[Kyoto, Japan] HORIBA, Ltd. has announced the release of the Solid Particle Counting System SPCS-ONE*2. The SPCS series first launched in 2009 as a system to continuously count automotive engine and other solid particle emissions. Since release, this series has continually satisfied the latest regulation-driven measurement needs. While sustaining the same excellence as previous models, the release of the SPCS-ONE brings with it centralized management of measurement data obtained from multiple devices by adopting the new HORIBA ONE PLATFORM for integrated measurements. Furthermore, the integration of the STARS Enterprise laboratory management system*3 helps promote a digital transformation (DX) on research and development sites through benefits that include a better operation rate and maintenance efficiency by visualizing the status of tests and systems using remote monitoring. The SPCS-ONE even supports continuous particle counting for the brake dust*4 emissions under review for inclusion in the Euro 7 next-generation EU emission standards and other solid particles with a diameter over 10 nm*5 (SPN*610).
There is greater interest worldwide about the adverse health effects caused by fine particles in the air in light of stricter environmental regulations in recent years. The smaller the particle, the more deeply it penetrates into the lungs. Any fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers (one micrometer is equivalent to 1,000 nanometers) or less — known as PM2.5 — cause particular concern about the adverse effects to respiratory and circulatory systems.
Globally, the automotive industry has been quickly complying with particle-count regulations. The current Euro 6d/VI EU emission standards regulate fine particle matter with a diameter of 23 nm (SPN23) or more. The Euro 7 next-generation EU emissions standards are currently reviewing going one step farther to expand particle counting to cover SPN10 as fine particle matter and brake dust emissions.
Kazuya Tsurumi, Emission Measurement System (EMS) Global business owner and General Manager of the Mobility & Energy Business Division, explains, “HORIBA has been leading the world in developing continuous solid particle counting systems to satisfy the latest needs since before the United Nations Economic Commission in Europe (UNECE) announced an official system for measuring fine particles in 2009. The new SPCS-ONE product series will respond to demands driven by more stringent regulations today and the necessity of enhanced development efficiency.”
The research and development needs for automobiles continues to become more complex and diverse due to the evolution of technology and stricter regulations toward a carbon-neutral society. The HORIBA Group provides a wealth or products and solutions unique to the challenges faced by customers in an effort to create new value as a partner of the automotive industry.
*1 Next-generation European Union (EU) pollutant emissions standards
(enactment under review for passenger vehicles in 2025 and commercial vehicles in 2027)
*2 SPCS: Solid Particle Counting System
*3 STARS Enterprise is sold separately
*4 Dust particles produced by the friction of brakes and tires
*5 A nanometer is one billionth the size of a meter
*6 SPN: Solid Particle Number
