Both Bosch and Hartridge are leading manufacturers of smoke meters, essential tools for measuring diesel exhaust opacity (soot levels) in compliance with emissions regulations. Here’s how they compare:
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1. Measurement Principle
| Feature | Bosch Smoke Meter | Hartridge Smoke Meter |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Filter paper-based (Bosch number) | Opacity-based (Hartridge units) |
| Method | Measures soot deposition on filter paper | Measures light absorption in exhaust gas |
| Output Units | Bosch Number (BN) | Hartridge Smoke Units (HSU) / % Opacity |
Bosch: Uses a pump to draw exhaust gas through filter paper, then measures darkness.
Hartridge: Shines light through exhaust and detects how much is blocked by soot.
2. Accuracy & Calibration
| Feature | Bosch | Hartridge |
|---|---|---|
| Calibration | Requires reference filters | Uses neutral density filters |
| Precision | Good for low to medium smoke | Better for high smoke levels |
| Response Time | Slower (filter-based) | Faster (real-time opacity reading) |
Bosch: More sensitive at low smoke levels (e.g., modern Euro 6 engines).
Hartridge: Better for older, high-smoke diesel engines.
3. Applications & Industry Use
| Feature | Bosch | Hartridge |
|---|---|---|
| Common Standards | Used in EU & Asian markets | Popular in UK, US, & heavy-duty testing |
| Vehicle Types | Light-duty, modern diesels | Trucks, buses, off-road equipment |
| Regulatory Use | Often used in type-approval tests | Common in periodic inspections |
Bosch: Preferred for laboratory & OEM testing.
Hartridge: Widely used in field testing & garages.
4. Pros & Cons
| Bosch Smoke Meter | Hartridge Smoke Meter |
|---|---|
| ✔ More precise at low smoke levels | ✔ Better for high-opacity engines |
| ✔ Standard in EU emissions tests | ✔ Faster real-time readings |
| ✖ Slower measurement process | ✖ Less sensitive for ultra-low emissions |
| ✖ Requires filter paper changes | ✖ Needs frequent calibration checks |
5. Which One Should You Use?
For modern, low-emission diesels (Euro 6/EPA Tier 4) → Bosch.
For older trucks, buses, or high-smoke engines → Hartridge.
For regulatory compliance → Check local standards (EU favors Bosch, UK/US often use Hartridge).
Final Verdict
Bosch = Best for precision & lab-grade measurements.
Hartridge = Best for quick, field-friendly diesel smoke checks
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