PIP
Precipitation Imaging Probe
The PIP is an optical spectrometer that measures the size and shape of particles from 100 µm to 6200 µm.
TALK TO AN EXPERTGet specific measurements with range that is optimized for rain, snow, graupel, and hail particles.
Easily identify particle types by generating high-quality images via 64 photodetectors.
Reduce particle artifacts with open path format and anti-shatter tips.
PADS – Particle Analysis and Display System
The PIP utilizes optional PADS software to provide a user-friendly virtual instrument panel. PADS allows the user to control the PIP and display real-time data and logs. For instance, the program enables the user to do the following tasks:
- Start data recording and sampling
- View real-time particle image data
- View particle volume and number concentrations, as well as Median Volume Diameter (MVD) and Effective Diameter (ED)
- View LWC as calculated by the PIP
- Monitor instrument parameters like PIP laser current and various electronics voltages
- Play back data for post-flight viewing
Particle imaging
- Shadow images of particles passing through a collimated laser beam are projected onto a linear array of 64 photodetectors to determine presence of particles.
- Particle images are reconstructed from individual “slices,” where a slice is the state of the 64-element linear array at a given moment in time.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Technique | Optical Array Probe with 64 elements: 62 sizing elements, end diode rejection |
| Measured Particle Size Range | 100 µm – 6.2 mm |
| Sample Area | 260 mm x 6.2 mm for standard configuration (no Korolev tips) |
| Upper Concentration Range | 100 particles/cm3 |
| Air Speed Range | 10 – 200 m/sec |
| Number of Size Bins | 62 |
| Sampling Frequency | Asynchronous, 0.1 - 10 Hz. 1-second sampling is typical |
| Laser | 660 nm |
| Data System Interface: | Two channels: RS-422: 56,000 Baud Rate; High-Speed Serial: 4 x 106 Baud Rate (RS-422 only) |
| Weight | 21 lbs./9.5 kg in DMT canister 10.5 lbs./4.8 kg outside of canister 25 lbs/11.4 kg with generic canister |
| Power Requirements | 28VDC 3A for System Power 28VDC and 9A for Anti-ice Power Optional AC voltages for system power and anti-ice heaters |
| Environmental Operating Conditions | Temperature: -40 °C to +40°C RH: 0 – 100%, non-condensing Altitude: 0 - 50,000 ft / 0 - 15 km |
PADS software and laptop
Data Acquisition System
The Lifecycle Care Program ensures PIP integrity and performance vital to your research mission for 3 years or 3 calls (whichever comes first). When conducting complex and time intensive laboratory or field measurements it is critical to avoid down time, and ensure data collection accuracy. The program consists of 3 key deliverables for each year or call:
- Instrument Logistics
- Instrument Integrity
- Instrument Performance
Lifecycle Care Program Includes:
LOGISTICS
- Shipping to and from Droplet Measurement Technologies facility
- Customs handling, including CARNET ATA if required
INTEGRITY
- Incoming instrument evaluation and health check
PERFORMANCE
- Software and firmware validation
- 100%-unit functionality test
- Calibration data
- Calibration report
- Certificate of calibration
At times, our technician might discover an instrument issue, which might not be covered by the Lifecycle Care Program or by our product warranty. In such case we will reach out to you with a service & repair estimate to allow you to provide us with the next steps of action.
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