Overview
The SWS-050 visibility sensor is optimised for use in applications where accurate and reliable visibility measurements are required. The forward scatter measurement principle and compact design ensure the output is both accurate and reliable in all weather conditions. The inclusion of hood heating and advanced self-test features as standard makes the SWS-050 Biral’s most cost-effective solution for visibility measurement.
The SWS-050 is a very capable well specified general purpose visibility sensor that is used in a wide variety of applications and operating environments. With the same accuracy and reliability as other members of the SWS sensor series the ICAO 9328 compliant design and seamless integration with the ALS-2 Ambient Light Sensor allow the SWS-050 to be used for both general visibility monitoring and as part of instrumented RVR systems.
Applications
The 10m to 40km measurement range coupled with advanced self-test make the sensor well suited for weather station use. Window contamination monitoring and compensation ensure the results remain accurate even in challenging conditions. Where blowing snow or freezing conditions are experienced the hood heaters, which are fitted as standard to the SWS-050, keep the optics clear and the sensor functioning correctly.
Operation
The SWS-050 has a series of features that reduce maintenance requirements to a minimum whilst ensuring accurate and reliable operation. These features include contamination monitoring on all its optical windows. This automatically corrects the output data and provides two stage warnings allowing maintenance to be performed as efficiently as possible. On-Site calibration checks and recalibration are simple and quickly accomplished by a single person.
Features
With a measurement range of 10m to 40km the SWS-050 sensor is suitable for use in road and aviation applications as well as meteorological observation networks. The SWS-050 measurement accuracy easily exceeds that specified by the International Civil Aviation Organisation for visibility sensors used in METAR and RVR applications.
- 10m to 40km measurement range
- Compact forward scatter design
- Hood heating for use in extreme environments
- Window heating and contamination monitoring
- Easy integration of Biral ALS-2 Ambient Light Sensor
- Comprehensive self-test capabilities
- Serial data output (RS232, RS422 or RS485)
Learn more about our SWS sensors on YouTube
Technical Description
The SWS-050
The 45° forward scatter angle and 850nm infrared light source used by the SWS-050 provide the best possible visibility measurement accuracy in all weather conditions. Visibility is output as both Meteorological Optical Range (MOR) and Extinction Coefficient (EXCO) to simplify integration with monitoring systems.
In common with all Biral visibility and present weather sensors the SWS-050 uses 2kHz modulation of the light source combined with narrow pass band optical filter and synchronous detection at the receiver to ensure the measurement is not affected by bright or flashing lights. The design also ensures the sensor accurately reports visibility during precipitation. The horizontal hood design eliminates the problems caused by surface reflections that are a source of error in sensors employing look down hood geometries.
The sensor hoods are fitted with heaters to ensure blowing snow does not block the optical path. The hood heaters have their own supply connection allowing the use of unregulated supplies which can help to reduce installation costs. The hood heating only operates when the temperature drops below 4°C and can be disabled through the sensor interface if required.
The optical windows of the sensor are fitted with low power heaters to prevent the formation of condensation. Window contamination monitoring and compensation allows the visibility output to maintain its accuracy even as dirt builds up on the optical surfaces. The sensor reports the window contamination in the output message using two stages of warning flags allowing cleaning to take place in a convenient manner.
Communication with the sensor is over a serial data link that is user configurable for RS232, RS422 or RS485 signal levels. ASCII encoded data is used and the sensor can operate in either a polled broadcast modes. The data message can include a time stamp from the internal real time clock in addition to the standard visibility and basic self-test information.
The sensor operates from a low voltage DC supply and requires just 3.5W. The low power window heaters that can be set to only operate when condensation is detected take an additional 1.7W. The higher power hood heaters are supplied separately allowing the use of an unregulated heating supply.
The SWS-050 is a single lightweight unit that can be easily installed by one person. The sensor enclosure is constructed from aluminium which is surface passivated and finished with a white powder coat paint. It is designed for use in all types of weather and has a wide operating temperature.
Specifications
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Contact Biral for more information
To find out more about this instrument or to discuss your application requirements please do not hesitate to contact Biral.
- Complete our enquiry form
- Email enquiries@biral.com
- Telephone +44 (0)1275 847787
After Sales Support
Biral offers free advice and technical support for the lifetime of the instruments we sell. Once you have purchased the unit you can always contact us for help using the links on our Service Support page.
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