Tag Archives: emissions
Negative aspects
Some early converter designs greatly restricted the flow of exhaust, which negatively affected vehicle performance, driveability, and fuel economy. Because they were used with carburetors incapable of precise fuel-air mixture control, they could overheat and set fire to flammable materials … Continue reading
Comments Off on Negative aspects
Catalytic Converters Reduce Pollution
A catalyst is a substance that causes or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected. Catalysts participate in the reactions, but are neither reactants nor products of the reaction they catalyze. There are two different types of catalysts in … Continue reading
Comments Off on Catalytic Converters Reduce Pollution
Regulations
Emissions regulations vary considerably from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Most automobile spark-ignition engines in North America have been fitted with catalytic converters since 1975 and the technology used in non-automotive applications is generally based on automotive technology. Regulations for diesel engines … Continue reading
Comments Off on Regulations
Installation
Many vehicles have a close-coupled catalysts located near the engine’s exhaust manifold. This unit heats up quickly due to its proximity to the engine, and reduces cold-engine emissions by burning off hydrocarbons from the extra-rich mixture used to start a … Continue reading
Comments Off on Installation
Types of catalytic converter
Two-way A two-way (or “oxidation”) catalytic converter has two simultaneous tasks: Oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide: 2CO + O2 → 2CO2 Oxidation of hydrocarbons (unburnt and partially burnt fuel) to carbon dioxide and water: CxH2x+2 + [(3x+1)/2] O2 … Continue reading
Comments Off on Types of catalytic converter
History of the catalytic converter
The catalytic converter was invented by Eugene Houdry, a French mechanical engineer and expert in catalytic oil refining who lived in the U.S. around 1950. When the results of early studies of smog in Los Angeles were published, Houdry became … Continue reading
Comments Off on History of the catalytic converter