The SPA system records automatically and continuously all important parameters of the snow pack and allows, for example, for predictions about the snow melting progress. The latest product generation, the SPA-2, now offers a completely new and much more user friendly control interface, connecting analogue sensors has become a lot easier and the new standard for data outputs is realised via a RS 485 or SDI-12 interface.
Features and Advantages
- Records several snow parameters: snow water equivalent (SWE), snow density, liquid water content, ice content and snow depth
- Energy-saving operation through sleep modus, ideal for solar-powered measuring stations
- Individual system configuration: information regarding the complete snow pack or about specific snow profile depths
- Recording the progress of snowmelt and the expected quantities of water from the snow pack
Fields of Application With the valuable information from the SPA about snow density, liquid water content and snow water equivalent it is possible to recognize and analyze the snow melting processes at an early stage. That is why the SPA system is considered to be a very helpful measuring instrument for hydrologists, avalanche warning services or scientists as well as for companies operating hydropower stations, flood protection authorities, businesses in water management, the agricultural sector or mining companies.
Implementation The SPA station can be operated autonomously (using solar power). The mast and the frame are set up in a suitable position on level ground. The weather and UV-resistant sensor band penetrates the snow and measures the volumetric content of ice, water and air in the snow pack using impedance analysis. The snow depth measurements are taken by the reliable
ultrasonic snow depth sensor USH-8. Data storage and remote transmission equipment mounted in a weatherproof control cabinet can be provided additionally upon customer’s request.
-
SPA sensor material: Weatherproof, UV resistant sensor strap, reinforced with Kevlar cords
-
SPA sensor length: Horizontal strap: 4,8 m; sloping strap: 4,8 m (standard), resp. 6,7 m
-
SPA sensor width: 60 mm
-
SPA sensor measuring principle: Measurement and analysis of the complex impedance along the sensor; 4 cm depth of penetration on both sides
-
SPA analyzer – SPA sensor inputs: 1 - 4 SPA sensors (straps) mountable (base package comes with one horizontal and one diagonal tape)
-
SPA analyzer analog inputs: 4 total, 1x ultrasonic snow depth sensor with integrated temperature compensation (included), 3x for optional integration of further sensors (e.g. temperature measurements of snow, ground, snow surface)
-
SPA analyzer serial interface: RS 485, SDI-12; various ASCII formats
-
Power supply: 9 to 15 VDC, reverse voltage protection, overvoltage protection
-
Power consumption: Active: 65 mA per SPA sensor, inactive: 1 mA
-
Operating temperature: -35°C to 60°C (-31°F to 140°F)
-
Dimensions of frame: 6360 mm x 1100 mm x 3700 mm (L x W x H)
-
Dimensions of control unit: 165 mm x 105 mm x 55 mm (L x W x H)
- Expected snow pack depth (2,5 and 5m options available)
- Number of sensors (standard with one sloping and one horizontal, accommodates up to two additional horizontal)
- Addition of optional analog sensors (e.g. for snow or ground temperature)
- Sensor only or complete system with data logger desired
