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

  • Testing, testing: a Nordic-specific road markings certification is being developed
    November 1, 2019
    Sweden is set to implement certification for road marking materials in 2019.
  • Resilient roads: sector cooperation is the key
    March 11, 2021
    Now is the time for national road agencies and the private sector to cooperate on building more climate resilient roads, urges Dr Erik Denneman*.
  • Processing technologies
    February 27, 2012
    Ontario-based WS Tyler is offering three innovative new systems to the North American market. The company is a subsidiary of German firm Haver and one of its new concepts is the new Haver Pelletising Disc, which converts fines into marketable pelletised product.
  • Philipp Swarovski lays down the marker
    June 10, 2019
    Swarco’s chief operating officer Philipp Swarovski shares his thoughts on highway safety and infrastructure in an age of uncertain future needs. David Arminas reports It was in Austria in 1969 when Manfred Swarovski opened his first glass bead factory. Five years later, operations started in the US. As the years rolled by there followed acquisitions and expansion of manufacturing facilities as well as a shift into intelligent transportation systems globally. Fast forward to 2019 and the family compan