The general structure of a catalytic converter consists of a honeycomb lattice where the emissions of your exhaust fumes can be trapped. This is a ‘reduction’ catalyst and an ‘oxidation’ catalyst. As such, they have 2 different catalysts going on as part of the emissions reduction process. Most catalytic converters today – including a high flow catalytic converter – are two-stage. How Does The “Cat” In Your Car Work?īut how does this reaction work? In chemistry, the concept of a “catalyst” is a substance that causes or accelerates a reaction without itself being affected. It’s all thanks to the catalysts inside the namesake catalytic converter, whose chemical reactions are able to cut down on poisonous fumes (to learn more, check out our guide on what’s in catalytic converters and what is inside a catalytic converter). While they can’t eliminate emissions completely, they can reduce the emission of harmful exhaust fumes by at least 90% or more. This is where our friend, the catalytic converter comes in, which has significantly reduced the release of these gases out of your tailpipe. That’s not to mention poisoning one’s lungs. These 3 deadly gases here are contributors to problems such as smog and acid rain. These are carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and hydrocarbons (or volatile organic compounds, VOCs). Unfortunately, the engine’s combustion also produces highly toxic fumes. However, these fumes are quite harmless.Īlthough carbon dioxide does contribute to climate change, it’s not deadly in itself. The most common gases that are emitted as a by-product of the engine’s combustion are nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and water (H20). The introduction of the catalytic converter in 1975 and onwards till today has seen a dramatic reduction in these killer pollutants. Namely, that would be to scrub off the most harmful gases from the exhaust fumes, and subsequently turn them into relatively less death-inducing tailpipe emissions.Īir pollution is no joke, as it has caused endless health issues and countless deaths. So then… What does a catalytic converter – or ‘cat’, as we sometimes call them – do in your car? Its principle is very simple.
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