Chevy catalytic converter really helps the environment

Science is an amazing area. Every resource people have today is a product of science from the simplest coffee mug to as complicated as space shuttles. Continuous technological advancements are being utilize to make people's lives more convenient. Yet, people would tend to disregard the root of it all, which is nature or the environment. Man's curiosity with his environment have actually triggered the inner scientist in him. At times, scientific advancements also mean that the environment will be sacrificed. Just like in the case of the automotive vehicle, their emissions have caused serious damages to the environment. It is also often the leading source of air pollution.



Today, car companies, like Chevy, are tapping various technology to produce environment-friendly cars and car parts. The latest innovation is the hybrid car. This type of vehicle is powered by an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. But one of the most popular car part is a Chevy catalytic converter.

In order to reduce emissions, modern car engines carefully control the amount of fuel they burn. They try to keep the air-to-fuel ratio very close to the calculated ideal ratio of air to fuel called, stoichiometric point. Most cars today are equipped with a three-way catalytic converter. This refers to the three emissions it helps to reduce, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons or volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides molecules. The Chevy catalytic converter operates in three stages. The first stage is the reduction catalyst. It uses platinum and rhodium to help reduce the nitrogen oxides emissions. Next, it reduces the unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide by burning them over a platinum and palladium catalyst. This catalyst aids the reaction of the carbon oxides and hydrocarbons with the remaining oxygen in the exhaust gas. The final stage is a control system that monitors the exhaust stream and uses this information to control the fuel injection system.



The widely usage of the Chevy catalytic converter is proof that it is a big help for the environment. It is good to see that car companies are increasingly being aware on the impeding danger caused by the toxic emission of vehicles.