Soot Particle Classifications in the Context of a Resistive Sensor Study

Abstract

Since 2011, Euro 5b European standard limits the particle number (PN) emissions in addition to the particulate matter (PM) emissions. New thermal engines equipped vehicles have to auto-diagnose their own Diesel particulate filter (DPF) using on-board diagnostic (OBD) sensors. Accumulative resistive soot sensors seem to be good candidates for PM measurements. The aim of this study is to bring more comprehension about soot micro-structures construction in order to link the response of such a sensor to particle size and PN concentration. The sensor sensitivity to the particle size has been studied using successively an electrostatic and an aerodynamic classification, showing the same trend.