ISO 8178-6:2018

Overview

ISO 8178-6:2018 defines a standardized data format for reporting exhaust emission measurement results from reciprocating internal combustion (RIC) engines used in mobile, transportable and stationary applications (excluding road motor vehicles). The standard ensures test reports include the engine identification, test conditions, measurement values and supporting metadata needed to trace and reproduce emission results. Electronically generated or equivalent report formats are permitted provided all required engine, test cell and test data are supplied. ISO 8178-6 applies to laboratory testing and, where relevant, on-site measurement.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Emissions test report structure: A compact, multi‑sheet data format (recommendation: 13 data sheets) that groups general, engine, test and result information for ease of filing and review.
• Mandatory report elements: Engine identification, application, test cycle, ambient conditions, engine test data, fuel characteristics and test cell information.
• Gaseous emissions: Reporting of measured concentrations and calculated specific emissions (e.g., CO, CO2, HC, NOx, NMHC) for steady‑state discrete modes, RMC (ramped modal cycle) and transient cycles; background correction approaches are specified.
• Particulate emissions and particle number (PM/PN): Data required for PM/PN calculations, validation criteria for particulate sampling, and background correction for particulate mass.
• Smoke testing: Optional reporting of smoke values during the emission cycle; correlation methods for estimating soot from smoke must be recorded.
• Special considerations: Treatment of engines with infrequent regeneration using Infrequent Regeneration Adjustment Factors (IRAF); notes on units (g/kWh preferred) and on adding/removing report items by agreement between parties.
• Traceability and uncertainty: Emphasis on documenting measurement equipment, test procedures and conditions to support result traceability and accuracy assessment.

Applications and users

ISO 8178-6 is intended for:

• Engine manufacturers preparing standardized emission reports for certification and customer information.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies conducting laboratory or on-site exhaust emission measurement.
• OEMs and fleet operators validating engine compliance with emission limits for non‑road, stationary or portable equipment.
• Regulators and auditors reviewing emission test documentation and conformity evidence.

Use cases include type‑approval testing, compliance reporting, performance verification after after‑treatment modifications, and supplier/customer technical exchange.

Related standards

ISO 8178-6 is part of the ISO 8178 series and is aligned with other parts such as ISO 8178-1, -4, -5, -7 and -8, which cover test procedures, measurement methods, engine family/group definitions and cycle specifications. For complete reporting and measurement workflows, use ISO 8178-6 together with the relevant ISO 8178 test method documents.

Keywords: ISO 8178-6:2018, exhaust emission measurement, reciprocating internal combustion engines, emissions test report, PM, PN, gaseous emissions, RMC, transient test, test cell, IRAF.