Particle Counter Design Upgrade for Euro 7

Abstract

This research article presents an optimized approach to enhance the performance of the APC exhaust gas particle analyzer, a significant instrument used for exhaust emission evaluation in diesel-powered vehicles considering EU regulations on pollutant emissions. The study aimed to address the challenge of particle counter contamination that often occurs during frequent exhaust gas measurements and leads to measurement interruptions until maintenance is conducted. To achieve this, a preparatory unit that extends the operational duration of the measurement system between maintenance intervals while preserving measurement accuracy was developed based on actual exhaust gas experiments. The preparatory unit comprises a condensate drainage system, cooling fan, HEPA filter, membrane pump, and interconnecting pipelines to prevent moisture and larger particle deposition, ensuring uninterrupted and accurate exhaust gas measurements. The research findings underscore the significance of reliable and precise exhaust gas emission measurements, contributing to advancements in particle counting technology and facilitating compliance with emissions regulations in various scientific and industrial applications. This study provides an objective representation of the proposed preparatory unit’s effectiveness in mitigating particle contamination with only 1.9% measurement variance, offering promising implications for the improvement of exhaust gas analysis methods.