PARTICLE COUNTING

The issue of particle counting is gaining momentum in Europe. Following preliminary studies carried out by TNO (NL), BAST (DE), GOCA (BE) and the European JRC laboratory, the specification phase was carried out by the NPTI (New Periodical Technical Inspection) working group and the Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt PTB (DE).

The pioneering countries – the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany – have drawn up specifications based on the work of these working groups and have agreed on 1 July 2022 (NL, BE) and 1 January 2023 (DE) as the dates for the introduction of particle counting.

Type-approval procedures are currently underway in the Netherlands and at the Federal Institute of Metrology, Metas (CH). They are also expected to begin shortly in Germany.

Initially, only diesel vehicles will be subject to particle measurement whilst idling. The measurement can be carried out on petrol vehicles using the same equipment; however, the procedure will differ. The details of this procedure have yet to be finalised. The JRC (Joint Research Centre) has examined this issue.

BASIS FOR EU RECOMMENDATIONS

 Following the initiative of these pioneering countries, the European Commission has therefore asked the JRC to carry out further studies. On the basis of these, a recommendation (a non-binding document) is to be prepared by the end of 2021, which will provide a basis for Member States wishing to introduce particulate matter measurement.

At the same time, the revision of the Vehicle Inspection Directive has begun. The European Commission has adopted a positive stance on the introduction of particulate matter testing. This stance is based on the JRC’s reports on two test campaigns carried out this year to supplement the work on the recommendation.

It is clear that this recommendation will serve as the basis for the work to recast the Vehicle Inspection Directive. Other regions of the world are awaiting the European measures before introducing this new requirement into their own regulations.

Georges Petelet (Capelec) of the French federation GIEG (Groupe des Industries d’Equipements de Garage) chairs EGEA’s WG 2 Emissions/OBD.

Source: EGEA Inside December 2021
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