When your engine burns fuel, it produces gases that
are bad for the environment. To prevent these gases from polluting
the environment, a catalytic converter is included in the emission
system. The catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust line,
between the exhaust manifold and the muffler. The chemicals it
contains cause a reaction in the pollutants in the exhaust. The
pollutants are changed from harmful gases to harmless ones before
they are let into the air through the tail pipe.
Inlet From Air Pump
The air pump sends compressed air into the catalytic
converter. The oxygen in the pressurized air helps to burn any
unburned fuel and so converts the poisonous carbon monoxide into
harmless carbon dioxide.
3 Way Catalysts
The materials inside a catalytic converter vary between cars.
Newer catalytic converters have a two part design. The front half
is a "3 way" catalyst, which burns pollutants, and reduces hydrocarbons,
carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen into water, carbon dioxide
and nitrogen.
Mixing Chamber
Newer catalytic converters have a two part design. The font
half is a "3 way" catalyst. The rear section is the normal oxidation
catalyst. Air from the air pump is injected into the center of
these converters. Here the air is allowed to mix with the exhaust
before it passes into the oxidation catalyst, where it burns off
its toxic chemicals and reduces emissions.
Oxidation Catalyst
The materials within a catalytic converter vary between cars.
Some catalytic converters use what is called an "oxidation" catalyst;
this usually consists of ceramic beads coated with platinum to
reduce hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. Through the catalytic
action, the hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide are "burned" to create
water vapor and carbon dioxide.
Catalytic Pellets
Catalytic converters are designed to do different things, depending
on their design. Some catalytic converters use what is called an
"oxidation" catalyst; this usually consists of ceramic beads coated
with platinum to reduce hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. Through
the catalytic action, the hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide are "burned" to
create water vapor and carbon dioxide.
