The Role Catalytic Converters Play In Automotive Emissions - A Serious Concern

Catalytic converters have undergone a number of changes since the 1970s. New models were introduced to replace of the power-sapping pellet catalysts of earlier times. Contemporary honeycombs used in todays catalytic converters enable easy flow of exhaust through the exhaust system of the car. At the same time, they help clean the unsafe toxin gases produced in the engine of the car. Nevertheless, the natural life of the catalytic converter is restricted yet it is one of the most important parts of a car and a compulsory one at that.

Significance of Catalytic Converters

While an engine burns fuel, it produces harmful gases that damage the environment. These gases are hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen. Catalytic converters are installed between the exhaust line and the muffler to prevent the irreversible damage to the earth's environment. A catalytic converter uses chemicals that act as a catalyst to convert the poisonous gases to harmless inert gases. A catalyst is a chemical that causes and speeds up a reaction between two chemicals without changing its own chemical properties.

The catalytic converter like any other converter has to be replaced with a new one when it out lives the vehicle it's installed on and ceases to function. Vehicles with worn converters are mostly replaced with converters from other manufacturers when they are worn away with use. Most people choose these converters as a replacement since they are very economical.

Function of the Catalytic Converter

The side of the converter towards the engine contains a stainless steel container, which receives unsafe toxin gases from the engine. The honeycomb mesh present inside the chamber is coated with catalysts like platinum, aluminum oxide and palladium. These catalysts convert hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and water vapor. There is a third lining of platinum and rhodium, which condenses the nitrogen oxide.

Do not use leaded fuel with a converter

You should use unleaded fuel when you have a catalytic converter installed regardless of whether it is an OEM catalytic converter or not. Because the lead in the fuel is emitted as lead oxide and coats the catalyst chemicals rendering them ineffective. Lead is included in the fuel for lubricating purposes and because catalytic converters have become mandatory by law, the vehicle manufacturers have had to come up with special engine parts to withstand the harsh corrosive temperatures and chemicals in the engine components.

Conclusion

The best part about installing catalytic converters in vehicles is that emission of pollutants is reduced by about 96 percent from pre-control vehicles.

About the author

This oem catalytic converter information submitted by Chad McDonald for those searching for catalytic converter does what.

Article Source: http://www.changingearth.org

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