Catalytic Converters - All You Need To Know

For a long period of time, vehicle makers in the United States have been doing research on ways to resolve air pollution in their country. In 1950s, a French engineer named Eugene Houdry invented the first catalytic converter for lessening pollution which was being emitted out by smokestacks. The basic function of this device is to convert some of the toxic gases like nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons emitted by internal combustion engines into ozone-friendly and less toxic fumes. They work best when they are hot with an operating temperature of around 750° Celsius (about 1400° Fahrenheit).

Catalytic converters were originally invented for factories rather than cars. Nowadays, most of the engines ranging from buses, trains, trucks, cars, lawnmowers etc. consist of catalytic converters. Precious metals - platinum, rhodium and palladium are brushed onto honeycomb-shaped matrix inside the catalytic converter. Chemical reactions happen due to these metals present in catalytic converters and are also the basic reason why they are so expensive. When exhaust flows, the metals convert gases like smog-producing hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and water.

Catalytic Converters can be classified in two categories: two-way &three-way. The two-way catalytic converter oxidizes carbon monoxide along with hydrocarbons whereas three-way catalytic converter, in addition to function rendered by the two-way machine also helps in lessening of nitrogen oxides. They were widely adopted in USA after implementation of rules & regulations in 1975 governing the fuel emission and efficiency standards for trucks & cars.

Any Catalytic Converter sold as a factory replacement can be distinguished in two ways: Standard or High Flow. Standard Catalytic Converters are bit similar than the ones used by car manufacturers and is submissive with almost all the state emission standards adhered to. High Flow Catalytic Converters are designed to help the engine to create more horsepower while reducing harmful emissions. This implies that engine does not have to work as hard because it does not have to push hot exhaust gases through restrictive pipe, instead the exhaust flow freely exiting the vehicle.

Catalytic Converter in the vehicles can get congested over time, which will ultimately produce a lot of exhaustion leading to production of lead. If lead is present, then the device is ineffective which in turn, defeats the sole purpose of it being environment friendly. To avoid these problems, a periodic check-up and maintenance of the vehicle is required. It is advised to replace Catalytic Converters that are ten years old or older. There are two ways of replacement: Universal or Direct-fit replacement. Universal fitted Catalytic Converters come in variety of sizes designed to be fabricated and welded into place. Whereas, direct fitted Catalytic Converters are nearly identical, intended to replace an entire section of the exhaust system specifically designed to suit your vehicle’s requirement.

Catalytic Converter recycling and processing as well as related services are being provided by Global Refining Group located in USA. To know more about Stillwater mining companies, visit Globalrefininggroup.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tom Blake is an expert in recycling catalytic converters who also likes to write many interesting articles and blogs, helping people in understanding the process and the many advantages that stem from it. In the US, he recommends Globalrefininggroup.com as the most trusted specialist for this job.

Benjamin Harvey is a mechanical engineer specializing in automobiles, and is closely associated with working and researching on catalytic converters.