Automatic Precipitation Collector - NSA 181/S

The NSA 181/S Automatic Precipitation Sampler collects precipitation in eight separate days or by single samples. Individual sample bottles can be easily removed from the apparatus at the end of the period of measurement for laboratory analysis.

Every single component which is used for measuring is made out of chemically neutral material and placed in a thermally insulated housing. At high ambient temperatures the housing is automatically ventilated avoiding overheating due to intense radiation of the sun and ensuring no sample amount is evaporated. The materials, funnel shape and the collection surface correspond to the standards of the VDI-recommendations 3870 ( VDI: Association of German Engineers) and are used by several national hydrological collection networks around the world. Applications include:

• national hydrological networks
• atomic power station monitoring
• trace chemical monitoring
• precipitation research

Features

• individual daily sample bottle separation
• compact, modular design, insulated PVC housing
• 500 cm2 collection surface
• completely automated
• standard or chemically neutral material of single components for use with trace chemicals like Mercury
• suitable for winter operation with heating for the funnel and sample bottles
• heating thermostatically controlled according to user requirements
• precipitation sensor included to open collection funnel

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What it does

At the start of precipitation an impulse from the precipitation sensor (RS85) automatically opens up the collection funnel protective lid. The precipitation passes in pure form down the funnel and flows over a pipe into a ring funnel and then through a hole into the rotating head. The rotating head is connected to the individual hard polyethylene sample bottle by drain pipes and silicone hoses. A micro processor switch timer, which can be programmed according to your needs, causes a motor to advance the ring funnel. Gathered precipitation falls into the next sample bottle by way of the next opening of the rotating head.

A back up battery will provide power for the timing control and control of the rotating head for at least 24 hours to ensure bottle changing in the event of power failure.

When precipitation has ceased, a signal from the highly accurate precipitation sensor (RS85), which operates with an adjustable heating element, causes a motor to close the collection funnel, keeping it clean from foreign objects and ensuring sample quality both in terms of purity and amount.

For winter operation the funnel and sample bottles are heated as required to maintain sample integrity.

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Specifications of NSA 181/S Automatic Precipitation Sampler

This range is in continuous development therefore
specifications may change without prior notice.

Accessories

Included with the NSA 181/S:

• insulated PVC housing
• collection funnel of polyethylene (different materials available see below)
• impulse unit with lid
• collecting insert module (bottle tray)
• electronic control unit for drive unit
• 2 sample bottle sets (hard polyethylene)
• heating for funnel and sample bottles
• precipitation sensor RS85

Options available

• collection funnel (made out of DURAN glass, quartz glass or PTFE, depending on trace material to measure)
• opto-electrical precipitation sensor IRSS 88 instead of the RS85 (cost effective alternative but less precise)
• LCD-working hour meter to maintain scheduling
• heated snow top (for high snow fall areas)
• internal data collection using the datalogger system
• constant cooling of the sampler (for summer or hot environments)
• supporting base (made of galvanised steel)

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