The measurement of diesel vehicle exhaust particulate mass is currently accomplished using filter collection methods according to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Such filter methods limit time resolution to a minimum of several minutes, making it impossible to study emissions during transient operating conditions. Extensive testing of five different measurement methods has demonstrated that fast response measurements of diesel exhaust particulate mass concentrations, consistent with CFR filter measurements, are feasible using existing technology. The measurement principles of choice are the real time weighing of exhaust samples as implemented in the tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM) and the measurement of light scattering from exhaust particles as implemented in the DustTrak nephelometer. Each of these two instruments has distinctive strengths. The TEOM excels in the area of constant calibration, independent of vehicle. For the DustTrak, this calibration varies by vehicle. On the other hand, the DustTrak has an excellent signal-to-noise ratio, freedom from interference due to other exhaust sample properties, good time resolution, and simplicity. The strengths of the two measurement methods are complimentary, so an obvious suggestion is to integrate them. The nephelometer would obtain a fast response signal, with near real time calibration provided by the microbalance.

The measurement of elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) mass for particles emitted by diesel vehicles is currently accomplished using particle collection on filters, followed by analysis using the thermal/optical reflectance carbon analysis method (TOR) or one of its variations. Such filter methods limit time resolution to a minimum of several minutes, making it impossible to study emissions during transient operating conditions. Testing of five different measurement methods has demonstrated that fast response measurement of diesel exhaust particulate EC and OC concentrations, consistent with TOR filter measurements, is feasible using existing technology. EC mass concentrations are best measured through determination of particulate light absorption with a photoacoustic instrument or determination of light extinction with a smoke meter. The photoacoustic instrument has the better dynamic range and sensitivity, whereas the smoke meter is a simpler instrument. Fast response OC measurements cannot be made with any single instrument tested. However, a combination of real time weighing as implemented in the tapered element oscillating microbalance with the photoacoustic instrument has been shown to be capable of determining OC concentrations with good time response. The addition of a nephelometer to the OC measurement could potentially improve time resolution, freedom from interferences, and sensitivity.