Recent Advances in Substrate Materials and Thermal Analysis of Catalytic Converters

Catalytic converters are employed in the automotive and chemical reactor application for reduction and oxidation of toxic by-products produced during the burning of fuels. Every industrial Nation is striving to achieve the stringent pollution norms for environment and safety. It has propelled the need to develop a simulated model of catalytic converter before being put in to action. This paper focusses on the history of development of the catalytic converter and the modifications taken place during the recent years. In earlier development ceramic and metallic monolith were used for making the substrate for catalytic convertor. In recent past, metallic foams were successfully tested for suitability as the alternative for the conventional substrate materials. An insight in to the pressure pattern, flow characteristics and the heat transfer capability of the catalytic converter shows that metallic foams have better heating ability which is convenient for cold starting of engines and improved heat transfer.