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

Catalytic converters are being used to keep pollution from automobiles under control.

by Chad McDonald

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

Fuel burnt in an engine produces harmful gases such as hydrocarbons; oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide, which is not at all safe for the environment. At such times the catalytic converters plays the most significant role by controlling the possible damages to the environment. The catalytic converter is installed between the exhaust line and the muffler where the chemical coating of the converter works as a catalyst and changes the poisonous gases into harmless inert gases. Preserving its own chemical properties, the chemical catalyst increases the speed of the reactions between two chemicals.

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.

Where is the catalytic converter located?

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.

Safety Measures

Whether it is an OEM or any other catalytic converter, it is suggested to use unleaded fuel with it since the lead oxide produced in the fuel renders ineffective the lining of the catalyst chemicals. The only reason for using lead in the fuel is for lubrication. These days the law has made it compulsory to have Catalytic converters. Manufacturers have researched and designed special engine parts in order to withstand chemicals and the corrosive temperatures in the parts of the engine.

Summary

In comparison to any other pre-control vehicles, the utmost benefit of installing catalytic converters minimizes the amount of toxins by about 96 percent compared to vehicles without catalytic converters.

About the Author

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

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