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Catalytic Converter

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Inside of vehicle exhaust is a catalytic converter, its function to prevent air pollution. Follow the explanation of the catalytic converter below.

Vehicle exhaust is a major source of air pollution containing harmful gases such as CO, NO, and NO2 gases. CO gas is dangerous because it can poison the blood. While NO, and NO2 gases are responsible for the formation of ozone holes and acid rain. In addition to these gases, vehicle fumes also contain lead from additives in gasoline. Various ways have been done to prevent the pollution, but there is no way the best. One way to eliminate lead pollution is to replace fuel with unleaded gasoline. To prevent the formation of harmful gases in motor vehicle exhaust gas, one of the studies recommended to condition the reaction between CO gas with NO gas and reaction between hydrocarbon and NO2 gas. The reaction can only take place at very high temperatures, whereas at that temperature the machine works ineffectively. Therefore, it is necessary to have a catalyst which can accelerate the reaction at low temperature.From the research has been found a catalyst made of a mixture of platinum and rhodium metals (Pt-Rh). The catalyst is mounted on the vehicle's exhaust and is shaped like a comb. From the results of the study turned out that the catalyst is able to work well at a temperature of 400oC and can last up to 50,000 miles (approximately 80,000 km).

In developed countries that are very concerned about environmental problems, each vehicle is required to install this catalyst on the exhaust known as catalytic converter.

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