Diesel Smoke Opacity Meter Specification
Diesel Smoke Opacity Meter Specification
A free acceleration – from idle, with no load on the engine, where the engine is accelerated
against its own inertia by depressing the throttle pedal quickly and continuously (in less than one
second) but not violently, so as to obtain maximum delivery.
Trigger – the smoke meter recognises that a free acceleration is in progress and commences
recording of the peak opacity achieved for a set period of time.
EOBD - (European On-Board Diagnostics) European regulations which are the equivalent of
OBD-II, with the same SAE J1962 diagnostic link connector and signal protocols being used.
Zero check- the smoke chamber is checked and reset if necessary to ensure it has a value of
0.00 m-1 prior to the first free acceleration in the test procedure
Section 1.
1.1 General overview
(a) A Diesel Smoke Opacity Meter shall be provided that is capable of measuring smoke opacity
as per the requirements of EU Directive 2014/45/EC.
(b) The Diesel Smoke Opacity Meter test procedure shall meet the current vehicle inspection
specifications for smoke meters (MOT/08/19/01 3rd revision 2007). See Appendix 1 for a
summary of requirements.
(c) The smoke tester must connect to a PC running software capable of outputting test data to
CoVIS via the protocols as set out in Section 3 below.
(d) The smoke meter must be able to capture the engine temperature, peak RPM and K mean
value of opacity in all cases and return the values to CoVIS
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Section 2.
2.1 General Specification
The Diesel Smoke Opacity Meter shall have the capacity to;
(a) Include an internal clock and calendar.
(b) Detect a free acceleration automatically.
(c) Record RPM in real time.
(d) Record Engine temperature.
(e) Connect an appropriate exhaust sampling probe.
(f) Apply the correct test procedure to each vehicle type and category.
(g) Operate and produce a print-out independent of CoVIS.
(h) Clearly display the user screen showing prompts and readings for the duration of the test.
(i) Operate correctly without any disturbance or interference from other radio frequencies and
electromagnetic fields that are experienced in the test centre environment.
(j) Notify the user at maintenance intervals and manage its maintenance log.
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2.6 Exhaust Sampling Probes
The Exhaust sample probe(s) shall
(a) Have, where applicable, the appropriate exhaust sample probe for each vehicle class and
exhaust pipes of various shapes, sizes, outlet angles and positions. You must be able to
position the sample probe effectively central in the exhaust pipe to the flow of exhaust gas in
straight tailpipes and those with bends close to the tailpipe outlet.
(b) Have a durable clamping device that ensures the probe is securely attached for the duration
of the test. The device must be easy and quick to attach and disconnect such as a spring
loaded clamp.
(c) Maintain an effective path from exhaust to the measurement chamber that does not impede
the flow of gases and will not allow any significant loss in the air pressure, temperature and
opacity of the sample.
(d) For use on HCV - have a provision to reach vertical stack or central exit exhausts with a probe
that meets the Smoke Meter Manufacturers specification and where the probe can be inserted
by the vehicle tester from a safe position.
(e) Adjust timings in the test procedure that suit various exhaust probe pipe lengths used for the
test e.g. a different sampling time or probe infill time may be required on different types of
vehicles.
(f) Ensure the length of exhaust probe and max temperature tolerance is to manufacturer’s
specification only. Any modifications to the probes /extensions must be approved by the
equipment manufacturer.
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2.9 Smoke meter display and location
(a) There shall be a clear and uninhibited view of the Diesel Smoke Opacity Meter screen,
particularly in poor light conditions or bright sun light.
(b) There shall be no requirement to acknowledge prompts after conditioning has completed and
the last request for a free acceleration in the test procedure.
(c) The Diesel Smoke Opacity Meter controls/keyboard that are not shared between lanes shall
be located on the driver’s side.
(d) When the smoke meter is installed, it must not inhibit overview of the CCTV camera or the
reading of the number plate by the ANPR camera.
NOTE; Detail on the equipment layout is found in the test lane guidelines section of the premises
guidelines.
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Section 3.
(a) A host PC must be provided to communicate between the smoke tester and CoVIS. This PC
must be capable of communicating to CoVIS via ASA network standard on a network i.e.
requires a network card dedicated to communicate with CoVIS or the centre’s LAN
(b) The PC must have the date and times set to match the Covis Admin Computer
(c) The date and time format must be set to a standard Irish date\time format and time zone
(d) There shall be no firewalls or firewall rules preventing data from transferring to\from
ASANetwork
(e) The Diesel Smoke Opacity Meter or its host must have the capability to receive test orders
transmitted by CoVIS and return test results to CoVIS using the ASA network secure common
industry standard interface - see example in Appendix 4 below.
(f) The Diesel Smoke Opacity Meter shall have the capacity to electronically transmit test
measurement values for peak RPM (measured in revolutions per minute) at the instance of
recording peak opacity - see the highlighted content in Appendix 4.
(g) The Diesel Smoke Opacity Meter shall have the capacity to electronically transmit a test
measurement values of the engine temperature achieved (measured in °C) prior to the initial
free acceleration - see the highlighted content in Appendix 4.
(h) The Diesel Smoke Opacity Meter must be capable of returning the mean value of opacity,
based on the rules set out in Appendix 4 below.
(i) The unit of opacity returned will contain the calculated mean value in K m-1. (1/m)
(j) The Diesel Smoke Opacity Meter must provide a start date / time for each test.
(k) The Diesel Smoke Opacity Meter must provide an end date / time for each test.
(l) The Diesel Smoke Opacity Meter must provide the serial number of the equipment used for
each test.
.
3.2 Input Test order detail from CoVIS
(a) Use the standard ASA network requirements input data.
(b) CoVIS sends the following for all test orders:
(i) Order type id
(ii) Order Description
(iii) Reg No,
(iv) EU Vehicle Category
(v) Date of first registration
(vi) No Axles
(vii)Fuel Type
(c) The Smoke Meter must be capable of receiving data inputs from CoVIS and altering the test
procedure based on date of first registration and fuel type received.
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Section 4.
4.1 Documentation/Identification
(a) The Diesel Smoke Opacity Meter shall have a durable identification mark on its exterior or its
control unit showing the make, model and serial number.
(b) The manufacturer of the Diesel Smoke Opacity Meter shall provide a clear and easy to
understand user manual, written in English and available at any time to the test centre, which
shall explain how it operates and the function of each aspect of the unit including the RPM and
engine temperature measuring devices.
(c) The manufacturer of the Smoke Opacity Meter shall provide a recommended "maintenance
procedure".
Note; Valid and current calibration certificates shall be scanned and uploaded to CoVIS. An original
hard copy shall be stored securely and made accessible for inspection for 12 months.
Section 5.
5.1 Calibration of Smoke Opacity Meter and engine observation devices
(a) The calibration service provider, as part of their quality programme, shall adhere to the CITA 9B
Quality Requirements (see Appendix 3).
(b) The manufacturer of the Diesel Smoke Opacity Meter shall, if requested, provide a technical
handbook in English with a description of the calibration technology for review.
(c) The calibration procedure shall match the manufacturer’s recommendation.
(d) For an initial set up, the installer shall provide a calibration certificate.
(e) A competent person shall calibrate the equipment every 12 months, or more frequently if
required, using equipment to a standard specified by the manufacturer.
(f) The temperature measuring device shall be capable of measuring engine temperature with an
accuracy of +/- 5% relative and equivalent to an indicated oil temperature of up to at least 90° C
and suitable for HCV and LCV vehicles – details on how this is verified must be documented.
(g) The engine speed (RPM) measuring device shall be capable of measuring engine speed with
an accuracy of +/- 5% relative and equivalent to an indicated stable RPM of approximately 2000
rpm for an uninterrupted sampling time of 10 seconds. The reaction time to a change in RPM
shall be <=500ms and suitable for HCV and LCV vehicles – details on how this is verified must
be documented.
(h) A condition report will be carried out by a competent person at 12 month intervals or if the unit
is potentially damaged in any way (it may be carried out at time of calibration).
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Appendix 1.
Smoke Test Procedure and Calculations of Mean Value (ref; Directive 2014/45/EU)
Limits are subject to change by the RSA in line with the Directive.
Where the date of first registration of the vehicle is prior to 1st July 2008
Testing rules;
There must be at least one pre-test blow out acceleration.
There must be at least three free accelerations with a maximum of six allowed.
Test is concluded and passed on the mean value of the last three valid accelerations if the
value is below the category limit.
In the case of HCV testing a gap of at least 10 seconds between the release of the
accelerator and the prompt to carry out the next acceleration from idle is required.
Where the date of first registration of the vehicle is on or after 1st July 2008
Testing rules;
There must be at least one Pre-test blow out acceleration.
There must be at least one free acceleration and six is the maximum allowed.
Test is concluded and passed on less than three valid accelerations if reading is below 1.5 k
m-1.
Test is aborted and failed on first valid acceleration if reading exceeds 9.99 k m-1.
Where no valid mean value has been achieved a ‘void’ result will be returned.
In the case of HCV testing a gap of at least 10 seconds between the release of the
accelerator and the prompt to carry out the next acceleration from idle is required.
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Appendix 2
Printout report
Key Points;
(a) The test values on the print out report must match the data values returned to ASA
network for CoVIS i.e. where a K mean value is calculated and presented with two
decimal places.
(b) The K mean value will be rounded down to two decimal places.
(c) The printout shall display the Peak Engine Speed in RPM.
(d) The printout shall display the Engine Temperature in Degrees Celsius.
(e) The printout shall display the Calculated K mean Value in m-1 set to 2 decimal places.
(f) The RBT shall have the capability to operate independent of Covis and produce a printed
report.
The Printout must include at minimum the following details on the report.
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Appendix 3
CITA 9B Quality Requirements Covering Calibration
6.3. Calibration
6.3.1 The inspection body shall ensure that there are proper arrangements to adequately control and
calibrate vehicle inspection equipment before and during use, in order to ensure its accuracy, its
conformity to the relevant requirements and its continued suitability and to provide confidence in
decisions based on measurements.
6.3.2 The calibration procedures, sometimes known as calibration programmes, shall define the
calibration processes, their environmental conditions, their frequency, the acceptance criteria and the
action to be taken when the results are found unsatisfactory and/or inadequate.
6.3.3 Quality relevant vehicle inspection equipment shall be calibrated before first use and at least at
the following frequencies during in-service use or at other frequencies as prescribed in national
regulations:
NOTE; All calibration frequencies mentioned in the CITA requirements have been omitted from this
Appendix as they are superseded by the prescribed calibration frequencies outlined in the Premises
& Equipment Guidelines.
6.3.4 Calibration shall be done, where appropriate, against certified equipment having a known and
traceable relationship to internationally or nationally recognised standards. Where no such standards
exist, the basis used for calibration shall be fully documented, according to the equipment
manufacturer's recommendation, if any.
6.3.5 If vehicle inspection equipment is found to be out of calibration or there are any other systematic
errors, the validity of the vehicle inspection results since the date of last calibration shall be re-
assessed. If there was any relevant non-conformity, the vehicle inspection body shall, as soon as
practicable inform the owners/keepers of the affected vehicles and invite them immediately for re-
inspection, making it clear that there will be no charge for the inspection.
6.3.6 The calibration status shall be shown clearly on relevant vehicle inspection equipment,
preferably by means of suitable markers or labels, indicating at least the date of the last calibration
and the date the next calibration is due.
6.3.7 Reference measurement standards held by the inspection body shall be used for calibration
only and not for other purposes. Only competent bodies who can provide traceability to international
or national measurement standards shall calibrate reference measurement standards.
6.3.8 The inspection body shall keep records of all calibrations performed.
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Appendix 4
Sample XML Stream sent to CoVIS from ASANetwork
Important Note
o The highlighted content in the sample below shows the minimum fields required
o The data must be returned to ASANetwork in the correct format
o All XML must be valid or will be rejected
o The sample file contains results for 3 gas blasts
o XML should output all raw data including decimal values
o The results must relate to the test Order ID received from CoVIS
o The registration number is not read when processing the results
o All values highlighted below must be returned
o Results are matched to the test order id sent to the manufacturer
o Only the calculated Mean value for Opacity is taken.
SAMPLE ONLY
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1" standalone="no" ?>
<!DOCTYPE RESULTS SYSTEM "awnres.dtd">
<!-- Created 07.08.2014 15:48:11 with AWNX32.dll Version 1.6.0 Build 45 -->
<RESULTS>
<RESULTSHEADER>
<COUNTRY>
<REGULATION>GERMAN</REGULATION>
<LANGUAGE>GERMAN</LANGUAGE>
</COUNTRY>
<CUSTOMER>
<!-- Kundeninformation -->
<NAME> </NAME>
<ADDRESS>ROSKEEDA
ROSMUC</ADDRESS>
<ZIP>N1</ZIP>
<CITY></CITY>
<TEL>00</TEL>
<FAX></FAX>
<CUSTNO></CUSTNO>
<ORDER>650003511</ORDER>
<EMAIL></EMAIL>
</CUSTOMER>
<VEHICLE>
<IDENT>
<!-- Fahrzeuginformation -->
<REGISTRATION>05-OX-1740</REGISTRATION>
<MANUFACTURER>VolkZwagen</MANUFACTURER>
<MODEL>CUDDY</MODEL>
<KEY2></KEY2>
<KEY3></KEY3>
<VIN>WV1ZZ2KZ5X057821</VIN>
<FUEL1>DIESEL</FUEL1>
<EMISSIONCODE></EMISSIONCODE>
<PRODUCTIONDATE></PRODUCTIONDATE>
</IDENT>
<DATA>
<ODOMETER></ODOMETER>
<DIESEL_GT_35>--</DIESEL_GT_35>
<REGISTRATION_DATE>22/03/2005</REGISTRATION_DATE>
</DATA>
</VEHICLE>
</RESULTSHEADER>
<RESULT OBJECT="EMISSION" METHOD="SMOKE">
<TITLE>Abgasuntersuchung</TITLE>
<HEADER>
<EQUIPMENT TYPE="CONTROL">
<TITLE>Bedienerführung</TITLE>
<MANUFACTURER>XXXX</MANUFACTURER>
<MODEL>XXXXX</MODEL>
<VERSION>V 6.00/1.8.GB Leitfaden --</VERSION>
</EQUIPMENT>
<EQUIPMENT TYPE="SMOKE">
<TITLE>Abgastester</TITLE>
<MANUFACTURER>xxxx</MANUFACTURER>
<MODEL>xxxxxx</MODEL>
<VERSION> V 1.00/1 c</VERSION>
<SERIAL_NO>533479</SERIAL_NO>
</EQUIPMENT>
<START_TEST>07/08/2014 15:48</START_TEST>
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<END_TEST>07/08/2014 15:48</END_TEST>
<CONTROL_NO></CONTROL_NO>
<RESPONSIBLE_OPERATOR>
<NAME></NAME>
</RESPONSIBLE_OPERATOR>
<OPERATOR>
<NAME>optimuso hara</NAME>
</OPERATOR>
<COUNTRY>
<REGULATION>Ireland</REGULATION>
<LANGUAGE>English</LANGUAGE>
</COUNTRY>
</HEADER>
<SECTION OBJECT="REPAIRED_DEFECTS">
<TITLE>Behobene Mängel</TITLE>
<DEFECT OBJECT="NONE">
<TITLE>Keine Reparatur</TITLE>
<MEAS OBJECT="NONE">
<TITLE>Sichtprüfung ok</TITLE>
<VALUE RESULT="1" SOURCE="HAND">i.O.</VALUE>
</MEAS>
</DEFECT>
</SECTION>
<SECTION OBJECT="DEFECTS">
<TITLE>Mängel</TITLE>
<MEAS OBJECT="REPAIRED_DEFECTS_NO5">
<TITLE>Mängel nach Nr.5 der AU-Richtlinie, die behoben wurden Mängel-Nr.813 der HU-Richtlinie:</TITLE>
<VALUE RESULT="1" SOURCE="HAND">i.O.</VALUE>
</MEAS>
<MEAS OBJECT="DEFECTS_NO6">
<TITLE>Erkannte, aber nicht behobene Mängel nach Nr.6 der AU-Richtlinie:</TITLE>
<VALUE RESULT="1" SOURCE="HAND"></VALUE>
</MEAS>
</SECTION>
<SECTION OBJECT="CONDITIONING">
<TITLE>Konditionierung</TITLE>
<MEAS OBJECT="OILTEMP">
<TITLE>Öltemperatur</TITLE>
<VALUE RESULT="1" LOWLIM1="0" UNIT="degC">67</VALUE>
</MEAS>
<MEAS OBJECT="IDLE_SPEED">
<TITLE>Leerlaufdrehzahl</TITLE>
<VALUE UNIT="rpm" RESULT="3" LOWLIM1="500" HIGHLIM1="1200">820</VALUE>
</MEAS>
<MEAS OBJECT="CUTOFF_SPEED">
<TITLE>Abregeldrehzahl</TITLE>
<VALUE UNIT="rpm" RESULT="3" LOWLIM1="2250" HIGHLIM1="6500">3500</VALUE>
</MEAS>
<MEAS OBJECT="CLEANING_GAS_BLASTS">
<TITLE>Anzahl Konditionierungsgasstöße</TITLE>
<VALUE>0</VALUE>
</MEAS>
<SUMMARY>
<TITLE>Konditionierung</TITLE>
<MEAS OBJECT="CONDITIONING">
<TITLE>Konditionierung</TITLE>
<VALUE RESULT="3">n.i.O.</VALUE>
</MEAS>
</SUMMARY>
</SECTION>
<SECTION OBJECT="GAS_BLAST">
<TITLE>Gasstoßmessung</TITLE>
<MEAS OBJECT="TIME">
<TITLE>Meßzeit</TITLE>
<VALUE UNIT="s">0.70</VALUE>
</MEAS>
<MEAS OBJECT="PROBE">
<TITLE>Sondenausführung</TITLE>
<VALUE>1</VALUE>
</MEAS>
<STEP NO="1">
<TITLE>Gasstoß Nr.1</TITLE>
<MEAS OBJECT="OPACITY">
<TITLE>Trübung</TITLE>
<VALUE UNIT="1/m">0.40</VALUE>
</MEAS>
<MEAS OBJECT="IDLE_SPEED">
<TITLE>Leerlaufdrehzahl</TITLE>
<VALUE UNIT="rpm" RESULT="1" LOWLIM1="500" HIGHLIM1="1200">820</VALUE>
</MEAS>
<MEAS OBJECT="CUTOFF_SPEED">
<TITLE>Abregeldrehzahl</TITLE>
<VALUE UNIT="rpm" RESULT="1" LOWLIM1="2250" HIGHLIM1="6500">3500</VALUE>
</MEAS>
<MEAS OBJECT="ACCEL_TIME">
<TITLE>Beschleunigungzeit</TITLE>
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<VALUE UNIT="s">0.94</VALUE>
</MEAS>
<SUMMARY>
<TITLE>Gasstoß Nr.1</TITLE>
<MEAS OBJECT="GAS_BLAST">
<TITLE>Gasstoß Nr.1</TITLE>
<VALUE RESULT="1">bestanden</VALUE>
</MEAS>
</SUMMARY>
</STEP>
<STEP NO="2">
<TITLE>Gasstoß Nr.2</TITLE>
<SUMMARY>
<TITLE>Gasstoß Nr.2</TITLE>
<MEAS OBJECT="GAS_BLAST">
<TITLE>Gasstoß Nr.2</TITLE>
<VALUE RESULT="3">nicht bestanden</VALUE>
</MEAS>
</SUMMARY>
</STEP>
<STEP NO="3">
<TITLE>Gasstoß Nr.3</TITLE>
<SUMMARY>
<TITLE>Gasstoß Nr.3</TITLE>
<MEAS OBJECT="GAS_BLAST">
<TITLE>Gasstoß Nr.3</TITLE>
<VALUE RESULT="3">nicht bestanden</VALUE>
</MEAS>
</SUMMARY>
</STEP>
<MEAS OBJECT="OPACITY">
<TITLE>Trübungs-Mittelwert</TITLE>
<VALUE RESULT="1" HIGHLIM1="3.00" UNIT="1/m" TYPE="AVG">0.40</VALUE>
</MEAS>
<MEAS OBJECT="OPACITY">
<TITLE>Trübungs-Bandbreite</TITLE>
<VALUE RESULT="1" HIGHLIM1="-.--" UNIT="1/m" TYPE="DELTA">-.--</VALUE>
</MEAS>
<SUMMARY>
<MEAS OBJECT="GAS_BLAST">
<TITLE>Gasstösse</TITLE>
<VALUE RESULT="3">n.i.o.</VALUE>
</MEAS>
</SUMMARY>
</SECTION>
<SUMMARY>
<TITLE>Gesamtergebnis</TITLE>
<MEAS OBJECT="SMOKE">
<TITLE>Abgasuntersuchung</TITLE>
<VALUE RESULT="1">bestanden</VALUE>
</MEAS>
<MEAS OBJECT="PERMISSION">
<TITLE>Plakette</TITLE>
<VALUE RESULT="3" SOURCE="HAND">nicht erteilt</VALUE>
</MEAS>
</SUMMARY>
</RESULT>
</RESULTS>
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