DIESEL
EFFECTIVE EMISSIONS TESTING
In our modern world, road transportation is a lifeline, connecting people and goods across vast distances However, this convenience comes at a price, one that is often overlooked: air pollution. Air quality is a critical component of public health, and the quality of the air we breathe directly affects our well-being. Airborne particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ground-level ozone are the primary pollutants of concern, and they have significant impacts on human health. Road transport is a major contributor to these pollutants. Not only does it release PM, NO2, and ozone, but it also contributes to greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). The effects of these emissions are most pronounced in urban areas due to high traffic density and proximity to emission sources. Efforts have been made to reduce exhaust emissions from vehicles through legislation and strategies. While these efforts have led to reduced emissions of regulated pollutants, concentrations of NO2 and PM10 still frequently exceed healthbased limits, particularly in urban areas. NO2, which damages cell membranes and proteins, leads to various respiratory problems. Particulate matter (PM) concentrations have been associated with hospital admissions and mortality
rates, emphasising the importance of controlling emissions. However, despite regulations, there remain challenges in ensuring that vehicles meet emission standards.
The Volkswagen scandal The Volkswagen scandal in 2015 exposed a significant issue in emission control. Volkswagen was found to have used software that circumvented emission standards for certain air pollutants. This incident highlighted the need for more robust procedures and instruments to properly measure exhaust emissions during periodic inspections.
Australia’s approach In Australia, vehicles are tested based on manufacturer’s claims that they meet emission standards. In contrast, Europe tests all manufactured and imported models to ensure compliance with emission standards. European countries also perform in-service tests throughout a vehicle’s lifetime to ensure continued compliance. Australia can benefit from adopting stricter standards and improving its periodic inspection procedures, local type testing, and the adoption of Euro 6 emission standards to enhance air quality and reduce health costs associated with noxious gases.
New South Wales has recently introduced a new proposal that prescribes tailpipe Emission Testing for all modified vehicles under their VSCCS scheme. This procedure includes the use of a 5 Gas Analyser to determine the concentration of each emission component.
Effective emissions testing AutoTest says you can test the gas efficiency of a vehicle with the AutoTest 5 Gas Analyser. Battery operated, it has the capability to measure CO, HC, CO2, O2 and NOX contents of petrol, CNG, and LPG vehicle exhausts and lets you know how efficient a vehicle is at reducing the amount of pollutant gases being released into the atmosphere. AutoTest recently moved into new premises at 69 Parsons Street, Kensington (Victoria) that are next to its old building. For more information, contact AutoTest Products 03 8840 3000 or visit www.autotest.net.au
THE IMPORTANCE OF DIESEL FILTER MAINTENANCE In this article, UFI Filters provides a number of tips The fuel filter is a fundamental element for the protection and good performance of the engine. It represents a barrier against impurities and water residues which can irreparably damage the injectors with consequently high maintenance costs. When the filter is clogged, the engine has to work harder to keep the regular fuel flow, reducing functionality and increasing consumption. Regularly replacing the diesel filter is vital to ensure the correct functioning of the vehicle’s engine. Keeping the diesel filter in excellent condition helps prolong the life of the engine. In fact, a dirty or malfunctioning filter can lead to internal damage to the engine. UFI Filters says its high-quality filters are produced with specific materials: • Polymeric fibres, in FormulaUFI.Extreme, such as the 60.H2O.00 or 26.052.00 filter for Stellantis applications. • Cellulose coupled with synthetic fibres or glass, in FormulaUFI.H2O, like the filter 26.038.00
for the Volkswagen Group’s most popular engine, the EA 288 EVO 1.6 and 2.0 litres. • To enhance the performance of FormulaUFI. Extreme, materials are often combined in different layers with hydrophobic barriers, in FormulaUFI.Stratiflex, such as the filters of the 26.H2O family. Unfortunately, in the aftermarket space there are filters of poor quality, or even counterfeit, with media made of pleated paper, or unsuitable materials that do not perform the function of separating water from diesel. For this reason, purchasing a poor-quality product to save on price can compromise the injection system, with risks of vehicle downtime, and related economic damage. On heavy vehicles, such as trucks, the choice of the best filter is crucial, as these are systems that often combine pre-filter and filter. The pre-filter has the function of water separation and protection of the low pressure pump, while the filter performs a function of fine filtration and protection of the high pressure pump and injectors.
UFI explains its filtration systems are equipped with the most advanced materials resistant to the so-called “bad fuel” and biodiesel and produced with the best materials and technologies. UFI Filters Group says it was a pioneer in the development of high water separation filters, in deep filtration media which separates the smallest particles of water, up to 4 microns. It says choosing a manufacturer like UFI with a strong OE pedigree ensures a further guarantee, because you have the certainty that the product has been developed to maintain high standards of water separation even in more severe conditions than those foreseen in the regulations. For more information, visit www.ufifilters.com or www.ufi-aftermarket.com/eu Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine November 2023
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