Cars produce exhaust fumes and gases, known as emissions, when they’re running. Emissions contribute to air pollution, which is why the Clean Air Act was passed in the United States in 1963 to help reduce the amount of pollution produced by a range of industries. The modern exhaust system on vehicles features a range of parts that helps control emissions and make them more environmentally friendly. Among these parts is a catalytic converter, which helped many car manufacturers meet the standards set by the National Emissions Standards Act.
So, what is a catalytic converter? It's an essential part that reduces the number of toxic pollutants emitted into the air. Let's take a closer look at its function, components, and maintenance.
The catalytic converter's core purpose is to transform harmful compounds from an engine’s emissions into safer gases, like steam and carbon dioxide. It achieves this by splitting up the unsafe molecules in the gases before they are released into the atmosphere.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
The catalyst inside a catalytic converter typically consists of platinum or similar metals like rhodium or palladium. These materials are coated onto a ceramic honeycomb structure within the converter housing. This honeycomb design maximizes the surface area for chemical reactions to occur.
Catalytic converters use two main types of catalysts:
An oxygen (O2) sensor near the catalytic converter monitors the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases. This data helps the car's electronic control unit (ECU) to maintain an efficient air/fuel ratio, ensuring that the engine supplies enough oxygen for the oxidation process.
Catalytic converters can be categorized into two main types:
Diesel engines use two-way catalysts designed to target soluble organic fractions, which are hydrocarbons bound to soot.
The concept of the catalytic converter dates back to the late 19th century, with prototypes developed in France. In the 1950s, French mechanical engineer Eugene Houdry patented his catalytic converter design for gasoline engines. Houdry was motivated by concerns about air pollution from smokestacks and automobiles. The first production catalytic converter was created in 1973 by Engelhard Corporation, and widespread use began around 1975.
Catalytic converters contain valuable precious metals, making them a target for thieves. Vehicles with higher ground clearance are particularly vulnerable. Here are some steps you can take to protect your vehicle:
When a catalytic converter malfunctions, it can lead to several noticeable symptoms:
Understanding the catalytic converter is essential for any car owner or aspiring automotive technician. By knowing its function, components, and potential issues, you can ensure your vehicle runs efficiently and contributes to a cleaner environment. If you're interested in learning more about automotive systems, consider exploring the Automotive Technology program at Universal Technical Institute.
