Useful Information

What is the DPF Filter?

 

Diesel particulate filter (DPF)
Diesel particulate filters comprise of a ceramic compact material of a cellular structure with small channels.

How does the diesel filter work?
As the exhaust gas enters the special filter’s chambers, it is blocked by the caps placed on this upper and lower end. With no way out, it moves towards the porous ceramic walls that withhold the diesel particles, making the emissions friendlier (even compared to gasoline engines) to our health and the environment. Furthermore, due to the heat developed, the particles are burnt and are subsequently emitted as carbon dioxide (CO2).

Long-term
The ceramic surfaces hold metallic substances, which are gradually changing into ashes that block the pores of the filter walls. Thus the exhaust is  blocked, obstructing the normal flow of gas, with a direct impact on the engine’s proper function.

Cleaning
We are the first and possibly unique in Greece engaged in cleaning filter soot.

 

 

   

What is a catalyst?

 

What is a catalyst?

Before we give a description of a catalyst and its operating process, it would be useful to trace the word’s etymology. According to the definition: a Catalyst is a substance whose presence assists a chemical reaction, without taking part in this reaction”.
 In the case of a car, which interests us after all, the chemical reaction is the association of oxygen with the products of incomplete combustion that occurs within the engine’s combustion chamber. The catalyst, as a component of the car, slightly larger than an exhaust muffler, is located at the exhaust system and deducts a large percentage of harmful substances found in the exhaust gas. Gas goes through a porous ceramic material found inside the catalyst and unites with oxygen. In other words, gas is oxidized or “burnt”.


 



A diesel machine produces elements that pollute the environment, such as nitrogen oxide (NOx), Carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (CmHn). With the aid of a catalytic converter they can be altered into harmless emissions of Nitrogen (N2), Carbon dioxide (CO2) and vapours (H2O).
Modern three-way catalytic converters contain a catalytic carrier, known as a monolith. The naturally spherical monolith is made of a ceramic material. This monolith has the complex structure of a small “honeycomb” – like passages running along the gas stream.
The coated ceramic monolith is then applied on a case of stainless steel where it is fastened and also protected by an intumescent mat.
The term “three-way catalytic converter” simply means that the catalytic converter, like the one described above, will act to convert the three aforementioned pollutants into harmless emissions:
CO to CO2, CmHn to H2O, NOx to N2.

 


Some additional details.
A correctly adjusted engine is an precondition for the correct function of a three-way catalyst.
The Lambda sensor (which is placed at the exhaust system in front of the converter) constantly records the percentage of oxygen in the exhaust gas, in order to accurately control the ratio of gas/air, which in the end, controls the conversion.
For properly functioning catalytic converter, it is imperative to use only unleaded fuels.



 

What is a ceramic monolith?

 

The ceramic monolith is the most basic component of the catalyst. A naturally circular ceramic monolith has an average of 60 passages per square centimeter.
60 honeycombs like channels per cm2, which run along the gas stream. The thickness of walls between these channels is approximately 0.3 mm.


Coating

Coating is applied on the new ceramic substrate as a carrier for the precious metal catalyst. As a result, it increases the already large surface of the main body, thus offering a huge area for the catalytic layer (which can be compared only with the surface of a football field).

An intumescent mat helps the ceramic substrate to apply. This mat, made of ceramic fibres and resin, is designed to expand when heated at around 300 Celcius, in order to protect the substrate from a sudden mechanical vibration, and also act as a protective shield between the substrate and the stainless steel housing.

The housing of the catalytic converter is similar in shape with a muffler of a normal exhaust system. It comprises of two half-shells of stainless steel which have been attached under conditions of detailed accuracy. This component can easily be incorporated to the normal exhaust system.


Illustration of a ceramic monolith

 

 

Which are the characteristic parts of a catalytic converter?

 

1. Inner housing
2. Stainless fire-resistant agglutination
3. Gas entrance tube
4. Ceramic honeycomb (ceramic monolith)
5. Outer body agglutination
6. Inner seam of the body
7. Oxygen entrance
8. Outer housing

 

IS THE CATALYST, USED OR NEW, DANGEROUS FOR OUR HEALTH?
Basically, there is no matter of health. The catalyst is not a filter to withhold harmful substances. It only converts the composition of harmful gas to harmless for the most part (90%). Catalysts are made of rhodium (not radium), palladium and platinum. They are all precious metals used in jewellery, medicine, pharmaceutics, electronics among many other applications.

 

WHAT BECOMES OF A RUINED CATALYST?

These catalysts are collected and sent for recycling in large kilns, in order to re-use its precious metals into the construction of new catalysts. Usually, such recycling companies can only be found abroad.

 

WHAT MUST WE DO TO A CATALYTIC CAR?
  • We must check the ignition and power systems regularly, as well as gas emissions
  • We must use synthetic lubricants for the engine

  • We must conduct regular visual checks on the gas emission system and the catalyst

  • We must keep in mind that after a long journey with a catalytic vehicle, the catalyst’s temperature make become over 800 celcius degree

  • We must firmly abide by the rules and specifications of the manufacturer

 

What must we not do to a catalytic car?

 
  • We must never use leaded fuel

  • We must not push the accelerator when starting up the engine

  • We must not attempt to ignite a damaged catalytic engine, more than 3-4 times. It is best to locate and repair the damage first and then re-try.

  • We must not repeat the check we conduct to see whether all cylinders work, for more than 2-3 times

  • We never start up a catalytic car by pushing.

 

 

   

What is the exhaust?

What is the exhaust?

The term ‘exhaust’ generally means the conversion of a liquid to gas. For cars, it is the tool that directs the fumes of the engine to the atmosphere.

The exhaust is necessary for the car as it reduces the noise of gas it produces. You will find out if your exhaust is leaking!
Internally, you will find a set of tubes or holes that act as “musical instruments” and are designed to reduce the engine’s noise to a minimum.