The catalystic converter is an element of the exhaust system, which is designed to burn a mixture of exhaust gas to the clean and safe substances.
Catalysts are divided into two main types depending on the material, which covered the catalystic converter: ceramic and metal. From the carrier material depends the term for which the catalyst will serve you. Which one is better? Let us define!
Ceramic catalystic converter is in the form of a small unit cells, metal – is in the form of metal plates. Metal is more reliable and resistant to mechanical stress, but its price is high enough. Ceramic catalysts are cheaper, but their major drawback – is the fragility of it. To leave them out of the system only a small impact or temperature changes. As a result, it can crack or break.
Negatively on the ceramic catalyst is also influence the problems in the ignition system. Sometimes when you try to start the engine fuel mixture is ignited immediately. Unburned fuel can accumulate in the catalyst, and when the engine starts, the accumulated gasoline explodes. The honeycomb of the catalyst is deformed and crumbles. Speaking of ceramic catalystic converter, mention should be made of the consequences of using it out of whack. Temperature inside the malfunctioning catalyst is so great that the ceramic melts can reduce the size of the passage of exhaust gases. A finding of the ceramic in the combustion chamber causes dust to its friction against the walls of the cylinders and their premature wear, and consequently to rapid failure of the engine.
Both types of catalystic converters lose their properties in the following cases:
- The deviation from the optimum ratio of air-fuel mixture,
- Refilling with the inferior or leaded petrol,
- Contact with the combustion chamber antifreeze or oil,
- Ingress of water in the catalyst,
- Long work of the engine idling.
As a result of the above factors, the catalyst loses its ability to efficiently burn hazardous compounds due to clogging of its channels, and thereby reduce the passage for the exhaust gases. This all leads to overheating of the catalyst. There are cases where from a heated to red-hot catalyst melted aluminum thermal protection, and the ignition of an anti-corrosive coating the bottom of the machine.
Automotive catalysts can also be divided into the following types: the original and versatile. For many motorists the cost of the first is simply unrealistic. Today, there is a good alternative to them – not the original item and versatile catalyst, which costs significantly less. On some cars with Lambda probe can be installed after the catalyst, versatile option is a good alternative to the original part, because these vehicles is not possible to the operation without catalyst or replace the catalyst flash suppressor.
Nicole Powell is a reviewer for a line of Internet content networks (including the likes of Catalyticexhaust.ca catalystic converter), who shares opinion on various industrial machinery topics and other areas alike. A restless explorer of Internet space and an opinion builder in anything of significance to the industrial machinery.
