Converter
1 - ceramic block with catalysts
The toxic components of exhaust gases are hydrocarbons unburned fuel), carbon monoxide and nitric oxide. To convert these compounds into non-toxic, a three-way catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust system immediately after the exhaust pipe of the mufflers.
The converter contains ceramic elements with microchannels, on the surface of which catalysts are deposited: two oxidizing and one reducing. Oxidation catalysts (platinum and palladium) contribute to the conversion of hydrocarbons into water vapor, and carbon monoxide into harmless carbon dioxide. Recovery Catalyst (rhodium) accelerates the chemical reaction to reduce nitrogen oxides and turn them into harmless nitrogen.
For effective neutralization of toxic components and the most complete combustion of the air-fuel mixture, it is necessary that 14.6... 14.7 parts of air account for 1 part of fuel.
This dosing accuracy is ensured by the electronic fuel injection system, which continuously adjusts the fuel supply depending on the operating conditions of the engine and the signal from the oxygen concentration sensor in the exhaust gases.
Attention! It is not allowed to operate the engine with a converter on leaded gasoline. This will lead to a quick failure of the converter and the oxygen concentration sensor.