There are a lot of myths about the use of catalysts. Some of them are just funny or ridiculous, but we should not forget about fake and outdated facts pushing many vehicle owners to remove the cat. That is why we have collected the most common myths to consider them in detail and explain why they are so popular and where the misfacts are.
Myth #1: Unburned Fuel Burns in Catalyst
This is not exactly the truth. The purpose of a catalyst is to oxidize harmful compounds found in exhaust gases. A catalyst is a honeycomb-like ceramic structure. This form-factor is needed in order to enlarge the contact area of exhaust gases with chemical catalysts. Unburned toxic residues, such as carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides are oxidized by oxygen contained in exhaust fumes when contacting the catalytic layer. Heat is released and starts the oxidation reaction. The operating temperature of a catalyst is 752 to 1472 °F (400 to 800 °C).
As a result of using a cat in good technical condition exhaust gases released into the atmosphere are relatively non-toxic. This means that the content of carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen is acceptable according to current environmental standards. Bedsides, a catalyst performs one more important function: it breaks up the flow of exhaust gases, i.e. is a primary resonator (flame arrester).
Myth #2: Catalyst Requires Special Fuel
This is a popular misfact. If you drive a vehicle with a cat you don’t need to waste money on more expensive fuel. But leaded fuel is the biggest enemy of this device. It destroys the catalytic layer and zirconium coating of the oxygen sensor almost immediately. Then “honeycombs” are melted and the normal flow of exhaust gases breaks. This is practically the same situation when the catalyst is clogged. Thus, you should pay attention to the quality of the fuel.
Myth #3: Service Life of Catalyst is Short
The average service life of a catalyst is nearly 60-150,000 kilometers driven if all the operation requirements are met. The exact parameter depends on the correct operation of the ignition and power supply systems, as well as on the quality of fuel.
Internal catalyst parts can be ceramic or metal. Ceramic ones are cheaper and more popular, but they are quite fragile. A metal catalyst is more durable. In fact, even a small stone potentially can cause mechanical destruction of the honeycomb-like element. The same thing can happen if water gets on a heated catalyst. If you care about the operating life of your cat, it is better to buy a metal one. Visit the biggest cat base autocatalystmarket.com in USA and choose the most reliable catalyst at an affordable price.
Myth #4: Catalyst Reduces Motor Power
Perhaps, this is the most widely spread myth. The truth is, that a serviceable device having a total “honeycomb” surface area of approximately 20.000 m² doesn’t prevent the normal flow of exhaust gases. A problem may occur if the catalyst of your vehicle is clogged or damaged in a way and requires service or being replaced.
