How does a three way catalytic converter work?

How does a three way catalytic converter work?

Figure 1. Diagram of a three -way catalytic converter. • A catalytic converter has no moving parts. The technology behind the catalytic converter involves a very small amount of catalytic metal – platinum, rhodium, and/or palladium – applied to acres of surface area contained within a stainless steel canister.

What makes up the gas in a catalytic converter?

Nitric acid and nitrogen dioxide are reduced to form nitrogen gas and oxygen gas. Catalytic converters also use an oxidative catalyst composed of platinum or palladium. It helps reduce hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO). To start with, carbon monoxide and oxygen combine to form carbon dioxide (CO2).

What is the diagnostic code for a catalytic converter?

An illuminated check engine light or malfunction indicator lamp (CEL or MIL) with a catalytic converter diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is the most common catalytic converter problem indicator.

How does the ECM work in a catalytic converter?

Basically, the engine control module (ECM) uses a mathematical algorithm to compare the electrical activity of the upstream oxygen sensor (before the converter) with that of the downstream oxygen sensor.

What is a catalytic converter and what does it do?

A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that reduces toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less-toxic pollutants by catalyzing a redox reaction (an oxidation and a reduction reaction).

What are the uses of a catalytic converter?

A catalytic converter is used to control exhaust emissions, but it’s also popular among thieves because the converter contains valuable metals. The car part could be worth about $800.

What exactly does the catalytic converter do?

A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that reduces toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less-toxic pollutants by catalyzing a redox reaction (an oxidation and a reduction reaction). Catalytic converters are usually used with internal combustion engines fueled by either gasoline or diesel-including lean-burn engines as well as

What are the disadvantages of the catalytic converters?

– Decreased horsepower – the engine uses more energy for the converter and for burning the elements; – Reduced gas mileage – again, the catalyst slows down the circulation process of the emissions leading to a higher consumption of fuel; – Engine overheating – from the additional need to burn more.