Starting with the 1975 model year, most California light duty vehicles came equipped with the catalytic converter as part of the emission control system. The catlytic converter is installed in the vehicle's exhaust system, upstream of the muffler. It promotes the burning of the hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions from the engine, transforming them into relatively harmless carbon dioxide and water. Heat is generated in this oxidation process. The amount is dependent upon the combustible content of the exhaust gas entering the converter, the nature of the combustion product, and the air supply. With a normally functioning vehicle, the amount of combustible emissions is low and the heat generated, therefore, is relatively low. The harder the converter has to work to oxidize emissions, the hotter it becomes. In early 1975 both industry and government became concerned nationwide over fire incidents allegedly attributed to the catalytic converter. In light of this concern, in June of 1975 a Task Force was established through the Governor's Office to investigate the situation and determine whether a problem does in fact exist.
Catalytic Converter Investigation
1976
14 pages
Report
No indication
English
Transportation Safety , Air Pollution & Control , Combustion & Ignition , Automobiles , Hydrocarbons , Carbon monoxide , Fire safety , Air pollution control , California , Temperature measurement , Combustion , Exhaust emissions , Exhaust systems , Catalytic reactors(Exhaust systems) , Light duty vehicles
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