The aim of the project was to develop a particle measuring device for measuring exhaust emissions from Euro 6/VI vehicles with compression ignition engines. The PNCnano particle counter uses clean charging technology and is designed to charge clean air so that there is no contamination of the corona needle. The needle can also be easily replaced via a service opening in the non-custody transfer part. The particles are measured without contact using the Faraday Cup. It goes without saying that the device complies with PTB-A specifications and can therefore be used throughout Europe without any worries.
The sensor technology has been subjected to type testing in the Netherlands (NMI) and Germany (PTB).
Legal requirements & PTI: Particle measurement (PN) for diesel exhaust gases is increasingly being integrated into regular test procedures. The aim is to reliably detect defects or manipulated particle filters.
Health & environment: Ultra-fine particles penetrate deep into the lungs. Precise particle counting supports emission reduction and air quality targets.
Safety & reliability: Modern particle measurement devices deliver reproducible results – even at very low particle concentrations.
All diesel cars with particulate filters from Euro 6d (approximately from 2021) are subject to particle count measurement during the emissions test. In future, petrol cars with direct injection could also be covered – corresponding pilot projects are already underway.
The PNC nano is a ready-to-use diesel exhaust particle counter leveraging Clean Charging Technology and Faraday Cup contactless detection. It complies with PTB‑A certification standards and is type‑tested in Germany (PTB) and the Netherlands (NMI). The PNC nano is a precise particle measuring device used in exhaust gas testing.
The system employs diffusion charging (DC): aerosol particles are ionized via corona discharge, then charged through diffusion. The charged particles induce an electrical current in the Faraday Cup sensor module, which is measured—without consumables or sample gas heating. This enables precise particle counting without the need for emission tester with moving parts.
Many markets are gradually introducing PN measurement or have already integrated it. Concrete requirements are regulated on a country-specific basis. In Germany, particle measurement is already part of the exhaust emission test (AU) carried out as part of the general inspection (HU).
A particle counter records the number of ultra-fine particles (PN) in the exhaust gas – not the mass. This is particularly effective in detecting defective or manipulated particulate filters.
Yes – we also offer our systems as OEM modules with standardized interfaces (CAN, Modbus, analogue). This means that particle measurement can be easily integrated into existing test benches, software solutions or test devices.
The PNC nano is an extremely reliable particle counter that offers a precise and cost-effective solution for particle measurement and exhaust gas testing.
An assembly of functional sensor modules (e.g. charging unit, ion/particle separator, sensor Faraday Cup, Volatile Particle Remover). Customers can build their own housing around this proven, tested sensor structure and connect via RS‑232 (CAN available on request). Further information can be found here.
A portable, market-ready calibrator combining a stable salt (NaCl) generator and a reference particle counter in one unit. It supports on-site calibration of multiple PN devices, ensuring traceability (EN 17025) and compliance with German AU calibration regulations effective since January 1, 2023. Further information can be found here.
Full-service support includes: initial consulting, OEM customization, integration services, software for guidelines compliance, white papers, user manuals, FAQs, and ongoing maintenance advice. We help you to effectively integrate the particle counter into your exhaust gas tests and investigations.
Do you need a particle counter for diesel exhaust gases, a particle measuring device for your test bench – or would you like to integrate particle measurement directly into your own system? We develop customized OEM solutions – flexible, scalable and precisely tailored to your application.
Contact us – we will provide you with technically sound and practical advice.
Our white paper on the topic of particle counting on diesel vehicles and with more details about our innovative clean charging technology.
