AVL Smart Sampler Partial Flow Dilution System Meets U.S. EPA 40 CFR 1065.140 Regulation

PLYMOUTH, Mich., March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AVL announced today its Smart Sampler particulate matter (PM) partial flow sampling system meets the most recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission measurement criteria, allowing heavy-duty diesel engine manufacturers a more compact and cost-effective solution for transient test cycle PM measurement.

Emissions of particulates from internal combustion engines are globally restricted by numerous regulatory bodies, each with different acceptance criteria. Under the EPA Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 40 1065.140, the AVL Smart Sampler is an approved PM measurement device for transient, steady-state and ramped modal (RMC) cycles, in addition to the established allowance by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) under 16183, The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) regulation No.49 and Global Technical Regulation No.4.

The equivalence of AVL's partial flow sampling system to a traditional full-flow constant volume sampler (CVS) in transient applications has been verified statistically via t- and F-test analysis and test results have demonstrated that the AVL Smart Sampler is a compliant alternative method to the CVS for heavy-duty diesel engine certification.

The AVL Smart Sampler complies to the EPA 40 CFR 1065.140 regulation by mixing and diluting a small sample of engine exhaust flow with air under controlled conditions with respect to dilution air temperature, minimum dilution ratio, filter temperature and residence time.

The flexible system features an industry-leading warm-up time of 15 minutes, saving time and energy, while the single-trolley-mount design of the main and filter cabinets quickly caters to test cell changeovers. This modularity allows the Smart Sampler to be easily upgraded onsite, and when needed, the add-on sampling option offers an ideal solution for particle number counting under ECE regulations.

"We're pleased that EPA regulations now accept the AVL Smart Sampler as an approved method under 40 CFR 1065.140," said Don Manvel, chairman and CEO, AVL Americas. "Our innovative solutions are based on customer need, as well as relevant regulations, and we strive to develop processes that continuously satisfy the growing demands of the industry."

The AVL Smart Sampler is the result of 30 years of experience in partial flow particulate measurement with an installed base of over 500 units, providing engine manufacturers and test facilities a proven certification method that preserves our nation's air quality, while delivering the company's trademark flexible service solutions.

AVL is the world's largest privately owned and independent company for the development of gasoline, diesel and alternative fuel powertrain systems, as well as fuel cell and hybrid technologies. The company offers combined solutions of powertrain engineering, simulation software and testing and instrumentation systems. AVL's North American Headquarters is located in the Detroit suburb of Plymouth, Michigan. For more information, AVL can be found at www.avl.com.

SOURCE AVL