Particles Matter 100 copies

Getting a grip on Diesel Particulate Filters with an effective particle number test.

Quick PN test verifies effectiveness of DPF

While the diesel engine may not pave the way in the energy transition, it will be with us for a long time to come.

Within Europe, approximately 80 million diesel vehicles are fitted with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). Provided they work properly, DPFs reduce emissions of harmful particulates by more than 95%. An impressive achievement that is reversed if the DPF is removed or develops a fault. So how can we test - quickly, reliably and cost-effectively - that a DPF works properly? And how do we embed this test in the Periodic Technical Inspection (PTI)?

By answering 92 questions, Particles Matter explains the PTI-PN test, the Particle Number (PN) counter, and the complex technical ins and out of the DPF. The book is intended for PTI inspectors, mechanics, policymakers and other interested parties.

In 2012, the Netherlands took the lead in developing a new PTI-PN test for diesel vehicles. The test is conducted using an affordable, low cost PN counter capable of measuring high PN concentration levels.

As of 2022, millions of diesel vehicles will undergo a PTI-PN test every year. The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany are the first European countries to introduce the test. It is expected – and certainly hoped - that other countries will follow.