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Emissions device could benefit freight haulage firms

A new device developed by scientists at the University of Manchester could bring significant benefits to freight haulage companies in the UK.

Capable of measuring the levels of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and methane emissions coming from a truck's engine using a laser, the device will allow freight haulage drivers to see how much pollution their vehicle is producing just by looking at the dashboard.

The team at the University of Manchester used a "near-IR diode laser sensor" to measure the changes in the gas concentration at different stages of an engine's conditions, such as during start-up, and when the throttle was increased and decreased.

One of the team members, Dr Philip Martin, commented: "This is the first instance of this type of near-IR diode laser sensor being used directly in the exhaust of a static internal combustion engine to measure emissions."

The next step is to quantify the technique and add more lasers that can measure nitrogen oxide, nitrogen dioxide and some hydrocarbons, the group said.

This technology would be useful for haulage companies, as emissions standards are set to get tougher.

Next year the London low emission zone will come into effect, meaning that freight haulage vehicles will have to have cleaner engines or face a daily charge to enter the capital.

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