The exhaust system must integrate the catalytic converter in order to convert the exhaust gases with the highest efficiency

 

A catalytic converter consists of a ceramic or metallic monolith whose surface is filled with washcoat is applied, which is the only responsible for the converting polluting substances conversion, while the ceramic substrate has a pure mechanical support function.

 

The ceramic substrate is protected against vibrations and thermal shocks by a heat-expandable and flexible mat which completely envelops the monolith: the entire unit is contained then assembled with a metal housing.

 

The metal-type substrate, on the other hand, is brazed directly on the housing. The washcoat is mainly composed of aluminium oxide, which can increase the surface area, of noble metals (platinum, palladium or radium) and of promotor oxides.

 

The set of these components is capable of converting CO, HC and NOx into carbon dioxide, water and nitrogen (thus the term “three-way converters” for catalysers used in petrol engines).

 

In order to achieve these objectives, the last-generation collectors are developed as a built-in solution to the catalytic converter, positioned as close as possible to the engine, thus guaranteeing a fast converter light-off, minimum weight and compact solutions.