you, with the test weights and transport that match the range. We agree in advance how much weight is needed and how the test is carried out, as well as a moment when the weighbridge can be kept clear. We calibrate up to 60,000 kg.

During the visit we also look at what makes a weighbridge deviate: dirt and sand under the deck, frozen or jammed edges, water in the pit, the load cells, the junction box and the cabling.

Weighbridge maintenance

A weighbridge stands outdoors and has a hard life. Maintenance keeps the space under and around the deck clear, checks the load cells, the connections and the drainage, and measures with test weights whether it still weighs within tolerance. This prevents a deviation from only coming to light through a complaint or an inspection. See also scale maintenance.

Replacing load cells and fixing faults

The most common repair on a weighbridge is a load cell damaged by overloading, a lightning strike or moisture. We replace the load cell and readjust the corners so that the weighbridge weighs the same everywhere; for a verified weighbridge, re-verification is then arranged through the manufacturer. See scale repair.

Silo weighing and tank weighing

With silo weighing, the load cells sit under the legs of the silo or tank. We also calibrate, maintain and repair these installations, and check that the connections of pipes and filling hoses do not affect the weighing.

Signs that a weighbridge is deviating

• an empty weighbridge no longer returns to zero, or drifts;
• the same vehicle weighs differently from what you expect when driving in and out;
• the weight differs depending on where the vehicle stands on the deck;
• the reading is unstable in wind or after rain;
• there is sand, dirt or ice along the edges or under the deck.

Have it checked before the differences end up in your invoices.

Weighbridges in winter

Ice and snow between the deck and the foundation, or a frozen drain that leaves water standing in the pit, can cause a weighbridge to jam or weigh differently. Keep the edges and the gap around the deck clear, and have the drainage checked before winter.

What to arrange in advance

• a moment when the weighbridge can be kept clear;
• access to the weighbridge for the vehicle carrying the test weights;
• the make and model of the indicator and the weighbridge, and whether it is verified.

Then the work can be done in one visit.

Further reading

• Weighbridge calibration and verification: accurate measurement and legal compliance
• Re-verifying a weighbridge correctly: a practical guide
• For axle loads: axle weighers

Request weighbridge service

Call +31 345 786 553, email sales@weegexperts.nl or use the form on this page. Tell us the make and model of the indicator and the weighbridge, the weighing range, whether it is verified, and what you need. You then receive a price and a proposed date in advance.

Frequently asked questions about weighbridges

Does my weighbridge need to be verified?

If you settle accounts on the weight it shows, yes. If you only weigh internally, verification is not required and calibration with a certificate is usually enough.

When does a weighbridge need to be re-verified?

After work on the weighing technology, such as a replaced load cell, after a broken seal, or if it is outside its tolerance. Re-verification is arranged through the manufacturer.

How is a weighbridge calibrated?

With test weights at several points of the range and at different positions on the deck. We agree with you in advance how much weight is needed and how the test is carried out.

What does calibrating a weighbridge cost?

That depends on the range, the weight that has to be brought in and the condition of the weighbridge. You get the price in advance.

Do you also handle silo weighing?

Yes: calibration, maintenance and repair of load cells under silos and tanks.

My weighbridge suddenly weighs differently. What could it be?

Often dirt, sand or ice under or along the deck, water in the pit or a damaged load cell. Check that the deck is clear; if the problem persists, give us a call.