Is There a Difference Between a Three-Way Catalytic Converter and a Particulate Filter?

[Bob]

There are certain differences between a three-way catalytic converter and a particulate filter, as detailed below: 1. Different functions: The three-way catalytic converter reduces carbon monoxide (CO) to carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides (NOx) to nitrogen and oxygen, and hydrocarbons (HC) to carbon dioxide and water, thereby purifying vehicle exhaust. The particulate filter removes over 90% of mechanical impurities, colloids, asphaltenes, etc., from engine oil, ensuring maximum cleanliness of the oil and extending the engine's service life. 2. Different effects: If there are excessive and persistent particulate matter in emissions, stricter control of exhaust emissions is required, leading to the addition of a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) to the exhaust system. However, this device does not replace the three-way catalytic converter, as vehicle emissions also contain high levels of nitrogen oxides. Only through the effective decomposition of these oxides into nitrogen and oxygen by the three-way catalytic converter can the formation of acid rain be minimized.