Dual flow path carbon particulate monitor

Abstract

Carbon particulate concentration of diesel exhaust or other sampled gas is measured by collecting the particulate on a high efficiency filter or other collector while measuring the amount of sampled gas passing through the filter. Particulate collection occurs along an open ended collection flow path. The collected particulate is then heated in an oxygen rich environment to oxidize carbon within the particulate to carbon dioxide. The amount of resulting carbon dioxide is measured along a closed measurement flow path to derive a corresponding measurement of the amount of collected particulate. Particulate concentration is calculated by comparing the amount of carbon particulate with the measured amount of sampled gas. A computer controls automatic switching of operation along the collection and measurement flow paths for respective particulate collection and measurement cycles.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.