Caterpillar Oil & Gas Launches Tier 3 Offshore Engine

Caterpillar Oil and Gas has launched the IMO Tier 3 emissions certified C15 ACERT offshore engine rated at 403 bkW and 433 bkW.

The engine utilizes Caterpillar’s NO_x Reduction System (NRS) system to meet NO_x emissions levels needed to operate in regions where IMO Tier 3 emission regulations are required.

NRS technology is designed to limit the formation of NO_x by diluting the combustion mixture with inert exhaust gas, which lowers the excess oxygen and reduces peak combustion temperature, the company said. Since the 1970s, Caterpillar said it has utilized NRS technology for various applications across numerous industries which has resulted in decades of proven experience.

By integrating a NRS system, Caterpillar said it is providing a product that meets customer needs by maintaining performance and meeting regulatory emission requirements.

“This engine ensures that we continue to provide our customers with emissions compliant choices for their needs, with the same levels of performance and reliability that they’ve experienced with our IMO 2-certified engines,” said Raghvendra Vijaywargiya, offshore product definition manager for Caterpillar Oil & Gas.

The new C15 IMO Tier III comes factory certified and provides maximum installation flexibility and serviceability which is ideal for non-essential services such as crane duty on offshore rigs and platforms, the company said.

“While Caterpillar does use both NRS and SCR (selective catalytic reduction) technologies to meet emissions regulations dependent on the product application, NRS is the right choice for this offshore production application engine,” Vijaywargiya said. “The NRS solution allows the engine to be installed in tight installation spaces on deck while saving additional urea supply costs associated with SCR-based systems that are more suited for offshore drilling applications.”

In addition, safety is always built into the product design. Similar to the IMO 2 engine, this engine has an air shut-off valve that comes installed at the factory–a feature that is increasingly becoming a standard in the offshore industry, Vijaywargiya said.

The 15.2 L six-cylinder engine has a bore and stroke of 137 X 171 mm. The engine is 1438 mm long, has a width of 943-969 mm, height of 1239 to 1248 mm tall and weighs 1542 to 1666 kg.

The C15 IMO Tier III engine is available now for order through the Cat dealer network.