A catalytic converter is an exigent part of a diesel engine and helps to pull in the emission of injurious pollutants. It is composed of metals that interact with unburned fuel and emissions, breaking them down into less harmful molecules such as water vapor and carbon dioxide.
This process diminishes the number Of Nitrogen Oxides, Hydrocarbons, Carbon Monoxide, Sulfur Dioxide, and other air contaminants emitted by the engine. As a result, catalytic converters aid in rally air quality in urban areas while also dipping the environmental impact.
With workable benefits, it grabs the mind of the truck owners. But, many of them are quest to know the semi-truck catalytic converter location. So, without wasting time, let’s dig out the detailed explanation on it.
What Is Catalytic Converter?
A catalytic converter is a device that converts the harmful contaminants emitted from my car’s engine into innocuous byproducts. These byproducts are then vented out of the car, averting them from entering the atmosphere and backing to climate change.
In addition to emissions reduction, catalytic converters have other dole, such as amended fuel efficiency and lessened crankcase emissions. They also play an emergent role in defending my car’s engine against damage.
Do Semi-Trucks Have Catalytic Converters?
Yes, semi-trucks do have a catalytic converter. I have observed that a catalytic converter for semi-trucks comes in diverse and precious metals which make it a high-value tool.
Do 18 Wheelers Have Catalytic Converters?
Yes, most 18 wheelers do have catalytic converters. But, it is exigent to note that not all of them are required by law.
In fact, some states have laws that mandate the use of zero-emission trucks. Therefore, I must make sure to inquire about my specific state’s regulations before making any decisions.
Where Is The Catalytic Converter Located On A Semi Truck?
Basically, the catalytic converter is located on the exhaust pipe of a semi-truck. The part itself is either beaded or honeycomb-shaped and coated in a metal catalyst, usually a combination of platinum, rhodium, and palladium.
Here, I must explore the vertical or horizontal exhaust system of the catalytic converter. It is because; the location varies with them. With a vertical exhaust system, the catalytic converters are installed in a straight line up the exhaust pipe.
A horizontal exhaust system has the catalytic converters spread out along the entire length of the exhaust pipe. This system is more common in passenger cars and is generally found on models with two- or four-cylinder engines.
Types of Semi Truck Catalytic Converters
After deep exploration, I have observed that the catalytic converter comes in three variations. Let’s figure out the details about them.
1. Oxidation Catalysts
The first type of catalytic converter is the oxidation catalyst. This variation converts poisonous pollutants like Nitrogen oxide (NOx) into less harmful compounds. Besides, it diminishes pollutants like Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Hydrocarbons and turns them into harmless gas molecules.
2. Two-Way Catalytic Converter
The second variation is a two-way catalytic converter (2WC). It is a type of emission control device that aids in lessening the emission of ruinous particles from an automobile. It works in two phases.
- In the first phase, it omits the Nitrogen Oxide.
- In the second phase, it processes Carbon Monoxide and Hydrocarbons.
3. Three-Way Catalytic Converter
The third variation is a three-way catalytic converter. Actually, it converts harmful gases into harmless gases. Besides, it lessens the rate of fuel consumption.
How Does a Semi Truck Catalytic Converter Work?
The working process of a semi-truck catalytic converter is verily simple. It does this by using chemical reactions to convert harmful gases into less harmful compounds. The process of conversion occurs at high temperatures, which destroys emissions-causing chemicals without releasing toxic fumes.
Actually, this process occurs in two stages such as catalytic reduction and selective oxidation.
- In catalytic reduction, certain pollutants are turned into more benign substances like water vapor and carbon dioxide.
- In selective oxidation, poison gas molecules are destroyed by oxygen atoms present in the air. As a result, these gases are released into the atmosphere much more slowly than they would be if no catalyst were present.
How to Protect Semi Truck Catalytic Converter from Thieves
Usually, a semi-truck catalytic converter value includes precious materials like platinum, rhodium, and palladium. For this reason, this tool often gets stolen from the car. There are a few things that I can do to protect my semi-truck catalytic converter from thieves.
- First, I must make sure that the vehicle is locked at all times.
- Second, I should hide any valuable items away inside the truck and avoid leaving anything visible outside of the vehicle.
- Third, I must install some type of security system for the car to monitor who is entering and exiting the facility.
- Fourth, I must keep an eye on my surroundings and watch for suspicious behavior or vehicles around my area.
Conclusion
In short, I have shared basic details on catalytic converter location. Truly, the diesel semi-truck or heavy equipment truck also contains this converter. But, I must focus on protecting it from thieves because it comes with precious materials. After that, it will be apt of the exhaust system.
