BG3 Partial Flow Dilution

The Model BG3 PFD (Partial Flow Dilution) system is a highly flexible engine PM emissions sampling device protected by nine patents with several others pending. BG3 is the recognized standard in the industry for PFD sampling. BG3 is the most widely used technology of its kind and boasts an installed base of more than 300 units globally. 

BG3 is used for proportional sampling on transient test cycles with any fuel (diesel, gasoline, natural gas, etc.) and can be used on engines of any size in both engine and chassis test cells. BG3 is also equally effective for steady-state test cycle PM measurements. Steady-state sampling times range from two to five minutes depending on the relative particulate emissions output of the engine and the size of the filter holder used. Test cycles for any regulation can be easily designated, set up, and run. BG3 satisfies all ISO 8178, ISO 16183 and 40CFR 1065 requirements for transient and steady-state equivalency, as well as EPA requirements for non-road steady-state (CFR Part 89), supplemental 13-mode and ramp modal cycle testing. The system can also be used as a diluter for particle sizing instrumentation and for gaseous emissions measurement systems, while simultaneously and accurately sampling particulate matter. For more background, read Case Study.

Sierra works closely with each customer before, during, and after the installation and commissioning of the BG3, ensuring a smooth system launch and ongoing customer satisfaction.

Installation:

• An on-site Sierra engineer performs all commissioning and training services to achieve high customer satisfaction
• Since the BG3 is portable, it is set up quickly in any configuration of engine and test cell environment
• During commissioning, the Sierra engineer calibrates the BG3 with certified calibration equipment
• Sierra sends a specification sheet to pre-empt future questions or problems

• Input power of 110 VAC, 20 amp (2 each), 50/60 Hz
• Clean supply of dry air at 80 psi minimum to 100 psi maximum - Sierra assists each customer so that shop air is optimal for BG3 operation
• The BG3 is located within the test cell - The space required to accommodate the cabinet is 24 inches W x 36 inches D x 72 inches H
• The BG3 has a 19 inch rack mount PC and a 17 inch plasma screen monitor that can be remotely placed in the control room of the test-cell

Collecting a Sample

Four Step Sample Collection:

Step 1: Load the Filters.
Insert the sample filter pair into the filter holder or load the filter Multi-Changer cassette.

Step 2: Set-up the Test.
Enter the appropriate flow sample parameters into the test set-up screen.

Step 3: Collect the Sample.
Press the standby button, the BG3 automatically collects the sample.

Step 4: Sample Complete.
Remove filter pairs for PM mass measurement. A filter weight calculation sheet is available for the engineer’s convenience.

Filter Size: 47 or 70mm standard.

Range: Any size engine, regardless of RPM or stack diameter.

Sample Flow Accuracy:  Less than +/- 3% at dilution ratios of 15:1 or below.

System working standard flow measurement accuracy: Less than 1% of reading

QC Sample flow check meter flow accuracy (optional): <3% of reading at 20-50%FS, <2% of reading at 50-100% FS.

Sampling Time:  A nominal sampling time of 2 to 5 minutes per mode is recommended for single filter/ mode testing on a 0.1g/hp/hr 8- mode cycle-weighted emissions engine when using 70mm test filters.  The sampling time depends on the precision of the microbalance used and the brake specific emissions output of the engine being evaluated.  Up to 20 minutes per mode or more may be required for PM sampling from engines where PM after treatment is used.

Input Power:  110 or 220 VAC, 50/60 Hz (Indicate at time of order). 

Dilution Air Supply:  90 PSI, 3.5 CFM (6.2 bar, 6 m3/hr).
 
Internal Sample Update Rate: 80Hz.

The fundamental description of BG3, per ISO8178-1 (5) is as a “partial flow dilution system with flow control and total sampling”, otherwise known as a ‘split, then dilute” methodology. The operational difference between BG3 and CVS is that a CVS first dilutes the full flow of raw exhaust and then collects PM from a small fraction of that flow (dilute, then split), while the BG3 first proportionally extracts and then dilutes a small fraction of the raw exhaust and then collects PM on a gravimetric filter from that flow (split, then dilute). The BG3 design premise is to provide equivalent results to CVS by maintaining proportionality of the raw exhaust sample mass flow relative to the exhaust mass flow rate of the engine.

The primary purpose of BG3 is to control the flow rate of a representative sample of exhaust during an engine test cycle where engine speed, load, airflow and fuel flow values exhibit high rates of change over very short time frames. The magnitude of engine inlet air mass flow excursions can approach 10:1 within less than two seconds. The challenge for any PFD technology is to maintain constant proportional flow from an exhaust stream with a highly variable mass flow rate throughout a typical test cycle. In order to ensure that the total mass of particulate trapped at the filter is equivalent to that obtained by the use of a full flow CVS, the sample flow rate must be controlled in real-time to be proportional to the exhaust mass flow. Further, it is necessary to control this sample flow rate to ensure that the filter temperature does not exceed the regulatory defined limit while the dilution air temperature is maintained in the range required by the regulations.

Near Zero-Loss Dilution Tunnel: The magic of BG3 technology is the patented dilution tunnel which eliminates the major achilles heel of any PFD, the deposition of particulate on dilution chamber walls as the diluted exhaust sample is transferred to the filter from the raw exhaust stream. Ultra low particulate loss in the patented radial inflow partial flow dilution tunnel (Pictured) and a very short equilibration zone before the filter set the BG apart from all other PFSS. Sierra’s patented dilution tunnel technology is a chamber under pres­sure. Conditioned dilution air permeates from the outside of the chamber in through the walls of a sintered metal tube carrying the diluted sample, creating a hydrocarbon-free air barrier. This eliminates the effect of the dilution system’s “history” on the test sample.

BG3 is an integrated product that incorporates two flow devices supplying and extracting gas used in the dilution tunnel design. The mass flow of raw exhaust sampled at the probe is the difference between the flow rates of the dilution and total mass flow meters. This sample flow is calculated as the difference between the total and dilute flow.

The highest possible data quality is generated through sophisticated software and hardware in four key areas.

1) Patented T- DAC™ Technology.
Allows the speed of the dilute mass flow controller to correctly correlate the sample flow with the actual engine exhaust mass flow.

2) Sample Flow Rate Confirmation.
A third mass flow meter confirms the sample flow rate by comparing the measured flow to the set flow of the BG3. This serves as a Go/No Go sample flow check before each test.

 
Third mass flow meter shown inside the Model BG-3

3) Validation.
The Model BG3 continuously controls and validates all critical operational and calibration data parameters and readings during each test. Engineers can make decisions during and after a test.

4) Calibration.

• Fully automated daily calibration between each test.
• Fully automated leak check
• Filter face velocity (sample mass flow rate) for filter size

The BG3 is engineered for accuracy! Its superior T-DAC technology (Transient Dilution Airflow Control) allows engine manufacturers to collect extremely accurate data, very quickly. Finally, engine manufacturers can comply with the strict 2007 regulations with accuracy and speed.

Based on our flagship CADET Automation Software platform, the BG3 control software is a user friendly application that allows the engineer to work independently of a host system or interfaced with a host. The BG3 software allows the knowledgeable engineer the diversity of testing any size of fueled engine for particulates, as well as perform calibration and troubleshooting. The user can collect PM samples during test programs and allow remote control of the BG3 by a host PC. The BG3 system and software is designed to allow novice users to easily collect accurate particulate samples, however it is recommended that users should have:

• Some experience in the operation of engine emissions measurement systems
• Engine test stand and/or chassis test cell experience
• A basic understanding of Microsoft Windows based computers and text processing

Main Status Screen



The status screen displays the system layout and all of the real-time parameters before and throughout the test. The operations display is a useful tool for the operator as the test is being performed and after completion.

Calibration Screen



The "Tracker" function is a tool that every engineer will find irreplaceable. This screen can be used by the engineer to track any of the functions (diluted mass flow, delta pressure, engine exhaust flow versus sample mass flow) or other immediate test functions for immediate reference to archival data.

Tracker Screen



The engineer will find the calibration of the system very manageable and efficient. The fully automated calibration routine can be preformed at any time.