Development of a High Sensitivity Laser-induced Incandescence Instrument for Characterizing Soot and Carbonaceous Particles

A high sensitivity laser-induced incandescence system is proposed for the detailed characterization of environmental soot. The Phase 1 effort has clearly demonstrated the feasibility of (1) reducing the lower detection limit of soot volume fraction and increasing the overall measurement range by at least 2 orders of magnitude from what is currently achievable, and (2) providing PM particle size measurement capability. The prototype instrument to be developed in Phase 2 will be capable of real-time PM measurement over any engine transient operation. It will also have orders of magnitude more sensitivity than the gravimetric technique. The wide dynamic range and lower detection limit of the LII make this technique a potentially preferred standard instrument for particulate matter measurements. COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: The primary application for the LII system is for monitoring the soot particulate emissions for vehicles (diesel and gasoline). Artium believes that the LII instrument could be used for enforcing EPA regulations on particulate emissions. A version of the instrument can also be used for R&D purposes. Specifically, this instrument will help engine manufacturers develop low emission engines and development of products by emissions control equipment manufacturers. Regulators looking for better measurements to develop new emissions regulations will find the LII system to be attractive. It will provide them with real time analytical capabilities for exhaust gas particulates, particularly diesel soot emissions. It is also expected that the LII method can be developed into a field portable compact rugged system that can make roadside measurements of diesel exhaust, be used in test centers for monitoring vehicle emissions, or installed on stationary power plants and operated remotely.