Since 1982, ESP has performed 212.4 million tests at our state program facilities and implemented every type of test available throughout our facilities. Most recently, we have upgraded several state programs with OBD II tests.
ESP has pioneered the development and implementation of remote sensing technology, which has been approved by the EPA for use in conjunction with traditional inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs.
ESP offers 15 types of tests that state programs can choose from to have implemented into their program specifications. We have been instrumental in the design and specification development of the equipment that performs these tests.
The most frequently used tests include:
The Clean Air Act requires automakers to include On Board Diagnostics (OBD) in all cars, vans and light duty trucks beginning in the model year 1996. On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) equipment tests vehicles equipped with OBD technology (1996 and newer vehicles). OBD II checks for engine performance and can detect problems with the emissions control system before the driver is aware of them. The system monitors for malfunction or deterioration of the powertrain and its emissions-control systems on a constant basis.
The OBD II test is conducted by attaching a cable to the vehicle's on-board computer through a data link connector (DLC) usually found under the dashboard and information is downloaded to a computer regarding the vehicle's emissions systems.
The Clean Air Act allows states to use Remote Sensing Devices (RSD) to complement enhanced I/M programs. Remote Sensing, when applied to vehicle emissions testing, refers to the measurement of vehicle exhaust emissions with roadside monitoring systems (known as remote sensing devices or RSDs), as the vehicle passes by without interfering with or altering the vehicle progress. Infrared (IR) and Ultraviolet (UV) light is directed across the road and passively reflected back to detectors that monitor light intensity at characteristic wavelengths. The amount of characteristic infrared or ultraviolet light absorbed is translated into the exhaust concentration of the three regulated pollutants of interest, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides.
The vehicle idles for 30 seconds, is then accelerated to 2500 revolutions per minute for 30 seconds, and then idles for 30 seconds. A probe, placed in the tailpipe, collects information on the vehicle's emission of hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide. The single or two-speed idle test is part of a basic emissions inspection program used in moderate or marginal non-attainment ozone areas. This test is conducted with a four-gas analyzer.
ASM testing requires a five-gas analyzer and dynamometer (a treadmill-like device that spins the front or rear tires of the vehicle). The lane inspector inserts a probe into the tailpipe to collect and analyze exhaust that is emitted once the vehicle is accelerated and decelerated in the range of 0-30 miles per hour during the enhanced (or loaded mode) test. This procedure more accurately measures vehicle emissions by simulating actual driving conditions (in other words, while the car in under load). The test measures levels of hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide. It is mandated in serious, severe or extreme ozone non-attainment areas with urbanized populations over 200,000.
A lane inspector places and then pressurizes an adapter to the vehicle's gas cap. The test procedure measures leak flow rate to determine whether the gas cap seal is sufficient to prevent gasoline from evaporating into the air from the vehicle's tank. A computer sets the target pressure for each test. The computer also selects the correct gas cap test.
Top
|
Copyright © 2002 Environmental Systems Products Holdings Inc.