Month: May 2026

Catalytic Converters

Catalytic Converters

Catalytic Converters

05/02/26

“How can we convert harmful emission gases into safer ones?”

Combustion activity may release dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, and hydrocarbons. However, what if we were to create a machine that uses a catalyst to turn these gases into something safer? Wel, this exists in the form of Catalytic Converters. Combustion exhaust gas first pases through a reducing part of the converter where nitrogen oxides are separated into nitrogen and oxygen gas. Afterwards, an oxidization component adds the oxygens gasto the carbon monoxidde and hydrocarbons to create CO2 and H2O. 

Packed Beds

Packed Beds

Packed Beds

05/01/26

“Why do hollow tubes filled with packed materials have special properties?”

People often want to mix two phases of chemicals together for a chemical reaction. So how can we maximize surface contact between these distinct phases? Well, what if we were to take a hollow tube, and then pack reactive solids inside, and then flush a fluid through the hollow tube? These Packed Beds are a mainstay of chemical engineering and power some of the most important processes today, whether it’s sand filters for drinking water or activated carbon for wastewater.

Image credit: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/