OTT Parsivel²
Laser optical present weather disdrometer
The OTT Parsivel² is a modern laser disdrometer for comprehensive measurement of all precipitation types. The Parsivel² captures both the size and speed of falling particles, classifying them into one of 32 separate size and velocity classes. The raw data are used to calculate the type, amount, intensity and kinetic energy of the precipitation, the visibility in the precipitation, and the equivalent radar reflectivity
- Precipitation type, intensity, drop size distribution, radar reflectivity
- Laser optical
- Simultaneous measurement of 32 classes for particle sizes and velocities
- SDI-12 / RS-485, pulse
- Accurate – the exact size and speed of every precipitation particle that passes in the measurement area is recorded and from these measurements all relevant meteorological parameters are derived
- Maintenance-free – no moving parts or a collection bucket, unlike tipping bucket rain gauges
- Durable – continuous and precise precipitation data in all environmental conditions with integrated overvoltage protection
- Energy-efficient – economical electronics and galvanically separate, controllable head heating, providing a power supply that is flexibly designed with minimal power consumption
- Easy-to-use – integrated USB port configuration and online monitoring for simple PC data review with OTT ASDO user software
- Precipitation Measurement: complete precipitation measurement including particle size, volume, and intensity. Precipitation size and type are each calculated into one of 32 classes, as specified by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
- Monitoring Road Conditions: precipitation amount and composition are combined with general visibility measurements to provide an accurate picture of road conditions
- Early Flood Warning: when combined with water level sensors, the Parsivel2 is the central component in an early flood warning system
- Erosion Modeling: kinetic precipitation energy calculated by the Parsivel2, paired with other parameters like ground state or relief, provides a key input for erosion models
| Measurement range | |
| Particle size | of liquid precipitation 0.2 ... 5 mm |
| Particle size | of solid precipitation 0.2 ... 25 mm |
| Particle velocity | 0.2 ... 20 m/s |
| Type and identification | precipitation intensity / amount |
| Distribution of precipitation particles | 32 size classes and 32 velocity classes 8 precipitation types (drizzle, drizzle/rain, rain,snow/rain, snow, snow grain, sleet, hail) radar reflectivity Z |
| Weather code reports | WMO 4680/4677 (SYNOP), 4678 (METAR) and NWS tables differentiation of precipitation types drizzle, rain, hail, snow ; > 97 % accordance with human observer values |
| Visibility at precipitation | measurement range (MOR) 100 ... 5000 m; ±10% |
| Rain rate | |
| Minimal intensity | 0.001 mm/h drizzle/rain |
| Maximal intensity | 1.200 mm/h |
| Accuracy | ±5 % (liquid) / ±20 % (solid) |
| Optical sensor | wave length 780 nm, 0.5 mW output power |
| Laser diode | Laser class 1, 1 (21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11), 1 (IEC/EN 60825-1 A2:2001) |
| Beam dimension | W x D 180 x 30 mm |
| Measurement area | 54 cm², detection of border events |
| All weather conditions proofed | self-controlled heating against ice or snow coverage of housing (min. 24 V DC) |
| Housing material | powder-coated aluminum housing |
| Protection class | IP65, resistant to salt spray |
| Environmental conditions | |
| Temperature range | -40 ... +70 °C |
| Humidity | 0 ... 100 % rel. air humidity |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 670 x 600 x 114 mm |