Cat® C15 ACERT™ IMO Tier II Hazardous Location Engine Now Available
In May 2011 the new Cat C15 Acert ATEX was introduced complimenting the C7 ACERT®, C9 ACERT and C32 ACERT which were introduced last year.
These engines have been designed to meet the requirements of the hazardous location environments often found in offshore applications.
These engines are required when running in an application where any ignition source from the engine such as hot skin temp or electrical arching could cause an explosion due to the hazardous chemicals or gases in the environment.
The Cat® hazardous location engines can be configured at the following ratings:
• C7 ACERT: 205, 230, 275 bhp at 2200 rpm
• C9 ACERT: 340 bhp at 2200 rpm
• C15 ACERT: 536 bhp (400 bkW) at 2000 rpm
• C32 ACERT: 800, 860, 920, 1100 bhp at 2100 rpm
These engines meet the most current land and offshore emissions requirements, including EPA Tier 3, EU Stage IIIA, IMO and EPA Marine Tier 2 emissions requirements. Additionally, with the use of the EPA Tier 4 flexibility provisions, the EPA Tier 3 ratings will be applicable for land based applications until 2018.
Among the advantages of using the C-series engines are:
Driving down total cost of ownership
- World-class reliability and durability
- Factory-certified engines reduce OEM’s overall certification costs
- Improved serviceability versus the competition
- Industry-leading component overhaul life
- Rugged Cat testing on all components improves uptime
Committed to Sustainable Development
- Meets today’s emissions requirements for well service applications
– IMO Tier II, Marine Tier 2, Marine Tier 3 capable
Background information
ACERT TECHNOLOGY LEADS THE WAY
ACERT Technology is a total systems solution concentrating on four key areas: (1) combustion technology, (2) fuel systems, (3) integrated and enhanced electronic engine controls, and (4) a simple, effective after-treatment system. This unique solution not only enables Cat engines to meet today’s clean air regulations while delivering higher customer value, it also establishes the building blocks for attaining tomorrow’s more stringent standards.
- Combustion Technology Series turbochargers force more cool, clean air into combustion chamber, while variable valve actuation controls air volume to reduce emissions
- Fuel System MEUI fuel system utilizes precise injection timing to lower peak cylinder temperatures, maximize fuel economy and lower emissions
- Engine Electronics Computer senses ever-changing conditions and synchronizes components to optimize power, fuel economy and emissions
- Aftertreatment Cat Diesel Oxidation Catalyst reduces particulates and hydrocarbons with no moving parts and no maintenance
ATEX
Any control equipment used to ensure the safe operation of equipment in a hazardous area falls within the scope of the ATEX Directive (94/9/EC). It combines two European Directives which are associated with equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres as well as people who work in these potentially explosive atmospheres.
The ATEX Directive is taking potentially explosive concentrations of gas, vapor or mist in the air as well as concentrations of dust into account. It also takes both electrical and mechanical sources of ignition into account.
The ATEX Directive also states minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers at risk from explosive atmospheres. The definition of an Explosive Atmosphere is the mixture of flammable substances in the form of gases, vapors, mists or dusts with air.
As a small footnote the term ATEX has been derived from the French title of the directive Appareils destinés à être utilisés en ATmosphères EXplosibles.