MODERNIZATION OF THE RAW MATERIAL WEIGHING SYSTEM IN CONVERTER SHOP

Abstract

Humanity has been using scales and the weighing process for many centuries. During this time, dozens of types of scales have been invented and improved, from conventional scales with bowls to modern electronic scales based on the latest types of sensors and using artificial intelligence. The significant acceleration of evolution is due to the development of technologies in the wake of Industry 4.0. There are several areas of improvement in weighing technology, such as increasing accuracy, reducing process time, and minimizing human influence on the result. Equally important is the choice of equipment that meets the company’s standards, has high maintainability and ways to improve, and can be easily integrated into ERP and MES systems. Weighing-in-motion (WIM) systems are now very common and meet most of the requirements. However, their accuracy is affected by factors such as the different types of cars (empty and loaded) in the train, the speed of the train, and the technical condition of these cars. Therefore, the best choice is a combined scale that can weigh in dynamic and static mode. These scales are complemented by a system for recognizing wagon numbers using cameras and neural networks, as well as systems based on RFID technology. This article is an illustration of the process of finding and developing the best solution for modernizing the existing outdated weighing system at railway scales based on the analysis of existing systems, taking into account the experience of their use and the options offered by various manufacturers of weighing equipment.