Bartec nEC
Professional particle number measurement built around high-quality Dekati sensor technology, a clear operator workflow and dependable lifetime support.
Contact usMeasure what smoke testing can miss
Modern diesel vehicles fitted with wall-flow Diesel Particulate Filters can produce very little visible smoke even when the filter is damaged, deteriorated or has been tampered with. A traditional opacity result does not always show whether the DPF is retaining microscopic particles effectively.
Particle Number (PN) limits were introduced because very high numbers of ultrafine combustion particles can be emitted even when visible smoke is extremely low.
Typical diesel particle emissions have a geometric mean diameter of approximately 70 nanometres. These ultrafine particles are not directly assessed by traditional smoke-opacity testing and may therefore remain undetected when particulate filtration systems become ineffective.
Particle Number testing was introduced to assess the effectiveness of modern particulate-filter technology and identify high emitters that conventional smoke testing may not identify.
The Bartec nEC measures particle number concentration directly. This allows inspection organisations and workshops to identify high-emitting vehicles using measurable evidence rather than visible smoke or assumption.
The nEC is designed for professional Periodic Technical Inspection, emissions assessment and DPF-related diagnostic work. It combines sensitive particle measurement with the practical requirements of daily operation: fast readiness, straightforward testing, low routine maintenance, clear records and technical support.
Why Particle Number Measurement Exists
Particle Number limits were introduced because particle mass alone does not fully reflect the potential impact of combustion-generated nanoparticles.
Modern diesel and petrol engines can release extremely high numbers of ultrafine particles which contribute very little to visible smoke while remaining environmentally and medically significant.
For this reason, Particle Number measurement became part of modern emissions regulation and is increasingly being adopted within inspection programmes designed to verify particulate-filter performance.
The purpose of PN measurement is not simply to count particles. It is to verify that the vehicle's particle filter continues to perform the function for which it was originally designed.
High-quality Dekati sensor technology
The nEC uses Dekati ePNC particle-sensing technology. Dekati has more than 30 years of experience in fine-particle measurement and developed the ePNC specifically for integration into professional PEMS and PTI equipment.
The sensor uses diffusion charging, particle collection and electrical detection. Particles receive a predictable electrical charge before being collected and measured. The resulting electrical signal is proportional to the particle number concentration.
This provides several practical benefits:
- No working liquid is required.
- Stainless-steel construction supports durable workshop use.
- The sensor remains stable during long-term measurements at high particle concentrations.
- A modular control and metrological design supports efficient servicing.
- A replaceable pre-calibrated metrological unit can reduce service downtime.
- Manufacturing traceability is available for each sensor.
- The design supports current PTI metrological requirements and future development.
Ready quickly. Simple to operate.
Under three-minute warm-up
The nEC is ready quickly, reducing waiting time at the beginning of the inspection day and between periods of use.
Touchscreen guidance
The operator follows a clear on-screen process rather than relying on a complicated external test system.
Automated test protocol
Guided procedures support repeatable testing and help reduce variation between operators and sites.
Wireless OBD
Engine speed and temperature can be collected during the test without adding unnecessary cables around the vehicle.
Automatic daily checks
Leak testing, zero-air checks and maintenance reminders help confirm that the instrument is ready for use.
Clear result records
USB, Ethernet and Wi-Fi data handling support PDF result creation, storage and customer documentation.
Low routine operating burden
The nEC does not require the flammable or toxic working fluids associated with condensation particle counter technology. Routine consumable demand is limited, helping simplify stock control, operator handling and day-to-day ownership.
Simple routine maintenance can be completed by workshop staff in approximately three minutes. Scheduled service intervals, repair support and maintenance reminders allow larger organisations to plan instrument availability rather than respond only when a problem occurs.
For an inspection network, availability matters. A strong ownership proposition is not only about measurement performance. It includes maintenance time, service turnaround, access to trained support staff and confidence that instruments can remain operational across a larger estate.
Built for consistent professional testing
A reliable particle number result depends on more than the sensing element. Sample conditioning, the exhaust probe, zero checking, leak checking, the vehicle operating state and the software procedure all contribute to the final measurement.
The nEC brings these elements into one complete system. The operator does not need to assemble a laboratory arrangement or interpret raw sensor output. The product guides the test, monitors relevant conditions and produces a result that can be retained and explained.
This makes the nEC suitable for:
- Periodic Technical Inspection where the instrument and approval are accepted
- Multi-site inspection networks
- Professional emissions centres
- DPF performance investigations
- Repair and replacement validation
- Fleet emissions assessment
- Pre-inspection checks
- Training and demonstration programmes
Published technical specification
Measurement
- Particle size range: 23 to 200 nm
- Measurement range: 5,000 to 5,000,000 particles per cm³
- Advanced diffusion charging measurement
- Wireless OBD capture of RPM and engine temperature
Physical and operating details
- Warm-up time: under three minutes
- Dimensions: approximately 550 × 350 × 260 mm
- Weight: approximately 16 kg
- USB, Ethernet and Wi-Fi data management
Approvals and traceability
The published approvals for the Bartec nEC include:
- METAS, Switzerland: CH-K4-23008-00
- NMi, Netherlands: T9040
- PTB, Germany: current status must be confirmed before any German quotation or compliance statement
Approval in one country should never be presented as automatic approval in another. National legislation can define the accepted instrument specification, verification process, periodic checks and service obligations. Nyquist and its distribution partners can support customers in reviewing the current requirements for the intended market.
Traceability also continues after installation. The sensor architecture, instrument records, maintenance process and national verification requirements should be treated as part of the professional inspection system.
Designed for distributors and inspection networks
A successful particle-counter programme requires more than placing equipment into a catalogue. Nyquist supports professional partners with the information and practical assistance needed to introduce the nEC correctly.
Regulatory review
Check current national requirements, approval status and verification arrangements before launch.
Product demonstrations
Show the full operator workflow, from instrument readiness to the final recorded result.
Sales and technician training
Explain the purpose of particle number testing, instrument operation and correct customer communication.
Service planning
Agree routine maintenance, scheduled service and repair routes before large-scale deployment.
Technical support
Provide access to people who understand the instrument, application and inspection process.
Local market material
Adapt product information without weakening technical accuracy or making unverified approval claims.
Occupational Health & The ALARP Principle
Many industries apply the principle of ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) when managing exposure to potentially harmful substances.
Combustion-generated ultrafine particles have increasingly become part of this discussion due to their ability to remain airborne and penetrate deep into the respiratory system.
Accurate Particle Number measurement provides organisations with a practical tool for identifying high-emitting vehicles and equipment so that informed decisions can be made regarding maintenance, repair and continued operation.
The relevance extends beyond vehicle inspection programmes. Mining operations, tunnelling projects, indoor industrial environments, commercial fleets and other workplaces increasingly recognise the value of understanding particulate emissions where worker exposure may occur.
Using best available technology to identify ineffective particulate filtration aligns closely with the ALARP principle by providing a practical and proportionate means of reducing unnecessary exposure.
Support throughout the product life
Bartec and Nyquist provide a complete support route from initial demonstration through daily operation and scheduled service.
- Free technical helplines
- Product and operator training
- Scheduled maintenance and repair
- Defined service intervals
- Routine workshop maintenance guidance
- Application and approval support
- Warranty support in accordance with the applicable service agreement
Technical support is part of the product. Users should be able to speak to people who understand particle measurement, the nEC workflow and the practical pressures of an inspection environment.
Prepared for the next stage of emissions testing
Particle number inspection is already established in several European markets, while wider roadworthiness policy continues to develop. The nEC gives professional organisations a route to prepare without compromising day-to-day usability.
Bartec also identifies a conversion path for petrol-vehicle applications. Exact capability, sampling requirements and national approval should be confirmed before making a market claim. This keeps the product ready for development while ensuring that every customer receives accurate information about the configuration available today.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Dekati sensor important?
The ePNC draws on more than 30 years of Dekati fine-particle measurement experience. It provides a robust fluid-free diffusion-charging sensor, modular service design and traceable manufacturing for integration into professional PTI systems.
Does the nEC require operating fluid?
No. The diffusion-charging measurement principle does not require the working liquids used by condensation particle counters.
How quickly is the nEC ready?
The published warm-up time is under three minutes.
Does it create a report?
Yes. Published features include PDF result handling and data management through USB, Ethernet and Wi-Fi.
Which approvals are published?
METAS CH-K4-23008-00 and NMi T9040. Current national requirements and certificate status must be checked for each market.
Is the nEC approved for Germany?
Current PTB status must be confirmed before the product is quoted or described as compliant for German statutory inspection.
What maintenance is required?
The nEC has automatic checks and maintenance reminders. Simple routine maintenance can be completed by workshop staff, with scheduled service and repair support available.
What support is available?
Free technical helplines, training, scheduled maintenance, repair support and assistance for distributors and larger deployments.
Why is Particle Number testing needed when smoke testing already exists?
Traditional smoke-opacity testing was developed for older diesel technologies and does not directly assess the ultrafine particle emissions controlled by modern Euro emissions standards.
Particle Number testing focuses specifically on emissions that modern particulate filters are designed to capture and can identify high-emitting vehicles that may not be apparent through smoke testing alone.