184000289 - 1080B EXHAUST EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM

LAMBDA SENSOR

SPECIFICATIONS

They are the 'planar' type and the first one is fitted downstream of the catalyzer and the second one in the downstream section. Their task is to inform the injection control unit of the progress of the combustion (stoichiometric ratio) and the operating condition of the catalyatic converter.To obtain an optimum mixture, the quantity of air drawn in by the engine is the same as the theoretical quantity that would be needed to burn all the injected fuel.In this case the Lambda factor (λ) the ratio between the quantity of air drawn in and the theoretical quantity of air (needed to burn all the injected fuel), is 1.

Thus:

  • λ = 1 ideal mixture
  • λ > 1 lean mixture
  • λ < 1 rich mixture
a, Rich mixture (too little air)b, Lean mixture (too much air)The Lambda probe, placed in contact with the exhaust gases, generates an electrical signal whose voltage depends on the concentration of oxygen present in the gases.This voltage undergoes a sudden variation when the composition of the mixture moves away from the value λ = 1.The heating of the Lambda probe is managed by the fuel injection control unit in relation to the exhaust gas temperature.This avoids thermal shocks on the ceramic casing due to the contact with condensed water, present in the exhaust gases when the engine is cold.The measuring cell and heater are built into the 'planar' (stratified) ceramic element, with the advantage of obtaining quick heating of the cell, thus permitting a closed loop' check (λ = 1 within 10 seconds of engine start-up.
1, Connecting element2, Protective sleeve3, Planar sensor element4, Ceramic tube casing5, Sensor housing6, Ceramic seal7, Protective tubeThe operation of the Lambda probe is based on the principle of an oxygen concentration cell with solid electrolyte.The surfaces of the measuring cell are coated with microporous layers of noble material.
1, Exhaust gases2, Passage of reference air3, Heater4, Lambda probe voltage

Electrical specifications

  • Heater supply: 12V
  • Heater resistance: 0.5 - 1 kOhm.

CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

The three-way catalytic converter simultaneously reduces the three polluting gases present in the exhaust gases:

  • unburnt hydrocarbons (HC);
  • carbon monoxide (CO);
  • nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Two types of chemical reactions take place in the converter:

  • oxidation of the CO and HC, converted into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O)
  • reduction of the NOx converted into nitrogen (N2).
The converter consists of a monolith, a metal mesh support for damping impacts and vibrations and an outer stainless steel housing resistent to high temperatures and atmospheric agents.The monolith consists of a honeycomb structure comprising a ceramic material coated with a very thin layer of catalytically active substances, platinum or rhodium. These accelerate the chemical decomposition of the harmful substances contained in the exhaust gases which, passing through the core cells at temperatures of over 300°-350°C, activate the catalyzers, thus starting the oxidoreduction reactions.To optimze the efficiency and duration of the catalyzer, a perforated plate metal cone improves the diffusion of the exhaust gases in the cells of the ceramic core.
The noble metals contained in the catalytic converter, because of the high temperature, are chemically attacked if lead is present. For this reason the use of petrols containing lead should be avoided, otherwise the converter will be quickly and irreversibly damaged. Never use petrol containing lead, not even in an emergency or for a very short time.
1, Ceramic monolith2, Metal support3, Outer casing4, Perforated plate metal cone