Abstract. The European Metrology Research Programme participating countries and the European Union jointly fund a three year project to address the need of the automotive industry for a metrological sound base for exhaust measurements. The collaborative work on particle emissions involves five European National Metrology Institutes, the Tampere University of Technology, the Joint Research Centre for Energy and Transport and the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research. On one hand, a particle number and size standard for soot particles is aimed for. Eventually this will allow the partners to provide accurate and comparable calibrations of measurement instruments for the type approval of Euro 5b and Euro 6 vehicles. Calibration aerosols of combustion particles, silver and graphite proof partially suitable. Yet, a consensus choice together with instrument manufactures is pending as the aerosol choice considerably affects the number concentration measurement. Furthermore, the consortium issued consistent requirements for novel measuring instruments foreseen to replace today's opacimeters in regulatory periodic emission controls of soot and compared them with European legislative requirements. Four partners are conducting a metrological validation of prototype measurement instruments. The novel instruments base on light scattering, electrical, ionisation chamber and diffusion charging sensors and will be tested at low and high particle concentrations. Results shall allow manufacturers to further improve their instruments to comply with legal requirements.
Ambient air is a mixture of gases, droplets and solid particles and therefore a typical aerosol. Natural and anthropogenic processes govern the actual composition of the air. In some cases the generated components are toxic and should be avoided. The key issue of the identification, reduction, and limitation of a component is the measurement. Unfortunately an aerosol cannot be stored in containers and is not available as a reference material. Therefore the calibration of measuring instruments is fundamental to obtain reliable results. Because various measuring principles are used for many applications such as cleanrooms, engine emissions, ambient air etc., the calibration procedures must be adopted. Metrological institutes such as METAS have recognised the need for reliable reference values and have initiated calibration services and international collaboration. Therefore international harmonised reference values for particle number concentration and particle size are available.
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