Eliminate Catalytic Converters
Background: With the turmoil we are seeing in the Middle-East and a retreat from nuclear energy; we can expect the demand for oil will increase. Consequently, we should look at our current regulatory processes for ways to reduce energy consumption. During the 60’s cars lacked computers and exhaust gases included quantities of carbon monoxide (CO). At the time, the best approach to getting a more complete burn to carbon ...more »
Background:
With the turmoil we are seeing in the Middle-East and a retreat from nuclear energy; we can expect the demand for oil will increase. Consequently, we should look at our current regulatory processes for ways to reduce energy consumption.
During the 60’s cars lacked computers and exhaust gases included quantities of carbon monoxide (CO). At the time, the best approach to getting a more complete burn to carbon dioxide (CO2) was to use a catalytic converter. Essentially, the carbon monoxide was passed through the converter where it was further oxidized into carbon dioxide. Note: carbon monoxide, in quantity, is harmful to animal life.
The drawbacks of catalytic converters are: 1) they restrict the exhaust thereby requiring more work from the engine (reduces performance and increases fuel consumption); 2) fuels with traces of other chemicals, such as sulfur, are converted to the most powerful acids known to man; 3) Adds weight to the vehicle; and 4) adds additional cost to the vehicle. The result is in increase in acid rain and the burning of more fossil fuel. Case in point, when sulfur is burned, it produces SO2. When SO2 is passed through a platinum based catalytic converter, it is converted to SO3 (sulfur trioxide). This is turn, when added to water becomes sulfuric acid (H2SO4), battery acid.
With new cars, computers check the fuel air mixtures many times per second resulting in near optimum burns. Consequently, the catalytic converter no longer achieves its original purpose. By removing the requirement for catalytic converters in new cars, less fuel will be burned, acid rain will be reduced, vehicle weight reduced, engine performance improved, and the cost per vehicle reduced.
Recommendation:
Remove the requirement to include catalytic converters in new vehicles. We can still set the pollution and emission requirements; just not force a particular technology for accomplishing the stated objective.
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