| Questions - Answers
Fuels : |
 | What
is the role of the catalytic converter ? |
 | The
catalytic converter reduces the emission of polluting gases into the atmosphere.
The combustion inside the engine produces gases which contain highly polluting
compounds such as Nox, CO and combustion residues ( HC ).
The catalytic converter is a
device made up of precious metals
such as platinum, rhodium and
palladium, it is located on
the car's exhaust system . It
helps start the oxidation-reduction
reactions which transform the
polluting molecules coming out
from the engine into less harmful
substances. Example : CO + ½ O2 -------> CO2 |
| |
 | What
are the consequences of using leaded gasoline into a car equipped with a catalytic
converter? |
 |
 | -
The use of leaded gasoline into a car equipped with a catalytic converter damages
the catalytic converter. It is said that even if the gasoline tank is filled up
only once, the catalytic converter will be out of order. |
 | -
Lead is like a poison for the catalytic converter. It settles on the converter's
coating , totally crippling the chemical process at high temperatures and filling
pores at low temperatures. | |
 |
 | Is
it possible to use unleaded gasoline for cars without catalytic converters ? |
 | Yes.
But the use of unleaded gasoline in old cars which are not equipped with catalytic
converters bring about wear at the level of valve seats. As in old cars,
lead compounds contained in gasoline lubricate valve seats and protect them against
any premature wear. |
| |
 | How
is combustion carried out inside a gasoline engine? |
 | Combustion
is initiated by the spark coming from the spark plug inside the cylinder which
contains the compressed mixture of air and fuel. |
 |
 | How
is combustion carried out inside a diesel engine ? |
 | Combustion
is initiated by a self ignition of the fuel itself without a spark plug. |