CIP

Cloud Imaging Probe

This optical spectrometer measures the size and shape of particles from 25 µm to 1550 µm (or  optional 15 µm to 930 µm), liquid water content from 0.01 g/m3 to 3 g/m3 and airspeed to 200 m/sec.

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Get particle size distributions from 25 µm to 1550 µm, or 15 µm to 930 µm with optional 15-µm resolution.

Enable easy identification of particle types by generating high-quality images via 64 photodetectors. Use the optional grayscale option for enhanced images based on the density in different regions of the particle.

Record information on atmospheric temperature and pressure, aircraft velocity and altitude, and liquid water content (LWC) from 0.01 g/m3 to 3 g/m3.

PADS – Particle Analysis and Display System

The CIP utilizes optional PADS software that provides a user-friendly virtual instrument panel. PADS allows the user to control the CIP and display real-time data and logs. For instance, the program enables the user to do the following tasks:

  • Start data recording and sampling
  • View real-time particle image data
  • View particle volume and number concentrations, as well as Median Volume Diameter (MVD) and Effective Diameter (ED)
  • View LWC as measured or calculated by the hotwire sensor and CIP
  • Monitor instrument parameters like CIP laser current and various electronics voltages
  • Play back data for post-flight viewing

Applications

Particle imaging

  • Shadow images of particles passing through a collimated laser beam are projected onto a linear array of 64 photodetectors to determine presence of particles.
  • Particle images are reconstructed from individual “slices,” where a slice is the state of the 64-element linear array at a given moment in time.

ParameterCIP SpecificationSpecification for Included Hotwire LWC
Technique Optical Array Probe with 64 elements: 62 sizing elements, end diode rejectionTemperature-Controlled Hotwire Sensor
Measured Particle Size Range 12.5 µm – 1.55 mm (for 25-µm resolution CIP) 7.5 – 930 µm (for 15-µm resolution CIP)N/A; measured LWC range is 0 – 3 g/m3
Sample Area Variable; depends on tip configuration and particle sizeN/A
Upper Concentration Range: Depends on particle size, but up to 500 particles/cm3 for a CIP with standard tips and arm width3 g/m3
Air Speed Range 10 – 300 m/sec (for 25-µm resolution CIP) 10 – 180 m/sec (for 15-µm resolution CIP)10 – 200 m/sec
Number of Size Bins 62N/A
Sampling Frequency 1D histogram data: 0.05 to 25 Hz; 2D image data: variable interval, when buffer fillsN/A
Laser 658 nm, 30 mWN/A
Auxiliary Parameters Ambient Temperature, Relative Humidity, Static Pressure, Dynamic Pressure
Data System Interface: 2D CIP data: RS-422, High Speed, 4 Mb/sec Baud Rate System data: RS-422, 56.6 kb/sec Baud Rate
Weight: 21 lbs./9.5 kg in DMT canister
Power Requirements 28VDC: 11A for probe system, anti-ice heaters either 13A (standard tips) or 17A (Korolev tips) Optional AC voltages for system power and anti-ice heaters
Environmental Operating Conditions Temperature: -40 °C to +40°C (-40 °F to +104 °F) RH: 0 – 100%, non-condensing Altitude: 0 – 50,000 ft

  • PADS software and laptop
  • Data Acquisition System

The Lifecycle Care Program ensures CIP integrity and performance vital to your research mission for 3 years or 3 calls (whichever comes first). When conducting complex and time intensive laboratory or field measurements it is critical to avoid down time, and ensure data collection accuracy. The program consists of 3 key deliverables for each year or call:

  • Instrument Logistics
  • Instrument Integrity
  • Instrument Performance

Lifecycle Care Program Includes:

LOGISTICS

  • Shipping to and from Droplet Measurement Technologies facility
  • Customs handling, including CARNET ATA if required

INTEGRITY

  • Incoming instrument evaluation and health check

PERFORMANCE

  • Software and firmware validation
  • 100%-unit functionality test
  • Calibration data
  • Calibration report
  • Certificate of calibration

At times, our technician might discover an instrument issue, which might not be covered by the Lifecycle Care Program or by our product warranty. In such case we will reach out to you with a service & repair estimate to allow you to provide us with the next steps of action.

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