Connectors aid flexibilty of exhaust gas analyser

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Feb 13, 2004

A new model of engine exhaust gas analyser breaks new ground in flexibility and uses Staubli quick-release connectors to provide ease of use and added functionality.

Emissions technology is becoming increasingly important in the automotive sector with the growing concern that atmospheric pollutants from vehicle engines are causing changes in the world's climate.

Research and development continues to strive for cleaner engines, accurate and reliable measurement of the constituents of exhaust gases is now an indispensable tool in this process.

Horiba Instruments of Northampton, part of the worldwide measurement and analysis group Horiba, is at the forefront of vehicle exhaust analysis technology.

The company leads the world in the manufacture of engine exhaust gas analysers.

A new model has recently been introduced that breaks new ground in flexibility and uses Staubli quick-release connectors to provide ease of use and added functionality.

DaimlerChrysler's engine development activity in Germany required analysers of exhaust gases that were modular, compact and easy to use.

Horiba quickly responded to this new challenge, moving from initial cardboard mockups, through prototyping and into series production in less than 12 months.

The new modular Horiba heated sample system comprises heated (to 190C) stages for analysis of hydrocarbons and nitrous oxides as well as a cold stage for analysing carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and oxygen.

An important requirement of the new design was the ability to remove both the heated filter unit and the heated pump unit to allow these to be used as self contained units elsewhere.

Moreover, when joined together the units needed to form a totally secure connection without any chance of leakage.

Staubli recommended an RBE double-shutoff coupling for the connection between the filter and pump units.

This range of connectors is suitable for all fluids and gases and offers a reliable, quick and automatic connection with long-life seal tightness.

The coupling was positioned in an inaccessible location between the units requiring remote operation of the pushbutton for disconnection.

The plug side was installed on a floating mechanism capable of accommodating any variation in alignment that might occur.

A second RBE connector was used for the HPU outlet from the analyser.

The prototype was used for 4 months in DaimlerChrysler's engine development labs in Stuttgart and satisfied all requirements without any problems.

40 units have now been ordered for this location of which six have already been shipped.

Other vehicle manufacturers are now noticing the advantages of this new modular analyser with orders anticipated by Horiba from all the major companies.

Involvement of Staubli personnel early in the design stage enabled Horiba to benefit from their wealth of experience in providing solutions to a wide range of connection applications; selecting precisely the quick-release connector that would provide the security, ease of use and reliability required in this demanding application.