New real-time gas measurement technology from Horiba has been approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency as an acceptable alternative for measuring NOX emissions in the certification testing of heavy-duty engines and light-duty vehicles.

Horiba’s Infra-Red Laser Absorption Modulation (IRLAM) technology marks a major breakthrough in infrared gas analysis. By combining advanced sampling techniques with next-generation computational algorithms, it delivers precise and reliable measurements. This has led to the development of a new range of compact, interference-resistant measurement systems for laboratory and on-road applications.

“IRLAM was designed to maximize testing flexibility without compromising data quality,” said Darren Andrews, executive VP and GM at Horiba. “Our line-up of IRLAM-based products supports improved vehicle environmental performance and helps the automotive industry reduce emissions, even as electrification advances. By 2030, our product roadmap will expand to include additional gas species and applications.”

Extensive testing – both internal and published – has proved that IRLAM technology offers significant advantages in NOX measurement. It delivers improved data quality, enhanced accuracy, superior wet measurement, minimal interference, lower maintenance costs and consistent response times, all of which contribute to potential cost savings.

With the EPA’s guidance letter now issued, OEMs officially have the green light to use Horiba’s IRLAM-based analyzers for NOX measurement in vehicle and engine certification testing.