Load cells help HoneyInstruments’ hive scale meet target

To help apiarists monitor their bees - without compromising honey production - HoneyInstrument has created a highly accurate and robust hive scale, the capabilities of which have been rigorously tested with load cell technology.

During development of its new scale, HoneyInstrument quickly realized the product had to be easy to use, weatherproof and low cost.

The connected hive scale gives hour by hour variations in the weight of the hive, helping bee keepers to monitor the number of bees leaving or make an accurate estimate of the winter honey reserve. To evaluate the weight of the hive with precision, HoneyInstrument opted for Hottinger, Brüel & Kjær’s (HBK) PW10 load cell, which - following a demonstration - proved its characteristics would be well suited to the project.

The load cell can measure a weight of up to 300 kg with an accuracy of 20 grams and has low power consumption. It’s suitable for outdoor, as it can easily withstand the harsh winters and hot summers that hives can be subjected to. With an accuracy of 20 grams it is possible to estimate the entry or exit of about 200 bees at a time; a typical hive contains more than 50,000 bees.

“I was already familiar with HBM's transducers because I have integrated them into other products," says HoneyInstrument Director, Thierry De Vreese. “The discussions with the technical sales team quickly convinced me. Above all, I didn't want to have to do any after-sales service on my products. Since 2016, we have sold more than 250 connected scales in Europe and the sensor has largely kept its promises of reliability and robustness, as the scale must be able to withstand the handling of a farm machine during transhumance.”

About HBK – Hottinger, Brüel & Kjær

For many decades, HBM and Brüel & Kjær have been trusted across multiple industries to deliver highly accurate technologies and expertise in test and measurement and sound and vibration. HBM as the market leader in testing, measuring and analysis and Brüel & Kjær as the world’s leading solution provider for measuring and managing sound and vibration.

The two companies have now joined forces as HBK - Hottinger, Brüel & Kjaer to form the world’s foremost provider of integrated test, measurement, control, and simulation solutions.