Mobile Air Monitoring System for On-Road and Non-Road Applications

Building on over forty years of experience in gas and exhaust flow measurement and as the world’s pre-eminent PEMS equipment supplier, Sensors (USA) has developed the all new Semtech Ecostar product line. This rugged, compact and portable suite of gaseous and particulate measurement devices meets worldwide laboratory grade performance requirements, enabling its use in both test cell and on-vehicle applications.

The Semtech Ecostar product suite comprises a range of individual, self-contained modules, each with a specific functionality, which may be operated as stand-alone analytical devices or as part of a fully integrated measurement package. Each module has been designed to maintain its high-grade analytical performance while operating under extreme testing environments with minimal space, weight and energy requirements. 

This powerful design approach offers optimum flexibility, performance and ease of use in multiple real-world applications and under harsh testing conditions. Whether used in the test cell or in the field, the Semtech Ecostar, the fourth generation PEMS from Sensors, represents today’s best available commercial technology.

The Semtech Ecostar system is compliant for the gases regulated under UN-ECE. R-49 and Commission Regulation (EU) No. 582/2011 as well as under CFR40 part 1065. Each unit works as a stand-alone device, with the ability to be integrated with any or all of the other modules to meet unique emissions testing requirements. Plug-and-play capabilities ensure that each additional module is automatically recognised on connection. All modules can be used in off-road applications and other harsh environments.

All components meet IP54 (NEMA 3) standards and each module has a full colour, graphic touch screen for the display of live data, and enabling system setup and basic functions, such as zero and span. A heated line is dedicated to the Semtech-FID, ensuring that the sample is maintained at the required temperature prior to THC analysis. A separate line carries the sample for NO, NO , CO, CO₂ and O₂ measurement.  

All power and auxiliary connectors are rugged Deutsch connectors, while all pneumatics use standard Swagelok bulkhead connectors. Brackets on the rear of each module provide a channel for cables, ensuring that connectors remain protected. Strain relief brackets are included for the pneumatic harness. Both brackets are easily removable if required.

Each module is built with EMI gaskets, filters and connector caps. Each module contains a relay switch and diode protection. The power supply can be either 110 VAC, 220 VAC or 12 VDC. Each module has voltage and current monitoring capabilities. As modules are stacked on top of each other, the side handles lock together to keep them secure.

When measuring exhaust particulate mass directly, the full flow of exhaust must be maintained at the exhaust temperature, and the exhaust sample may only be transported a limited distance prior to dilution for measurement. To mitigate the installation difficulties that this equipment imposes, the remote diluter can be mounted at the exhaust outlet and the diluted sample can then be directed to the Micro-Proportional Sample (MPS) system and the Particulate filter System (PFS) for analysis.