An Optical Device for the Measurement of Droplet Size Spectra in Calm or Low Wind Conditions

T. Perrin Météorologie Nationale, EERM/CRPA, Magny les Hameaux, France

Search for other papers by T. Perrin in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
A. Rigaud Météorologie Nationale, EERM/CRPA, Magny les Hameaux, France

Search for other papers by A. Rigaud in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
C. Pontikis Météorologie Nationale, EERM/CRPA, Magny les Hameaux, France

Search for other papers by C. Pontikis in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
M. Cabane Université Paris VI, Laboratoire de Météorologie, Paris, France

Search for other papers by M. Cabane in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Restricted access

We are aware of a technical issue preventing figures and tables from showing in some newly published articles in the full-text HTML view.
While we are resolving the problem, please use the online PDF version of these articles to view figures and tables.

Abstract

An instrument for measuring the size and concentration of droplets is described. It has the ability to function in calm and low wind conditions. Droplets in the 5–50 μm diameter range are detected optically. The data acquisition and real-time processing systems corresponding to granulometer measurements are presented. Multiple occupation sample volume (MOSV) signals are taken into account in the processing.

The error on the measured droplet concentration is less than 10% when the droplet number is less than 300 per cm3. Results of calibration tests of the instrument, as well as industrial wind tunnel and in situ measurements obtained using it, are presented. They show that this device performs satisfactorily for winds up to 10 m s−1.

Abstract

An instrument for measuring the size and concentration of droplets is described. It has the ability to function in calm and low wind conditions. Droplets in the 5–50 μm diameter range are detected optically. The data acquisition and real-time processing systems corresponding to granulometer measurements are presented. Multiple occupation sample volume (MOSV) signals are taken into account in the processing.

The error on the measured droplet concentration is less than 10% when the droplet number is less than 300 per cm3. Results of calibration tests of the instrument, as well as industrial wind tunnel and in situ measurements obtained using it, are presented. They show that this device performs satisfactorily for winds up to 10 m s−1.

Save