Bristol Industrial & Research Associates Ltd (Biral) products

The BTD-350 Thunderstorm Detector is a standalone sensor that reliably detects the presence of all forms of lightning to a range of 83km. The unique quasi electrostatic operating principle gives the detector a very low false alarm rate and the ability to warn of the risk of overhead lightning. The ability to reliably detect and range cloud-to-cloud lightning, which is typically much more common than cloud-to-ground strikes, makes the BTD-350 much more sensitive to the presence of storms compared to devices that rely on radio detection. The electrostatic operating principle allows the sensor to warn of the risk of overhead lightning before the first discharge occurs. Virtually maintenance free in operation, the BTD-350 can either interface directly to an integrated system or be operated using the supplied PC compatible display and logging software. The optional warning relay module allows the sensor to automatically sound alarms whenever a storm approaches.

The AOT-100 allows users to hold airborne particles for extended periods with ease. Holding particles in an optical trap enables many different parameters to be studied continuously over times varying from milliseconds to hours.

The VPF-710 Visibility sensor provides high quality visibility measurement in a compact and highly robust package. The open design of the sensor head allows the free passage of air ensuring the visibility measurement is as accurate as possible in all conditions. Other features of the design ensure the correct response to all precipitation types as well as smoke and dust. The VPF-710 is highly resistant to disturbance from nearby light sources such as aviation obstacle warning lights, both constant and flashing. Even the latest generation of IR obstacle lights are not a problem.

The SWS-100 is optimised for use in applications where accurate and reliable visibility measurements are required alongside basic present weather measurements. The forward scatter measurement principle and unique design ensure the output is both accurate and reliable in all weather conditions and will not be influenced by local lights sources, even those that flash.

The SWS-050 visibility sensor is optimised for use in applications where accurate and reliable visibility measurements are required. The forward scatter measurement principle and compact design ensure the output is both accurate and reliable in all weather conditions. The inclusion of hood heating and advanced self-test features as standard makes the SWS-050 Biral’s most cost-effective solution for visibility measurement.

The RWS-30 Road Tunnel Weather Sensor is designed for use in road and tunnel applications where accurate and reliable visibility measurements are required. The forward scatter measurement principle provides a compact design with measurements that are both accurate and reliable in all weather conditions. The RWS-30 outputs have been chosen to match those recommended for use in tunnel systems.

The RWS-20 Road Weather Sensor is designed for use in road applications where accurate and reliable visibility measurements are required. 

The VPF-750 Visibility and Present Weather sensor is the most advanced in Biral’s product range. Its enhanced performance allows the reporting of freezing precipitation in addition to the weather codes typically available from a forward scatter sensor. 

The VPF-730 Visibility sensor provides accurate visibility and present weather measurement in a compact and robust package, making it well suited to both general and offshore aviation applications .

The SWS-250 is optimised for use in aviation applications where both visibility and extended present and past weather information is required.