Sportage EX 2WD L4-2.0L (1997)
Catalytic Converter: Description and Operation
WARNING:
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Leaking exhaust systems are potentially hazardous to a vehicle's passengers because carbon monoxide is poisonous.
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Do not touch the catalytic converter heat shield when the engine is running. The conversion process produces high heat. Even when the
engine is not running, it remains hot a long time. It will remain hot after other pipes have cooled. Touching the heat shield may produce a
serious burn.
EXHAUST GASES
The engine exhaust gases consist mainly of nitrogen (N2). However, they also contain carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor
(H2O), oxygen (02), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and hydrogen (H2) as well as various other unburned hydrocarbons (HC). Three of these exhaust
gases, CO, NOx, and HC are major air pollutants. Their emissions must be controlled.
PURPOSE
The three-way catalytic converter is mounted, in-line, between the header pipe and the muffler. It reacts with exhaust gases to convert them to less
harmful products and therefore reduce the pollutant levels to within legally prescribed limits.
CONSTRUCTION
The catalytic metals are thin-coated onto and supported by a honeycomb-shaped, high temperature ceramic. The honeycomb is mounted inside the
converter shell which is surrounded by a heat shield. This design produces little restriction to the flow of exhaust gases and has proven to be
durable.
