Emissions mean the emission of gaseous substances into the environment. These can be perceived by people as annoying or even harmful. For this reason, limit values for volatile organic compounds apply to automotive components.
VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) are analysed using standardised methods recognised by the automotive industry.
The sensory determination of the odour of automotive components is carried out by a trained panel.
These qualified testers assess the odour according to established standards or OEM specifications (VDA 270, PV3900, FLTM BO 131-03 and similar).
For the determination of the emission behaviour, the investigations are carried out in a 1m³ emission chamber, in the Tedlar Bag (from 0.2l to 2000l) or in the Microchamber. The released volatile organic compounds are collected and analysed. In addition to the detection of organic emissions (total VOC), the quantification of individual substances is also possible. The powerful headspace method is available for this purpose.
With the help of thermal desorption analysis, materials can be better characterised. Individual components such as phthalates, amines and nitrosamines, glycols, aromatics (BTX), 1,3-butadiene, aldehydes and ketones can be determined.
Emission testing is carried out according to these standards and procedures (excerpt): ISO 16000-6; 12219-2, 3,4; VDA 276, VDA 277, VDA 278, FLTM BZ 157-01, PV 3942
On the one hand, formaldehyde is considered to be particularly volatile, on the other hand, the unpleasant odour is also harmful to health. Therefore, there are separate measuring methods for the determination of this substance from non-metallic components. We determine formaldehyde emissions e.g. from leather, in vehicle interior air, from various plastics and material samples as well as components. We test according to VDA 275, DIN EN ISO 17226-3, PV 3925 and comparable standards.
Fogging is the outgassing of volatile compounds that can subsequently form a haze or coating on colder vehicle surfaces. They can impair the feel of surfaces or visibility (e.g. on windscreens). The analysis is carried out gravimetrically or reflectometrically. We test according to DIN 75201, VDA 276, ISO 6452, PV 3015 and similar standards.
All services and all standards according to which we test can be found in our service catalogue.
Our laboratories are accredited according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 and have decades of experience in the automotive sector. As part of the globally active SGS expert network, we provide services for the international automotive industry.
The SGS Automotive Testhouse is listed with all well-known automotive manufacturers and offers coverage of complete test programmes in accordance with delivery specifications.
Automotive Testhouse
Am Technologiepark 8
D-45699 Herten
