Create an Article›User Guide›

What is a catalyst converter and how it can be cleaned?

Jul 02, 2021

iCrowdMarketing powered by iCrowdNewswire

Thanks to the catalytic converter in your car, you are environmentally friendly. It ensures that harmful exhaust gas components from internal combustion engines are converted into harmless gases. There is a complex chemical process behind this. Here you can find out how the catalytic converter works, how it is constructed - and where you can replace the car catalytic converter cheaply.



Catalyst - what is it?


Catalytic converter - definition: The vehicle catalytic converter, or catalytic converter for short, is an important part of the exhaust system. It is responsible for exhaust after-treatment in vehicles with internal combustion engines.


Catalytic converter function: through oxidation and reduction, it converts pollutants into chemically harmless substances without using the catalytic converter itself. In doing so, it significantly reduces the pollutant emissions in the exhaust gas - for more environmental protection.


This is why the catalytic converter is now a legal requirement and an indispensable part of the exhaust system.



Catalyst: chemistry for the advanced


And how does the catalyst work? Through the chemical processes of oxidation and reduction, it converts the combustion pollutants hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides into the non-toxic substances carbon dioxide, water and nitrogen. The result: the harmful exhaust gas that comes out of the car is reduced. In technical jargon, it is also called “catalysis of exhaust gases”.


Good to know: If the catalytic converter works optimally, performance values ​​of up to 100 percent can be achieved in the exhaust gas conversion.


Catalyst automotive - there are these types:




  • EOBD catalytic converter: This is the name given to replacement catalytic converters for Euro 3 and Euro 4 vehicles with a European on-board diagnosis (EOBD). The EOBD monitors all components and sensors relevant to emissions while you are on the move. Most new vehicles have this feature.

  • Oxidation catalytic converter: This exhaust gas catalytic converter is used in diesel engines that have a high proportion of oxygen in the exhaust gas. Its function: it converts carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water vapor.

  • Three-way catalytic converter: It is used in gasoline engines and combines three chemical processes at the same time. Specifically, it converts hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water, carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and oxygen. There is now even a 4-way catalytic converter for gasoline engines. It combines the functionality of a three-way catalytic converter with that of a NOX storage catalytic converter.


Catalyst construction


Catalyst explained simply: The catalytic converter consists of several components. The main carrier is a ceramic part in honeycomb shape with many channels. Its surface is increased by thin-walled ducts so that it can filter more exhaust gases from the engine. In addition, some precious metals are processed on the surface of the cat - such as rhodium, platinum and palladium. Their function: They bind the harmful pollutants.




  • How many catalytic converters does a car have? Many diesel vehicles have a catalytic converter and a soot particle filter installed.

  • Where is the catalyst in the car? It is located on the underbody of the vehicle, near the exhaust. The reason: In order to trigger its chemical reaction, the catalyst needs a minimum temperature - also known as the “light-off temperature”. It is around 250 to 280 ° C and is reached around 30 to 90 seconds after a cold start. This is why it is often installed close to the exhaust manifold in diesel oxidation catalytic converters. Aged cats only start at higher temperatures, around 400 to 800 ° C.


Why do the catalytic converters break?


As with other vehicle parts, the life of the catalytic converter is also limited. But why do catalytic converters age prematurely? The reason: Over time, the coating can peel off, and additives in the oil can also be deposited on its surface - lead in particular is one of these additives. So if you are traveling abroad, you should make sure that the fuel is unleaded. Even short journeys put a strain on the catalytic converter. Because then it does not reach its operating temperature. A car journey should therefore be at least two kilometers. If you drive shorter distances too often, you shorten the service life.



Car catalytic converter: how does the lambda probe work?


Catalytic converter properties: A central element in the exhaust system is the lambda probe - a sensor that measures the residual oxygen content in the exhaust gas. The probe got its name because it determines the combustion air ratio - also lambda. The lambda probe works like this: In petrol engines, it sends impulses to the control unit, which uses them to calculate the amount of fuel to be injected. In the case of diesel engines, on the other hand, the amount of exhaust gas recirculation is regulated instead. In this way, it creates ideal conditions for exhaust gas treatment in the catalytic converter.


If the lambda probe does not work correctly, this has a direct impact on engine performance, consumption and also on the quantities of pollutants emitted. Lambda probe defective - the reasons: The lambda probe can break due to excessively high temperatures, but also due to mechanical impulses such as car vibrations. As a car driver, you will notice a defect in the lambda probe mainly in the significantly increased fuel consumption. In worse cases, heavy smoke can come out of the exhaust. During the main inspection, a defective lambda probe represents a defect.



What to do if the catalytic converter lamp lights up?


If the yellow lamp with the catalytic converter symbol flashes, this means: The exhaust gas quality has deteriorated significantly. Now drive quickly to the nearest workshop and have your cat checked on the car. Because: The components of the exhaust system are all closely interlinked. Therefore, a simple catalytic converter malfunction can quickly turn into a larger and therefore more expensive defect.



How much do the catalyst costs?


And what does it cost to replace the Kat? The exact catalyst price always depends on your vehicle model, its engine and the catalyst manufacturer. The fact is: in the event of a defect, it is too late to repair the catalytic converter - and it must be completely replaced.


If you have the catalytic converter changed, the cost of older small cars is different from that of newer models, and the former are usually less expensive.


How is the price made up? In addition to the cost of the catalytic converter itself, there is the working time in the workshop. Removing the old catalytic converter and installing the new one can take different amounts of time depending on the vehicle. If additional components have to be replaced, it becomes more expensive. This includes, for example, the lambda probe.



JLM Catalytic Cleaner


JLM Petrol Catalytic Converter Cleaner cleans the entire fuel system and prevents contamination of the catalytic converter. In contrast to most other products, JLM Petrol Catalytic Converter Cleaner contains a combustion improver that directly improves combustion in the engine (even before the cleaner has an effect on the fuel system).


This immediately results in a reduction in pollutant emissions. This makes it easier for a vehicle to pass the emissions test and the customer is back on the road earlier. JLM Petrol Catalytic Converter Cleaner is an extremely concentrated cleaning agent that removes carbon deposits and dirt in the catalytic converter and counteracts new deposits. By cleaning the fuel system, valves, pistons and injectors, combustion is more efficient, which in turn reduces the emission of pollutants and prevents contamination of the catalytic converter.


JLM Petrol Catalytic Converter Cleaner is an exclusive combination of special additives that quickly restores the catalytic converter effect, reduces fuel consumption and corrects performance losses caused by impurities. Therefore, JLM Petrol Catalytic Converter Cleaner is recommended for professionals to prepare a vehicle for the emission test (AU).


JLM Gasoline Exhaust Fit cleans the entire fuel system and prevents contamination of the catalytic converter. In contrast to most other products, our catalyst cleaner contains a combustion improver that directly improves combustion in the engine (even before the cleaner has an effect on the fuel system). This immediately results in a reduction in pollutant emissions. This makes it easier for a vehicle to pass the emissions test and the customer is back on the road earlier.


JLM Gasoline Exhaust Fit is an extremely concentrated cleaning agent that removes carbon deposits and dirt in the catalytic converter and counteracts new deposits. By cleaning the fuel system, valves, pistons and injectors, combustion is more efficient, which in turn reduces the emission of pollutants and prevents contamination of the catalytic converter.


JLM Gasoline Exhaust Fit is an exclusive combination of special additives that quickly restore the catalytic converter effect, reduce fuel consumption and remedy performance losses caused by impurities. Therefore, JLM gasoline exhaust gas fit/catalyst cleaner is recommended for professionals to prepare a vehicle for the exhaust emission test (AU).


Advantages:




  • Improves combustion, increases the octane number and reduces exhaust emissions;

  • Cleans injectors, carburettors and the entire fuel supply system to keep them in optimal condition;

  • Cleans the lambda probe;

  • Improves the performance of the catalytic converter;

  • Reduces corrosion and wear;

  • Prevents rubber, resin and sludge build-up;

  • Protects against corrosion;

  • Eliminates rough idling and knocking;

  • Helps you pass the emissions test.


To see the best catalytic converter's list, please, visit https://engineswork.com/products/performance-parts/best-5-catalytic-converter-cleaners.html.


Application: Fill the 250ml can of JLM gasoline exhaust Fit (treats about 50 liters) into the gasoline tank and drive as usual. For a faster result, add about 20 liters of fuel. Regular use of JLM Gasoline Exhaust Fit (approximately every 5000 kilometers) helps keep the fuel and exhaust systems in good condition. This generally improves the efficiency of the engine and its performance and helps to avoid unnecessary and costly mechanical errors.