Catalytic Converters – A Basic Overview

1. Blog1: Globalrefininggroup.com Catalytic Converters – A Basic Overview A catalytic converter is a chemical converter mainly used in automobile emissions systems. Now a days, with the sudden increase in the amount of automobiles on the road, there has also been an increase in air pollution. The amount of carbon mono-oxide is increasing and this dramatically increases the risk of respiratory problems. So, there is a dire need for the conversion of this gaseous waste into a less harmful composition. That is where systems like catalytic converters come into play. There are two types of catalytic converters, a two way catalytic converter and a three way catalytic converter. A two way catalytic converter has only one function, it oxidises all the carbon present in the fuel to less harmful carbon di-oxide and does so, it converts the residual hydrogen from them to water vapour. The three way catalytic converter is an advanced version of a two way catalytic converter - in addition to the functions performed by the two way catalytic converter it also reacts with other harmful gases that may be present in trace amounts such as nitrous oxide. The catalytic converters use precious metals like PGM (Platinum Group Metals). Recycling catalytic converters is also a challenge so as to extract those precious metals with minimal waste. Companies use special smelting technique wherein they challenge a 100% extraction. Subsequently, the recycling companies have partnered with still water mining companies to get the best value to such scrap sellers. Their process also involves taking care of environment thereby zero emission is ensured.