scholarly journals Evaluation of Solid Particle Number Sensors for Periodic Technical Inspection of Passenger Cars

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (24) ◽  
pp. 8325
Author(s):  
Anastasios Melas ◽  
Tommaso Selleri ◽  
Ricardo Suarez-Bertoa ◽  
Barouch Giechaskiel
Keyword(s):  
Solid Particle ◽  
Particle Number ◽  
Extreme Case ◽  
Mass Scale ◽  
Particulate Filter ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Passenger Cars ◽  
Joint Research ◽  
Particulate Filters ◽  
Technical Inspection

Following the increase in stringency of the European regulation limits for laboratory and real world automotive emissions, one of the main transport related aspects to improve the air quality is the mass scale in-use vehicle testing. Solid particle number (SPN) emissions have been drastically reduced with the use of diesel and gasoline particulate filters which, however, may get damaged or even been tampered. The feasibility of on-board monitoring and remote sensing as well as of the current periodical technical inspection (PTI) for detecting malfunctioning or tampered particulate filters is under discussion. A promising methodology for detecting high emitters is SPN testing at low idling during PTI. Several European countries plan to introduce this method for diesel vehicles and the European Commission (EC) will provide some guidelines. For this scope an experimental campaign was organized by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the EC with the participation of different instrument manufacturers. Idle SPN concentrations of vehicles without or with a malfunctioning particulate filter were measured. The presence of particles under the current cut-off size of 23 nm as well as of volatile particles during idling are presented. Moreover, the extreme case of a well performing vehicle tested after a filter regeneration is studied. In most of the cases the different sensors used were in good agreement, the high sub-23 nm particles existence being the most challenging case due to the differences in the sensors’ efficiency below the cut-off size.

scholarly journals Emissions of a Euro 5 Motorcycle over the world harmonized motorcycle test cycle (WMTC)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barouch Giechaskiel ◽  
Anastasios Melas
Keyword(s):  
Solid Particle ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Particle Number ◽  
Cold Start ◽  
Gaseous Pollutants ◽  
Test Cycle ◽  
Passenger Cars ◽  
The World ◽  
High Concentrations

The Euro 5 limits for L-category vehicles are applicable since 2020 and for this reason there is lack of studies examining the emissions of this category. In this study we tested a 1000 cm3 Euro 5 motorcycle over the World Harmonised Motorcycle Test Cycle (WMTC). The gaseous pollutants were approximately half of their respective limits. The cold start (first 2 minutes) contributed to the majority of the emissions. The solid particle number emissions were also 6.5 times below the limit for passenger cars, but the particles not counted with the current methodology were around 2 times higher. High concentrations of volatiles were emitted at the high speed part of the cycle.

scholarly journals Verifying the Efficiency of a Diesel Particulate Filter Using Particle Counters with Two Different Measurements in Periodic Technical Inspection of Vehicles

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (16) ◽  
pp. 5128
Author(s):  
Wojciech Jarosiński ◽  
Piotr Wiśniowski
Keyword(s):  
Diesel Particulate Filter ◽  
Measurement Methods ◽  
Particulate Filter ◽  
Diesel Particulate ◽  
Condensation Particle Counter ◽  
Particulate Filters ◽  
Technical Inspection ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Vehicle Inspection ◽  
Inspection Station

The article presents the possibility of verifying the efficiency of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) with the use of particle counters using two different measurement methods. The tests were carried out at a vehicle inspection station using a condensation particle counter (CPC) and a diffusion charger (DC). This article presents the results of measurements of 50 vehicles. Removal of the diesel particulate filter from a vehicle is prohibited but is a known phenomenon throughout the EU. The task of periodic technical inspections is to eliminate vehicles that are inoperative and do not meet the environmental protection requirements. However, to date, European vehicle inspection stations do not have an effective tool to counter tampering with diesel particulate filters. The performed measurements allowed us to prove the hypothesis that both methods of measurement allow the effective confirmation of the presence of DPF in a vehicle during the periodic technical inspection of the vehicle and verification of the quality of its operation. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of both measurement methods were assessed.

Particle Number and Mass Collection Efficiencies in a Close-Coupled DOC-DPF System: Experimental Analysis Supported by Soot Load Modeling

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Mecocci ◽  
V. Mulone ◽  
V. Rocco ◽  
M. Perin ◽  
M. Tonetti
Keyword(s):  
Particle Number ◽  
Collection Efficiency ◽  
Diesel Oxidation Catalyst ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Oxidation Catalyst ◽  
Numerical Code ◽  
Particulate Filter ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Passenger Cars ◽  
Emission Standard

PM effects on health are believed to be more related to particle total number rather than to particle total mass. This gave rise in Europe to the forthcoming introduction of an emission standard on total particle number, that will take place for passenger cars from EURO5 (stage b) on. The behavior of the DPF is therefore under investigation, to better understand its effectiveness toward particle number reduction. Moving from that background, a study on the effect of a close coupled DOC-CDPF (Diesel Oxidation Catalyst + Catalyzed Diesel Particulate Filter) on PM emissions is proposed in this paper, with special focus on the comparison between mass and number collection efficiency. Experimental data have been gathered at the engine laboratory of the University of Rome Tor Vergata, equipped with a FIAT 2.0l EURO 5 passenger car engine. Data have been acquired with a TSI 3090 EEPS to measure particle distribution and total number, and an AVL-415 S to measure PM mass emissions. A numerical code has been also developed to represent the DPF behavior, in terms of soot load (g/l) trend, under forced regenerating operating conditions and better understand regeneration potential as a function of time. Results, acquired for three non regenerating and one forced regenerating modes, prove that mass and number efficiencies are close to 100%, with a slight decrease during the forced regeneration mode.

scholarly journals Profiling of Sub-Lethal in Vitro Effects of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Reveals Changes in Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors

Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 883 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandeep Keshavan ◽  
Fernando Torres Andón ◽  
Audrey Gallud ◽  
Wei Chen ◽  
Knut Reinert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Chemokine Receptors ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Joint Research ◽  
Chemokine Signaling ◽  
Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Downstream Analysis ◽  
Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Engineered nanomaterials are potentially very useful for a variety of applications, but studies are needed to ascertain whether these materials pose a risk to human health. Here, we studied three benchmark nanomaterials (Ag nanoparticles, TiO2 nanoparticles, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, MWCNTs) procured from the nanomaterial repository at the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission. Having established a sub-lethal concentration of these materials using two human cell lines representative of the immune system and the lungs, respectively, we performed RNA sequencing of the macrophage-like cell line after exposure for 6, 12, and 24 h. Downstream analysis of the transcriptomics data revealed significant effects on chemokine signaling pathways. CCR2 was identified as the most significantly upregulated gene in MWCNT-exposed cells. Using multiplex assays to evaluate cytokine and chemokine secretion, we could show significant effects of MWCNTs on several chemokines, including CCL2, a ligand of CCR2. The results demonstrate the importance of evaluating sub-lethal concentrations of nanomaterials in relevant target cells.

Silver nanoparticles induce cytotoxicity, but not cell transformation or genotoxicity on Balb3T3 mouse fibroblasts

2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 49-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Broggi ◽  
Jessica Ponti ◽  
Guido Giudetti ◽  
Fabio Franchini ◽  
Vicki Stone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Silver Nanoparticles ◽  
Cell Transformation ◽  
Micronucleus Test ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Neoplastic Transformation ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Ag Nps ◽  
Joint Research ◽  
Ic50 Values ◽  
Average Size

AbstractSilver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are one of the most common nanomaterials present in nanotechnology-based products. Here, the physical chemical properties of Ag NPs suspensions of 44 nm, 84 nm and 100 nm sizes synthesized in our laboratory were characterized. The NM-300 material (average size of 17 nm), supplied by the Joint Research Centre Nanomaterials Repository was also included in the present study. The Ag NPs potential cytotoxicity was tested on the Balb3T3 cell line by the Colony Forming Efficiency assay, while their potential morphological neoplastic transformation and genotoxicity were tested by the Cell Transformation Assay and the micronucleus test, respectively. After 24 h of exposure, NM-300 showed cytotoxicity with an IC50 of 8 µM (corresponding to 0.88 µg/mL) while for the other nanomaterials tested, values of IC50 were higher than 10 µM (1.10 µg/mL). After 72 h of exposure, Ag NPs showed size-dependent cytotoxic effect with IC50 values of 1.5 µM (1.16 µg/mL) for NM-300, 1.7 µM (1.19 µg/mL) for Ag 44 nm, 1.9 µM (0.21 µg/mL) for Ag 84 nm and 3.2 µM (0.35 µg/mL) for Ag 100 nm. None of the Ag NPs tested was able to induce either morphological neoplastic transformation or micronuclei formation.

PLACE AND ROLE OF COMPETENT INFORMATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT

Naukovedenie ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 123-138
Author(s):  
Sergei Pyastolov ◽  
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Joint Research ◽  
Joint Research Centre ◽  
Science Activity ◽  
Scientific Organizations ◽  
Special Space ◽  
Scientific And Technological Development

VUCA world (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity), according to experts of JRC (European Commission's Joint Research Centre), is now a special space that corrupts the integrity of science activity, limits thinking and vision of the situation by politicians. In fact, under such conditions, the only reliable resource for scientific organizations is a commercialization, and the payback is a condition of activity. These factors already pose a threat to global security. The mission orientation proposed by European Union experts is still seen as a rather weak alternative.

scholarly journals Analysing inter-relationships among water, governance, human development variables in developing countries

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 3791-3816 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Dondeynaz ◽  
C. Carmona Moreno ◽  
J. J. Céspedes Lorente
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Human Development ◽  
Environmental Concern ◽  
Water Governance ◽  
Development Aid ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Joint Research ◽  
Discussion Section

Abstract. The "Integrated Water Resources Management" principle was formally laid down at the International Conference on Water and Sustainable development in Dublin 1992. One of the main results of this conference is that improving Water and Sanitation Services (WSS), being a complex and interdisciplinary issue, passes through collaboration and coordination of different sectors (environment, health, economic activities, governance, and international cooperation). These sectors influence or are influenced by the access to WSS. The understanding of these interrelations appears as crucial for decision makers in the water sector. In this framework, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission (EC) has developed a new database (WatSan4Dev database) containing 42 indicators (called variables in this paper) from environmental, socio-economic, governance and financial aid flows data in developing countries. This paper describes the development of the WatSan4Dev dataset, the statistical processes needed to improve the data quality, and finally, the analysis to verify the database coherence is presented. Based on 25 relevant variables, the relationships between variables are described and organised into five factors (HDP – Human Development against Poverty, AP – Human Activity Pressure on water resources, WR – Water Resources, ODA – Official Development Aid, CEC – Country Environmental Concern). Linear regression methods are used to identify key variables having influence on water supply and sanitation. First analysis indicates that the informal urbanisation development is an important factor negatively influencing the percentage of the population having access to WSS. Health, and in particular children's health, benefits from the improvement of WSS. Irrigation is also enhancing Water Supply service thanks to multi-purpose infrastructure. Five country profiles are also created to deeper understand and synthetize the amount of information gathered. This new classification of countries is useful in identifying countries with a less advanced position and weaknesses to be tackled. The relevance of indicators gathered to represent environmental and water resources state is questioned in the discussion section. The paper concludes with the necessity to increase the reliability of current indicators and calls for further research on specific indicators, in particular on water quality at national scale, in order to better include environmental state in analysis to WSS.

A Radical Rethink on Soot Containment from Auto-Rickshaw Exhausts

2014 ◽  
Vol 911 ◽  
pp. 383-387
Author(s):  
S. Ghosh ◽  
R.N. Shah ◽  
A. Goenka
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Filter ◽  
Exhaust Pipe ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Cfd Simulations ◽  
Good Efficiency ◽  
Particulate Filters ◽  
Particulate Air Pollution ◽  
The Everyday ◽  
Indian City ◽  
Natural Cycles

The auto-rickshaw has become a predictable part of the everyday lives of Indian city-dwellers. Although this popular means of public transport provides relatively discounted and efficient transportation, the auto-rickshaw is a key source of soot that causes particulate air pollution. These soot emissions infringe the natural cycles of the atmosphere other than their more overt effects on human health. Consequently, their entrapment becomes vital. Though most particulate filters provide a rather good efficiency, once clogged an undesired back pressure may lead to engine and/ or filter failure. Through this study a method is proposed to overcome such impenetrability. Once the particles are confined to narrower streams, smaller filters may be used which even if clogged will allow the easy passage of the exhaust gases out of the exhaust pipe. The most immediate outcome of this research is that the CFD simulations suggest inexpensive design alterations in the diesel particulate filter which can be fabricated easily. With government subsidies this component can be mass manufactured for use in India and other Asian countries where auto-rickshaws are widely used.

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