Alternative Particle Number Filtration Performance Test Method 2017-01-0983

Particle Number (PN) regulation was firstly introduced for European light-duty diesel vehicles back in 2011[1]. Since then, PN regulation has been and is being expanded to heavy-duty diesel vehicles and non-road diesel machineries. PN regulation will also be expanded to China and India around 2020 or later.

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is significant factor for the above-mentioned PN regulation. This filter technology is to be continuously evolved for the near future tighter PN regulation. Generally, PN filtration performance test for filter technology development is carried out with chassis dynamometer, engine dynamometer or simulator [2].

This paper describes a simplified and relatively quicker alternative PN filtration performance test method for accelerating filter technology development compared to the current test method.

Point to be noted is that Soot Generator (SG), which is a diesel fuel burner and was originally developed for accelerated soot loading on DPF, is utilized establishing the alternative PN filtration performance test method. SG is proposed for particle source for the alternative test, which allows particle size distribution to be similar to actual vehicles. Another point is estimation of PN emission test result with actual vehicle by simulating the stage of early filtration where most of the PN leaks through the filter as it occurs on PN emission test with actual vehicle with cold-start condition which are pre-conditioning and soaking. The result shows high correlation with the PN test on each vehicle and testing cycle. Hence, the alternative PN filtration performance test method is acceptably applicable, as much quicker test method, in continuous filter technology evolution.