The Use of a Thermogravimetric Analyser for the Investigation of Particulates and Hydrocarbons in Diesel Engine Exhaust

The conditions necessary for obtaining samples of diesel particulates in CVS tunnels have been investigated in relation to the simultaneous analysis of the gaseous hydrocarbons which were present in equilibrium with the particulate borne hydrocarbons.

Thermogravimetric analysis has been developed to separate the components of particulates in a simple way which is useful in diesel engine research. A reliable instrument has been interfaced with a heated flame ionization detector which gave additional or corroborative information.

A system has been evolved for total diesel hydrocarbon analysis using thermogravimetry for those hydrocarbons trapped on the particulate filter, and heated flame ionization detection for those passing through the filter. The results are compared with total hydrocarbon analysis as used in the Federal Test Procedure and show a small gain in hydrocarbon recovery with an increase in overall information for the new system.