Skip to main content

Biral RWS-20 weather sensor is made for the road

British meteorological instrument manufacturer Biral has launched what it says is “a very competitively priced” transportation road weather sensor (RWS-20). The sensor monitors visibility and obstruction to vision for road transport applications. It has been manufactured to allow easy integration with any road weather information system but it has been developed specifically for the harsh roadside environment. The RWS-20 is based upon Biral’s SWS range of visibility sensors, sharing many of its advanced tec
March 22, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
Biral’s RWS-20 weather sensor is made specifically for harsh road conditions
British meteorological instrument manufacturer 8558 Biral has launched what it says is “a very competitively priced” transportation road weather sensor (RWS-20)

The sensor monitors visibility and obstruction to vision for road transport applications.

It has been manufactured to allow easy integration with any road weather information system but it has been developed specifically for the harsh roadside environment. The RWS-20 is based upon Biral’s SWS range of visibility sensors, sharing many of its advanced technical features. It uses the compact forward scatter measurement principle and remains accurate in all weather conditions, ensuring local light sources, headlights or flashing signs do not impact its operation or reliability.

The RWS-20 has a measurement range of to 7.5km for use in road applications where fog, rain, spray and snow can create dangerous driving conditions. The optical windows and sensor hoods contain heating for use in harsh weather conditions throughout the year. Both optical windows have systems for lens contamination monitoring, ensuring the visibility output is constantly compensated to maintain accuracy whilst reducing routine maintenance duties.

The unit also has self-test capabilities, along with automatic alerts for cleaning the optical windows. The product has a serial data output of RS232, RS422 or RS485, while providing analogue voltage visibility outputs (0- 10V) or the extinction coefficient (EXCO).

The RWS-20 features optional relays which directly connect to road-side signage and other control systems, allowing intelligent communication and operation of local warning signs.

Biral is based in Bristol, UK. Its products range from sensors - measuring wind, temperature, precipitation, visibility, solar radiation and other standard parameters – to complete weather stations. Biral is also a specialist in the design, manufacture and supply of particle analysis and climate research instruments for science, industry and the environment.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Biral’s RWS-30 weathers poor tunnel visibility
    October 18, 2018
    Meteorological equipment specialist Biral has launched the RWS-30 road tunnel weather sensor for accurate and reliable visibility measurements. The sensor is easily integrated with systems in road and tunnel applications and monitors obstruction to vision caused by fog, smoke and exhaust fumes. The company says that the forward scatter measurement principle provides a compact design with measurements that are both accurate and reliable in all weather conditions. Sensor features include window contaminatio
  • Biral showcases meteorological equipment at UK highways show
    January 6, 2017
    Meteorological specialist Biral recently exhibited its range of advanced weather and visibility sensors at the Highways Management Show in Coventry, UK Biral, set up in 1975, works with companies and organisations across all industries, including road and transportation, to deliver solutions to monitor visibility and local weather conditions as part of smart road systems and intelligent transport networks. Biral said that its VPF and SWS Visibility and Present Weather Sensors ranges are particularly benefic
  • Biral showcases meteorological equipment at UK highways show
    January 24, 2017
    Meteorological specialist Biral recently exhibited its range of advanced weather and visibility sensors at the Highways Management Show in Coventry, UK Biral, set up in 1975, works with companies and organisations across all industries, including road and transportation, to deliver solutions to monitor visibility and local weather conditions as part of smart road systems and intelligent transport networks. Biral said that its VPF and SWS Visibility and Present Weather Sensors ranges are particularly bene
  • Vaisala PWD10 visibility sensors for Arizona
    December 19, 2022
    Vaisala provided its PWD10 visibility sensors and its Road Weather Station RWS200 system to make driving safer on a dangerously dusty and wind-blown highway.