QAZRUSENG
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31 шілде 2024

Catalytic converters have saved some cities from air pollution, and that is no exaggeration. Catalytic converters, commonly known simply as “catalysts,” were an almost revolutionary invention that played an important role in improving air quality. Comprehensive and consistent policies implemented by the city administration have virtually eliminated air pollution in New York. Today, the annual average PM2.5 concentration in Almaty’s air is 200–300% higher than in New York. Catalytic converters were an important part of this effort and significantly accelerated reductions in vehicle emissions in the city. Catalytic converters were first introduced into the automotive industry in the mid-1970s. Catalytic converters are devices used in vehicle exhaust systems to reduce harmful emissions. They play an important role in minimizing air pollution by converting toxic gases and pollutants in engine exhaust into less harmful substances before they are released into the atmosphere. Since the 1990s, catalytic converters have become mandatory in vehicle manufacturing, including in developing countries. Properly functioning catalytic converters neutralize more than 90% of pollutants in vehicle exhaust. Despite this technological breakthrough of the last century, polluting vehicles remain a serious problem in Almaty. Why has this happened? Let’s take a closer look. We spoke with employees of automotive service centers who directly repair and maintain exhaust systems, including catalytic converters. According to their estimates, at least 40% of vehicles in the city are not equipped with catalytic converters. Some service centers provided even higher estimates, suggesting a figure of 70%. According to preliminary estimates, approximately half of the vehicles on the city’s roads operate without functioning catalytic converters. After carefully examining the issue, we identified the following causes and underlying factors contributing to the catalytic converter problem. Reasons why people drive without catalytic converters: Wear and tear: its causes and replacement costs Selling the precious metals contained in catalytic converters Underlying factors contributing to the problem: Socioeconomic conditions Ineffective vehicle inspections Lack of an effective mechanism for identifying high-emission vehicles Let us examine each of these causes and underlying factors in greater detail to understand how they affect the situation and what can be done to address the problem. I: Wear and Tear: Causes and Replacement Costs Under normal operating conditions, the average service life of a catalytic converter is 10–12 years (or 150,000–250,000 kilometers), after which it needs to be replaced. Several factors affect its lifespan, including operating conditions (mountainous or flat terrain), regularity of vehicle maintenance, and weather conditions. These factors are particularly important in Almaty. The city is located in mountainous terrain, which increases the load on vehicle catalytic converters. In addition, many vehicle owners do not always follow recommendations for regular maintenance, further aggravating the problem. As a result, the combination of these factors makes the timely replacement and proper disposal of catalytic converters an important issue for the city. According to the automotive service workers we interviewed, poor fuel quality at city gas stations plays a particularly important role in catalytic converter wear, leading to frequent replacements. Indeed, high sulfur and lead content in gasoline can contribute to catalytic converter deterioration by clogging pores and damaging precious-metal coatings. However, there are no recent, reliable, publicly available findings from independent studies of gasoline quality in Almaty. In 2017, Akmaral Kalmuratova, Director of the ORGANIC Independent Petroleum Products Expertise Center, stated that Kazakhstan lacked comprehensive and reliable fuel quality inspections at gas stations. She also noted that products from Kazakhstan’s mini-refineries (oil refineries with capacities of up to 1 million tonnes of crude oil per year) did not meet established standards and required thorough quality inspections. Due to the noncompliance of fuel produced by mini-refineries, the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan began revoking production certificates from certain mini-refineries in early 2024. To better understand fuel quality in the city, Almaty Air Initiative is conducting an independent study as part of its work. We will share the findings of this research in the near future. Because catalytic converters have a limited service life, they must be replaced in a timely manner. Replacing a catalytic converter at an automotive service center in Almaty can cost anywhere from 85,000 to one million tenge. Replacement costs vary considerably depending on the country of manufacture of the new converter and the number of converters required. Timely replacement is essential for maintaining efficient vehicle operation and ensuring that exhaust emissions comply with environmental requirements. According to official statistics, 58% of all registered vehicles in Almaty are more than 10 years old (with more than half of these over 20 years old), while three out of five vehicles in the Almaty Region are more than 20 years old. Against this background, the problem of outdated and ineffective catalytic converters becomes particularly acute. The D. V. Sokolsky Institute of Fuel, Catalysis and Electrochemistry, which develops catalytic converters, says it has a solution involving locally manufactured products. The Almaty-based institute has developed metal-based catalytic converters (unlike competitors’ ceramic-based products) containing chromium and aluminum alloys and coatings made of precious metals, including platinum, which allow exhaust gases to be cleaned effectively. The institute has also compared the effectiveness of its converters with competing products. According to its Deputy Director General, the institute’s converters perform just as well. In addition, the institute offers its catalytic converters for approximately 140,000 tenge, significantly less than original parts from manufacturers in neighboring countries, whose products cost approximately 160–180 tenge or more. However, cheaper catalytic converters from Chinese manufacturers can also be found on the market, including on Kaspi, for 60,000–65,000 tenge. The institute also reported that its developments are being actively introduced to the market and used by various automotive service centers in the region. II: Selling the Precious Metals Contained in Catalytic Converters Some vehicle owners sell their catalytic converters because they contain precious metals — palladium, platinum, and rhodium (a total of 4–11 grams). A vehicle can operate without a catalytic converter, and removing this component does not affect its driving performance or power. However, its absence increases exhaust pollutant emissions, including pollutants that enter the vehicle’s interior and can be detected as odors inside the car. According to Alexander Lyuty, an administrator at the Avtovykhlop service center, this affects the driver’s health. The high value of catalytic converters has created an entire industry dedicated to collecting them, encouraging vehicle owners to turn to collection points. On olx.kz, there are more than 100 advertisements for catalytic converter collection in Almaty alone. Most are posted by various automotive service centers that offer to remove catalytic converters from vehicles without providing repair services or installing replacements. Instead, these service centers offer to install an oxygen sensor simulator*. *An oxygen sensor simulator (lambda sensor spacer or emulator) is a device that modifies the signal from the downstream oxygen sensor when a vehicle’s catalytic converter has failed or been removed. It can be mechanical, in the form of a metal spacer, or electronic, in the form of a circuit-board module (emulator). Our team called the numbers listed in these advertisements, posing as customers, to study the sales process in detail and gain a deeper understanding of the situation. We share our findings below: a catalytic converter that retains its original factory weight can be sold for up to 30,000 tenge per kilogram. More specialized exhaust system service centers offer to install a flame arrester in the exhaust system or replace the catalytic converter with a new one, but such services are rare. Employees at several automotive service centers reported that entire taxi fleets had approached them to remove catalytic converters from new vehicles in bulk for resale. Similar requests were made by drivers of rental vehicles. The high precious-metal content and ease of resale also create opportunities for criminal activity. Catalytic converters are stolen both within the city and during vehicle imports — either in transit or by sellers in the exporting country. There have been cases in Almaty where dishonest automotive service employees removed catalytic converters from unsuspecting customers’ vehicles. Catalytic converter theft is a global problem and is not unique to Kazakhstan. Because catalytic converters do not significantly affect vehicle driving performance, their absence is not immediately noticeable. In addition to causing substantial environmental harm, a missing or malfunctioning catalytic converter can negatively affect the engine and other vehicle systems, potentially increasing fuel consumption. Exceeding exhaust emission limits is also punishable under Article 334 of Kazakhstan’s Code of Administrative Offenses, with fines currently starting at 10 monthly calculation indices (MCI), or 36,920 tenge, as well as a requirement to restore the catalytic converter’s functionality. Thus, the problem not only harms the environment but can also create various difficulties for vehicles and their owners. Employees at collection points reported that catalytic converters obtained through various methods are subsequently sent to recycling plants in Europe, where precious metals are extracted. This is where the life cycle of catalytic converters from Kazakhstan’s vehicles ends. Underlying Factors Contributing to the Problem Socioeconomic Conditions In countries with higher levels of prosperity, heavily polluting vehicles are less common. This is because vehicles in these countries are generally replaced with newer models before their catalytic converters reach the end of their service life. In countries with lower levels of prosperity, an informal market for older vehicles is widespread. In many cases, these vehicles, often imported from abroad, already have worn-out or removed catalytic converters, further aggravating air pollution. Moreover, due to financial constraints and limited awareness, the owners of such vehicles cannot always afford to install new catalytic converters or do not consider it necessary. According to UNDP data, 80% of used passenger vehicles exported from wealthy countries (Europe, the United States, and Japan) do not meet the minimum safety and environmental standards of the exporting countries. These vehicles subsequently end up in poorer countries in South America, Africa, and Asia, including Kazakhstan. In addition to contributing to road accidents, they cause greater air pollution and make a significant contribution to climate change. Ineffective Vehicle Inspections Annual technical inspections are mandatory for vehicles older than seven years in Kazakhstan and are intended to identify defective vehicles, including those that do not meet environmental requirements. The poor quality of vehicle inspections in Kazakhstan is no secret. As we previously noted in our study of vehicle inspections (link), many inspection centers do not actually examine vehicles, preventing the detection of defects, including missing or worn-out catalytic converters. Passing a technical inspection using only photographs remains a reality in Kazakhstan. As a result, the main mechanism for addressing high-emission vehicles fails to perform its intended function: outdated and heavily polluting vehicles remain on the roads, and the situation worsens year after year, with cumulative effects. Lack of an Effective Mechanism for Identifying Vehicles That Exceed Emission Limits Nineteen environmental checkpoints outside the city selectively stop vehicles for exhaust toxicity testing, primarily older cars. This creates a «poverty tax» effect because these vehicles are more likely to exceed permissible emission limits. At the same time, high-emission vehicles operating within the city that do not pass through these checkpoints remain unchecked, which is unfair. Considering that approximately 400,000 vehicles enter Almaty every day, inspecting only a few dozen vehicles at environmental checkpoints is a drop in the ocean. Moreover, even new vehicles with removed catalytic converters can exceed permissible emission levels, yet they are not inspected at these checkpoints. International Experience Catalytic converters were introduced into the automotive industry in the mid-1970s. Initial demand for these devices was driven by growing awareness of environmental pollution and the introduction of regulatory measures, such as the Clean Air Act in the United States. This law required substantial reductions in vehicle emissions to improve air quality. Catalytic converters were developed to meet the new standards by converting pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides into less harmful substances, including carbon dioxide, water vapor, and nitrogen. The introduction of catalytic converters has had a significant impact on reducing air pollution in many countries around the world. In the United States, for example, their widespread use led to noticeable reductions in smog and pollution in urban areas. European countries experienced similar improvements, particularly in reducing nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbon emissions. The widespread use of catalytic converters was made possible by strict emission standards. By the 1990s, governments around the world had mandated that all new vehicles be equipped with these devices to comply with emission regulations. Challenges and Successes in Developing Countries Despite the significant progress made by developed countries in combating air pollution, developing countries continue to face serious challenges. High installation and maintenance costs, weak enforcement of emission standards, and the prevalence of older vehicles without catalytic converters create substantial barriers. The use of counterfeit or low-quality catalytic converters further reduces the effectiveness of emission controls. Nevertheless, some developing countries have made progress in addressing these challenges. Mexico City, home to 20 million people, is the world’s second-largest city after Tokyo. It is also located in a valley where polluted air tends to become trapped. As a result, the city has long struggled with air pollution that negatively affects public health. In the 1990s, health problems in Mexico City became so severe that the government was forced to take action. Emission standards were introduced, and vehicles were required to undergo technical inspections twice a year. Comprehensive Pollutant Emissions Reduction Program (Programa Integral de Reducción de Emisiones Contaminantes — PIREC): As part of this program, a pilot project was implemented in the second half of 2014, providing free catalytic converter replacements for passenger vehicles older than 15 years (30,221 converters were installed), as well as replacements for newer vehicles whose catalytic converters were found to be defective during technical inspections (14,703 converters). Seven companies and 126 automotive service centers participated in the project. The program was accompanied by stronger enforcement of annual vehicle inspections. The introduction and monitoring of catalytic converters became an important part of Mexico City’s efforts to improve air quality, but they represented only one component of a comprehensive air pollution control program. We have summarized the key elements of this long-term program below: 1/ Monitoring and Forecasting: The city established an extensive air quality monitoring system and emissions inventory, enabling authorities to inform the public and develop effective pollution control measures. Since 2017, an air quality forecasting system has been in operation, providing warnings about high pollution levels 24 hours in advance. 2/ Technical Measures: Removal of lead from gasoline Mandatory installation of catalytic converters in vehicles Reduction of sulfur content in diesel fuel Closure of oil refineries and transition to natural gas. 3/ Transport Emission Controls: Strengthening vehicle emission controls through technology and monitoring programs. Introducing hybrid and electric taxis and improving public transport, including expansion of the Metrobús network. Introducing the Ecobici bike-sharing program and pedestrian zones. 4/ Energy-Efficient Buildings and Renewable Energy: Installation of solar panels and water heating systems in government institutions. 5/ Waste Management and Agricultural Waste Burning: A program to improve solid waste collection and disposal, including the potential use of landfill gases for energy generation. Regulating agricultural waste burning through preventive measures and the establishment of buffer zones between agricultural and forested areas. These measures enabled Mexico City to significantly reduce air pollution. As a result, the city received international recognition and was awarded a C40 prize for improving air quality. This recognition was associated with significant progress in reducing emissions of lead, SO₂, CO₂, and PM10. Recommendations from Almaty Air Initiative Based on the information collected and a broader literature review, the following recommendations can be proposed for Almaty to address the catalytic converter problem: Vehicle inspections: Strengthen the role of technical inspections and enforcement of mandatory vehicle checks, with particular attention to the presence and proper functioning of catalytic converters. Ensure that inspections are conducted thoroughly and cannot be bypassed through corruption or inadequate inspection practices. Education: Launch public awareness campaigns about the environmental and health benefits of catalytic converters and the legal consequences of removing them. Provide information about the potential health effects of increased air pollution caused by catalytic converter removal, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Incentives: Introduce subsidies or financial incentives for vehicle owners to replace or repair catalytic converters, particularly for low-income individuals. Fuel: Ensure that fuel sold in Almaty meets high quality standards, particularly regarding sulfur and lead content, as fuel quality can significantly reduce the lifespan and effectiveness of catalytic converters. Regularly monitor and report on fuel quality in the city and introduce penalties for sellers who fail to comply with established standards. Stricter import requirements: Strengthen environmental compliance requirements for imported vehicles to prevent the large-scale import of high-emission vehicles into Kazakhstan. Combating organized crime: Address organized criminal activity at every stage of the illegal catalytic converter trade, from those who steal converters to those involved in their subsequent disposal and recycling. Public transport: Invest in improving public transport infrastructure to reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads and thereby lower overall emissions.

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