Remote ice detection equipment — RIDE

A new instrument for remote ice detection and thickness measurement is described. It incorporates two optically based technologies that give it capability to measure the thickness of clear or foggy layers of solid or liquid on surfaces. The device is capable of measurements on moving surfaces such as wind turbines, and aircraft propellers and rotors. Details of the prototype are presented along with thickness data acquired during two test programs, one study on clear ice layers where measurements were obtained from a distance of ~ 15 m and the other on foggy ice layers at a distance of approximately 13 m.

► A remote ice detection prototype works from distances up to 30 m.
► Accurate thickness measurements were obtained from clear and foggy ice layers.
► The technology can be miniaturized for short-range measurements.
► The technology works for measurements on moving objects.