Honda Catalytic Converter
Honda catalytic converters are just one of the solutions to minimize the negative effect of motorcycle and car exhausts. Studies and researches in the United States and other neighboring countries show the important role of catalytic converters in reducing harmful carbon monoxide in the atmosphere. Carbon monoxide or CO is a colorless and odorless poisonous gas produced from incomplete combustion of fuel in the car's exhaust systems. Motorcycles and cars are the topmost producers of Carbon Monoxide or CO in the atmosphere.
Combustion process does not constantly reach its maximum peak leading to the production of harmful emissions. Other gases that pose a threat in our environment are hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, Hydrocarbons or Volatile Organic Compounds are the end product of unburned fuel that turns to gas. As it evaporates, a chemical reaction happens as it combines with sunlight which causes ground level ozone or pollution. Carbon dioxide is a product of combustion that bonds with the oxygen in the air leading to polluted atmosphere. Nitrogen oxides on the other hand are a major component of smog and acid rain which can cause mucous membrane irritations and other health problems.
To have greater protection of the environment against the harmful effects of car emissions, modern cars including Honda makes are equipped with three-way catalytic converters. The "three way" pertains to the reduction of the topmost three pollutants; carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. The converter is equipped with two types of catalysts, an oxidization catalyst and a reduction catalyst. Both are made from metal with a ceramic structure covered with either palladium, platinum or rhodium. Common types of structures used are ceramic bead, although it is not commonly used nowadays, metal plate and ceramic honeycomb. The maximum area of the converter is positioned on the exhaust system to minimize the amount of catalyst needed. The rhodium and platinum components of the converters are used to minimize nitrogen oxides by pulling out the nitrogen atom from the molecule and bonding it with other nitrogen atoms to form harmless N2.