Directory Image
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

All About Catalytic Converter’s Working, Functions & Benefits

Author: Global Refining Group
by Global Refining Group
Posted: Jun 24, 2016

It is said that during the time of recession, thieves used to steal cars in order to fetch catalytic converters, to sell it in the black market. They mostly target Catalytic converters as it contains a great range of precious metals (such as rhodium, palladium and platinum), which can help in fetching hundreds of dollars in the black market. They can be easily recycled in order to extract valuable metals.

Introduction to catalytic converters

A catalytic converter is a device that uses a catalyst in order to convert three harmful compounds such as Nitrogen oxide, Carbon monoxide, and Hydrocarbons in car exhaust into harmless compounds. This devise is used for significantly reducing the emissions from an internal combustion engine (of any vehicle). It is engineered to provide a site for the oxidation and reduction of toxic by-products of fuel into less hazardous substances such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, and nitrogen gas.

Working style

A catalytic converter is a device that utilizes the redox reactions in order to reduce the pollutants. It significantly converts approximately 98% of the harmful gases produced by a car engine into less harmful components.

Composition of a catalytic converter

A catalytic converter is composed of a metal housing with a ceramic honeycomb-like interior with insulating layers. It uses oxidation and reduction reactions/processes to convert the unwanted components like Nitrogen oxides, Carbon monoxide, and Hydrocarbons.

Function of A catalytic converter

  • Reduction of nitrogen oxides into elemental nitrogen as well as oxygen
  • Oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide
  • Oxidation of hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide & water

Dangers of pollutants (Nitrogen oxides, Carbon monoxide, and Hydrocarbons)

  • Nitrogen oxides: Have you ever wondered why acid rain or smog occurs? It is because of Nitrogen oxides. Nitrogen oxides and other polluted compounds when mixed with the fog create smog and may result in acid rain. (Smog - Smog is a kind of air pollution, originally named for the mixture of smoke and fog in the air. It is the chemical reaction of sunlight, nitrogen oxides & other volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere.)
  • Carbon monoxide: This is a harmful and highly poisonous variant of a naturally occurring gas, CO2.
  • Hydrocarbons: Inhaling hydrocarbons from gasoline, propellants, can be fatal to both children and adults. It can damage the lungs also in the long run.

Conclusion

This shows that catalytic converters are highly helpful not only in reducing the air pollution and make the environment pollutant free, but also make the environment much cleaner and healthier for living.

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.

About the Author

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

Rate this Article
Leave a Comment
Author Thumbnail
I Agree:
Comment 
Pictures
Author: Global Refining Group

Global Refining Group

Member since: Sep 08, 2015
Published articles: 46

Related Articles