Weight Determination metals & minerals

Weight Determination

Determination of Consignment Weight

Bureau Veritas performs draft surveys on vessels to determine the weight prior to and after loading. Intermediate surveys can also be performed during loading into different holds, which enables our surveyors to determine the weight of individual cargo as it is loaded or unloaded. Where material is sent along inland waterways, barge gauging surveys are conducted.

Similarly, where material is moved in trucks, or rail wagons, weight is determined by a number of methods, including weighbridge and volumetric surveys.

Our experienced surveyors ensure quantities are accurate and product value is realised, through supervision and maintaining weighing procedures.

Summary

Key Benefits of  Our Weight Determination Services

  • Independent check on weight of material, loaded or discharged
  • Qualified and experienced surveyors
  • Independent and experienced personnel are based in all key ports worldwide
  • Enhanced product value

WEIGHT DETERMINATION SERVICES

Draft Survey

The draft survey is the way the weight of a cargo on board a vessel is measured.

Specially trained and highly qualified inspectors employed by Inspectorate are used to the complexities of determining the weight of cargoes on board a vessel. There are many elements and variable to be taken into account. For example, the draught marks allow a draft surveyor to measure how deep the vessel lies in the water which permits the displacement of the vessel and its cargo to be calculated.

However, there are many factors here that also impact on the vessel. These include the salinity of the harbour water, which will vary from port to port. On board measurements need to be taken from the ballast tanks to assess the impact of those on vessel weight. The ballast can have a significant impact depending on the density of the liquid used; seawater has a different density to fresh water. Inspectors will need to establish the ‘constant’, which is difference between the theoretical and the calculated weight of the vessel weight of the vessel and is made up of various weights such as sludge, stores and the crew. This forms part of the vessel’s history.

Key Benefits of  Bureau Veritas' Draft Surveys

  • Independent check on weight of material, loaded or discharged
  • Qualified and experienced surveyors
  • Independent and experienced personnel are based in all key ports worldwide
  • Enhanced product value

Weighbridge Testing

Weighbridge measuring techniques for metals and minerals

Bureau Veritas' inspectors will also supervise the receipt or dispatch of loads via road vehicle that requires the use of weighbridges. They will ensure that the weighbridge itself is properly calibrated and operated. They will inspect the loads to ensure that they conform to what the parties to the transaction are receiving or delivering. Bureau Veritas has the expertise to undertake this work and make sure that clients are fully aware of the reliance that can be placed on results, adding to the risk management aspect of our work. This capability adds to the range of procedures that Bureau Veritas can use, such as draft surveys, barge gauging surveys and volumetric surveys to produce accurate measurements. Our experienced inspectors ensure quantities are accurate and product value is realised, through supervision and maintaining weighing procedures

Volumetric Survey

Volumetric survey techniques

Bureau Veritas performs volumetric surveys on commodities as part of a suite of techniques to determine the weight of stockpiles. Volumetric testing is complex. Inspectors need to consider a wide range of factors in coming to an informed answer for the client – these include the shape of the stockpile and its uniformity. Measurement of key variables can be difficult depending on the site and the material being measured. 

Bureau Veritas has the expertise to undertake this work and make sure that clients are fully aware of the reliance that can be placed on results, adding to the risk management aspect of our work. This capability adds to the range of procedures that Bureau Veritas can use, such as draft surveys, barge gauging surveys and weighbridge surveys to produce accurate measurements. Our experienced inspectors ensure quantities are accurate and product value is realised, through supervision and maintaining weighing procedures.