The first restrictions on the composition of car exhaust gases appeared in the late sixties of the last century. Since then, the content of some harmful substances in the exhaust of cars has decreased tenfold, and tetraethyl lead has completely disappeared from their composition. But it is almost impossible to meet the requirements of modern standards without a significant improvement in the design of the car, including the installation of converters and filters in the exhaust system. How do they work?
A valuable agent
In 2021, another page in the history of car operation was turned over: leaded gasoline was no longer sold in Algeria. This North African country was the last state where it was allowed to use fuel with tetraethyl lead. In the rest of the world, such gasoline was banned a long time ago due to the damage done to exhaust gas converters.
The catalytic converter is a honeycomb structure, on the surface of which a thin layer of platinum, rhodium or palladium is applied in different proportions. These are very expensive metals — in many respects their price is connected precisely with the high demand from the automotive industry. They themselves do not interact with the exhaust gases passing through the converter, but work as catalysts for the chemical processes of converting harmful hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide into nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and water. The catalyst layer is very thin, and one neutralizer contains a total of about two grams of precious metals.
The catalytic converter was developed and patented in the USA in 1956, but it was only used in 1973 — it took time to organize the production of high-octane fuel without tetraethyl lead. This substance is used to increase the octane number of gasoline and, despite its very low content, quickly disables the converter — lead is deposited on the surface of the catalyst and prevents it from working. In Europe, catalytic converters have been mandatory for new cars with gasoline engines since 1993, and since 2000 the production and sale of leaded gasoline has been banned. In Russia, the production of fuel with lead began to be gradually reduced in the eighties, it was completely banned in 2002. Now neutralizers are installed on all new cars in the world.
Soot and particles of unburned fuel can settle on the surface of the catalyst and reduce its effectiveness — although not as drastically as tetraethyl lead. Since the engine management system also receives information about the composition of the exhaust gases, the poor quality of their purification can lead to a deterioration in engine performance.
Take care of the particulate filter
Converters were first used on gasoline engines, since there were more passenger cars than commercial vehicles and almost all of them ran on gasoline. Therefore, the contribution of gasoline engines to air pollution at the end of the 20th century was significantly greater. In addition, diesel exhaust gases contain less carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide) than gasoline. But they have more nitrogen oxides and particulate matter (soot). Therefore, the design of converters for a diesel engine is different, and besides, it needs a particulate filter. Now they are installed on all new cars. Particulate filters have a self-cleaning mode, but due to the peculiarities of the diesel operating cycle, this mode requires a long, uniform movement to turn on, which rarely happens with a car in an urban rhythm of movement. So for efficient operation of the filters, it is also desirable to reduce the formation of soot.
Particulate filters are also installed on cars with gasoline engines, especially those with direct fuel injection. Although cleaning the filter on such vehicles is easier — it can be done automatically during normal driving.
Ecology and economy
To reduce these contaminants, maintain the efficiency and extend the life of catalytic converters and particulate filters, engine oil manufacturers are developing special products with reduced levels of sulphated ash, phosphorus and sulfur. Mobil 1™ fully synthetic motor oils include products in the Fuel Economy and Aftertreatment System Protection category, which include the abbreviation ESP — Emission System Protection. These oils contribute to fuel economy, protect the engine over a wide range of temperatures and operating conditions, and help prevent deposits in the engine so that the engine always runs like new. A balanced package of additives reduces the harmful effects of acids formed during the combustion of fuel — so that the oil lasts longer without losing its original qualities.
Mobil 1™ ESP X2 0W-20 provides improved fuel economy performance. This oil was used in a record-setting race when a Range Rover Sport traveled 1,127 kilometers on one tank. According to the results of this run, the average fuel consumption was 4% lower than indicated by the manufacturer. Approved by Mercedes-Benz B 229.71, Porsche C20, Volkswagen 508 00/509 00, GM dexos®D. Meets ACEA C5, API SN Plus, SP requirements.
Mobil 1™ ESP 5W-30 is suitable for gasoline and diesel engines. The oil is designed for operation in difficult conditions. Approvals include Porsche C30, Volkswagen 504 00/507 00, GM dexos®2, Mercedes-Benz 229.31, 229.51, 229.52, and PSA B 71 2290 and 71 2297. Complies with ACEA C2, C3, API SN.
Mobil 1™ ESP 0W-30 extends engine life and provides fast starting at low temperatures. The oil has the approvals of Mercedes-Benz 229.31, 229.51 and 229.52, Volkswagen 504 00/507 00, and Porsche C30. Meets ACEA C2, C3, API SN requirements.
Mobil 1™ ESP LV 0W-30 promotes engine performance and fuel economy. Approved by Volvo 95200377, BMW Longlife-12 FE, Mercedes-Benz 229.61 and ACEA A5/B5, C2, API SN
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Mobil 1™ ESP X3 0W-40 is recommended for use in powerful petrol engines equipped with the latest diesel particulate filters (GFP). The oil was created on the basis of the latest technologies in cooperation with Porsche specialists and has the approval of the Porsche C40. The oil has also been approved by Mercedes-Benz 229.31, 229.51 and 229.52, GM dexos®2 and Volkswagen 511 00. It meets the requirements of ACEA C3, API SN Plus.
Learn more about industrial specifications in our training videos: www. youtube.com/watch?v=W8actL6cE70, www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyLmhhA3Tcg