Fine Particle Testing: Why and How?

French equipment manufacturer CAPELEC, which has just acquired nanoparticle measurement specialist PEGASOR OY, intends to position itself ahead of current regulations and thus gain a head start in the fine particle monitoring market. The company’s CEO, Thierry Coton, points out here that this type of monitoring was indeed mentioned in the Energy Transition Act.

CTM: You recently acquired the Finnish company PEGASOR OY. As we noted in our last issue, this company specializes in measuring nanoparticles, more commonly known as “fine particles.” The acquisition is intended to strengthen its leadership in the field of pollution control devices, including those used in vehicle emissions testing.

Thierry Coton: With nanoparticles, we’re dealing with a new type of measurement that, initially, applies to diesel engines and aims to monitor the number of fine particles that are invisible. Currently, vehicle inspections, through opacity testing, measure only visible particles, without detecting the invisible particles that are also emitted. These invisible particles are the most dangerous to health, but detecting and counting them is more complicated because they are very small—hence the terms “fine” or “nanoparticles.”

CTM: Today, diesel vehicles are equipped with particulate filters, which should significantly reduce these emissions, right?

Thierry Coton: These filters are very effective at trapping these emissions, whether large or small; the problem is that over time, these filters age and become less and less effective, particularly against the finest particles.

CTM: What is the average period during which a particulate filter remains fully effective?

Thierry Coton: In terms of lifespan, it’s difficult to give a precise answer. The problem today is that auto repair shops and vehicle inspection centers do not have measuring devices that would allow them to determine the efficiency level of a particulate filter. That is why, in collaboration with PEGASOR OY, we have developed this measuring device that can detect a decline in a particulate filter’s capacity.

CTM: Are there any European standards that set maximum emission thresholds?

Thierry Coton: Studies have been initiated at the European level, and thresholds have been established. A particulate filter is considered to no longer meet the required efficiency once the emission threshold exceeds 250,000 particles per cubic centimeter. A second threshold of 1,000,000 applies to vehicles whose particulate filter is inoperable or has been removed.

CTM: Have other studies reached the same conclusions?

Thierry Coton: Measurements were taken in Belgium on vehicles in circulation; the results show that, in fact, 5% of the vehicles tested had values exceeding 1,000,000.

CTM: In France, fine particulate matter testing is not included in the list of inspection items during a vehicle technical inspection. Is the situation different within the EU?

Thierry Coton: In Belgium, this test will be implemented starting in July 2022. A transition period is planned to send the most polluting vehicles for repair, followed by the application of the 250,000 threshold; however, each country has its own variations on the transition phase.

The rest of the article is available in the July issue of CT MAGAZINE