Shering meets need for dual mode weighbridge operation

Onyx Hampshire commissioned Shering to design a weighbridge system for its Integra North Energy Recovery Facility at Chineham near Basingstoke. This facility is the first of three ERFs planned for Hampshire which will recover waste that cannot be traditionally recycled. The ERF will process approximately 90,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste each year.


The weighbridge requirement was to deliver a system which could operate manually during the day and seamlessly transfer to an unmanned operation after hours. For analysis and reporting purposes, the capturing accurate data on the waste processing operation was essential.

Shering’s in house design team was able to fulfil all customer requirements using Shering Command 9000 software to configure the system. Command 9000, a product based on long term research and development, provides a standard Windows Interface and Microsoft SQL Server (MSDE) Data Storage and is completely flexible allowing total integration into the Onyx mode of operation.

Dual mode

Using both an In and an Out weighbridge, the application allows a fully manned operation during the day with the facility to control weighings from either the control room or the gatehouse. The driver proceeds on to the In weighbridge and communicates with the operator (who can be situated at either the gatehouse or the control room) through an intercom. The operator carries out the weighing transaction using Shering Command 9000 Software. All information essential to the operation of the busy landfill site is captured on to the system for assessment. The tare weight is calculated at the Out weighbridge on leaving the site.

After hours the unmanned mode is operational, allowing vehicles to be weighed in and out without the requirement of an operator. An access token is carried by drivers and this holds various details such as identification, type of waste carried and source information. Any changes to the information can be inputted manually by the driver using a keyboard situated in the driver terminal. The unmanned system takes the weight and instructs the driver to proceed through the plant. Upon re-identification and tare weight being taken at the Out weighbridge the driver can exit the plant.

Command 9000 was designed to give Onyx and other customers a software solution which would realise the main “value added benefits” of using computer software – ie complete flexibility and open access to stored data, a point often overlooked in the quest for suitable programs. By reducing the complications in accessing data and making data transfer and reporting a streamlined operation, the customer is assured of saving time and money, Shering states. Command 9000’s structure minimises the requirement for bespoke work, which can have time and cost implications. However, the extremely high level of configuration enables individual requirements to be met easily.

Douglas Shering, Chairman and Managing Director at Shering Weighing Ltd, feels strongly that weighbridge manufacturers need to invest time and money into getting computerised weighing systems right. “At Shering we invest greatly in our software department. A busy recycling plant can reap huge benefits from having a weighing system capable of sustaining accuracy long term and improving effective waste management. The options available on our Command 9000 system will help companies manage their day-to-day businesses and reach their targets. It is vital that the system is secure and reliable, yet powerful and intuitive to use. As always, my in house design team worked very closely with Onyx on this project. Working as a team we were able to meet their exact requirements, providing a system which will work for them and this world class ERF at Chineham”


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