Catalytic Converter Deconstructed

Science Channel Deconstructed show
Describes Catalytic Converter operation in some detail.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalytic_converter
or
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalytic
for more good info on how these devices work.

Science Catalytic Converter Exhaust Emissions Noxious Environment Pollution Emission Smog CO2 Carbon Dioxide NOX

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Science
• Catalytic
• Converter
• Exhaust
• Emissions
• Noxious
• Environment
• Pollution
• Emission
• Smog
• CO2
• Carbon
• Dioxide
• NOX

[BlaineTraain]

why do they have the second one if it turns the oxygen and nitrogen into carbon dioxide and water? wouldn't oxygen and nitrogen be better as they do not cause the heat from the sun to be trapped on earth?

[wigleypg]

@BlaineTraain Not sure I understand your question?

The benefit to elimination of acutely toxic gases (NOx, CO and HC) to O2, H2O, N2 and H2O outweighs the contribution of CO2 to the atmosphere, compared to the already massive production of CO2 from burning fossil fuels in the engine already.

[wigleypg]

@BlaineTraain

Marginally increasing CO2 is an expense consuming some Oxygen and converting some Carbon into CO2, yes, but it overwhelmingly beats leaving CO in the atmosphere. Cats do produce CO2 (which contributes to global warming) but at very low concentrations.

[randomvidz94]

@wigleypg why are all scrap or salvage stores people obsessed with the catalytic converters ? I was selling an old car and everyone one of them asked only two questions ( make sure to have the cars title and it comes with a complete catalytic converter ) , he wasn't worried about the engine or gear or how many miles i had . could you please explain ?

[wigleypg]

@randomvidz94 Because they contain precious metals that can be recycled. Platinum is the most-active catalyst and is widely used. Palladium and rhodium are two other precious metals used. Cerium, iron, manganese and nickel are also used, although each has its own limitations.

[arohn2007]

Too bad they can't somehow make a heating element inside the converter that turns on the min. the vehicle starts and stays on until the converter reaches a certain operatoring temp then shuts off. By then the gases flowing through it will keep it at the proper temp

[wigleypg]

@arohn2007 They do.

[oisiaa]

Good explanation.

[Morgansgg]

I wish I could see that show In Canada !!

[ismokewead420]

*FAVORITE PART* "to understand it, we've GOT to DESTROY it!

[M0DiFiEDZ]

That explains why so many people including me have had their catalytic converters stolen...

[paultomasi]

Well, I didn't know that: Catalytic Converter

[LTD92DC]

Great video

[vmelkon]

1300 °F = 704 °C

600 °F = 315 °C

[MrBunsX]

i bet my 302 v8 heats up my cats in a few minutes of being on lol solution to those 6 miles of gas, every one start driving v8s again lol

[norxcontacts]

This was flipping awesome! They actually show you what's inside the the converter.

[theroyalus]

I love how this vid makes it seem like vehicle exhaust is perfectly safe and harmless. Cute.

[Lokivoid]

"car has to travel about six miles befor the catalytic reaches its ideal operateing temp" This statement is incorrect asumeing the cars smog pump (A.I.R. Pump) is operateing correctly.