Cat submits ‘improved’ engines to EPA for Oct. 02 certification

PEORIA, Ill. (June 28, 2002) — Caterpillar said engines submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for certification will not meet tougher emissions restrictions that come into effect in October, meaning that the company will have to pay a fine for every one sold.

However, the engines will reduce emissions of pollutants that are harmful to the environment through the use of exhaust aftertreatment, changes in the turbocharger and fuel injection system, and the addition of a fuel temperature stabilization system.

Aftertreatment is accomplished through a proprietary Caterpillar technology called a diesel oxidation catalyst, one of the “building blocks” of the company’s Advanced Combustion Emissions Reduction Technology, or ACERT. ACERT engines will meet the new emissions standards but are not expected to be in full production until late 2003.

The diesel oxidation catalyst lowers emissions by converting carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbon in the diesel exhaust to water vapor and carbon dioxide. The catalyst has no moving parts, operates at normal exhaust temperatures, and the outer shell is constructed from stainless steel to ensure long life. The technology provides the additional benefit of lowering vehicle noise levels, Caterpillar said.

All engine ratings will use a Caterpillar diesel oxidation catalyst in a configuration determined by the truck manufacturer. Configurations can consist of either single or dual mufflers combined with a catalyst or independent catalytic converter. Each chassis is engineered with the appropriate catalyst for the installed engine.

Diesel oxidation catalysts were first introduced on Cat mid-range engines in 1994 and continue to be an integral component on the 3126E Clean Power engine, the company said. The technology for October 2002 engines is essentially the same as for today’s mid-range engines, sized for the C-10, C-12, and C-15.

Most other engine makers have opted to use exhaust gas recirculation, or EGR, to meet October 2002 emissions standards.