Catalytic Converters Essay ⋆ Environment Essay Examples ⋆ EssayEmpire

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A catalytic converte r is a device that is designed to reduce dangerous emissions from combustion engines such as those used in automobiles. It works by enhancing the combustion of unburned hydrocarbons that would otherwise enter the atmosphere through the exhaust. The closed chamber of a catalytic converter is lined with a substrate of porous material through which the gas is forced to pass. This results in the chemical conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, the reduction of nitrogen oxide to its component nitrogen and oxygen, and the conversion of the unburned hydrocarbons to water and carbon dioxide. Releasing carbon dioxide into the air is not beneficial to the environment, but is preferable to the alternative. For example, catalytic converters are credited with having reduced the numbers of accidental deaths and suicides from inhaling carbon monoxide in cars by many thousands.

Catalytic converters are customarily made of steel, but recent research has focused on the use of ceramics and alternative materials that may provide better emission control. This has had some unanticipated consequences; for example, when it was discovered that catalytic converters were found not to work in the presence of lead, which resulted in the abolition of leaded gasoline and concomitant reductions in the negative health impacts caused by the lead. Catalytic converters have been used in North America since the 1970s, and are being adopted in many countries around the world.

The Environmental Protection Agency introduced more strict emissions controls after the 1960s, and by 1975 all new vehicles were fitted with the devices. Catalytic converters may be retrofitted to older vehicles, but this kind of measure can only really be effective as part of an integrated transport and emissions strategy. Many countries have extensive public transport systems with aged or secondhand vehicles such as buses that are significant contributors to emissions.

Research concerning the genuine efficiency of catalytic converters suggests that laboratory conditions testing that approach 99 percent efficiency may dip to around 70 percent in traffic conditions. Consequently, plans to reduce emissions internationally have been undermined by the failure of technology and by the unwillingness of many governments to implement and enforce stringent, but manageable emissions controls. Catalytic converters should also be maintained and serviced properly to ensure optimum performance. This adds a cost to the policing of vehicles, especially since the testing equipment is expensive and many countries have inefficiently policed transportation systems. Nevertheless, the introduction of catalytic converters has made a significant contribution in the fight to reduce air pollution, and most new vehicles are produced with a catalytic converter. Comparatively low-cost versions have been adopted for use with two and three-wheeled vehicles in countries such as India and China.

Bibliography:

W. Amatayakul and O. Ramnas, “Life Cycle Assessment of a Catalytic Converter for Passenger Cars,” Journal of Cleaner Production (v.9/5, 2001);
S. Samuel, et , “RealWorld Performance of Catalytic Converters, Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineering,” Journal of Automobile Engineering (v.219/D, 2005).