Development of a Burner with Variable Stoichiometry to Evaluate Exhaust Gas Sensors 2002-01-2243

PSA has engaged studies of exhaust gas sensors, particularly NOx sensors, in order to develop knowledge in that field and to anticipate engine control by monitoring, in this example the NO_x concentration. One way to evaluate the functionality of exhaust gas sensors is to use a device representative of exhaust gases in composition, temperature and speed. This article presents the description of a burner supplied by air and propane and representative of combustion with variable equivalence ratio. The different elements of the burner are the flame generation, heat exchangers and command panels for the regulation of the temperature. Some results for the characterization of the burner in terms of temperature and concentrations will be shown. This device can be automated in order to perform evaluation of the characteristics of a NOx sensor and to conclude about its performances.