Air quality in the vehicle interior (VIAQ) and evaporative emissions (EVAP)

Background

The air quality in the vehicle interior is a key factor for the comfort and well-being of vehicle passengers.

VOC emissions (volatile organic compounds) in the vehicle interior play a decisive role in air quality (VIAQ, Vehicle Interior Air Quality), which is largely caused by outgassing from components such as the steering wheel, sun visors, vehicle seats, vehicle door panels, dashboard, etc.

In addition to VIAQ, emissions outside the vehicle cabin that are not generated by exhaust emissions from combustion engines and contribute to air pollution are also significant. These emissions are referred to as EVAP (Evaporative Emissions) and describe the evaporation of volatile compounds originating from fuels, refrigerants from air conditioning and antifreeze, plastics, car tires or other vehicle materials.

Directives on VIAQ and EVAP such as GB/T 27630-2011 (China), LEV III (USA) and EU6 (Europe) have been formulated to protect the health of vehicle passengers and reduce air pollution.

Solution

V&F mass spectrometers offer innovative approaches for the precise online measurement of VOCs and the control of emissions. Our technologies make it possible to quickly and reliably detect emissions directly from vehicle components or the entire vehicle in SHED test chambers (SHED = Sealed Housing for Evaporative Determination) - without time-consuming sample preparation.

We also carry out air filter tests in which the effectiveness of the filters in reducing odors and emissions is tested in real time. This ensures that the filters meet the highest quality standards and make an optimum contribution to improving indoor air quality.

Photo Industry Solution V&F Automotive VIAQ

Advantage

V&F's solutions offer decisive advantages for the automotive industry. Online measurement enables analysis within seconds, which significantly speeds up development and test cycles. In addition, large sample quantities can be analyzed efficiently, which saves a considerable amount of time. Another advantage is that direct measurement eliminates the need for time-consuming sample preparation. This not only simplifies processes, but also reduces costs. In addition, our systems offer excellent accuracy and show very good correlation with results from conventional, very time-consuming laboratory methods such as Tenax-GC-MS and DNPH-HPLC analysis methods, ensuring reliable results every time.

Highlights

  • Excellent agreement between the V&F AirSense mass spectrometer and laboratory measurements
  • Fast, dynamic online measurement
  • Real-time VIAQ monitoring of aldehydes and aromatics for research and quality control (QA/QC)
  • Easy extension of measurement methods with inorganic and organic compounds

Reference clients (excerpt)

Reference BMW

Suitable devices