CUBIC INSTRUMENTS Gasboard-6200 Portable Particle Number (PN) Analyzer for Automotive Exhaust

Overview

The CUBIC INSTRUMENTS Gasboard-6200 is a portable, real-time particle number (PN) analyzer engineered specifically for regulatory-compliant measurement of solid particulate emissions from light- and heavy-duty internal combustion engines during on-road or laboratory-based exhaust testing. It operates on the diffusion charging (DC) principle—a well-established, ISO/UN-ECE-adopted methodology for rapid quantification of ultrafine particles without reliance on volatile particle remover (VPR) or thermal denuder systems. Unlike condensation particle counters (CPCs), the Gasboard-6200 directly charges airborne particles via unipolar ion diffusion in a controlled chamber, then measures the resulting current proportional to total charged particle surface area—calibrated to yield number concentration (#/cm³) across the ≥23 nm lower detection threshold. This architecture enables direct sampling of raw or diluted exhaust streams with minimal conditioning, eliminating filter clogging, dilution ratio uncertainty, and associated calibration drift—critical for high-frequency PN-PTI (Periodic Technical Inspection) and RDE (Real Driving Emissions) compliance verification.

Key Features

• True portability: Compact footprint (244 × 257 × 419 mm) and weight <10 kg support field deployment, mobile lab integration, and roadside enforcement use.
• Diffusion charging-based detection: Delivers robust performance under variable exhaust temperature and humidity without active cooling or complex dilution control.
• Heated sample transport: Integrated AC-powered heated probe (110/230 V) prevents condensation and particle loss in the sampling line; length customizable per vehicle test configuration.
• Touchscreen HMI: High-resolution capacitive display with intuitive menu navigation, real-time trend plotting, and on-device data review—designed for operation in ambient lighting conditions typical of service bays and inspection stations.
• Self-contained calibration: Built-in zero and span check routines eliminate dependency on external compressed air, calibration gases, or auxiliary gas supplies—reducing operational overhead and logistical complexity.
• Low-maintenance design: Straight-through flow path with no filters, no moving parts in the sensing zone, and no consumables ensures >12 months of uninterrupted operation between scheduled maintenance intervals.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Gasboard-6200 meets the functional requirements of PN measurement stipulated in UN Regulation No. 83 (R83), UN Regulation No. 49 (R49), and EU Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 (WLTP/RDE framework). Its ≥23 nm cutoff aligns with the particle size definition used in UNECE PMP (Particle Measurement Programme) guidelines and supports conformity assessment against Euro 6d, Euro 7 draft proposals, and China’s GB 18352.6–2016 standards. The instrument has been validated per PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt) and NMI (Nederlands Meetinstituut) PN-PTI reference protocols for periodic inspection equipment, including linearity verification over 5,000–10⁷ #/cm³, repeatability under transient engine cycles, and thermal stability across 0–55 °C ambient operating range. It is suitable for gasoline direct injection (GDI), diesel, and hybrid powertrain exhaust—both pre- and post-aftertreatment.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and reporting are managed via embedded firmware supporting timestamped CSV export through RS-232 (standard) or optional RS-485/Bluetooth/4G/Wi-Fi interfaces. Firmware includes audit-trail logging for all user-initiated calibrations, system diagnostics, and parameter changes—supporting GLP-aligned documentation workflows. PC-based configuration software enables remote firmware updates, sensor health monitoring, and batch report generation compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11 certified out-of-the-box, the system architecture allows integration into validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS) via standardized serial protocol handshaking and deterministic data packet structure.

Applications

• Periodic Technical Inspection (PN-PTI) programs mandated by EU Member States and emerging Asian markets.
• RDE (Real Driving Emissions) route validation and in-service conformity audits.
• Aftertreatment system development and durability testing (e.g., GPF, DPF regeneration efficiency).
• Vehicle type approval testing per WLTP and US FTP-75 cycles.
• Mobile emissions monitoring units (MEMUs) and roadside enforcement screening.
• Research applications requiring rapid PN response in dynamic exhaust environments (e.g., cold-start, acceleration transients).

FAQ

What particle size range does the Gasboard-6200 detect?
It measures solid particles with aerodynamic diameter ≥23 nm—consistent with the lower detection limit defined in UNECE PMP and EU RDE regulations.
Does it require dilution or filtration prior to measurement?
No. The diffusion charging method enables direct sampling of raw or diluted exhaust without upstream filters, VPRs, or critical dilution ratio control.
How is calibration performed in the field?
The unit features integrated zero and span verification using internal reference circuits—no external gases or compressed air required.
Is the heated sampling line compatible with both 110 V and 230 V AC inputs?
Yes. The probe heater supports dual-voltage operation (110/230 V AC, 50/60 Hz) and cable length can be customized up to 5 m.
Can the device store measurement data internally?
It buffers up to 10,000 timestamped records onboard; full datasets are exported via serial interface in comma-separated format.
What is the maximum allowable indication error per regulatory standards?
The instrument maintains ≤±25% indication error across its full measurement range (5,000–10,000,000 #/cm³), as verified per PTB/NMI PTI-PN test procedures.