Weight transmission and display with precision: our weight transmitters
Our high-quality load cells provide you with reliable and extremely precise weight measurement. However, in order to use this information effectively in your production processes, the analogue signals from the load cells must be recorded and forwarded to the production control system. Various weighing electronics are available for this purpose, including weight transmitters, weighing indicators and weighing controllers.
Weight transmitters are specialised weighing electronics that are usually installed inside control cabinets. Our weight transmitters can be used to connect container or silo scales to a process control system. Weight transmitters are responsible for the reliable transmission of measurement data. Weighing indicators also have a number of buttons for operation and displays on which the weight values can be shown. Weighing controllers go one step further and enable the independent control and automation of weighing processes with the help of various application packages.
In this article, we would like to explain how our weight transmitters work and what advantages they offer in your applications.
Everything from a single source
We provide you with all components for hopper and silo weighing from a single source - be it load cells, installation kits, weighing electronics or accessories. We support you throughout the entire planning process: from the initial consultation to commissioning and maintenance.
Link E weight transmitter
As a weight transmitter for analogue strain gauge load cells, the Link E has a high-contrast touch display on which all information and settings are visible and easy to find at all times. It can be configured without additional software via a standard web browser. "Smart Calibration" enables adjustment without any weights. This minimises installation and access times.
In addition, the Link E offers a choice of nine common interfaces for all application areas, including Modbus-TCP, Profibus, ProfiNet, DeviceNet or Ethernet/IP. The Link E is the logical further development of the successful PR 5211 weight transmitter.
- Efficient weight transmitter with touch display
- Fast and precise weight values
- Control of three digital inputs/outputs
- Quick and easy installation via web browser
- Space-saving installation on DIN top-hat rails
- Support for the most common global fieldbuses
Weight transmitter PR 5220
The German Quality weight transmitter PR 5220 reliably and quickly processes weight values from silo and container scales via analogue and digital load cells. The network connection enables simple operation, installation and maintenance. The integrated Modbus TCP protocol transmits the weight values to PC systems or process controllers.
- High-precision, reliable and fast processing of weight values
- Convenient and efficient adjustment of the scale within one minute
- Global remote maintenance through remote service functionality
- EasyFill? dosing function saves programming effort
- Space-saving installation on DIN top-hat rails
- Support for the most common global fieldbuses
Weight transmitter PR 5230
The German Qualityweight transmitter in PR 5230 processes reliable and high-precision weight values from silo and hopper scales via analogue and digital load cells. The field housing with protection class IP65 enables direct and safe installation regardless of the ambient conditions. The relay outputs can switch valves, e.g. for filling processes, directly on site. An integrated intrinsically safe protective circuit enables the connection of scales installed directly in hazardous areas without the use of additional barriers.
- High-precision, reliable and fast processing of weight values
- Convenient and efficient adjustment of the scale within one minute
- Global remote maintenance through remote service functionality
- Integrated display for status monitoring
- EasyFill? dosing function saves programming effort
- Installation in potentially explosive atmospheres optionally possible
- Support for the most common global fieldbuses
Webinar: Affordable weighing made easy
Load cells and electronics for seamless integration into manual or fully automated manufacturing processes. In our product portfolio you will find the right solution for every requirement: from 100 l batching tanks to 1,000 t silos, from hygienic production environments to hazardous areas, from analogue to digital. We can do more than others Our engineering support offers you comprehensive support for projects involving container weighing technology and reduces your workload to a minimum.
Do you need help configuring your weighing or inspection solution?
Simply send us your questions or requests using the contact form or give us a call. We will be happy to help you.
Further information Technical article and webinar
Technical article: How load cells and weighing electronics turn containers into scales.
In today's industrial landscape, system integrators and manufacturers of process vessels are faced with ever-increasing demands for precision, efficiency and quality. Integrating load cells as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) solution offers these companies a versatile and powerful way to provide process safety to their customers while optimising their own products and services.
Webinar: Loadcell as central heart of weighing
This webinar provides in-depth insights into the portfolio of Load Cells and weighing electronics of Minebea Intec. This will be presented on a practical base by using examples of realized weighing applications to illustrate the benefits of the shown products. Basic introduction about a weighing system in general.
- Introduction of Load Cells and weight transmitter portfiolio incl. application areas
- Realized weighing applications and benefits of Minebea Intec weighing solutions
FAQ
What exactly is the EasyFill application?
EasyFill is a software application for single-component dosing of liquids, powders and granulates with a user-specific configurable setpoint. The individual parameters such as tolerances or overrun corrections allow for simple filling. Filling control within the transmitter itself enables precise results to be achieved more quickly, as transmission times are eliminated. The integrated digital inputs and outputs enable direct valve control. The control of the function is easy to integrate into control systems and the prefabricated dosing sequences enable an error-free process and reduce test runs and programming time.
How does the assignment of weight transmitters via IP address work?
There are three flexible solutions for assigning the IP address: It is either defined manually by the operator, taken over by the assigned DHCP server or defined directly by the weight transmitter itself using the auto IP protocol (169.254.x.x). If the IP address is not known when automatically assigned, the devices are automatically displayed in the network environment or can be searched for using the Minebea Intec Indicator Browser included in the scope of delivery.
How does the adjustment work?
The scale can be calibrated in several ways:
1. the classic calibration with weights, in which the dead load and the calibration weights are weighed according to the specifications of the scale.
2. the integrated "Smart Calibration" function enables efficient adjustment of the silo and hopper scale without the use of weights. For this purpose, the dead load value and the load cell characteristics can be entered directly. We record the individual load cell characteristics for each load cell in the production process on the calibration certificate. This precise knowledge of the load cell enables exact adjustment.
If the dead load value is not known (e.g. has been read out from an old system), then a mixed form with weighing of the dead load and input of the load cell characteristics
can be used. The dead load values can be read out from all our transmitters for generations, which makes it easy to replace the electronics and transfer data when modernising systems.
How do I obtain accurate weight values with the Link E weight transmitter?
To obtain accurate weight values with the Link E weight transmitter, it is important to connect and adjust the load cell correctly. Make sure that the load cell is correctly mounted and aligned; our installation kits help you to align it correctly. It is also important to decouple the container; it should stand freely and pipelines, for example, should not form any force shunts. The selection of the correct load cell is also crucial for the exact weight value, the correct design, load introduction, linearity and load level are decisive (don't worry, we will be happy to advise you).
Good cabling of the system should also not be forgotten, as the smallest signal to be transmitted is in the nano-volt range. The 6-conductor technology of the extension cable between the cable box and transmitter corrects the voltage losses by means of an additional sense line.
Carry out these steps and the adjustment carefully and you will see how accurately the transmitter transmits the weight values to you.
What is a measuring amplifier or strain gauge measuring amplifier?
The word strain gauge measuring amplifier is often used as an alternative to the word weight transmitter. The term has its origins in the original function of converting/amplifying analogue load cell signals into standardised analogue current outputs, e.g. 4-20 mA. Nowadays, the analogue weighing signals are digitised and transmitted via various interfaces. In addition, they now also have software functionalities such as limit value switching or filling control, so we have decided to call them "weight transmitters".
Can I configure the analogue output of the transmitter for my application?
Yes, the analogue outputs can be configured to match the requirements of your specific application or to meet Namur 43 requirements.
This allows for better integration into the process environment.
For example, different ranges 0-20 or 4-20mA are available, but the transmission of the gross or net value can also be set. Different behaviour can also be defined, e.g. in the event of an error.
What are the advantages of DIN rail mounting when installing the Link E weight transmitter?
Top-hat rail mounting offers a space-saving and practical way of installing the Link E weight transmitter in a control cabinet or housing. Like all other process components, the slim plastic housing fits neatly on the top-hat rail. This facilitates integration into industrial environments and ensures neat and quick installation. They can be mounted on the top-hat rail without tools, they are simply "clicked in".
Are there transmitters that have integrated relay outputs?
The PR5230 weight transmitter has 3 relay outputs (1A) that can switch valves directly on site. When using the integrated limit function, limit values can be defined and the corresponding relay outputs switched, making it possible to refill containers, for example. The PR5230 has a large number of cable glands so that everything can be connected with IP65 protection.
What does the linearity of a scale mean?
The linearity of a scale is decisive for the accuracy of the weight measurements. On the one hand, this is about the linearity of the electronics, which show the same behaviour under different temperature influences, for example, and on the other hand about the load cells and the scale construction, which react mechanically linear to different weight values. Good linearity is achieved when the gradient of the weight curve is more of a straight line than a curve and reacts in the same way when loaded and unloaded.
What weighing range is supported by the Link E weight transmitter?
The weighing range of the Link E weight transmitter depends on the connected load cells.
The basic data of the scale are defined during calibration, i.e. the maximum weight value, the readability/resolution, the decimal places and, with the measuring rate to be set, also the speed of weight generation. This can be adjusted using filter settings, e.g. for unstable environments.
In which units can the weight value be converted?
The transmitters can display the weight value in different units. This is also determined during calibration. Conversion to the classic kg, g, t are the most common applications.
What supply voltage is required for the Link E weight transmitter?
The required supply voltage is 24 VDC. This is the standardised voltage that is often used in control cabinets. If you have a 230 V application, the PR 5230 transmitter or the X3 weighing indicator for control cabinet installation is a good option.
How does the measuring rate influence the readability and weighing performance of the device?
The measuring rate of the Link E weight transmitter determines how quickly the device records and updates weight values. A higher measuring rate can improve readability and weighing performance, especially in applications where rapid weight changes need to be recorded. The choice of the correct measuring rate depends on the specific requirements of your application.
How is the configuration or remote service for the transmitters carried out?
Some of the transmitters can be configured directly in the browser or using a remote operating tool "VNC" via the network interface. VNC enables the operation of a "virtual" device, but can also be used to realise a PC-based secondary display or an operating terminal. This tool can also be installed on mobile tablets, making operation a completely new user experience. All transmitters have an integrated web server that enables extended service functions, diagnostic aids or software updates. Depending on the network access, the network interface can of course also be used remotely.
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