The catalytic converter is an far-reaching Component of a original vehicle exhaust action. It uses the catalytic enterprise of precious metals to transform combustion pollutants into naturally occurring gases, reducing emissions of hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide to low levels.
Two Important Design Parameters
The minimum temperature at which a catalytic converter begins to operate, called the light-off temperature, is 600-700 degrees F.
A converter temperature can rise dramatically when an engine is badly malfunctioning or for some other reason producing an excessive amount of heat and pollutants. In such cases the catalyst temperature can exceed 2,000 degrees F. When this happens the converter becomes deactivated and conversion efficiency approaches zero.
However, when a converter operates above 1,300 degrees F for prolonged periods, catalysts and converter components begin to melt. The result is a gradual and usually permanent degradation in performance.
High Converter Temperatures Spell Trouble
Vehicle manufacturers normally minimize the distance between the engine and catalytic converter. This reduces the time required for the converter to reach operating temperature, which in turn reduces cold-start emissions.
