A catalytic converter is an automotive device typically used to convert harmful emissions like unburned gasoline, nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide from a car’s exhaust into harmless gases by catalyzing a reduction reaction. Converters are used with a combustion engine that uses diesel or gasoline, kerosene stoves and heaters, and lean-burn engines. The gases harm the environment and human health. They cause smog leading to acid rain.
How a catalytic converter works
The converter sits between the engine and the tailpipe, whose purpose is to change the chemical composition of the exhaust gases to harmless gases. The converter has a catalyst that accelerates and participates in the reactions. The platinum catalyst converts the noxious gases created by the engine into less harmful and smog-free gases. In the converter, there are two different catalyst processes; one is the process of reduction which targets the nitrogen oxide, breaking it up into nitrogen and oxygen which are harmless to the environment. The other process is oxidation which targets carbon monoxide, splitting it up into carbon dioxide and water by using oxygen. Visit krosfou.co.uk to purchase a suitable catalytic converter for your vehicle.
5 Factors to consider when choosing a catalytic converter for positive impact on the environment
1. Test the converter before buying
The converter can be tested for efficiency by scanning tools before buying. Exhaust leaks can cause problems such as reduced fuel efficiency, which leads to toxic substances being passed into the atmosphere.
2. Consider purchasing universal catalytic converters
Universal converters are usually more affordable than direct-fit converters. They offer compatibility with a wide range of vehicles based on specific emissions standards.
3. Choose the direct fit catalytic converters
Direct-fit converters are good for vehicles that have factory-fitted exhaust systems. They come with extra required accessories such as brackets, flanges, and pipe extensions which are suitable if you want to fix the converter on your own.
4. Choose one according to your vehicle’s emission
Choose a converter that is compatible with your vehicle’s needs. A universal converter would be appropriate because of its adaptability. It can be fabricated to suit your vehicle’s needs by a professional installer.
5. Purchase from trusted automotive parts supplier
You can look around online to find shops with years of automotive industry experience. A trusted automotive supplier will most likely provide you with a quality converter that will last a long time. Remember to ask your supplier if they offer after-sales services such as a product warranty.
Maintenance of a catalytic converter
When conducting a regular checkup on a catalytic converter make sure to detect signs of a bad one. They include:
- Reduced acceleration
- Engine performance is sluggish
- The exhaust tends to produce a smell like Sulphur or rotten eggs
- Dark smoke from the exhaust
- The vehicle tends to produce excessive heat from the seat
Timely checkup act as preventative maintenance on the converter and can be used to increase its lifespan. It is also crucial for a mechanic to check all these symptoms and determine other parts of the emission, especially when it’s time for a new converter.
Types of catalytic converter
There are three types of quality converters, they include:
1. Oxidation catalyst.
This type of catalyst uses oxygen to react with carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons to form carbon dioxide and water, which do not contain pollutants.
2. three-way catalyst.
Three-way catalyst oxides exhaust gas pollutants, hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxides (CO) and reduce nitrogen oxides (NO) into the harmless components of water, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
3. reduction catalyst
This type of catalyst changes nitrogen oxides to nitrogen and oxygen gases.
Conclusion
The catalytic converter has satisfied its purpose in significantly reducing smog and air pollution levels in environments with high car operation. The converter is one of the automotive industry’s most influential and historical achievements. However, as the world keeps evolving, we cannot rely on the converter as a complete solution to our environmental problems. The carbon dioxide produced by the converter is one of the most significant contributors to global warming. Therefore, we need a better and more sustainable solution because the converter was implemented in the 1970s when researchers had not yet considered the concept of global warming.