Columbia Weather Systems

LA County Sanitation District has purchased seven Orion weather stations since 2011 – mostly Orion 420s – sited at water reclamation facilities. One of our technicians, Kathryn Hammond, was recently in the area and got a tour of the Whittier Narrows facility. Prior to her visit Kathryn had spoken with Albert Mata on an installation follow-up with this report: “Albert installed the system. Loves it. Was easy to install.” Carlos Alfaro, Supervisor of Treatment Plant Operations, gave Kathryn the tour, including the catwalk over the tank. (Whittier Narrows is an open tank wastewater treatment facility.) Kathryn reports that they use primarily wind speed and direction parameters to help manage for odor based on complaints from the neighbors, as well as the possibility of chemical spills. Using an Allen-Bradley PLC system, the systems is monitored with FactoryTalk software. Learn more about Orion 420 Weather Stations with 4-20 mA Signal Interface

If you don't happen to have one of our weather stations handy, you can estimate wind speed and direction with today's honoree. CALM Beaufort 0 - Less than 2 km/h (≈ 1.25 mi/hr) Flag: Flag is at rest. LIGHT AIR Beaufort 1 - 5 km/h (≈ 3 mi/hr) Flag: Flag moves slightly in the wind, the bottom corner of the flag will hang. LIGHT BREEZE Beaufort 2 - 10 km/h (≈ 6 mi/hr) Flag: Flag extends in the wind, the top corner may flap and curl. GENTLE BREEZE Beaufort 3 - 20 km/h (≈ 12 mi/hr) Flag: Waves move across the fabric when the flag is extended in the wind. MODERATE BREEZE Beaufort 4 - 30 km/h (≈ 20 mi/hr) Flag: Flag is in constant motion, flapping quickly in the wind. FRESH BREEZE Beaufort 5 - 40 km/h (≈ 25 mi/hr) Flag: Ripples move quickly across the fabric. STRONG BREEZE Beaufort 6 - 50 km/h (≈ 30 mi/hr) Flag: The flag will “snap” and “pop” as it waves, flaps, and ripples. Damage to the flag will begin to occur. NEAR GALE Beaufort 7 - 60 km/h (≈ 35 mi/hr) Flag: Flag will