This electronic flyer highlights our capabilities and activities in the area of Flexible Exhaust Evaluation Rig (FLEXER). Please sign our guestbook. For additional information, e-mail Tom Gabehart or  Bruce Bykowski, Southwest Research Institute.

Flexible Exhaust Evaluation Rig (FLEXER)

Innovation in test procedures and facilities is an important part of advancements in emissions aftertreatment technology. Certification test procedures such as the federal test procedure (FTP) can be cost-prohibitive when screening a matrix of aftertreatment technologies still in the development stage.

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has long been a proven leader in creating new methods for testing prototype and development-level emission control systems. SwRI has developed a cost-effective approach using a Flexible Exhaust Evaluation Rig (FLEXER) to screen a variety of technologies by reproducing pertinent exhaust gas conditions. Technologies that can be examined include:

  • Catalysts: Three-way and lean NOx

  • HC adsorbers: NOx adsorbers

  • Sensors: O2, NOx, HC

FLEXER schematic- The exhaust flow, temperature, and emissions delivered to the aftertreatment test piece are controlled to provide a wide range of steady-state or transient exhaust conditions that resemble on-vehicle emissions.

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FLEXER is used to characterize the performance of exhaust sensors, and to evaluate the effects of on-vehicle mileage accumulation on sensor behavior.

This flyer was published in February 1999. For more information about Flexible Exhaust Evaluation Rig (FLEXER), contact Tom Gabehart, Phone (210) 522-5359, or Bruce Bykowski, Phone (210) 522-2937, Department of Emissions Research, Engine, Emissions and Vehicle Research Division, Southwest Research Institute, P.O. Drawer 28510, San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510, Fax (210) 522-3950.

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