Catalysts in Diesel Engines: Features and Differences from Gasoline

Exhaust gas neutralizers for diesel and gasoline engines perform similar functions, but have significant differences in design and operating principles. These differences are due to the different composition of exhaust gases and the features of the fuel combustion process in these types of engines. Understanding these differences helps car owners properly operate and maintain their vehicles.

It is important for diesel vehicle owners to know the specifics of their purification systems for proper maintenance and timely replacement. If it is necessary to replace the used detail, it is useful to learn how to sell catalytic neutralizer on the service Autocatalyst, where they offer favorable conditions for the buyback of used devices and catalytic converter price calculator. Taking into account the content of precious metals, it can significantly offset the cost of buying a new element.

Specifics of diesel neutralizer operation

Diesel neutralizers have a more complex design than their gasoline counterparts. This is due to the peculiarities of the diesel engine itself, which operates on a depleted mixture and produces more nitrogen oxides and soot particles. Such features require a specialized approach to exhaust gas cleaning.

Unlike gasoline engines, diesels are typically equipped with a multi-stage cleaning system that may include an oxidation neutralizer, particulate filter and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. Each element is responsible for neutralizing a specific type of pollutant, making the system more efficient but also more difficult to maintain. Modern diesel cars can have up to four different components in the cleaning system.

The main differences from their gasoline counterparts

Diesel neutralizers have a number of features that are important to consider when operating the car:

• The temperature mode of operation differs significantly from gasoline systems diesel neutralizers begin to effectively clean gases at lower temperatures, which is due to the peculiarities of diesel combustion. However, the same feature makes them more vulnerable to clogging and contamination, especially during frequent short trips, when the system does not have time to warm up to the optimum temperature.

• The composition of the active layer in a diesel neutralizer contains more platinum and less rhodium compared to its gasoline counterparts. This is due to the need for more active oxidation of unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, which are less in diesel exhaust, but they are more difficult to neutralize. In addition, diesel systems often use additional rare metals to increase the efficiency of nitrogen oxide neutralization.

These differences make diesel exhaust systems more specific in maintenance and diagnostics.

Service life and signs of wear

Neutralizers for diesel engines usually last longer than their gasoline counterparts about 150-200 thousand kilometers versus 100-150 thousand. This is due to lower operating temperatures and less thermal stress on the materials. Nevertheless, the service life can vary significantly depending on the operating conditions and the quality of the fuel used.

However, diesel neutralizers are more likely to suffer from soot and oil deposits. Signs of wear can include increased fuel consumption, a drop in engine power, especially noticeable at low speeds, and the appearance of a characteristic knock when the engine is running. It is also worth paying attention to an increase in smoke and the appearance of errors in the on-board diagnostic system.