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Metal Catalytic Converter
Function
Due to its heat resisting qualities, the metal catalytic converter can be installed near to engine, and it is also more durable and more reliable. Although the ceramic medium can be more easily recycled, the metal
catalytic converter is substantially less sensitive to vibrations, has a shorter warm-up time and a lower back-pressure. This can mean a higher performance rate (lower consumption) or a smaller diameter can be
used. Apart from that, the metal medium can be warmed up electrically, which reduces the warm-up period, and at the same time, also reduces the crucial, cold running exhaust emission.
How it works
The rolling up of the honeycomb body into an 'S' shape, was responsible for the actual breakthrough of the metal catalytic converter, because the tension and thermal expansion caused by the heat, could be
distributed better. In addition, this also protects, against damage when briefly overheating to a maximum of 1300°C. Due to the improved through-flow rate within the honeycomb body, the conical shape or the
consecutive application of different diameters (the smaller first), losses can be reduced and also the warming up improved. Thin walled (e.g., 0.03 mm) steel foil and smaller channels, (see figure) also bring
additional weight advantages. They extend the application range of the catalytic converter to include smaller engines (e.g., two-stroke) and racing engines.
The hydrocarbon content can be further lowered by direct,
consecutive application of various types of catalytic converters in the same housing. In the meantime, the catalytic converter is also installed before the turbocharger, thus, additionally increasing its temperature, and at
the same time its effectivity.
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