Catalytic Converter

A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that converts toxic gases and pollutants in the exhaust of an internal combustion engine into less harmful substances by catalyzing a redox reaction. It is used mainly with gasoline and diesel engines, including lean burn engines, and occasionally on kerosene heaters and stoves. Widespread adoption began in the United States automobile market with the 1975 model year to meet stricter EPA emission standards; early two way converters combined oxygen with carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons to produce carbon dioxide and water. Three way converters, which also reduce nitrogen oxides, were first commercialized by Volvo on California specification 1977 models, and became the norm across most manufacturers once federal nitrogen oxide rules tightened for the 1981 model year. Beyond automobiles, catalytic converters are also used on electrical generators, forklifts, mining equipment, trucks, buses, locomotives, motorcycles and ships.