Catalytic Converter

Catalytic converter is a device, fitted on to the exhaust pipes of petrol-driven automobiles which helps reduce the emission of environmentally damaging gases from the automobiles.It may also be defined as device used to decrease emissions toxicity from an internal combustion engine.This catalytic converter a chemical reaction environment where toxic combustion byproducts will be converted to less toxic products. The exhaust fumes of petrol – driven automobiles using unleaded petrol contain gases like the nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and benzene which are harmful to health when inhaled. The catalytic converter helps convert these gases into harmless carbon dioxide, steam and nitrogen. The converter is made up of grids of ceramics or metal coated with catalysts like platinum, vanadium or rhodium. When the exhaust gases pass over it, the catalyst brings about chemical reactions converting the harmful gases into harmless ones. The converter cannot be used in automobiles using leaded petrol because the lead which is used in the fuel as an antiknocking agent can inactive the catalyst and render the device useless.Basically catyalytic converter can de divided into two types.
Two-way catalytic converter
Three-way catalytic converter.
Two-Way catalytic converter Tasks:
will do oxidation process by converting carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide.
will do oxidation process by converting unburnt hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water
Three-way catalytic converter Tasks:
Will do reduction process from nitrogen oxides to nitrogen and oxygen.
Will do oxidation process from carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide.
Will do oxidation process from unburnt hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water.