Tank, Silo & Vessel Load Cells – High-Capacity Weighing Sensors for Bulk Storage Systems
Tank, silo, and vessel load cells are the core sensing components of any bulk storage weighing system, converting the weight of the vessel and its contents into a precise electrical signal for display, control, or data logging. Designed to operate continuously under static loads for years at a time, these load cells are built to a higher standard of long-term stability and environmental protection than general-purpose industrial load cells — making them the right choice for permanent tank and silo installations where reliability and accuracy are critical.
Our range covers the most common load cell types used in tank and silo weighing: compression canister load cells for base-supported vessels, tension load cells for suspended hoppers and bins, and shear beam load cells for lower-capacity or space-constrained installations. Capacities range from a few hundred kilograms to 100 tonnes per cell, with multi-cell systems capable of weighing vessels of virtually any size. All models are available with IP67 or IP68 protection as standard, and ATEX-certified variants are available throughout the range for Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 21, and Zone 22 hazardous area installations — covering chemical processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, fuel storage, and grain handling environments.
Selecting the correct load cell for a tank or silo application requires careful consideration of capacity, mounting arrangement, environmental conditions, and accuracy requirements. Our technical team can advise on load cell type, capacity, protection rating, and compatibility with mounting modules and indicators to ensure your system delivers accurate, reliable performance from day one.
Key Features
- Compression canister load cells for base-supported tank, silo, and vessel installations
- Tension load cells for suspended hopper, bin, and vessel weighing applications
- Shear beam load cells for lower-capacity and space-constrained tank installations
- Capacities from 500 kg to 100 t per cell for vessels of all sizes
- IP67 and IP68 protection as standard for outdoor and washdown environments
- ATEX-certified models for Zone 1, 2, 21, and 22 hazardous area installations
- Stainless steel construction for hygienic, corrosive, and food-grade environments
- High long-term stability and creep resistance for continuous static load applications
- Compatible with standard mounting modules and equalisation junction boxes
Common Applications
- Cylindrical tank and silo base weighing — three or four-cell compression arrangements
- Rectangular vessel and IBC weighing — four-corner compression mounting
- Suspended hopper and bin weighing using tension load cells
- Chemical and pharmaceutical process vessel weighing
- Bulk liquid storage — water, fuel, solvents, and food-grade liquids
- Grain, flour, powder, and bulk solid silo weighing
- Hazardous area tank and silo installations in ATEX-classified zones
All load cells are sourced from leading manufacturers and are available with UKAS-traceable calibration certificates on request. Contact our technical team for advice on load cell selection, capacity calculation, and system design for your specific vessel and application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of load cell is best for tank and silo weighing?
Compression canister load cells are the most widely used type for tank and silo weighing. They are designed to support the full weight of the vessel and its contents in compression, offer excellent long-term stability under static loads, and are available in high capacities with robust environmental protection. Tension load cells are used where the vessel is suspended rather than base-supported. Shear beam load cells can be used in lower-capacity or space-constrained applications. The correct choice depends on your vessel geometry, mounting arrangement, and capacity — contact our team for guidance.
How do I calculate the load cell capacity I need for my tank or silo?
The total system capacity must cover the maximum weight of the vessel when full, including the tare weight of the vessel structure itself. For a three-cell system, each load cell must be rated for at least one third of the total maximum load — but it is standard practice to add a safety margin of 25–50% above the calculated load per cell to allow for dynamic forces, uneven load distribution, and overload protection. Contact our technical team with your vessel dimensions, tare weight, and maximum fill capacity for a capacity recommendation.
What IP protection rating do I need for an outdoor or washdown installation?
For outdoor tank and silo installations, IP67 (temporary immersion) is the minimum recommended protection rating, and IP68 (continuous immersion) is preferred for installations in pits, low-lying areas, or environments subject to flooding. For washdown environments in food, dairy, or pharmaceutical applications, IP68 stainless steel load cells are the appropriate choice. All load cells in our tank and silo range meet IP67 or IP68 as standard — check individual product listings or contact us to confirm the rating for a specific model.
Are ATEX-certified load cells available for hazardous area tank weighing?
Yes. We supply ATEX-certified compression and tension load cells approved for Zone 1, Zone 2 (gas and vapour hazards) and Zone 21, Zone 22 (combustible dust hazards). These are required for tank and silo weighing in chemical plants, pharmaceutical facilities, fuel storage, and grain handling environments where flammable atmospheres may be present. Contact our technical team before specifying equipment to confirm the correct zone classification, equipment category, and gas group for your installation.
Can I get a calibration certificate with my tank or silo load cells?
Yes. UKAS-traceable calibration certificates are available on request for all load cells in our range. For complete tank and silo weighing system builds, we can also provide system-level calibration and commissioning support. Periodic recalibration is recommended to maintain measurement accuracy — contact our team for calibration and service support options.
