Sensor for Monitoring of Particulate Emissions in Diesel Exhaust Gases

Active Spectrum, Inc., proposes a novel, low-cost soot sensor for on-board measurement of soot emissions in diesel exhaust gases. The proposed technology is differentiated from existing methods by excellent sensitivity, high specificity to carbon particulates, and robustness to fouling by accumulated soot. Potential commercial applications of the real-time sensor include diesel emissions reductions by servo control of the engine timing in response to sensor readings. Active control of the engine timing to reduce soot provides for a new or additional technique to meet emissions standards for PM10 and PM2.5, beyond conventional approaches using diesel particulates filters. Industrial applications include real-time monitoring of particulate emissions from boilers, power plants, and marine diesel engines.