Diesel Particulate Testing
Diesel emissions are a complex mixture of particulate matter and gaseous components that work to assist in running engines and machinery. Conversely, they are also air pollutants and can cause health complaints to those who work around them.
The particulate component comprises of solid carbon cores produced during the combustion process in a diesel engine. Condensed into the nucleus of this solid carbon nucleus is a range of organic carbon compounds, as well as some metallic compounds.
Of this, over 90% of those carbon particulates are respirable, and considering their miniscule size, they’re capable of entering the body via inhalation.
The gaseous components of diesel emission include water vapour, oxides of carbon (CO, CO2), as well as oxides of nitrogen (NOx), volatile organic compounds, and unreacted gases from air such as nitrogen, morphology, and structure.
The high surface area to volume ratios of the core particles of DPM mean they absorb significant quantities of hydrocarbons originating from the unburnt fuel, lubricating oils and compounds formed during the combustion cycle.
More than 1,800 compounds have been identified, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, condensed liquid hydrocarbons, metals and sulphate compounds.
Considering this, if a worker reports immediate health concerns that include dizziness, headaches, nausea and/or eye, nose, or throat irritation, you have an obvious issue that needs to be addressed immediately. Other issues may not be as obvious but can still cause health problems, hence testing should be a regular consideration.
When it comes to diesel particulate testing, our dedicated and highly skilled technicians follow a rigorous process using the latest equipment and precise measuring techniques. The result is accurate reporting down to the finest detail.