AVL Emission Test Systems introduces the QCL i60 quantum cascade laser for N2O measurement in automotive exhaust gas

AVL has developed the QCL i60 quantum cascade laser and now launches this sophisticated product. What does that mean in detail?

According to the EPA Greenhouse Gas regulation (GHG) the measurement of N2O in very low concentrations is required. As conventional technologies (e.g. NDIR) are not sensitive enough or show significant cross sensitivities, we saw the need to develop a new gas analyzer for the measurement of N2O in engine and vehicle exhaust.

The quantum cascade laser absorption spectroscopy is a promising tool to overcome the above mentioned limitations and has therefore been chosen by AVL ETS to address the requirements as given by the emission regulations.
AVL has already for a long time used the well-known SESAM i60 FT for the measurement of N2O in undiluted exhaust gas, e.g. for catalyst development. However, the QCL analyzer is the preferred solution, especially for bag measurements with expected low concentrations. This is due to the fact that the QCL provides a significantly lower detection limit.

What exactly does the QCL in the emission measurement process?
The AVL QCL i60 provides measurement capabilities from 10 ppb up to 100 ppm N2O.
In contrast to conventional technologies, quantum cascade laser analyzers are highly selective and achieve very low detection limits.

For which applications is the QCL analyzer used?
The AVL QCL i60 is designed for both R&D and certification testing of low emission engines according to EPA 40 CFR Part 1065/1066 as it implements the EPA Greenhouse Gas regulation.

The AVL QCL i60 analyzer is designed for integration in new as well as existing AMA i60 exhaust measurement systems. In addition, it is also available as a mobile stand-alone emission bench with one N2O channel for the flexible use within the test field.

What are the benefits for the user?

EPA regulations allow to measure N2O by infrared spectroscopy (NDIR, FTIR and photo acoustic spectroscopy), gas chromatography (GC with electron capture detector) and laser based spectroscopy (diode laser, quantum cascade laser). After evaluation of various technologies AVL ETS favored the QCL as the best solution. As it can easily be integrated into the exhaust gas measurement system and is very selective (no cross interferences), it allows reliable verifications of emission limits.
The QCL i60 supports light-duty,heavy-duty and off-road OEMs, suppliers and testing facilities meeting the global N2O measurement regulations.

How can the QCL be integrated into the tool chain of the test cell?
The AVL QCL i60 can seamlessly be integrated into the existing infrastructure of the engine or chassis dyno test cell.
In terms of interfacing with the test cell automation system (e.g. AVL PUMA/AVL iGEM Vehicle) the AVL QCL i60 simply appears as an additional channel of the AVL emission bench via the standard AK interface.

AVL Emission Test Systems GmbH (AVL ETS) is headquartered in Neuss. More than 40 years emission competence proves us as an excellent emission expert. The company’s main focus is development and production of gas analyzers, measuring systems and automation systems for determination of engine or vehicle exhaust as well as evaporative emissions.

AVL Emission Test Systems GmbH
Uwe Krummenöhler
Graf-Landsberg-Straße 1c
41460 Neuss
Germany

Phone: 02131 5124-222
Fax: 07225 96367-304
E-Mail: uwe.krummenoehler@avl.com

This release was published on openPR.