Edited by Mary C. Gannon
senior associate editor
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Kavlico is currently working with transportation industry OEMs to reduce and manage vehicle emissions. Kavlico is committed to creating a healthier environment not only for this generation, but also for those to come. This undertaking is being accomplished while improving overall engine performance and efficiency without escalating operating costs.
Kavlico has been at the forefront of emission pressure sensing technology for years. The company is continuing to develop a full line of “green-minded” sensors for passenger vehicles using either gasoline or diesel fuels. Newly enacted regulations require exhaust gas monitoring and filtering in diesel engines to remove Particulate Matter (PM), thus minimizing the amount of pollutants pumped into the air people breathe.
Three common methods used to control and manage emissions are Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), and NOx reduction systems. Kavlico sensors have lead the way in all of these areas. In fact, Kavlico was the first to mass-produce a differential pressure sensor for DPF applications that indicates when filters should be “regenerated.” This is commonly a process involving incineration of toxic exhaust particles trapped in the filter.
Kavlico pressure sensor solutions are an ideal fit for the high temperature, soot, and strong acid emission environments. Kavlico’s Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) sensor are used to control combustion and minimize engine pollution, while Kavlico’s Exhaust Back Pressure sensor is used to control the turbocharger, improving fuel economy and improving performance through high torque outputs. Kavlico’s EGR sensor measures the exhaust gas that is sent back to the manifold and functions to reduce the production of nitrogen oxides. By measuring the actual flow vs. the inference flow, Kavlico’s EGR sensor provides improved data for emission control.
As more and more requirements are placed upon automakers to reduce emissions and lower pollution rates, urea injection pressure and level sensing will gain momentum. Already in use in Europe, urea dosing systems will be in prominent use soon in North America to lower NOx emissions. Kavlico’s Urea Pressure Sensor has been designed to meet the needs of dosing systems as well as for urea tanks. It is specifically designed to withstand the rigors of urea applications, including the freeze/thaw cycle.
Robust and highly reliable, Kavlico’s portfolio of emission sensors operate on a 5 VDC power supply while providing a linear amplified analog output of 0.5 to 4.5 VDC proportional to pressure. The sensors tolerate high vibration environments and are temperature compensated over their temperature and pressure operating ranges. Other features include excellent EMI/EMC performance and high accuracy. Depending upon the application, Kavlico’s field-proven ceramic capacitive, thin film, or piezoresistive (PRT) MEMS sense elements are chosen to provide optimal performance.
A wide selection of operating pressures is available to fit each application-specific requirement. Known for innovative packaging, Kavlico’s line of emission sensors can be configured with brass, stainless steel, or composite housings. There are also a variety of electrical and process connection options to suit individual OEM requirements.
Kavlico is an operation of Custom Sensors & Technologies (CST). It is a leading manufacturer of pressure, position (LVDT & RVDT), force, level, tilt, media quality, and other specialty sensors, and transducers for the transportation, industrial and aerospace & defense markets. www.kavlico.com