Recommended Calibration Frequency

[Md kayum]

Informative

[Muhammad Ahmad]

Very good

Thank you

[Asia Community Manager]

Below are my notes on Conrado (Don) Bulanhagui’s comments on scales and weighing practices from during a recent SEC Asia Feed Milling Intermediate Course,:

Ingredient weights are typically categorized as:

• Major components: 80–90%
• Minor components: 10–15%
• Micro components: less than 5%

For example, in a 10-tonne capacity mixer:

• Major scale = 10 x 0.9 = 9 tonnes
• Minor scale = 10 x 0.15 = 1.5 tonnes
• Micro scale = 10 x 0.05 = 0.5 tonnes (some mills may use multiple micro scales)

Key points Don emphasized include:

• Scales must be calibrated during installation and certified annually.
• Regardless of whether scales are automatic or manual, daily calibration is essential to maintain weighing accuracy.
• Nutritionists should be fully aware of the scales’ accuracy levels to ensure precise formulation.
• Ingredients should be weighed in descending order of inclusion to minimize free fall, especially for low-inclusion ingredients.
• The hammer mill should not be located on the same floor as the scales, as vibrations negatively impact weighing accuracy. Ideally, the hammer mill is placed on the ground floor, where concrete flooring acts as the best vibration dampener.

[Kim Koch]

Thank you ASIA – excellent information.

[TAIRU AHMED ISHOLA]

these info is much appreciated

[Olayiwola Danso]

For feed mill batching and micro-dosing scales, a recommended calibration frequency is at least every 6 months, or more frequently if there are significant changes in operating conditions, such as wear and tear, bulk density variations, or increased usage rates. More frequent calibration, potentially monthly, might be necessary for scales experiencing high wear or frequent adjustments due to fluctuating bulk densities.

[Dr. Muhammad Ikram Sarwar]

Thanks for your reply.