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

  • Blown away by Strassmayr's Blow Patcher 1010
    September 1, 2021
    Strassmayr’s latest Blow Patcher, the STP 1010 Joy, allows the vehicle driver to make road surface reparations using only a joystick located within the cab of the truck.
  • UK driving association launches winter weather safety focus
    October 18, 2012
    UK-based driving group the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is launching its new winter driving campaign. The IAM’s winter driving campaign is intended to help motorists prepare their cars and drive them safely this winter. The campaign includes a website, drivingadvice.org.uk, containing advice, traffic updates and weather forecasts. The IAM will also be publishing weekly news releases and driving tips in reaction to the winter weather as part of the campaign.
  • Komatsu is offering a versatile new short tail excavator
    December 8, 2014
    Versatility and high performance are claimed for the new short tail excavator offered in Europe by Komatsu Europe International. The PC228USLC-10 excavator benefits from the firm’s proven technology seen in the previous model and includes hydraulic system upgrades, improved operator control and comfort, excellent lift capacity and stability, and lower fuel consumption. The PC228USLC-10 features operating weights of 23.8-24.5tonnes and is powered by a 123kW Komatsu SAA6D107E-2 engine that is Stage IIIB/T
  • Treating Russia’s bridges
    April 11, 2013
    Russia is home to all of the world’s climatic zones and to over 6,000 bridges. Rain and wind, sun and heat, snow and ice mean that the Russian weather is extreme, and because its bridges need special protection their structural elements are insulated with bituminous sheeting. Evonik says that temperature stability and long life are key criteria for selecting insulating materials, and this has led to an increase in the use of special sheeting, some of which has been modified with its Vestoplast product. Ove