Common questions

What does a three-way catalyst do?

What does a three-way catalyst do?

A three-way catalyst oxidizes exhaust gas pollutants – both hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) – and reduces nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the harmless components water (H2O), nitrogen (N2) and carbon dioxide (CO2).

Why is a catalytic converter called a 3 way converter?

It is called a catalytic converter because it converts CO into ubiquitous CO2 and NOX into N2and O2 through chemical reactions on a solid catalyst. A catalyst is a chemical compound that helps the reaction to occur faster by reducing the activation energy barrier of the reaction.

Where is a 3 way catalytic converter installed?

Cut out a 7.5” to 12.5” (depending on the three-way catalytic convert as required) long section of the stock exhaust pipe. Install the three-way catalytic converter into the exhaust pipe. If you are welding the three-way catalytic converter to the exhaust pipe, use a #309 filler road as a filler material.

How are three way catalytic converters used in cars?

Since 1981, three-way catalytic converters have been used in vehicle emission control systems in North America and many other countries on road going vehicles. A three-way catalytic converter has three simultaneous tasks: • Oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide: 2CO + O2→2CO2

What are the components of a three way catalyst?

A three-way catalyst oxidizes exhaust gas pollutants – both hydrocarbons ( HC) and carbon monoxide ( CO) – and reduces nitrogen oxides (NO x) into the harmless components water (H 2 O), nitrogen (N 2) and carbon dioxide ( CO2 ).

When did the two way catalytic converter become obsolete?

In 1981, two-way catalytic converters were rendered obsolete by “three-way” converters that also reduce oxides of nitrogen (NO x); however, two-way converters are still used for lean-burn engines. This is because three-way-converters require either rich or stoichiometric combustion to successfully reduce NO

How many chemical reactions are going on in a catalytic converter?

Three different chemical reactions are going on at the same time, that’s why it is also known as three-way catalytic converters. Some, less-effective converters carry out only the second two oxidation addition reactions, so they’re called two-way catalytic converters.

What is the function of a catalytic converter?

  • Burn Unbruned Exhaust Gases. The main function of a catalytic converter is to burn unburned exhaust gases that exit a vehicle’s engine.
  • Impede Normal Exhaust Flow.
  • Reduce Hydrocarbon Exhaust Emissions.
  • Mandate Unleaded Gasoline Use.
  • Reduce Carbon Monoxide Emissions.

    What is a catalyst in a car?

    Introduction. The catalyst is an essential part of your car’s exhaust emission control equipment. As its name suggests, it catalyses the conversion of potentially harmful gases ( carbon monoxide , super oxides, hydrocarbons , nitrogen oxides etc.) into substances that are less damaging to the environment.

    What is an engine catalyst?

    A ‘catalyst’ in terms of chemistry is a substance that causes a chemical reaction. A catalytic converter uses these catalyst substances to convert harmful gases produced by the engine burning petrol or diesel, into less harmful gases before being emitted into the air.

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Ruth Doyle