NanoMet, a New Instrument for On-line Size- and Substance- Specific Particle Emission Analysis

Swiss EPA and European occupational health authorities have sponsored the development of a new sampling and measuring system designed to fulfil future requirements of differentiated particle analysis in field use and for certification purposes. The system suppresses the formation of condensates by applying hot dilution. Solid carbonaceous particles are distinguished from ash particles by means of two different sensors. Particles are size classified by their mobility; their active surface is measured. The measurable size ranges from less than 10 nm to 1 micrometer. The detection limit corresponds to a mass concentration of elemental carbon (EC) of about 0.1 μg/m³. The time resolution of 1 second is suitable for on-line analysis of particulate emission during all types of transient cycles, even no-load acceleration. The system includes a compact diluter with tunable dilution factor from 30 to 3000. The instrument is applicable for engine certification, field control and ambient measurement. Currently it is used for trap specification and field control in Switzerland and in Canadian mines.