CUBIC INSTRUMENTS Engine Exhaust Particle Number Analyzer System

Overview

The CUBIC INSTRUMENTS Engine Exhaust Particle Number Analyzer System is an online, real-time measurement platform engineered for regulatory-compliant particle number (PN) quantification in internal combustion engine exhaust streams. It operates on the well-established condensation particle counter (CPC) principle: aerosol particles are first activated via supersaturated alcohol vapor (typically diethylene glycol or butanol), then grown to optically detectable sizes (>1 µm), and finally counted via light scattering in a high-sensitivity photodetector chamber. This system is designed to meet the stringent metrological requirements of global emissions certification protocols—including European Union Regulation (EU) No 2017/1151 (Real Driving Emissions – RDE), UNECE Regulations R83 (light-duty), R49 (heavy-duty), and R101 (non-road mobile machinery), as well as China’s GB 18352.6–2016 (China VI Light-Duty), GB 17691–2018 (China VI Heavy-Duty), and GB/T 38745–2020 (PN measurement methodology). Its architecture supports integration with full-flow or partial-flow dilution tunnels per ISO 8573-1 and ASTM D7520, enabling traceable, repeatable PN measurements across transient and steady-state engine operating conditions.

Key Features

• Two-stage precision dilution system: Primary dilution (fixed 10×) ensures thermal and concentration stabilization; secondary dilution (adjustable 10–30×) enables dynamic range extension while maintaining total dilution accuracy ≤ ±10%.
• High-performance Volatile Particle Remover (VPR): Achieves >99.0% removal efficiency for C40+ semi-volatile organic compounds, minimizing artifact formation and ensuring compliance with PN measurement definitions in EU and Chinese regulations.
• Ultra-low detection threshold: Certified 50% counting efficiency at 23 nm; optional configuration extends reliable detection to 10 nm (65% ±15% efficiency), supporting advanced research into nucleation-mode particle formation in aftertreatment systems.
• Rapid temporal response: T90 < 5 seconds enables resolution of high-frequency PN transients during aggressive engine load changes—critical for RDE testing and catalyst light-off characterization.
• Robust thermal and humidity management: Integrated temperature-controlled sample line and condensation chamber ensure stable operation across ambient conditions (5–35 °C, ≤80% RH), minimizing drift and calibration frequency.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The system is validated for direct sampling from raw exhaust pipes (for R&D applications) and integration with certified dilution tunnels (e.g., AVL, Horiba, or custom full-flow/partial-flow systems). It complies with all applicable regulatory definitions of solid particle number—excluding volatile contributions below the VPR cutoff—and meets the metrological traceability requirements of ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories. Its design aligns with GLP-aligned data integrity practices, including hardware-level audit trail logging for dilution ratio changes, VPR status, CPC saturation warnings, and flow calibration events. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–certified out-of-the-box, its data export architecture supports integration with validated LIMS platforms meeting GxP documentation standards.

Software & Data Management

The embedded control software provides real-time visualization of PN concentration (units: #/cm³), dilution ratios, VPR temperature, CPC status flags, and system diagnostics. All measurement data—including timestamps, instrument configuration metadata, and raw detector pulse counts—are stored in standardized CSV and HDF5 formats. Optional API support enables bidirectional communication with test cell control systems (e.g., ETAS INCA, AVL PUMA) for automated test sequence synchronization. Calibration logs, maintenance records, and QC check results are retained with user-accessible version history, satisfying internal audit requirements for ISO 14001 and IATF 16949 environmental and quality management systems.

Applications

• Regulatory emissions certification: Light-duty (Euro 6/7, China VI), heavy-duty (Euro VI/VII, China VI), and non-road (Stage V) engine and vehicle type approval.
• Aftertreatment development: Evaluation of DPF filtration efficiency, GPF soot loading dynamics, SCR-induced nucleation, and gasoline particulate filter (GPF) regeneration behavior.
• Engine calibration optimization: Correlation of PN emissions with injection timing, EGR rate, lambda control, and combustion phasing under transient cycles (WLTC, FTP-75, RDE).
• Lab-based method validation: Inter-laboratory comparison studies and reference method verification per ISO/TR 11358-2 and SAE J2998.
• Continuous monitoring in test cells: Long-term durability assessment of emission control systems under accelerated aging protocols.

FAQ

What particle size range does this system measure?
It measures solid particle number concentration with 50% counting efficiency at 23 nm; optional configuration achieves 65% ±15% efficiency at 10 nm.
Is the system compatible with both light-duty and heavy-duty certification protocols?
Yes—it meets the PN measurement specifications for Euro 6/7 (light-duty), Euro VI/VII (heavy-duty), China VI (GB 18352.6 & GB 17691), and UNECE R101 (non-road).
How is volatile interference controlled?
Via a thermally regulated Volatile Particle Remover (VPR) with >99.0% removal efficiency for C40+ hydrocarbons, aligned with regulatory definitions of “solid particles.”
Can it be integrated into existing dilution tunnel setups?
Yes—the system interfaces with standard full-flow and partial-flow dilution tunnels using ISO 8573-1–compliant sample conditioning and flow control modules.
What data output formats are supported?
CSV and HDF5 for raw and processed data; optional RESTful API for integration with test cell automation platforms.