The issue of environmental preservation has never been taken so seriously as now. It becomes clear that future generations will find it very difficult to save the planet if nothing is done. However, it is clear that habits have slowly started to change, especially with regard to cars and their equipment. This is particularly the case for particulate filters and catalysts which have been specially created to clean up the exhaust gases emitted by vehicles. Let’s take stock of the subject.
What should I know about the catalytic converter and the particulate filter?
The automotive catalytic converter and the particulate filter are parts with an ecological purpose. They are manufactured to reduce harmful particulate emissions released by vehicles. Although they share more or less the same purpose, automotive particulate filters and catalysts do not really have the same roles.
The Automotive Catalyst
The automotive catalyst is a part that is located at the level of the exhaust line, under the car. This is an anti-pollution system created in the 1990s which is used to convert toxic exhaust gases into non-toxic gases, and this, in a chemical way. It is only after the conversion that the gases are vented through the exhaust. The catalyst is for its part composed of a cylindrical shell in stainless steel. A kind of ceramic filter is inside the latter: it is he who is responsible for reducing the harmfulness of the exhaust gases.
The automotive catalyst does not eliminate the polluting gases, but rather transforms them. Thus, instead of evacuating nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbons, the car releases water, carbon dioxide and nitrogen. However, you have to be very careful when buying the automotive catalyst, because many distributors market without saying so Indian or Chinese products of poor quality at a lower cost and whose lifespan often does not exceed 6 months.
You can go to sites like www.krosfou.fr to be sure to obtain parts of excellent quality. You will find particulate filters and catalysts made in Europe recognized as the most efficient and effective on the market.
The particle filter
Like the catalyst, the particulate filter (DPF) is also located under the car’s exhaust. However, its operation is different. Indeed, the particulate filter has the role of clean up toxic gas emissions emitted by the car by combustion. The DPF collects and filters the fine particles that pass through the catalyst, then periodically ignites them with the aim of destroying them completely. The process begins when the engine is running at full throttle and the temperature in the combustion chamber reaches around 550 degrees.
In short, the automotive catalyst reduces the harmfulness of exhaust gases using a chemical process, while DPF filters out the remaining particles and destroys them through combustion.
Photo : 123RF
How do particulate filters and catalysts reduce polluting emissions?
Particle filters and catalysts are part of the elements intended for pollution control. Thanks to their respective actions, they greatly limit the pollution caused by vehicles. By filtering and burning fine particles, DPF removes black smoke escaping from the car. It thus retains large soot particles and only allows the flow already treated by the catalyst to pass.
Thanks to the catalyst, the three types of pollutants, carbon dioxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are considerably reduced upstream. A car equipped with a catalyst and a DPF in good condition pollutes much less.
Spent catalysts and particulate filters are, however, dangerous for the environment : the rare metals they contain must be recycled. Choosing a manufacturer that reuses rare metals from used parts, which are increasingly difficult to extract from South African mines, is a responsible gesture that contributes to reducing environmental pressure.
Thefts of particulate filters and catalysts: how can this phenomenon be explained?
Thefts of particulate filters and catalysts have increased enormously in recent years. This recurring phenomenon in France is linked to the fact that DPFs and catalysts are composed of precious metals such as rhodium, palladium and platinum. They are used in the manufacture of parts due to their incredible resistance to corrosion, acid and oxidation. These precious metals are unique and their cost is very high. This makes particulate filters and catalytic converters sought after and sold for exorbitant prices on the black market.
To avoid having your DPF and catalytic converter stolen, we recommend that you always park your car in a closed garage. Also avoid leaving it in a dark and poorly lit area.
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Catalytic converter and particulate filter: the differences between these two parts
