The Japan Weather Association (JWA) released a simplified acid rain tester (Model ARM-600) in June 2004. This device, jointly developed by the JWA and Kyoto Electronics Manufacturing Co., can record the amount of rainfall as well as rain acidity and conductivity by connecting with an existing rain gauge and a data logger (a device to record data for computer analysis).

Besides a pH meter, a salinity sensor can also be attached at the same time allowing simultaneous monitoring of both the acidity and salinity of rain. This makes it useful in a variety of ways, such as crop and forest management, as well as the protection of nature areas and cultural assets.

Conventional rain sensor-equipped acidity measuring devices are complex in design and expensive. In contrast, Model ARM-600 not only has a simple design, it can also be attached to an existing tipping bucket rain gauge.

The Model ARM-600 is cylindrical, with a diameter of 30 centimeters and a height of 25 centimeters. Its price is 367,500 yen (U.S.$3,372), including tax. The rain gauge and data logger are sold separately.



Posted: 2004/09/17 05:24:02 PM
Japanese version

TAG Eco-product/Business , Ecosystem , Food/Water , Manufacturing industry , Non-manufacturing industry