Before discussing the sport catalyst, the basic functions of a catalytic converter will be explained for the time being. A gasoline engine catalytic converter is called a three-way catalytic converter. The name derives from its function in that it converts the three pollutants nitric oxide (NOX), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC) into nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). For the catalyst to be able to implement this transformation, chemical reactions have to take place. These are due to the construction of the cat. A classic catalyst under its shell consists of a substrate, which in most cases is a honeycomb-pervaded ceramic monolith. A metal substrate is possible. During production, these honeycombs are provided with a washcoat, which considerably increases the filter area. One can speak of the factor 7000. The washcoat is then impregnated with a noble metal salt solution.
standard catalyst
The solution contains the three precious metals platinum, palladium and rhodium in various concentrations, which are responsible for the eventual conversion of the air pollutants. While palladium and platinum bind the hydrocarbons and the carbon monoxide, while rhodium is responsible for the conversion of nitrogen oxide to nitrogen. The optimum temperature range of the catalyst is at a temperature between 400 ° C and 800 ° C. It is also crucial whether the ignited gasoline-air mixture is available with the optimum mixing ratio of 1g gasoline to 14,7g. This results in the so-called lambda value, which is in ideal conditions with 1,0.
the sports catalyst in direct comparison
The aforementioned mode of operation of the three-way catalyst by no means differs from that of the sport catalytic converter. The main difference is the structure of the honeycomb structure in the substrate. The tuning catalyst has decidedly fewer cells, which in turn are not arranged in a straight line but have winding centers. The sports catalyst usually has 200 cells per square inch, that is, in an area of 2,54 cm x 2,54 cm. However, depending on the desired emission standard, 100 honeycombs are also possible. The standardized catalyst is the 400 cells per square inch. The mentioned centers also serve as a focal area and ensure better management of the exhaust gases.
perfectly explained in the video
The internal design and also the adapted size of the sports catalytic converter mean that much more passage for the exhaust gas is achieved. Not as consistently as with one KAT dummy, but legal. The weight reduction should not be neglected. The reduced exhaust back pressure then increases the horsepower and torque. Positive side effects are better responsiveness, especially with turbo engines and better sound of the exhaust system. For possibly better results, the software can be adapted to the innovation by means of chip tuning, which is always recommended, especially for newer vehicles.
