It is very common to use a platform scale to weigh the contents of a tank or drum of liquid. This type of industrial scale includes a platform that is large enough to accommodate a 55 gallon drum, or even larger tanks. Typically the digital scale will incorporate four load sensors, so that the position of the tank on the platform is not critical. Good quality platform scales use stainless steel load sensors for maximum ruggedness, reliability and corrosion resistance.

Generally, a drum scale can have a capacity of 1000 lb. This will handle virtually any type of liquid in a 55 gallon drum. The scale has a readability of 0.2 lb. This is useful for obtaining accurate weight information. But it is also possible to use weight data that is acquired over a period of time to calculate flow rate. This can be very important in many industrial processes.

If there is a significant amount of time available, the electronic scale can calculate the flow rate quite accurately. For example, if measurements are taken over the course of an hour, the scale will be able to note flow rates as low as about .02 gallons per minute. On the other hand, if there is a high flow rate, the scale can determine this in a short period of time. So if the flow rate is 1 gallon per minute, a flow rate can be calculated in as short as 10 seconds.

These industrial scales also offer a number of communication interfaces. They include RS-232 serial data, USB (Universal Serial Bus) and Ethernet. Standard weight information can be transmitted to a computer’s spread sheet or data base. The flow rate option also allows this data to be forwarded. When the Ethernet option is chosen, the flow rate may be monitored from any computer that has Internet access. Of course, proper authorization must be obtained.