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LT31

The document describes the Vaisala LT31 transmissometer, which features automatic calibration, alignment, and window contamination compensation for accurate visibility measurement over a wide range. It also offers optional present weather reporting.

Uploaded by

Fábio Cardoso
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© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
12 views

LT31

The document describes the Vaisala LT31 transmissometer, which features automatic calibration, alignment, and window contamination compensation for accurate visibility measurement over a wide range. It also offers optional present weather reporting.

Uploaded by

Fábio Cardoso
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 16

Vaisala

Transmissometer
LT31
Introduction

Advantages of transmissometer technology:


• more accurate than scatter measurement technology
• direct measurement of attenuation, not affected by particle type
• large measurement volume, more representative results
• can be directly calibrated

Limitations of present transmissometers:


• measurement range is limited
• window contamination reduces the measurement accuracy
significantly, cleaning is required frequently
• calibrating a transmissometer system can be complicated
• alignment of a transmissometer is time consuming and requires well
trained personnel

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 2


Vaisala LT31 Features

• Robust design, reliable unattended operation in all


weather
• Single base line system for full RVR and visibility range
• Measurement range 10m...10km covering all airport visibility
measurement needs with a single 30m baseline solution
• Extended cleaning / maintenance intervals provided by
• Integrated automatic transmissometer calibration feature
• Auto-alignment feature, provides also easy handling during
installation / maintenance
• Full and true window contamination compensation,
measurement based on V-shape windows
• Blower generated air curtain to prevent precipitation and wind
driven contamination accumulation on windows

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 3


Vaisala LT31 Features

• State of the art white LED light source according to


WMO recommendation
• The spectral response of the LT31 receiver is adapted to
the spectral sensitivity of the human eye
•Sophisticated self diagnostics
• Extensive status information in the data message
• Automatic detection of alignment quality loss
•Alignment quality is ensured by double tube mast
construction
• outer tube behaves as wind and solar radiation shield, the
support structure is separated from thermal and
mechanical stress caused by solar radiation and wind load
• Option for reporting Present Weather
• Optional integrated UPS feature

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 4


Autocalibration

LT31 transmissometer uses an integrated forward


scatter sensor to detect stable high visibility
situations and calibrates itself automatically
• The transmissometer will always be automatically
calibrated when visibility is stable and over 10 km
• every calibration opportunity will be used unlike with
manual calibrations
• errors due to inaccurate manual calibration will be
prevented
• The transmissometer can also be roughly calibrated
in lower visibility e.g. after installation or sensor
repair
• Proven and patented technology

LT31 combines the benefits of both transmissometer and forward


scatter technologies

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 5


Automatic alignment

Fine alignment of the Vaisala transmissometer LT31 is done fully


automatically

• Set-up after installation or repair is quick and easy


•-can be carried out by one person

• Alignment quality is assured

• Alignment is maintained automatically

• Initial raw alignment is aided with acoustical feedback corresponding


to signal strength

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 6


Automatic alignment
Automated Fine Alignment Mechanism
• The LT31 transmitter and receiver optics units are equipped with a precise
microcontroller driven positioning system for the optical systems

• Fine alignment procedure is


initiated via the User Interface.
• Fine alignment is done fully
automated.
• Alignment span is 3,5°

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 7


Contamination Compensation
Window transparency measurement for transmitter and receiver
windows.

• A window light transmitter module


generates a separate light beam.
• The light beam crosses the v-shaped
window arrangement.
– patented concept
• A reflecting surface in the
measurement unit enclosure is used to
direct the beam towards the window
receivers optics tube.
• The transmittance measurement is
corrected in accordance to the
evaluated window contamination.

True window transparency measurement!

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 8


Window contamination prevention
Window contamination may take place especially during precipitation
and high winds

• a blower is used to create an air curtain in front of the windows


• wind driven particles are forced downwards

The blower is automatically activated during precipitation to prevent


excessive contamination

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 9


LT31 Subunits
Transmitter/Receiver Unit
PWD Forward
Scatter Sensor
Measurement
Head

Standard Mast
LTAM250

Upper Interface
Unit Cover

Lower Interface
Unit Cover

Receiver Unit Transmitter Unit


LTR111 LTT111
©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 10
LT31 Subunits
Measurement Head
Measurement
Head Cover

Measurement Unit
LTM111/211

Support Unit
LTS111/211

Outer Mast Tube

• The mechanical position of the Measurement Unit is not influenced by


solar radiation or wind
• The Measurement Unit is mounted to the Inner Mast Tube
• The Support Unit is mounted to the Outer Mast Tube
©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 11
Measurement unit

• Measurement head contains the


transmitter or receiver electronics
and optics in a sealed compartment
• alignment mechanics
• contamination measurement

• The measurement head is modular


in construction
• complete measurement unit can be
replaced quickly in the field
• the transmitter light source can be
quickly replaced

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 12


LT31 Subunits
Interface Unit Receiver LTI211

Transformer

Master CPU
LTC211

Power Supply
FSP101

Terminals and
Mains Switch

Maintenance
Connector

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 13


LT31 Options
Background Luminance Sensor LM21
LM21 Key Features
• Window Contamination Compensation
• Window Blockage Detection
• Powerful window and hood heating
• Integrated self test functionality
• Measurement range 2...40000 cd/m2

Field Calibrator LMA21 (option):


• white LED light source with opal
diffuser glass
• factory calibration parameters are
stored in the calibrator
• automated calibration procedure

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 14


LT31 Options
Present Weather (PW) Data Output

• When PW data output is enabled,


the LT31 message 2 can be
selected.
• Present Weather Information is
evaluated by the PWD Forward
Scatter Sensor
• PW data is transmitted to the
HOST system in the frame of the
LT31 data message.

Identifies: 7 different types of precipitation (rain, freezing rain, drizzle,


freezing drizzle, mixed rain/snow, snow, ice pellets)
Reports: 49 different codes from WMO 4680 code table

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 15


Conclusions

Vaisala LT31 is a new generation


transmissometer featuring
• Measurement range 10m...10km covering all
airport visibility measurement needs with a
single 30m baseline solution
• Automatic calibration
• Automatic alignment
• Direct window transparency measurement to
compensate for window contamination
• White light source for optimal accuracy
• Optional Present Weather reporting

LT31: Based on experience


©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 16

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