An innovative carbon-atom-balance-based method for diesel particulate measurement

摘要

This paper describes an innovative carbon-atom-balance-based method for diesel particulate measurement using a single non-dispersive infrared CO{sub}2 sensor. The diesel particulate sampler (DPS) uses two integrated steps of operation, i.e.collection and analysis of diesel particulate. In the collection operation, the diesel exhaust is channelled through a heated sampling line to a quartz filter where soot particulates, unburned hydrocarbons, water vapour, etc are trapped. Upon completionof particulate collection, the DPS system is isolated from the surroundings. This is followed by an analysis of the diesel-particulate sample by either one of two analysis modes, namely, the regular and ramp modes. In the regular mode, the quartz filteris heated at a constant temperature for a defined dwelling period. Multiple sessions of heating at constant temperatures with individual dwelling periods are allowed for each analysis. In the ramp mode, the temperature controller is programmed to achievea specified heating rate. The lowest possible rate is 2℃min{sup}-1. Some preliminary results, in terms of mass concentrations of particulates, were obtained from engine emission sampling using this DPS system.