METAS gave a presentation on the European Metrology Research Programme project to develop an international standard for automotive PNC calibration and protocols for calibration aerosol generation. The project plans to deliver recommendations on size standard aerosol for PNC calibration by May 2012 and is examining Au, Ag and PSL aerosols with generation from suspensions. The project plans to deliver recommendations on temperature resistant aerosols at 30, 50 and 100nm sizes for VPR PCRF linearity calibration by November 2012. The project plans to deliver recommendations on “soot-like” aerosols for PNC cut-off checks by May 2013.

Some reservations were expressed about the suitability of Ag particles for cut-off checks and potential future use with water based PNCs.

Task 2 of the project aims to develop a standard for combustion particle number concentrations. National standards are to be delivered by November 2013, there will then be an international comparison exercise. By May 2014 the project aims to complete an international round robin exercise of comparative PNC calibration.

JRC indicated that they were involved in the project and METAS agreed to act as a contact point to feed in experience from PMP informal group members to the project. METAS agreed to provide the group with an update on progress of the project at a future PMP meeting.