Cat Carves Its Own Path

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PEORIA, Ill. – Unlike most other engine manufacturers, Caterpillar opted against Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) in favour of its own Advanced Combustion Emission Reduction Technology (ACERT) solution.

The company invested more than $500 million developing the technology, which it believes is more effective at reducing emissions while maintaining strong performance and resale value.

“When the time came to explore new emissions solutions, Caterpillar engineers looked at several different technologies, including cooled EGR. But as testing and evaluation proceeded, it quickly became apparent that cooled EGR did not meet value expectations Cat was famous for,” Steve Brown, on-highway marketing manager, Caterpillar Power Systems marketing division told Truck News.

“ACERT technology is not a single component, but a total “systems solution.”

“ACERT technology reduces emissions at the point of combustion by concentrating on four key areas: combustion air technology, fuel injection systems, totally integrated and enhanced electronic engine controls and a simple, yet effective, after-treatment process.”

Cat’s full-blown ACERT engines haven’t been in the marketplace for as long as the EGR-equipped 02-compliant engines, but the company says customer acceptance of those engines that are in place has been good.

Full ACERT engines weren’t available until January, 2003, beginning with the C9.

However, all 3126E, C-10, C-12 and C-15 engines sold as of Oct./02 did have some degree of ACERT on-board.

Most recently, the C-13 was EPA-approved for 2004’s tougher emissions standards.

“With the certification of this engine, we are another step closer to full certification of truck and bus engines with ACERT,” said Richard L. Thompson, Caterpillar group president with responsibility for the company’s engine division. “Caterpillar employees have worked very hard to bring this new technology to market. We are pleased to report that the introduction of this technology is fully on schedule and that customer acceptance of the new engines is very strong.”

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