Dilution system test apparatus with added capability and method of operating same

A test apparatus comprising:

• a test probe sized for opening into an exhaust line for receiving exhaust sample flow originating from a power source;
• a dilution device with a dilution flow actuator for adding diluent to the sample flow to produce a diluted sample flow;
• a first exhaust evaluation device fluidly positioned to receive a first portion of the diluted sample flow;
• a second exhaust evaluation device fluidly positioned to receive a second portion of the diluted sample flow;
• an exit device that includes a vacuum pump and an exit flow actuator, and being fluidly positioned to receive at least part of the diluted sample flow;
• wherein the first exhaust evaluation device and the second exhaust evaluation device are arranged in parallel relative to the diluted sample flow;
• wherein the first exhaust evaluation device includes a particulate measurement gravimetric filter;
• and
• an electronic controller configured to set the diluent flow actuator to increase diluent flow over a baseline diluent flow commensurate with a second portion flow rate.

A test apparatus comprising:

• a power source fluidly connected to an exhaust line;
• a test probe that opens into the exhaust line for receiving exhaust sample flow originating from the power source;
• a dilution device with a dilution flow actuator for adding diluent to the sample flow to produce a diluted sample flow;
• a first exhaust evaluation device that includes a particulate measurement gravimetric filter fluidly positioned to receive a first portion of the diluted sample flow;
• a second exhaust evaluation device fluidly positioned to receive a second portion of the diluted sample flow, and the second exhaust evaluation device is one of a particle sizer, a particle counter, a soot sizer, a soot counter, a specialized gravimetric filter, a polyurethane foam cartridge, a gaseous emissions analyzer, a bag storage unit and a different sampling device;
• an exit device that includes a vacuum pump and an exit flow actuator, and being fluidly positioned to receive at least part of the diluted sample flow;
• an electronic controller configured to set the dilution flow actuator to increase diluent flow over a baseline diluent flow commensurate with a second portion flow rate.