Catalytic converters are the devices you install in your car that are designed to convert toxic gasses from your exhaust to less-toxic pollutants. They function by catalyzing an oxidation process. Cleaner air is better for the environment and us. Catalytic converters can also assist in running your vehicle more efficiently by reducing amount of fuel it uses to generate emissions. They do not come without faults.
Catalytic converters make use of precious metals to perform chemical conversions that help reduce the harmful emissions and byproducts produced by automobile engines. These metals are stable and won’t cause harm to other parts of your car, including your tank. Once installed an catalytic converter, it collects harmful emissions from your car’s exhaust system and breaks them into oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen gas.
Catalytic converters are the most effective when they are able to receive exhaust from an engine that is a little higher than the stoichiometric limit. The combustion ratio of autogas, gasoline, and natural gas is between 14.6 and 14.8 parts air to one part fuel. This ratio is different for oxygenated fuels like ethanol. Alcohol fuels require 34% more fuel and require specific tuning and parts for the fuel system.
Despite their importance they are a great target for thieves. Because they contain precious metals, thieves are motivated to take the converters. While they are priced as low as $50, these converters can fetch up to $200 per ounce. The theft of these components is increasing due to the rising price of precious metals.
Catalytic converters may become blocked with oil or engine coolant as well as carbon buildup. This can impede the flow of exhaust gas and makes the engine run slow. It can also cause excessive heat to build up underneath the vehicle. Debris can cause damage to catalytic converters, which could result in a decrease in performance and lower fuel efficiency.
The three main emissions that come from automobile engines are carbon dioxide, nitrogen gas, or water vapour. These gases can be eliminated by catalytic converters, which can also deal with smaller contaminants. They can also be used to reduce harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons as well as nitrogen oxides. With these converters, the pollution caused by cars is significantly reduced.
The original catalytic converter was created by Eugene Houdry in 1950. The principle behind the catalytic converter is to install a set of concentric metal tubes inside the exhaust system. This forces exhaust gases to flow through the concentric rings and clean air is introduced into the system through venturi or ventilation holes. Modern catalytic converters employ sixteen rings of platinum catalysts which work in parallel. They are not expensive.
Selling catalytic converters to scrap is among the most lucrative ways to dispose of them. Numerous junkyards have begun to collect catalytic converters. There are companies that will buy them. They will pay anything from $140 to $1500. This has led to a rise in the use of value converters.
While catalytic converters are a crucial part of the exhaust system of a car however, they can also be taken away. Some thieves have stolen these products from cars and used them in illegal activities. Eugene Houdry, a U.S. patent holder was the first person to patent catalytic converters on May 5, 1950. Houdry later received a patent on his invention on April 6, 1954. Catalytic converters were originally used to separate large, complex organic compounds from petroleum.
Most gasoline-powered cars come with catalytic converters. They come in many sizes and materials. Some converters are coated with precious metals such as platinum and palladium. These precious metals have a high value and are attractive to thieves. However they aren’t traceable if stolen since they have no identifying numbers.
Because they help reduce pollutants released by vehicles catalytic converters are essential for the environment. They function by oxidizing carbon fuel into less harmful pollutants. This conversion occurs through an Redox reaction. These pollutants are absorbed into the exhaust and transformed into less harmful carbon dioxide or water vapor. Since catalytic converters were first introduced in the mid-1970s, they have become commonplace.
The most important thing to know about catalytic converters is that they’re extremely easy to steal. They are installed underneath the car and are attached to the exhaust pipe with bolts. They can be easily taken by thieves with a saw or wrench. The thieves can take the converters off in a matter of minutes.
know more about where to recycle catalytic converters here.