The B-TEK Learning Center
Resources to help you scale your business with B-TEK.
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Railroad track scales are used to measure the weight of rail cars as they pass over designated track areas. They play a vital role in rail access business operations that can utilize weight measurements to better understand financial and inventory implications for example:
- Incoming shipments of material are accurate and the shipper isn’t overcharging
- Use of Legal For Trade (NTEP) approved railroad track scales allows for invoicing directly from the scale weight reading
- Ensure operational efficiency when multiple rail cars are loaded with the same material and that they are batched equally
- Meet regulatory requirements that there are no overweight rail cars, avoiding fines from servicing railroads, track damage or possible derailments
With so much at stake for your business, there are a number of variables to consider when looking to purchase a new railroad track scale. Below we’ve listed five major considerations to take into account:
1. Scale Foundation and Installation
The introduction of a new railroad track scale into an existing rail spur is considered a disruption to the existing track bed and needs to be addressed appropriately. Depending on the rail scale chosen, the overall size of the assembly will result in varying degrees of drainage considerations, earthmoving, concrete work and backfilling necessary to provide adequate space for operation. Choosing a low-profile railroad track scale ensures minimal disruption to the surrounding infrastructure and ultimately allows for a more timely and cost effective installation.
2. Rail Scale Uptime and Serviceability
When introducing a vital piece of equipment to your business, you want to be sure that it is going to perform as intended for as long as possible with minimal disruption. Some considerations to include:
- “Check Rods” or “Gauge Rods” are featured in the construction of many legacy rail scale assemblies with the purpose of preventing excessive movement of the scale weighbridge as rail cars pass over. These rods are commonly one of the leading causes of improper scale function leading to required servicing. A few modern rail scale assemblies have completely eliminated the need for check rods and thus reducing or eliminating downtime.
- Lightning strikes can cause significant damage to sensitive electrical components. The chances of a lightning event affecting your operation is increased when you consider the conjunction of a rail scale, rail, and rail car are all metal components often left exposed to the elements. Conservative estimates from the UK’s National Rail Company estimate railways are hit with direct lightning strikes around 200 times per year. In the event of a direct strike or transient effect your rail scale is susceptible to a number of issues including: loss of calibration, damaged peripheral equipment, burnt wiring, or load cell damage. Luckily, B-TEK railroad track scales feature several layers of industry-leading lightning protection measures and a warranty to support it.
- While railroad scale designs are constantly improving, there is no denying that advanced measuring equipment will eventually require service or maintenance at some point. An ideal partner would have service accessibility built into the scale and the ability to support your business with a nationwide network of certified service personnel.
3. Size of Rail Cars Being Weighed and Versatility
The consideration of rail car size is crucial to ensuring accuracy, efficiency and the system integration of your railroad scale. Variations in rail car sizes to be weighed could require a Single/Double or Double/Double scale configurations for full draft weighing. Consistent car sizes crossing the scale will be a great candidate for Single/Single full draft weighing. Additionally, diverse weighing requirements that include weighing a tractor trailer as well as a rail car may find a Combination Rail / Truck Scale (Combo Scale) to be the ideal solution.
4. System Integrations and Desired Capabilities
Looking at the railroad track weighing system beyond the capabilities of the scale itself allows you to further increase efficiencies and availability of critical information. Advanced weigh display indicators, self-service kiosk systems, printers and more allow you to conduct business critical tasks off of the measurements taken directly from the scale. Track the flow of materials, invoices, and sales orders all in real time. Prolong the service of your scale with automated service reminders and notifications if an issue has occurred.
5. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Train and railcar operations face a litany of regulatory standards every single day, and for good reason. Rail cars often carry tremendous loads, and at times there is hazardous cargo in the mix which could have catastrophic consequences for the general public and environment if an accident were to occur. Compliance with widely adopted regulations ensures your business is protected both from legal and reputational damage. Choose a railroad scale partner that has gone the extra mile to ensure you meet all necessary standards from AAR, AREMA, NTEP and Cooper E-80 loading. Choose B-TEK.
Western Regional Manager
Eric is currently the Heavy Capacity Product Manager and Regional Sales Manager for the western states sales territory. He also manages the Inside Sales Team. Read More
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