Product Models

Arlyn low-profile gas cylinder scale with digital indicator
Arlyn cylinder scales continuously measure the combined weight of a cylinder and its contents for inventory, depletion and process monitoring

.

Gas cylinder scales and tank scales measure the weight of cylinders, pails, Dewars, tanks and chemical containers while they are being stored or used. By continuously measuring weight, an operator or control system can estimate the quantity remaining, monitor consumption and receive a warning before a process runs out of material.

Arlyn Scales offers compact Series 620G cylinder scales, high-capacity A-TON chlorine ton scales and intrinsically safe ArlynGuard configurations for classified hazardous locations. Construction, capacity, readability, environmental protection and communication options can be selected according to the container and operating environment.

 

 

Which cylinder scale do you need for a chemical or gas application?

Select the scale according to four requirements: the total filled-container weight, the container footprint, the chemical exposure and the hazardous-area classification. A standard 620G may suit an ordinary industrial location, an all-stainless or specially coated system may be needed around corrosive chemicals, and an approved ArlynGuard configuration is required when the scale will operate in a classified hazardous location.

View 620G Cylinder Scales
Request a Configuration Review

Why Is Weight Used to Monitor Liquefied Gas Cylinders?

A pressure gauge does not always provide a useful indication of the quantity remaining in a cylinder containing liquefied gas. While liquid remains and continues to vaporize, cylinder pressure can remain relatively stable for a given temperature. A substantial pressure decrease may occur only after the liquid phase is depleted.

A cylinder scale measures the mass of the entire container and its contents. After accounting for the tare weight of the empty cylinder, the system can estimate the remaining product:

Remaining contents = measured gross weight − cylinder tare weight

Because weight changes as material leaves the cylinder, the measurement can also support consumption tracking, replenishment planning, low-level alerts and weight-based flow calculations.

A scale can identify an unexpected loss of weight, but it is not a replacement for an appropriate gas detector, pressure-protection device, ventilation system or facility safety procedure.

Compare Arlyn Cylinder and Tank Scale Options

Cylinder and Tank Scale Selection Guide
Scale Family Capacity and Readability Construction and Format Best Suited For
Series 620G Cylinder Scale 60 or 100 lb × 0.02 lb
300 or 400 lb × 0.1 lb
9.25-inch-square, 1 3/8-inch-high platform; stainless platform and load cell; optional all-stainless construction Gas cylinders, pails, dewars, gas cabinets, laboratory supplies and chemical feed containers in ordinary industrial locations
A-TON Chlorine Ton Scale 5,000 lb × 1 lb per platform 37-inch × 20-inch stainless cradle with four stainless-steel load cells; single or dual configuration One-ton chlorine, sulfur dioxide and similar horizontal chemical containers in nonclassified locations
ArlynGuard C 60 or 100 lb × 0.02 lb
300 or 400 lb × 0.1 lb
Compact cylinder platform using FM-approved intrinsically safe components; configuration dependent Compatible cylinders in classified locations requiring an approved intrinsically safe weighing system
ArlynGuard T 5,000 lb × 1 lb per platform Full stainless cradle with four load cells and FM-approved intrinsically safe components; single or dual configuration Chlorine ton containers and similar applications in compatible classified hazardous locations
Corrosion-Resistant Scale Selected according to the platform, container and application Stainless construction with a three-part polyamine epoxy coating on designated models Applications requiring enhanced resistance to specific corrosive chemicals or repeated chemical exposure
Best selection method Use total filled weight, not contents weight alone Match every wetted or exposed component to the operating environment Confirm chemical compatibility and hazardous-area requirements before ordering

How Do You Select the Correct Capacity and Readability?

The required scale capacity must exceed the combined weight of the full container and its contents. Selecting capacity according to the chemical contents alone can result in an undersized scale.

For example, the calculation should include:

  • The tare weight of the empty cylinder or tank
  • The maximum quantity of chemical or liquefied gas
  • Valves, regulators, hoses, manifolds or fixtures supported by the scale
  • Any cradle, restraint or mounting hardware placed on the platform
  • A suitable operating margin for normal loading conditions

Readability is the smallest weight increment shown by the scale. A 300 lb × 0.1 lb configuration has a maximum capacity of 300 lb and displays weight in 0.1 lb increments. Readability is not the same as accuracy. The standard 620G specification lists accuracy and repeatability separately from its displayed increment.

The Series 620G specification also lists a maximum safe load of 150% of capacity. That protection is not permission to operate above the rated capacity. Routine loads should remain within the selected capacity, and cylinders should be positioned without severe impact or side loading.

How Does a Low-Profile Cylinder Scale Improve Handling?

Gas cylinders are tall, heavy and potentially unstable while being moved. A high platform requires the operator to lift or tilt the cylinder farther, increasing handling difficulty and the possibility of impact loading.

The Series 620G platform is approximately 1 3/8 inches high. Its compact footprint can fit beneath cylinders, pails and tanks in areas where floor space or gas-cabinet clearance is limited.

The low profile can simplify loading, but the scale does not replace an appropriate cylinder restraint, cart, lifting device or facility handling procedure. Cylinders should be secured according to the requirements of the container, gas and installation.

Standard, Stainless, Corrosion-Resistant or Intrinsically Safe?

These terms describe different properties and should not be treated as interchangeable.

Standard Industrial Cylinder Scale

A standard 620G configuration may be appropriate when the area is not classified as hazardous and the expected chemical exposure is compatible with the platform, frame, indicator, cable and connectors.

All-Stainless Construction

Every standard 620G includes a stainless-steel platform and stainless-steel load cell. All-stainless construction extends the material choice to additional structural components. This can improve corrosion resistance, but it does not guarantee compatibility with every chemical or concentration.

Enhanced Corrosion Resistance

Applications involving aggressive chemicals, frequent spills or sustained vapor exposure may require a designated corrosion-resistant scale, additional coating or a custom material evaluation. Chemical compatibility depends on the specific substance, concentration, temperature, exposure time and cleaning procedure.

Intrinsically Safe Configuration

A standard stainless-steel scale is not automatically intrinsically safe. When flammable gas, vapor or combustible dust may create a classified hazardous location, the complete weighing system must use a configuration approved for that classification.

ArlynGuard C and ArlynGuard T systems use FM-approved components for specified hazardous-location classifications. The model, power configuration, indicator location, barrier arrangement, wiring and accessories must match the approved system documentation and the actual area classification.

Important hazardous-area distinction

Corrosion resistance protects equipment from chemical attack. Intrinsic safety limits electrical and thermal energy that could cause ignition. One property does not provide the other. Have the area classification and complete installation reviewed by qualified safety personnel before selecting a scale.

Which Industries Use Cylinder and Tank Scales?

Semiconductor Manufacturing

Semiconductor fabrication uses process gases for deposition, etching, oxidation, doping, cleaning and inerting. Continuous cylinder weight can help operators monitor consumption and schedule cylinder changes before the gas supply interrupts production.

Chemical Manufacturing

Cylinder scales can track material supplied to reactors, mixers, dosing systems and production lines. Analog, digital or network outputs can transmit weight to a control or data-acquisition system.

Water and Wastewater Treatment

Chlorine and sulfur dioxide containers may be monitored by weight to support chemical-feed operations and replacement planning. Ton containers require a scale and cradle designed for their size, orientation and total filled weight.

Laboratory and Research Facilities

Compact cylinder scales can monitor specialty gases, cryogenic containers, pails and chemical supplies. The required readability should be selected according to the change in contents the process must detect.

Food, Beverage and Packaging

Carbon dioxide, nitrogen and other gases may be monitored in bottling, modified-atmosphere packaging, freezing and processing applications. Construction and sanitation requirements must be reviewed separately from basic weighing specifications.

Welding and Metal Processing

Weight monitoring can help track argon, carbon dioxide and other welding gases where uninterrupted supply is important to production.

How Can Cylinder Weight Control a Process?

A local display is sufficient for some applications. Other operations need the scale to alert personnel, communicate with a PLC, record consumption or control compatible equipment.

Cylinder Scale Communication and Monitoring Options
Operational Requirement Relevant Option Typical Function
View weight beside the cylinder MKE-5 digital indicator Displays gross, tare and net weight and supports standard local weighing functions
Send a continuous signal to existing controls 4–20 mA, 0–5 VDC or 1–5 VDC Provides a scalable analog weight signal for compatible PLC, recorder or control equipment
Transfer digital weight data RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, USB or Ethernet Connects the scale to compatible computers, controllers and data systems
Generate a low-level alarm Setpoints, relays, buzzer or light tower Activates compatible equipment or alerts personnel when a programmed weight condition is reached
Track usage and flow by weight Data logging or UpScale flow-rate function Records changes in weight over time for consumption analysis or process monitoring
Connect to industrial automation Modbus, EtherNet/IP or PROFINET with a compatible UpScale configuration Exchanges weight and process data with compatible PLC, SCADA or automation systems
Monitor cylinders remotely AxChange, Wi-Fi, Google Sheets or scheduled reports with UpScale Provides configured remote visibility, historical records or alerts
Best integration practice Identify the receiving device and protocol before ordering Confirm data format, electrical interface, update requirements and hazardous-area boundaries

Available options depend on the selected model, indicator and system configuration. Advanced electronics used with an intrinsically safe scale may need to remain in a safe area or connect through an approved barrier. Do not place standard communication hardware inside a classified location unless it is included in an approved installation.

Need Help Matching a Scale to a Chemical?

Provide the chemical name, concentration, container dimensions, total filled weight, operating temperature, expected exposure and hazardous-area classification. Arlyn can help identify the appropriate construction, capacity, indicator and outputs.

Request a Cylinder Scale Recommendation

What Should You Confirm Before Ordering?

  • Container type, diameter, orientation and support points
  • Empty tare weight and maximum filled weight
  • Required readability and measurement units
  • Whether the cylinder remains on the scale continuously
  • Whether hoses or pipes can apply force to the weighing platform
  • Chemical name, concentration and expected type of exposure
  • Indoor, outdoor, wet, washdown or temperature conditions
  • Hazardous-area class, division, group or zone, if applicable
  • Local display, analog output, network or PLC requirements
  • Alarm, relay, filling-control or flow-rate requirements
  • AC, DC or battery-power requirements
  • Single-cylinder, dual-cylinder or multi-platform monitoring needs

Flexible hoses and piping should be installed so they do not support part of the cylinder weight or introduce changing side forces. A stable, level mounting surface and proper calibration are also essential for dependable measurements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a gas cylinder scale?
A gas cylinder scale is a low-profile weighing system designed to support a cylinder, pail, dewar or tank while continuously measuring its total weight. After subtracting the empty-container tare weight, the remaining contents can be estimated.
Why is weight better than pressure for measuring liquefied gas?
Pressure can remain relatively stable while liquefied gas remains in the cylinder, so it may not show how much material is left. Weight decreases as the material is consumed and provides a more direct indication of the remaining mass.
How do I choose the capacity of a cylinder scale?
Add the empty cylinder weight, the maximum contents weight and the weight of any supported valves, fixtures or restraints. Select a scale capacity above that combined total with an appropriate operating margin.
What capacities are available for Arlyn 620G cylinder scales?
Standard 620G configurations include 60 and 100 lb capacities with 0.02 lb readability, plus 300 and 400 lb capacities with 0.1 lb readability. Custom configurations can be discussed when a standard model does not fit the application.
Is a stainless-steel cylinder scale intrinsically safe?
No. Stainless steel can improve durability and corrosion resistance, but intrinsic safety concerns ignition energy in the complete electrical system. Classified locations require a properly selected and installed approved system such as a compatible ArlynGuard configuration.
Does stainless steel resist every chemical?
No. Chemical compatibility depends on the alloy, substance, concentration, temperature, exposure duration and cleaning procedure. Aggressive environments may require all-stainless construction, a designated corrosion-resistant coating or another custom material evaluation.
Can a cylinder scale trigger a low-level alarm?
Yes. A compatible system can use setpoints and relays to activate a buzzer, light or other equipment when the measured weight reaches a programmed condition. The alarm hardware and location must be appropriate for the operating environment.
Can cylinder scales connect to a PLC or cloud system?
Yes. Depending on the configuration, available options include analog outputs, serial communication, USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Modbus, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET and AxChange cloud monitoring. Confirm the receiving system and protocol before ordering.
Can a cylinder scale calculate flow rate?
A configured system can calculate weight-based consumption or flow by measuring the change in weight over time. Results depend on the weighing resolution, sampling and filtering settings, installation stability and the time interval used.
Can a cylinder scale detect a chemical leak?
A scale may reveal unexpected weight loss and can trigger an alert at a programmed condition. It does not identify the source of the loss and is not a substitute for an appropriate gas or chemical leak-detection system.

Configure the Right Cylinder or Tank Scale

Arlyn Scales can help match the platform, capacity, construction, hazardous-area configuration and communication options to your cylinder, chemical and process.

Configure a 620G Cylinder Scale
Discuss a Custom Application

Call 800-645-4301 to speak with Arlyn Scales.

Questions · Request a Quote · Support

Fill out my online form.

Learn more about Cylinder Scales

Cylinder Scales Application Notes