A device for measuring gas emissions?

Question

I need to know if there is a device for measuring gas emissions from something. I need it to tell me the different gases in the mixture and its percentage, it needs to pick up CO2 gas. The gas I wish to measure is the gas that comes from a car exhaust, its for a project.

Answer 1

If you live in a metro area in many US states, they perform exhaust checks every time you have to renew your registration.

The sensor they place in your exhaust measures the CO and CO2 being released. It may be capable of measuring for other gases as well.

I don't think one would be very affordable to buy or acquire for experimentation but I could be wrong.

However, for the project, you may be able to contact the local air/vehicle authority and ask to be allowed access to the measuring device or attend other screenings being done on the general public.
Good luck.

Answer 2

In addition to the answers from the others, I'm enclosing some sites where you can see pictures of what these monitors look like. The five gas monitor is the standard for doing measurements, but the one they use for car emissions is a special case of the five-gas. The type you use for indoor air, will not work for car exhaust due to the water vapor level.

Answer 3

An infra-red gas analyser will measure CO2 concentrations, e.g. Li-COR 5000, also measures water vapour. Various instruments exist for measuring NOx and NO2 (you can get NO by the difference), typically called a "NOX BOX" measure by chemiluminescence, a quick web search finds companies like:

http://www.aglairtesting.co.uk/catalogue.asp?pg=2&cat=3

who seem to be able to rent these and also SO2 instruments.

You might also want to measure particles, using a condensation particle counter (CPC). TSI manufacture these. An ultrafine particle CPC would be best for those itty bitty particles from 3nm diameter upwards formed out of the exhaust. A CPC which uses butenol to detect particles would be best for car emission as they are organic and therefore a wee bit hydrophobic.

Bear in mind calibration costs. Also standard setups for measuring exhaust gases are important (on pipe or 1m away will make huge difference - I think the Department for Transport (UK) or DEFRA mayl have details on their website.

Answer 4

yes there is a device, its called a 5 gas analyzer..... it picks up oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon counts and oxides of nitrogen. there should be several brands available but they're all pretty senstitive and expensive. If you live in a state that requires emissions inspections, a state inspection station can measure CO2 levels for you. (for a price I am sure)

Answer 5

They use all kinds of gas detectors in the oil field. Aim is one of the company's that make different gas detectors . U will need the gas to calibrate and they are expensive.