Mazda Catalytic Converter
A Mazda catalytic converter is a standard component of all modern Mazda vehicles.
The installation of catalytic converters in vehicles is mandated by laws in the
United States. However, not all countries require car manufacturers to install
catalytic converter. On the other hand, Mazda catalytic converters are present
in most Mazda automobiles even though some of these automobiles are marketed in
countries that do not mandate catalytic converter. Gradually, the catalytic converter
is becoming a standard component of the Mazda auto parts. Perhaps it is corporate
conscience that drives the Mazda Company to integrate catalytic converters in
its automobiles. A catalytic converter is an important automotive component that
significantly reduces the amount of pollution in the air.
A Mazda catalytic converter is located along the exhaust pipe line of the automobile.
It is strategically connected to the exhaust manifold of the automobile. Its main
function is to eliminate pollutants in the exhaust gases that exit the engine.
There are three basic pollutants that the catalytic converter eliminates. These
pollutants are byproducts of the incomplete combustion of fuel as well as the
excess amount of nitrogen. These pollutants include carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons
or volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides. Carbon monoxide is toxic when
inhaled. It competes with oxygen in the blood. Hence, the victim may suffocate.
Hydrocarbons are also equally toxic and damaging to the tissues. Hydrocarbons
are unburned residues of fuel. Nitrogen oxides can be converted to smog and acid
rain. They are very irritating to the mucus.
Pollutants are chemically altered by the Mazda catalytic converter so that they
become inert. The resulting byproducts are carbon dioxide, water and nitrogen
gas. The catalytic converter does not actually participate in the chemical reactions.
It simply facilitates the chemical reactions so that the pollutants can be rendered
inert. The interior of a catalytic converter acts as the site for chemical reaction.
It typically has honeycomb cells inside that provide optimal surface area for
the chemicals to react. The carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide molecules
undergo oxidation-reduction process. The honeycomb interior surface is a ceramic
that is coated with catalysts such as platinum, rhodium, and/or palladium.
The catalysts are very expensive and rare metals. Hence, they are spread in very
thin layer on the surface of the honeycomb. When the molecules of the pollutants
get in contact with the catalyst, they change into more stable and inert forms,
namely, carbon dioxide, water and nitrogen. Although catalytic converters are
a bit expensive, they can be considered as long-term investment. Catalytic converters
allow your engine to be more efficient and reliable. Catalytic converters protect
your engine from early deterioration due to the accumulation of pollutant residues.
Installing a catalytic converter in your car is the responsible thing to do for
the sake of the environment.
