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Diesel Exhaust Emissions regulations for MOT testing
In 2003 new specifications were laid down for the Diesel Smoke Meters for use in all MOT stations. During the consultation phase VOSA selected the Bosch RTM 430 diesel smoke meter as the reference smoke meter. The standard by which all smoke meters for use in MOT stations, must correlate.
The new specification takes into account the measurement of lower exhaust levels from new technology diesel engines and the tightening of EU emissions limits.
This means that by 31st December 2008 all diesel testing MOT stations must have a diesel smoke meter that conforms to the latest specifications. IE equipment that conforms to Diesel Smoke Meter specification from 2003 and on the VOSA approved equipment list.
Old smoke meters not conforming to the 2003 specification can continue to be used up to 31st December 2008, for existing MOT stations.
Important changes to the specification are the inclusion of the FAS Pass test, lower emission limits and a swipe card ready connection.
FAS (Free Acceleration Smoke) measurement test
The equipment must:
- Measure accurately the FAS output over the whole engine speed range, where the engine is accelerated with no load.
- Schedule a sequence of up to 6 accelerations (including fast pass).
- Automatically calculate, after each acceleration, the average of the last 3 readings.
FAST PASS
Automatically stop the test sequence if the measured value of the first acceleration is less than the Fast Pass smoke limit and produce a pass result.
Engine Temperature Measurement
The operator will no t be allowed to proceed to the smoke test procedure until the engine has reached a minimum temperature of 60°C.
If the temperature measurement is by-passed, ‘No engine temperature taken’ shall be displayed on the subsequent print out.
7 Day Linearity Calibration
The equipment shall prompt a linearity check at least once every 7½ days using a neutral density filter. to be supplied with the equipment.
Test Equipment Interface (Swipe Card)
Diesel Smoke Meters shall be able to communicate with the;
‘MOT Computerisation Technical Infrastructure’. The equipment must be ready to accept a smart card reader / writer. Connection is made via a 9 pin RS232 serial connector. The interface device is to be externally mounted, pending VOSA scheme roll out.
Commercial vehicle emission testing (Category B)
The equipment shall offer Reduced Pollution Certificate (RPC) testing, within category B. The operator can select from a choice of RPC values of 1 to 4. Calculate and display the results showing both the RPC and ‘standard’ smoke limits.
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