DIGITAL

Delivery of seven distrometer to China

The worldwide unique distrometer developed by DIGITAL has become a real export hit. A large order from China has just been completed and is about to be delivered.

Günter Lammer and Michael Schönhuber stand for a photo in the workshop with the video distrometers before handing them over to the shipping company for delivery to China.
Günter Lammer (left) and Michael Schönhuber (right) with the video distrometers shortly before handing them over to the shipping company for delivery to China. Credit: JOANNEUM RESEARCH/M. Schwarzl

In 1991, the first 2D Video Distrometer (2DVD) was developed by a research team at JOANNEUM RESEARCH. The 2DVD measures the front and side view as well as the falling speed of precipitation particles and is considered one of the most successful products from the field of Styrian space research that is exported internationally.

The device for measuring precipitation, which is unspectacular at first glance, not only measures the amount of precipitation, but also the front and side view as well as the falling speed of each individual precipitation particle that falls through the measuring surface (100mm²).

The drop size distribution, the rain rate and other precipitation parameters are derived from these measurements. Statements about the precipitation particles (rain, hail, snow or mixed precipitation variants) can be made based on the shape and falling speed. Large raindrops (>3mm) tend to deviate from the spherical shape and can be lenticular. This is important for the measurement of precipitation by weather radar systems.

In total, more than 100 devices have already been delivered to well-known international organisations. The current order of seven distrometer with a contract value of approx. 300,000 euros for the Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences is an excellent example of DIGITAL's mission - to translate application-oriented cutting-edge research into qualified systems and solutions that are used under real-world conditions.


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