Catalytic Converter: Description and Operation

Catalytic Converter:

The catalytic converter serves two purposes: it permits a faster chemical reaction to take place and although it enters into the chemical reaction, it remains the same, ready to repeat the process. The catalytic converter combines hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) with oxygen to form water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2).

Catalytic Converter:

The catalyst is structured in the form of a honeycomb monolith. The catalyst consists of a porous substrate of an inert material, coated with platinum and other metals, the catalytically active materials. This device, located in the exhaust system between the exhaust manifold and muffler, requires the use of heat shields due to its high operating temperatures.

The heat shields are necessary to protect chassis components, passenger compartment and other areas from heat related damage.

Fuel Tank Filler Safety Neck (Typical):

A small diameter fuel tank filler tube is used on catalytic converter equipped vehicles to prevent the larger service station pump nozzle, used for leaded fuels, being inserted into the filler tube. Since the use of leaded fuels contaminates the catalysts, rendering them ineffective, the use of unleaded fuels is mandatory in catalytic converter equipped vehicles.