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A catalytic converter is a vehicle emissions control device that is used to convert toxic byproducts of combustion (occurring in the exhaust of an internal combustion engine) to less toxic substances by performing catalysed chemical reactions. The reactions tend to vary depending upon the type of catalyst installed.

This vehicle emission control device was invented by Eugene Houdry, a French mechanical engineer involved with catalytic oil refining. In 1973 former General Motors President Robert Stempel decided to begin their implementation in automobiles.

Since then many scientists have been working on the development of the catalytic converter and as of 2010 they are mandatory on all cars in the US.

Although these devices are primarily used in exhaust systems in automobiles, it is also modified and used on trucks, buses, forklifts, mining equipment, generator sets, locomotives, motorcycles, airplanes and other engine-fitted devices. They are also used on some wood stoves to control emissions.

The catalytic converter is made up of several materials. The catalyst core or substrate varies according to the vehicle. For example, when these devices are used in automotives the core is usually a ceramic monolith with a honeycomb structure.

When manufactured in large quantities, ceramic cores can be inexpensive. Metallic foil monoliths are made of iron-chromium-aluminum combination, and used in some applications. Metallic cores are less expensive when manufactured for use in small production runs, such as in sportscars in which low back pressure and reliability under constant high load is essential. Both these materials are designed to provide a high surface area to support the catalyst washcoat.

The catalyst washcoat is a carrier for the catalytic materials, which is used to disperse the materials over a high surface area. Titanium dioxide, aluminium oxide, silicon dioxide, or a combination of silica and alumina can be used. The catalytic materials are suspended in the washcoat before application to the core. Washcoat materials have rough, irregular surface to increase surface area, which helps to maximize the catalytically active surface available to react with the engine exhaust.

The catalyst used in the converter is mostly a precious metal such as platinum, palladium and rhodium. Platinum is used as a reduction catalyst and as an oxidation catalyst. Although platinum is a very active catalyst and widely used, it is very expensive and not suitable for all applications. Rhodium is used as a reduction catalyst, while palladium is used as an oxidation catalyst.

In some cases, cerium, iron, manganese and nickel are also used. However, some companies forbid the use of some of these.

The key types of catalytic converters are listed below with a brief introduction:

Two-way oxidation - The two-way oxidation instruments performs two simultaneous tasks of oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and oxidation of hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water. This converter is widely used on diesel engines to reduce hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions. However, this is no longer used in the U.S. and Canada due to their inability to control oxides of nitrogen.

Three-way oxidation-reduction - The three-way oxidation-reduction devices are used in vehicle emission control systems in most parts of the world including the U.S. and Canada. The strict vehicle emission regulations have almost made it mandatory to use the three-way converters on gasoline-powered vehicles. These converters have come to be recognized as one of the most important inventions in the history of the automobiles. These perform three simultaneous tasks, namely, reduction of nitrogen oxides to nitrogen and oxygen, oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, and oxidation of unburnt hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water.

Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) - DOC's are most commonly used for compression-ignition such as diesel engines. This device uses oxygen in the exhaust gas stream to convert carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons to water and carbon dioxide. These converters are known to perform at 90% efficiency, wherein they manage to remove diesel odor and reduce visible particulates.

The catalytic converter was specifically invented to decrease harmful pollution caused by the combustion of hydrocarbon-based fossil fuels in cars. Studies reveal that these devices can decrease hydrocarbon emissions by about almost 87%, carbon monoxide by 85%, and nitrous oxide by 62% during the expected life of a vehicle.

Gary graduated from the University of Manchester with a first-class honours degree in Geochemistry and a Masters in Earth Sciences. After working in the Australian mining industry, Gary decided to hang up his geology boots and turn his hand to writing. When he isn't developing topical and informative content, Gary can usually be found playing his beloved guitar, or watching Aston Villa FC snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

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I need a catalytic converter that is aflame and which I can reroute the gases produced from it's burning, to fuel my vehicle. Like a Worm.

Hi, what are the advantages in use of talc in the composition of automotive catalysts?

yes I no beads are not used any more , but is it true they used 90% more palladium back then because no one new much about palladium back then and cheaper.

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