New development for the automotive industry
Since the beginning of the company's activities more than 30 years ago, Topas has been manufacturing equipment for calibrating measuring instruments and especially number measuring instruments. Initially, FCS 248 photometer calibration system was used to calibrate photometers for mass concentrations up to 1 g/m³. FCS 249 field calibration system for the calibration of condensation particle counters (CPC) and electrical aerosol monitors (DC) was then developed from the expanded needs of the market due to the new version of the "Exhaust Emission Testing Equipment Calibration Guideline".
Since 2019, we have been dealing with the subject of calibrating exhaust gas particle testers. As a competence leader in the field of aerosol generation and conditioning, we were approached to develop a calibration system with specific requirements for size distribution and particle number concentrations. First, we combined existing and proven technology from aerosol generators, diffusion dryers and aerosol diluters.
Another requirement of the test centres and workshops is mobile use, which is time-consuming using a combination of several individual units. Therefore, our engineers developed a compact unit, which was optimised with regard to several relevant parameters. Today, a large number of FCS 249 field calibration systems for exhaust gas measuring instruments are in use by our customers in Europe and Asia. Among other features they particularly appreciate the constancy and reproducibility of the reference aerosol generation. More information is available in our application brochure on the subject of "Calibration of PTI particle counting devices with the help of suitable reference aerosols and measuring devices".
Recommendation: Precise calibration of exhaust particle measuring instruments for the following customers
- Accredited test laboratories that perform calibration measurements in the laboratory for the certification of the respective measuring instruments according to ISO 17025
- Service providers which offer PTI at motor vehicle workshops
- Manufacturers of PTI particle counters
During development on FCS 249 field calibration system, we supported a research project at the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Italy. Here, particle measuring instruments were compared with soot-like, salt and silver particles, whereby dry salt particles were generated with FCS 249. In addition, DDS 560 dynamic dilution system was used to maintain concentration in single particle counting mode. In another project, researchers investigated the influence of the material on the reaction and calibration of particle counting systems. Here, our instrument technology supported the experts in Italy. Links to the two technical articles can be found in our application brochure or directly in the literature references of the FCS 249 Field Calibration System.