Load cells and tanker filling

The plant produces plastic pellets which are supplied to manufacturers of moulded automotive components such as instrument panels, interior trim, bumpers and external cladding.   Finished pellets are stored in 14 outloading silos, each with a capacity of around 110 tonnes.   These are mounted on a combination of Model T40 and T50 double-ended shear beam load cells, which have capacities of 25 and 50 tonnes respectively.

Thames Side Sensors load cells are fitted to a bank of eight new silos which were supplied as a complete package by silo manufacturer Braby Ltd.   Six older silos have also been retrofitted with the new load cells in place of their original strain gauge units.   While these units tended to produce inaccurate readings in strong winds, the loading assemblies which replace them have a "lift-off" prevention feature to remove the possibility of errors caused by silo movement.

Prior to the introduction of precision weighing equipment, the outloading of finished goods was monitored manually.   The process is now governed by a fully integrated computer system developed by data management specialist Datastor Systems.   Readings from the load cells form a crucial element of the control system, helping to ensure the consistent and cost-effective dispatch of Basell products.

As well as aiding the storage and distribution of finished goods, Thames Side Sensors units are now being installed elsewhere on the site to monitor raw materials supply and internal conveying.   The retrofitting work is being overseen by site Project Manager Alan Allcock.

The plastic compounding site at Milton Keynes is one of several UK plants operated by Basell Polyolefins, which has manufacturing facilities in 20 countries.   A joint venture between Shell and BASF, the company was recently formed by the merger of three leading polymer specialists, Montell, Elenac and Targor.