Wireless weighbridge system for Premier Foods

Leading weighbridge system provider Weightron Bilanciai have overcome a tricky on-site data management problem during the install of a 15 metre surface mounted, 50 tonne capacity digital Eurodeck at Premier Foods International’s site in Wisbech*, Cambridgeshire.

The Eurodeck, which is fitted with Weightron’s robust CPD digital load cells, has replaced a steadfast mechanical weighbridge at another part of the site. Initially Premier considered updating this mechanical unit with an electronic weighbridge, but given the current site logistical layout, the location was not considered ideal. However moving the weighbridge to a more convenient part of the site presented its own problems. Although local power was available close to the new proposed weighbridge location, laying cables to transmit data between the weighbridge and the gate house where the D800 weight indicator was to be installed, would have required expensive and disruptive civil works involving digging a 40 metre trench across the concrete yard.

To overcome these problems Weightron engineers came up with the ideal solution based on the company’s weights and measures approved DIZIG/IP radio transmission system, in conjunction with their DILink digital junction box mounted at the weighbridge. This configuration uses robust and secure 2.4 GHz radio transmission to send bi-directional data between the weighbridge and the D800 indicator. The wireless system’s transmitter, located up on the building adjacent to the weighbridge, sends data from the DILink to the receiver located at the gate house. The DILink and D800 are connected to the transmitter/receiver via a standard RS232 serial link. The DIZIG is available with transmission distances ranging from 150m up to 1500m direct line of sight.

Premier Foods’ Chief Engineer Christopher Fletcher is very pleased with the installation and as he concludes: “The Eurodeck weighbridge provides essential weight information on incoming and outgoing vehicles. Digging up the yard to lay cables would have been very disruptive so Weightron’s wireless option provided the ideal answer. We opted for steel ramps at each end of the weighbridge and the installation of the deck at the new location required minimum civil engineering work. This configuration, combined with the wireless capability, means that if we need to relocate the weighbridge in future, this can be done in a very cost effective way.”

*The Premier Foods International site at Wisbech produces a range of tinned and pouched foods including baked beans, soups, vegetables, potatoes, spaghetti, ready meals, and cooking sauces under the Branston, Loyd Grossman and Batchelors brands.