How is the vehicle’s exhaust system built?

The exhaust system is the basic element of every vehicle, moreover, without its correct operation, the car is not able to function. What are the exact elements included in the exhaust system?

The exhaust system includes, among others: exhaust manifold, muffler and exhaust pipe. In addition, the system includes a catalyst with a lambda sensor, and in the case of modern diesel engines, the exhaust system includes a particulate filter.

EXHAUST MANIFOLD

The exhaust manifold is the first element of this system. It is mounted directly to the engine block and its function is to collect exhaust from the engine cylinders. Then “transports” the exhaust to one pipe. In the case of an engine with a diesel unit in the intake manifold, we find the turbocharger drive nozzle. In addition, a lambda probe can be installed in the exhaust manifold.

LAMBDA PROBE

Lambda probe is an electronic sensor responsible for exhaust gas measurement. Its task is to compare the oxygen content in the exhaust with the oxygen content in the atmospheric air, which is why it is responsible for determining the composition of the fuel and air mixture. One part of the probe is inside the exhaust system and the other part outside. In the case of modern vehicles, we can meet two Lambda probes. The first one is placed in front of the catalyst and the second behind it. The first probe is responsible for the analysis of the composition of the mixture and has an impact on determining the composition of the fuel-air mixture, while the second is a reporting function and supervises the operation of the exhaust gas treatment system.

CATALYST

The catalytic converter, in fact the catalytic converter, is responsible for the purification of exhaust gases coming out of the drive unit of the car. Exhaust gas purification is possible due to chemical reactions occurring in it, which reduce harmful substances. Good technical condition is the key to success in meeting emission standards. What’s more, its poor technical condition affects the deterioration of the engine’s operation.

SOUND MISTS

The next part of the exhaust system are silencers connected to the catalyst by means of the exhaust pipe. In most cases, two silencers are installed in the exhaust systems, one after the other. Why? Because the first of them is an absorption silencer, whose task is to suppress high sound frequencies. The second silencer is most often a chamber silencer responsible for attenuation of low sound frequencies.

PARTICLE FILTER

Diesel particulate filter found on vehicles fitted with a diesel engine. Most probably already from 2018, the diesel particulate filter can be found in most vehicles with gasoline engines. The diesel particulate filter is a device for reducing emissions of environmentally harmful soot. It is installed just after the catalytic converter. In its interior we find a system of ducts that allow the flow of exhaust gas, during this time they are filtered, resulting in the deposition of soot particles in the filter.

FINAL MEMBRANE

The final silencer is an element as the name suggests at the end of the exhaust system. Its presence in the system is necessary for the exhaust gas treatment process in the system to function properly. What’s more, the final silencer has a direct effect on reducing the noise level.

The basic tasks of the exhaust system are to properly discharge exhaust gases from the engine, so that the engine is able to function properly. In addition, the exhaust system significantly reduces the amount of harmful gases released into the atmosphere and reduces the amount of noise during engine operation.