Types of Catalytic Converters
The catalytic converter is widely used as an emissions curb unit in automobiles and some industries. It uses one or extended catalysts such platinum, palladium and rhodium to burn off many impurities in exhaust fumes. To exertion effectively, the converter needs to arrive a temperature of 300 measure Fahrenheit (149 degrees celsius) or enhanced. At that temperature, the catalysts launch to burn hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen, turning them into carbon dioxide (CO2) and damp vapour. Most automative catalytic converters are not better than a shoebox, nevertheless all gain the twin objective: chop harmful emissions.
Monolithic converters
The monolithic catalytic converter uses ceramic facts unreal in a honeycomb mould to domination the exhaust gases flowing over it. The catalytic elements in the ceramic are enclosed in stainless steel. When ceramic Ambition are used instead of a honeycomb constitution, the unit is declared as a pellet catalytic converter.
Sizes
A catalytic converter may vary in size as well, such as the mini catalytic converter.
Dual-Bed Converter
This is perhaps one of the most efficient converters. The dual-bed uses a combination of two-and three way catalytic converters housed in a single unit. Both converters are connected through a chamber where incoming emissions are mixed.This type is also known as a two-way catalytic converter, because it can only operate with hydrocarbons (unburned fuel) and carbon monoxide (caused by partially-burned fuel). Oxidation converter elements are usually covered in platinum.
Reduction Converter
Similar to the oxidation converter, the reduction catalytic converter helps eliminate hydrocabrons and carbon-monoxide emissions, plus oxides of nitrogen emissions, or NOx. NOx emissions are produced in the engine combustion chamber when it reaches extremely high temperatures (more than 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit, approximately, according to James E. Duffy's "Modern Automotive Technology").
However, unlike its larger size cousin, the mini converter is not used by itself. Because the mini catalytic converter can heat up rapidly, it is placed close to the exhaust manifold to catch relatively cold emissions until the engine reaches operating temperature, at which point a larger converter installed down the exhaust system can start working effectively.
Oxidation Converter
An air line plugs into the mixing chamber to force air into the chamber to react with the combined emissions and help reduce hydrocarbon and carbon-monoxide emissions.
Wide Use
Although catalytic converters were introduced in 1975 to comply with Environmental Protection Agency regulations for automobile emissions in the United States, they are now used in many industrial settings that require engine-operated machinery such as forklifts, generators, trains and coal-fired power plants.
