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NPL at the Royal Institution of Great Britain

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Gas reference materials

Gas standards for vehicle emission measurements

Calibrating vehicle emissions monitors

National and European legislation, such as vehicle emissions regulations, dictates that emission gases are routinely measured to exacting standards. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to use accurate and traceable gas standards. These standards can also be used for petrol, diesel and gas turbine engine research, as well as a wide range of development and certification work.

NPL provides gas standards for calibrating vehicle emissions monitors, which can be prepared to the requirements of the customer. The table below gives an indication of the available mixtures, others may be available on request.

Component Matrix gas Amount fraction range
From To
Carbon monoxide Nitrogen 5 mmol/mol 150 mmol/mol
Carbon dioxide 50 mmol/mol 150 mmol/mol
Propane 500 μmol/mol 5 mmol/mol
Oxygen 5 mmol/mol 210 mmol/mol
Carbon monoxide Nitrogen or air 1 μmol/mol 50 mmol/mol
Carbon dioxide Nitrogen or air 1 μmol/mol 50 mmol/mol
Oxygen Nitrogen 1 μmol/mol 50 mmol/mol
Propane Air 1 μmol/mol 50 mmol/mol
Nitrogen monoxide Nitrogen 1 μmol/mol 10 mmol/mol
Nitrogen dioxide Air 1 μmol/mol 5 mmol/mol
n-hexane Nitrogen 1 μmol/mol 1 mmol/mol

Particle Emission Monitoring

NPL also has a range of particle measurement capabilities to support the quantification of vehicle particulate emissions and the calibration of equipment used to perform those measurements. Further details can be found here.

Don’t see what you are looking for? Our diverse skill set enables us to provide bespoke solutions. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

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Our research and measurement solutions support innovation and product development. We work with companies to deliver business advantage and commercial success.
Contact our Customer Services team on +44 20 8943 7070

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