Assemblad OPA105.PCB Handheld Opacity Meter for Automotive Exhaust Smoke Measurement
| Brand | Assemblad |
|---|---|
| Origin | Italy |
| Model | OPA105.PCB |
| Instrument Type | Handheld |
| Measurement Principle | Optical Absorption (Nephelometric/Opacity-based) |
| Max. Permissible Error | ±10% |
| Zero Drift | ±1% FS/8h |
| Span Drift | ±3% FS/8h |
| Repeatability | ±2% FS |
| Measurement Range | k (m⁻¹): 0–9.99 m⁻¹ (0.01 m⁻¹ resolution) |
| Opacity (%) | 0–99.9% (0.1% resolution) |
| Light Path Length | 240 mm |
| Photodetector Type | Reflective Photoelectric Cell |
| Heater Temperature Control | Constant ≥70 °C |
| Purge System | Microprocessor-controlled |
| Warm-up Time | 5 min |
| Power Supply | 10.5–15 V DC (internal rechargeable battery, 7.2 Ah), or 100–240 V AC adapter included |
| Operating Temperature | +5 to +40 °C |
| Dimensions | 290 × 198 × 175 mm |
| Net Weight | 5 kg |
| Communication Interface | RS-232 serial output |
| Compliance | EEC Directive 72/306 (predecessor to EU 2007/46/EC), OIML R99:2008 Class 00 (when integrated with INFRAGAS analyzers) |
| Software Support | PC-based configuration, calibration, and data logging via proprietary Windows application |
| Compatible Interfaces | INFRAGAS 205/305 & 309 gas analyzers, OM00538EST002b/NET protocol |
Overview
The Assemblad OPA105.PCB is a handheld opacity meter engineered for field-deployable, regulatory-compliant measurement of light extinction in diesel engine exhaust plumes. It operates on the principle of optical absorption — quantifying smoke density by measuring the attenuation of a collimated infrared light beam traversing a standardized 240 mm sample path within the exhaust stream. The instrument reports results in two internationally recognized units: opacity (%) per ISO 8545-1 and specific extinction coefficient k (m⁻¹) per ISO 11614 and EU Regulation (EC) No 562/2011. Designed specifically for periodic technical inspections (PTI), roadside enforcement, and workshop diagnostics, the OPA105.PCB meets the foundational metrological requirements of EEC Directive 72/306 — the original European framework governing smoke opacity limits for compression-ignition engines. Its microprocessor-controlled heating system maintains photodetector temperature at ≥70 °C to prevent condensation-induced signal drift, while the integrated purge mechanism ensures optical path integrity during high-humidity operation.
Key Features
- Handheld, portable architecture with ergonomic design and integrated rechargeable 7.2 Ah battery (10.5–15 V DC operation), enabling >4 hours of continuous field use without external power
- Real-time dual-unit display: simultaneous readout of opacity (%) and specific extinction coefficient k (m⁻¹) with 0.1% and 0.01 m⁻¹ resolution respectively
- Automated zero and span calibration routines compliant with EN 15058 and ISO 11614 Annex B procedures; no manual potentiometer adjustment required
- Microprocessor-regulated thermal stabilization: photodetector and optical chamber held at constant ≥70 °C to suppress water vapor interference and ensure repeatability under variable ambient conditions
- RS-232 serial interface supporting bidirectional communication with PCs and compatibility with Assemblad’s INFRAGAS series gas analyzers (e.g., INFRAGAS 309) for synchronized multi-parameter emission reporting
- Integrated RPM counter input for engine speed-synchronized sampling — critical for transient test cycles such as ISO 8178 or UN ECE R49
- Self-diagnostic firmware with error logging and audit-trail-capable event timestamps (aligned with GLP/GMP documentation practices)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The OPA105.PCB is validated for use with raw, uncooled diesel exhaust gases from light- and heavy-duty vehicles, including buses, trucks, and off-road machinery. It accommodates exhaust pipe diameters from 50 mm to 200 mm via standardized conical adapters. All measurements adhere to the geometric and procedural constraints defined in ISO 11614 (diesel smoke measurement), ISO 8545-1 (opacity definitions), and the legacy EEC 72/306 directive — ensuring cross-border acceptance in EU Member States and countries adopting harmonized vehicle inspection protocols. When deployed alongside certified Assemblad gas analyzers (e.g., INFRAGAS 309), the combined system satisfies OIML R99:2008 Class 00 accuracy requirements for opacity and gaseous pollutant measurements in official type-approval and in-service conformity testing. Device firmware and calibration records support traceability to national metrology institutes (NMIs) and are compatible with audit-ready documentation workflows per ISO/IEC 17025.
Software & Data Management
The OPA105.PCB interfaces with Assemblad’s Windows-based configuration and data acquisition software (OM00538EST002b/NET), which provides full remote control of instrument parameters, real-time waveform visualization, and automated calibration certificate generation. Software functions include user-defined test templates, batch export to CSV/Excel, digital signature integration, and time-stamped calibration logs meeting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record requirements. Data synchronization with INFRAGAS analyzers enables unified reporting of opacity, CO, CO₂, HC, O₂, λ, AFR, and NOx — all timestamped and geotagged when paired with optional GPS modules. Firmware updates are delivered via secure USB or RS-232, with version history and change logs retained in non-volatile memory for regulatory review.
Applications
- Periodic Technical Inspections (PTI) of diesel-powered vehicles in accordance with EU Directive 2014/45/EU and national implementation statutes
- Roadside emissions screening by environmental enforcement agencies and traffic police authorities
- Workshop diagnostics for diesel particulate filter (DPF) efficiency verification and regeneration cycle validation
- Pre-certification testing for Euro VI and equivalent emission standards (e.g., EPA Tier 4 Final, China VI)
- Research and development of aftertreatment systems, including SCR and DOC technologies
- Training and certification programs for vehicle inspectors accredited under ISO/IEC 17024
FAQ
What regulatory standards does the OPA105.PCB directly comply with?
It conforms to EEC Directive 72/306 for smoke opacity measurement and supports full compliance with ISO 11614, ISO 8545-1, and EN 15058 when used per prescribed sampling methodology.
Can the OPA105.PCB be used without connection to a gas analyzer?
Yes — it operates autonomously as a standalone opacity meter; however, integration with INFRAGAS analyzers enables correlated gaseous + particulate emission reporting required for official inspections.
How is zero calibration performed in field conditions?
The instrument executes an automated zero procedure using clean air purged through the optical path, eliminating reliance on ambient air quality or manual intervention.
Does the device support audit trail functionality for GLP/GMP environments?
Yes — firmware logs all calibrations, configuration changes, and measurement events with date/time stamps and operator ID fields, exportable in tamper-evident formats.
What is the recommended recalibration interval?
Assemblad recommends annual calibration against NIST-traceable reference filters, with intermediate verification checks every 90 days in high-use environments per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 7.7.
