Worldwide Harmonization of Exhaust Emission Test Procedures for Nonroad Engines Based on the International Standard ISO 8178

An international standard for nonroad engines has been developed that comprises gaseous and particulate emissions measurement procedures, smoke testing, test cycles, and an engine family and group concept. Through a joint effort of industry and government agencies, ISO 8178 has become the basis for emissions legislation in the USA, the European Union and Japan and of the International Maritime Organization. The ultimate goal of worldwide harmonization for the worldwide engine industry has been reached, but much effort is still needed to maintain the level of harmonization achieved today.

The validity of ISO 8178 has been demonstrated on a round robin test with three engines of 19 to 170 kW circulated around 28 test laboratories. Test-to-test repeatability was generally lower than 10 %. Lab-to-lab variability was less than 10 % for NO_x and particulates, and over 25 % for HC and CO. The equivalence of partial flow and full flow dilution systems for particulates has been proven.