Progress in the Prototype Development of a New Multicomponent Exhaust Gas Sampling and Analyzing System

As a result of a thorough study which was carried out with the aim of improving the present-day automobile exhaust emissions measurement technique, the development of a prototype new exhaust measurement system was started. The development is based on well-defined technical specifications and handling requirements. The new system allows real time multicomponent concentration determination directly in the exhaust stream and simultaneous exhaust flow rate measurement. Two prototypes for the concentration measurement are under development: a Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer and a Semiconductor Diode Laser spectrometer. The flow rate measurement device is based on the tracer gas dilution method. The special features of the instruments, the progress of the development, and the overall capability of the systems are described. The system's computer is designed to carry out ultimately all functions of the present exhaust test laboratory master computer.