The true hero of the water treatment process is the water treatment scale. When chemicals are added to water, they are not just added randomly. They must be added in precise amounts. The people who are performing the process need to know how much chemical material they are working with. One way that they can accomplish this is by keeping the chemical tanks on platform scales.

Municipal drinking water undergoes purification to remove algae, bacteria, fungi, viruses, some minerals, as well as man-made pollutants like fertilizers. These are some of the various processes that are used to achieve this end.

Screening: This is often the first step taken in purifying water that has been gathered from the surface of the Earth (as opposed to groundwater). Basically the water is passed through a screen filter that removes large debris like sticks, leaves, and trash.

Pre-conditioning: This is a process in which sodium carbonate is added to the water in order to precipitate the calcium carbonate in the water. Both the sodium carbonate and calcium carbonate can then be removed from the water by passing it through a filter. Special water treatment scales must be used to determine the amounts of sodium carbonate.

pH Adjustment: Making sure that water has the proper pH for its intended use is very important. Water that is intended for consumption needs to have a pH of approximately 7, which is neither acidic nor alkaline. If the water is too acidic or too alkaline for consumption, then chemicals are added until the water is brought to an acceptable pH level.

Flocculation: Everybody likes to drink clear water. Flocculation makes this possible. Flocculation is a process of clarifying, or clearing up, water. In this process chemicals are added to the water that cause muddying particles to precipitate, so that they can be filtered out.

Sedimentation: When water is being treated, it is often kept moving around at fairly high speeds so that it does not grow stagnant. When water goes through the sedimentation process, it is allowed to sit in a tank where it is moved at a relatively low speed. This allows for all of precipitation to settle to the bottle of the tank.

Filtration: Water is passed through filters in order to remove any particles that may not have yet settled to the bottom. There are many different forms of filtration, including slow sand filters, lava filters, and membrane filters. Ultimately they all serve the purpose of removing unwanted particles from water. At this point, water treatment scales will weigh the materials removed, to ensure that it is free of contaminants.

Talking scales have even more range when applied to industrial uses. A counting scale for example  features precision counting ability. The “Quick Count” mode lets you easily count parts using a single push of a button. For more complex counting tasks, the menu functions give you the ability to store, and then retrieve the piece weight of as many as 450 different items. With a text to speech addition, inventory could be taken in a fraction of the time it took before as the worker would never have to look up from his task to log his numbers.

Industrial scales often face rugged and harsh conditions. A cylinder scale, for example, may have to support over 250 pounds of a tilted cylinder as liquid is being loaded or taken off the platform. A platform scale may be subject to high shock loads as forklifts loading large pallets inadvertently bump into the side of the scale. It can take every bit of a worker’s concentration to avoid this problem. A talking readout can reduce the stress of the worker, making industrial accidents less likely and the workplace safer for all.

However, one of the best uses for a text to speech option when considering workplace safety is for use with an explosive environment scale. In a case where hazardous materials are in use and the scale is built with four stainless steel load cells embedded in a welded frame for maximum shock and abuse resistance, the business of safety is serious. Workplace hazards can be minimized when the hazardous materials handler can stay completely focused on handling, without needing to watch the digital display.

The bottom line is that humans are fallible, and long series of numbers can become lost or confused when they are just received in one form. The mind often interposes numbers and human error is the main cause of bad data. All human beings learn in different ways. Some humans are auditory learners while others find a visual approach works best for them. The combination of both visual and auditory stimulation has been scientifically proven to decrease the likelihood of error. Scales with an auditory or talking feature can assist disabled workers, aid in employee cooperation and are the best bet in increasing production while eliminating error.

Small electric scales can be found in a great number of modern homes, and are not necessarily being used in the way that most people may first guess. Today people are using scales for more than tracking how much they weigh. Although bathroom scales that measure in pounds are still the most common household scale, many people are also using small electric scales in the kitchen as part of their daily food preparation routine. These scales, which are sometimes referred to as dietary scales, measure in either grams or ounces, although many newer scales have a built in conversion function. Dietary scales are a must-have tool for people who want to know exactly how much food they are preparing or consuming in the home.

But the small electric scale is not only used in the kitchen. It is used in the home office as well. They are also frequently used by people who own their own small businesses. Scales are an almost unavoidable part of the process of sending mail and packages. If you’re mailing it, then chances are that it’s going to be weighed at least once before it reaches its destination. Many business owners and home workers are streamlining the process of sending mail by weighing it themselves in their offices. This way they can either immediately affix the appropriate amount of postage, or they can find out how much it will cost them to send the mail and plan accordingly.

The small electric scale is also often used by businesses for which consistency in product portion size is important. For example, an entrepreneur who makes, packages, and sells her own line of bath products might use a scale to ensure that each bar of soap that she sells is of an acceptable and somewhat uniform size. In weighing her product before she sends it out, this businesswoman is making sure that neither she nor her customer is getting cheated. Her scale will help her build her product’s reputation.

Small electric scales which are being used by businesses and in the home are well-suited for their respective uses when properly calibrated; however, unlike some other small scales, they are not known for their extreme accuracy. Ultra precision scales are used in laboratories and in other settings where accuracy in measurement is of the utmost importance. These types of scales, which can be quite expensive, are made using some of the very latest technology in scale manufacturing. They are very sensitive and can give readings that are accurate down to mere parts of the increments that other small scales use.

The first step that you’ll need to take in order to calibrate your digital scale is to turn it on, and then let it warm up for a number of minutes. I know this seems obvious, but if you’ve been experiencing problems with your scale, you do want to make sure that the batteries are fresh or that it’s firmly plugged in, and that it has had an opportunity to adjust to the temperature of the environment. The value of this first step should not be underestimated.

After the power source of your scale has checked and your scale has been turned on for some appropriate time, use the on screen menus find and press the calibration button until your scale gives you some sort of visual acknowledgement on its screen. The calibration button or setting will vary from scale to scale, but can most likely be found by pressing the function button, the mode button, or a button that reads “CAL”. Don’t forget that if you’re unsure of which button to choose, there’s no need to panic. The manufacturer manual can provide you with this information.

Once you’ve turned on your scale and held down the calibration button for a sufficient length of time, your scale should automatically go into calibration mode. Once it enters calibration mode, your screen will either display “CAL” and then a number or it will simply display a number in order to let you know that it’s ready to go. More advanced scales will actually give detailed instructions on the screen. When the aforementioned number appears on your screen, place the appropriate calibration weight on the scale, and allow it to be weighed for 3 to 5 seconds.

If you have lost your calibration weight, you can purchase another one either from your digital scale’s manufacturer or from a vendor that sells digital scales. Alternatively, your scale may ask you for a 100 gram weight. If this happens, you can use a standard stainless steel test weight, or a combination of weights that add up to 100 grams.

After the calibration weight has rested on the scale for 3 to 5 seconds, press and hold down the calibration button one more time. Your scale should give you some sort of final visual acknowledgement that will let you know it has finished its calibration. Your screen will likely read “CAL”, “END”, or “0″. Congratulations! After following these steps, your scale should be calibrated and ready to use.

The balance scale, which was the only kind of scale around for hundreds of years, had a fairly basic design. It consisted of a mounted beam with arms of equal length, and pans, or scales, suspended from the end of each arm. An object of unknown weight was placed in one pan while standard weights were added to the unknown pan. The user would place weights in the pan opposite the item being weighed until the two pans were level. Then the user would calculate the weight of the object in question by counting how many weights he had placed in the opposite pan. Although the balance scale was the primary scale used all around the world for many years, today we have other types of scales to choose from.

The spring scale was invented by Richard Salter in 1770. A spring scale works by measuring the amount of force an object exerts on a spring. This amount of force is directly proportionate to how much the object weighs. Spring scales, which are sometimes also called Newton meters, measure force in Newtons, but today’s scales often offer users readings that are already converted to weight in kilograms or pounds. Spring scales come in different forms. Some, like older bathroom scales, are flat and have internal scales. Others are hanging scales, meaning the object being weighed is suspended from a hook or pan that is on one end of a spring.

The digital scale is another, very popular type of scale that is used today. Digital scales are basically electronic versions of the spring scale. They work by measuring how much force is exerted by the weight of the object placed on the scale on a beam inside the scale. Digital scales are available in a many sizes that can accommodate objects that weigh anywhere from grams to tons. Some examples of these scales are food scales and modern weigh bridges, respectively.

The average person today most commonly uses digital scales and spring scales, and may encounter these weighing scales in a variety of places in their everyday life. For example, many people have digital or spring scales in their bathroom or in their kitchen. It is also very common for the average person to have to see either a digital or spring scale at their local grocery store or market. Today, digital scales for weighing meat and produce are built right into the checkout line.

Because these systems are designed to handle high capacity loads, they are ideal for several types of weighing and measuring uses. Their versatility is great for force measurements, lifting and, of course, weighing functions. This will allow any user to complete a full run of measurement tests with ease.

This type of crane scale is available in many different weight capacity levels. The smallest is up to 2,500 pounds or 1,000 kilograms. The middle capacity is up to 5,000 pounds or 2,000 kilograms. The highest capacity is 10,000 pounds or 4,000 kilograms. The diversity allows the user to pick the correct crane scale for the job.

The scale is designed with a high capacity weight hook. This hooks swivels to make it easier to make it easier for the user to weigh the object. The hook also offers a closure so that the object is secure while it is being weighed. While the hook enclosure is secure on the object, the user can step back and allow for a no hands weigh.

Wireless crane scales are normally built with a very sturdy sensor which is made out of stainless steel for greater integrity. The remainder of the crane weighing system is also ruggedly durable, with a normal operating temperature that ranges from 14 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rechargeable batteries operate the scale mechanism. Internal parts that move have been taken out of the design in the hopes of ensuring a maintenance free scale. Wireless crane scales also provide the user a very high rate of accuracy. Its high weight resolution is up to 0.5lbs. It can provide measurements in pounds, kilos, grams, ounces and more. It will provide and overload warning message when it reaches 102% of its scale’s capacity.

Wireless crane scales also feature a user friendly user interface. They offer easy pushbutton functionality for automatic control. A digital display screen allows the user to easily see what the weight is. There is no more need to strain to see the measurement on a traditional weights measurement system. Not only does this type of scale show the total weight on its digital screen, it also allows for the information that it collects to be transmitted wirelessly to its user.

Because the measurements are going from computer to computer, there is not any room for human error. Numbers will not be transposed, dropped or misread. The system will also allow the user to stand a comfortable distance away from the object being weighed and measured. Radio data transmission from scale to hand held device easily reaches 60 yards. Most handheld devices are equipped with error detection programming so that the user is sure to get the correct information.

The following is an overview of different types of small digital scales, listed approximately from highest to lowest resolution.

• High resolution scales

These types of scales are suited for laboratory use in universities.  Ideally, they should include a tare function for zeroing weighing vessels such as weighing paper or trays.  A standard feature is display capability for different weighing units, most commonly, ounces and grams.  The desired resolution for these scales is 1 mg, a requirement met by scales with maximum weighing capacities of 750 mg.  For pharmaceutical applications, the resolution should be 0.1 mg.

• Counting scales

Counting scales are useful for measuring quantities of items whose weights are consistent.  They often have a memory feature that stores the weight of as much as 450 different items, which eliminates the need to weigh a standard sample every time.  Fulfillment centers  use these scales for counting products quickly and accurately. Document control and business card supply companies often use them to count sheet paper and business cards. Utilizing counting scales for fulfillment purposes is advantageous to a business because it reduces quantity errors on product orders, which leads to greater client satisfaction.

• Rain gauge scales

The scale method of measuring precipitation is superior to standard graduated rain gauges in that the weight, rather than the volume of precipitation is measured.  This confers greater accuracy, since water tends to stick to the sides of standard rain gauges, resulting in under-estimates of actual precipitation.  Another advantage of using rain gauge scales is the option of using a meter that measures the amount of chemicals present in the precipitation, for the purposes of quantifying environmental pollutants.  These scales must be resistant to moisture, corrosion and extremes in temperature.

• Industrial bench scales

Bench scales have a display that is attached to the weighing platform by an electronic cord, and can be interfaced with a computer for advanced computing features and functions, including displaying and recording weight data.  A label, paper, and card printer may also be attached.  They are used in postal services, shipping and receiving centers, as well as the food and restaurant industry.

The first step a digital scale owner should take is to locate the instruction manuals that came with the machine and see if the problem can be accessed on site by the owner himself. Often issues can be so simple that a digital scale user will over look them since they seem so commonplace. Many times, the issue is as small as a sensor or load cell connection. If the scale  shows 0.000 after placing some weight on pan, it may mean that a sensor or load cell connection is opened, it is wise to  check sensor connection and try again.

Once the provided instruction manuals have been accessed, assimilated and the problem itself seems beyond the knowledge base of a digital scale owner, a good calibration is the first line of defense. In fact, for optimal use, almost all scale manufacturers recommend some type of periodic calibration and maintenance routine for your digital and mechanical scales and balances.

If your digital balance or scale breaks, a technician trained by the factory is called for. When your scale needs calibration, these technicians can handle it promptly & efficiently with NIST traceable standards and documentation. It is important to find out if emergency loaner and rental scale equipment is available to keep your operation running. Make sure that the company you contact is certified. It is vital that the digital scale owner maintain complete documentation on the machine.

What is scale calibration?
Calibration of a scale is a procedure in which a technician uses known weights certified by the Bureau of Weights and Measures, to adjust the response of a mechanical or electronic weighing system to the following tests; the indicator must show zero when there is no weight on scale. When a known weight is applied the indicator must display the exact amount of applied weight. When weight is applied or removed incrementally the scale must display weight equal to that on the scale.

Finally, if a digital scale seems beyond repair by calibration, it is time to consider that years of wear and tear or an industrial accident could have damaged part or all of your digital scale. In this case, a certified representative can provide you with the information you need to replace the damaged part or give you good advice on a replacement scale.

An Englishman named Richard Salter revolutionized the world of weighing scales in 1770 by inventing the spring scale. Before Salter’s spring scale, the balance scale, which was invented in approximately 4000 BC, had been the longtime standard in weight measurement. He and his nephews John and George went on to open a very successful business selling scales and balances and patent the spring balance in 1838.

The hanging spring scale can be as simple as a hook attached to a spring, which is fixed at the opposite end, and has a variety of possible applications. It can perhaps most commonly be found in the grocery stores in the produce section. The suspended scales which people use to weigh their produce are perfect examples of hanging scales. They can also sometimes be found in the deli section of the supermarket.

Hanging scales are often used on farm and in factories, and can easily be purchased with up to a 10,000 pound capacity. Hanging scales are also used in more industrial settings. Cranes can be equipped with hanging scales in order to building materials at construction sites or other very large objects.

One of the advantages of using a hanging scale over other types of weighing machines is their portability. A small hanging scale can be attached to a variety of surfaces. Additionally, especially in the case of crane scales, hanging scales can be maneuvered in to weigh things that could not otherwise be reached or are difficult to move. For example, hanging scales are often used by medical facilities to weigh handicapped and bedridden patients.

One of the disadvantages of using a spring scale, in particular, is that they are sensitive to the gravity of the place in which they are used. This is because the spring scale measures the force an object exerts on the spring inside the mechanism. This means that because gravitational force varies in different parts of the world, spring scales can give different readings of the weight of the same object when placed in different locations. Because of this if the user wants an accurate reading many spring scales must be recalibrated taking into consideration the gravitational pull of their current location before using their scale.

Fortunately today digital scales are available for purchase that offers the user the option to have their scales automatically calibrate themselves. Digital hanging scales in particular have become quite popular and can be found in every industry from food stores to construction sites. Digital hanging scales with stainless steel load sensors are ideal for industry, as they are more rugged and durable.

In an age where constant email checking is becoming a necessity, Wi-Fi is all the rage. Besides being important in the home and the office, it is found in airports, at train stations, and on moving buses. Now, it is also found in industrial scales.

A few higher-quality electronic scale manufacturers, such as Arlyn Scales, are now providing wi-fi connectivity as an option in much of their industrial scale lines. Previous to wireless, there were several methods for linking digital platform scales, bench scales, and floor scales to computers. RS-232 allows one scale to be linked to a computer. RS-485 allows several electronic scales at a time to be linked to a computer. For both of these protocols, RS-232 and RS-485 to USB converters are available. In these cases, the computer linkage can be used to store precise digital weight information in databases and spreadsheets.

More recently, Ethernet connectivity has become a common protocol for connecting digital scales into a Local Area Network. Besides allowing an industrial scale to be controlled and monitored from any computer on the network, this method also allows access to a scale controller from anywhere in the world, over the internet. Arlyn Scales even provides Remote Indicator software with its network electronic scales, which can read scale information on any computer with internet access.

RS-232, RS-485, and Ethernet all pose one typical difficulty-they require cabling. Often, an industrial scale may be found on a factory work floor that is several hundred feet away from a monitoring room or office. Particularly with RS-232 and RS-485, cabling becomes very expensive. Ethernet is much more commonly found built into many modern buildings for the purpose of having a Local Access Network, so very often, a building does not have to be retrofitted. Wireless connectivity, however, has the same benefits as Ethernet, when built into industrial scales, without requiring the cabling. Electronic scales can still be accessed from any computer on the network as well as from any computer in the world using the Remote Indicator software.