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The catalytic converter is an expensive part of the car. But it retains its high value even after its failure. That’s why it is always possible to sell a non-working exhaust converter through AutoCatalystMarket.
Let’s examine what is the secret of such a demand for non-working parts. And also in this article, we will talk about why cars are equipped with a catalytic converter and what are the design features of this unit of the exhaust system.
What does the catalytic converter consist of and what are its functions
In order to find out the reasons for the value of non-working catalytic converters, it is necessary to understand their design features. An exhaust gas converter consists of three main parts:
stainless steel outer shell;
thermal insulation layer;
inner unit.
The first two elements are very simple and do not represent any interest for the buyers. But the internal block has a more complex structure and it is responsible for the purification of harmful substances in the exhaust.
This part is made of ceramic. In rare cases, the internal block can be metal. But such parts are made mainly for sports cars participating in competitions.
It is the ceramic exhaust converters that interest the buyers. But the ceramic itself has practically no value. Rare-earth metals from the platinum group, such as platinum, rhodium and palladium, are used in the catalytic converter. They are the ones that determine the value of each part.
The inner block of the catalytic converter has a cylinder shape with a large number of longitudinal channels. A thin layer of the above mentioned precious metals is applied on their inner surface. At temperatures above 300 degrees Celsius, the toxic substances present in the exhaust gases react chemically with the catalytic coating and are converted into relatively harmless substances for the environment.
But as a rule, catalytic converters fail before the precious metals are completely used up. Therefore, the residual amount of platinum, rhodium, palladium and some other elements determines the price a buyer will pay for a non-working exhaust converter.
Is it possible to extract precious metals from a catalytic converter on your own
It is strongly not recommended to try to separate precious metals from the main mass of the catalytic converter at home. Toxic substances accumulate in the converter and may be harmful to your health. In addition, this process is very complicated.
Large enterprises, thanks to modern equipment, are able to profitably extract rare-earth metals. But at home, even with the right skills in the field of chemistry, you will have to spend money on reagents. As a result, the benefit of such manipulations will be less than the amount spent for it.
Therefore, it is theoretically possible to extract precious metals from a catalytic converter at home. But it is safer and more profitable to sell the non-working part via AutocatalystMarket.
And at the first signs of damage you should apply to a car repair shop and carry out diagnostics of the car. After all, operating the car in such conditions can lead to other breakdowns.
Keyword: Catalytic Converter: Function and Design Features