Inverse aspects of the three-way catalytic converter operation in the spark ignition engine

There are two sides of the catalyst operation: favourable and adverse. The positive side can be expressed by a conversion rate of harmful substances which is the principal parameter of catalyst work in respect of ecology. However, resistance of exhaust gas flow through the catalytic converter is also an essential problem. This is just the negative, adverse side of the converter operation. The catalytic converter can be treated as a local or linear resistance element of exhaust system. The first model, in which flow resistance generated by a catalyst is treated as local resistance, is more simplified. It is especially useful in case, when detailed constructional data of converter are unknown and the analysis of flow resistances in exhaust system is necessary. The basic measured quantity of flow resistance is pressure drop of exhaust gas within the catalyst. Next, on the basis of taken measurements also resistance number for the tested catalyst is calculated and analysed. Resistance number of the converter is calculated using Darcy model. In the second case, exhaust gas flow resistance through catalyst is treated as linear resistance with energy dissipation (linear frictional resistance) distributed linearly along way of exhaust gas flow. Friction number for the tested converter is calculated and analysed. The problem has been illustrated by the results of experimental researches of the three-way catalytic converter installed in the exhaust system of the spark ignition engine.