Ice detection
Surfaces become slippery quickly and rarely give warning. The right detection system gives you a head start.
Ice formation on roads, bridges, runways, railway tracks and industrial facilities is one of the most common causes of accidents and operational disruptions during the winter months. Hans Buch supplies ice detection systems that provide real-time data, so you can act – before an accident happens.
Ice on the road is not a weather issue – it is a safety issue
Surfaces become slippery quickly and rarely give warning. The right detection system gives you a head start.
Ice formation on roads, bridges, runways, railway tracks and industrial facilities is one of the most common causes of accidents and operational disruptions during the winter months. Hans Buch supplies ice detection systems that provide real-time data, so you can act – before an accident happens.
What ice detection actually measures
Effective ice detection is not just about detecting ice. The most advanced systems measure:
Modern ice detection systems combine sensors for surface temperature, moisture, freezing point, dew point and weather conditions to provide an accurate picture of the risk of ice formation.
We supply thermocouples, Pt100/Pt1000 resistance thermometers and thermistors for a wide range of applications – from cryogenic temperatures to high-temperature processes.
- Surface temperature measured by road surface sensors – distinguishes between dry, wet, damp, frozen and ice-covered surfaces
- Freezing point of liquid on the road surface – accounts for salt and chemicals
- Dew point and residual salt level – crucial for optimising salt use
- Visibility and precipitation type – snow, sleet, rain or fog
This provides a much more nuanced basis for decision-making than a simple temperature measurement alone.
Ice detection for different environments
Solutions for different environments
- Road weather information systems (RWIS) Complete Road Weather Information Systems for motorways, bridges and tunnels – with a local sensor, data logger and integration with weather warning services.
- Airports and runways Monitoring of runway and taxiway surface conditions – critical for flight operations and de-icing planning.
- Railways and track infrastructure Ice formation on points and rails can bring rail traffic to a standstill. We supply robust sensor systems for track infrastructure in all climatic conditions.
- Industrial facilities and bridges For cranes, bridges and outdoor facilities where ice build-up poses a risk to equipment or personnel.
Benefits of proactive ice detection
- Reduced salt use – apply salt only when and where it is needed
- Fewer accidents and compensation claims
- Documentation for authorities and insurance companies
- Integration with automatic spreading systems
- Lower operating costs in the long term
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