Organic matter, including wood, wood residues, energy crops, agricultural residues, and organic waste from industry and households, is shipped to bioenergy processing plants in large quantities. Whether products are shipped by road or rail, weighing is an important part of a biofuel processing operation.

Weighbridges and rail scales can be used to weigh accurately to determine the price of an inbound or outbound transaction, floor scales can help to control inventory, and load cells can manage the biomass production processes.

Load cells can be added to tanks and hoppers to manage inventory, or paired with software and weight indicators to manage recipes and ensure the right quantities of feedstock are used to maximise efficiency.

Adding load cells to conveyor systems can help to monitor material flows, enabling adjustments to be made in real-time to enhance efficiency and maximise yield.

Forklift truck scales provide an ideal solution for weighing biomass on the move, while floor scales can be used to provide precise measurements and ratios of raw materials for biomass burner efficiency.

The current biomass sustainability criteria are defined in sector-specific legislation. This includes the Renewable Obligation Order (RO), Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), Green Gas Support Scheme (GGSS), Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), and the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UKETS). The criteria set out for each scheme contain broadly similar overarching criteria but a common theme across all legislation is record keeping.

By using weighing equipment to measure inputs and outputs, bioenergy producers can measure the efficiency of their processes, as well as connect with back-office systems to record necessary data.

Using robust weighbridge systems, driver-operated terminals, and sophisticated software, bioenergy plants can measure and record incoming loads from different sources. The ability to add ANPR cameras, barriers and traffic lights allows biomass plants to extend opening hours and/or adds an added level of security to the site.