An Evaluation of the Capability of the Surface Condition Analyzer (SCAN) Sensors to Measure Runway Water Depth.
Abstract
Field tests of Surface Systems, Inc.'s Surface Condition Analyzer's (SCAN) capability to measure runway water depth during rainfall events were performed at the Spirit of St. Louis Airfield, St. Louis, Mo., during March-May of 1985. These limited tests were scheduled to provide data in real rainfall events and to answer questions of sensor capability relative to true runway water depth and or sensor installation and siting protocol--i.e., should the sensor surface be horizontal or flush relative to a sloping runway surface. Field calibration checks showed that sensors installed in the runway surface can measure in-situ water depth in the range 0.030 to 0.40 inches (+ or = 0.01 inches). In real rainfall with rates ranging from 0.30 inches/hour (very light) to 6.0 inches/hour (heavy), it was found that the sensor-measured water depth correlated very well with an independently measured water depth over the range 0.03 to 0.10 inches (maximum observed). At the lower end of this range, both sensors measured the same water depth, while at the top end, the sloping, flush-mounted sensor indicated only about 75% of the water depth measured independently and by the horizontally mounted sensor.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA164719
Entities
People
- B. J. Wattle
- C. W. Rogers
- E. J. Mack
Organizations
- Calspan