Cloud Droplet Probe (CDP)

View Sample Realtime Data Display

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              Sales Brochure
              Hardware Manual without schematics (2.9 MB)
              Hardware Manual with schematics (4.3 MB)
              Manual for the CDP's Particle-Analysis Software

DMT SPECIFICATIONS:

Measures cloud particles in the range of 2 - 50 µm
Particle-sizing and concentration histograms of 20, 30, or 40-bin resolution
Light source: 660 nm, 50 mW diode laser
Sample area: .24 mm²
Collects forward-scattered light over angles of 4 - 12 degrees
Concentration range: 0 - 5,000 particles/cm³
Airspeed range: 10 - 200 m/sec, altitude limit 50,000 ft
Signal-processing module outputs data through a standard RS-422 or RS-232 interface to DMT's PADS or other software
Software-selectable adjustable bin thresholds
Monitors 8 analog "housekeeping" parameters
Optional particle-by-particle feature provides precise sizing information and data on particle interarrival times
Dimensions: Strut is 8.5" L x 4.675" H x 5.875" H; signal-processing module is 7" L x 3.25" W x 2" H, remotely mounted. The compact design reflects cutting-edge airborne particle instrumentation.
Weight: 2.5 lbs. for sensor strut, 1.5 lbs. for electronics module
Power: less than 30 W at 28 VDC, plus 200 W for anti-ice heaters
System includes spectrometer, test cables, shipping case, one day of training at DMT's facility, and one-year warranty

PARTICLE-BY-PARTICLE FEATURE:

Standard CDPs provide particle-size information in histogram form. This system allows users to easily identify size distributions of particles within the range that the instrument measures. Standard CDPs do not provide precise size data for individual particles, however—particles are simply grouped with other particles of a similar diameter.

For more precise information on individual particle sizes, the CDP can be ordered with a particle-by-particle feature (CDP-PBP). CDP-PBPs provide all the functionality of a standard CDP along with much more detailed information about the first 256 particles detected during every sample. For particles observed during the particle-by-particle anaylsis, the CDP-PBP reports the following data:

Particle size in counts. This is the peak digital signal detected by the instrument‘s optics and is proportional to the particle‘s optical-scattering cross-section. This value can be used to determine particle size.

Individual particle time with µsec resolution.

Inter-arrival particle time (IPT). This is the time in msec that has elapsed between qualified particles.