Evaluation of two gas analyzers for measuring emissions from gasoline-powered vehicles during vehicle inspections
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37135/ns.01.17.06Keywords:
Emission analysis, Environmental control, Emissions contaminants, Homologated equipment, Vehicle technical inspectionAbstract
Vehicle pollution is a major contributor to environmental degradation and public health risks, making accurate gas emission measurements essential in Vehicle Technical Inspection (VTI). This study compares the performance of two gas analyzers, one homologated and one non-homologated, used in a Vehicle Technical Inspection Center (VTIC) in Ecuador. A total of 242 gasoline-powered vehicles were evaluated under idle and 2500 revolutions per minute (rpm) conditions. Statistical tests were applied to assess significant differences between the two devices. The results revealed marked discrepancies for CO, CO₂, and O₂, while HC measurements showed acceptable consistency. The non-certified analyzer underestimated CO under idle conditions by 27.8%, and overestimated CO₂ by 18.4% in both scenarios. O₂ measurements presented a standard deviation three times greater than the certified device's (±0.71% vs. ±0.23%), indicating high variability. These findings underscore the need for exclusively homologated equipment to ensure technical reliability in emission inspections. This research provides empirical evidence supporting improving technical regulations and inspection protocols in Ecuador, contributing to more accurate, transparent, and effective environmental control mechanisms.
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