Vaisala Cloud Height Detection Ceilometer CL31

For cloud height detection Vaisala Ceilometer CL31 measures cloud base height and vertical visibility in all weather - good or bad. Backscatter profiling performance and reliability in all weather conditions up to 25,000 feet (7.6 km). It is a compact and lightweight instrument for cloud base height and vertical visibility measurements. It detects three cloud layers simultaneously. The CL31 employs a pulsed diode laser LIDAR (light detection and ranging) technology. The CL31 is ideal for aviation and meteorological applications. Features  • Fast measurement enables detection of thin cloud layers below a solid cloud base  • Extensive self-diagnostics with fault analysis  • Approved and deployed by the US-FAA  • Selected by the National Weather Service of USA  • Measurement range from 0 to 7.6 km (from 0 to 25,000 feet).  • Second-generation, advanced single-lens optics provides excellent performance also at low altitudes  • Reliable operation in all weather; unsurpassed performance in vertical visibility and cloud detection during precipitation  • Modular design for easy installation and maintenance  • Fast measurement enables detection of thin cloud layers below a solid cloud base  • Latest technology from the world-leading manufacturer - based on the experience from more than 5000 installed Vaisala ceilometers worldwide Key Benefits • Measurement starts from ground level   • The enhanced single-lens technology applied in the CL31 ensures excellent performance starting at a height of virtually zero. This is due to the strong and stable signal over the whole measurement range. The single-lens technology provides unsurpassed reliability during precipitation, low clouds and ground based obscurations, which are the most critical phenomena in aviation safety.  • Fast measurement   • Fast measurement helps to detect thin cloud patches below a solid cloud base. The CL31 provides a full backscatter profile for data visualization and research purpose. The CL31 beam can be directed either vertically or tilted. The tilting option together with the novel optics design provides enhanced performance during precipitation by improving the protection given by the shield. In the measurement unit, a tilt angle sensor automatically corrects the measured cloud distance reading to vertical cloud base height.  • Extensive self-diagnostics   • The CL31 is fully automatic. In addition to cloud height data, the messages contain instrument status information based on comprehensive self-diagnostic routines. In case of a malfunction the diagnostics help users to identify the failed module. The CL31 features practical modularity and its easy-access door ensures fast servicing and high data availability.  • Easy installation and maintenance   • The CL31 is easy to install. It has a radiation shield that protects the unit during precipitation and against excessive heat or cooling in extreme temperatures. The automatic window blower with heater improves performance by keeping the window clean and dry. In cold conditions heating prevents frost generation on the window.