After nearly six months after its competitors released their EPA-mandated exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) engines to meet Oct. ’02 emissions standards, Caterpillar has unveiled its much-anticipated Advanced Combustion Emissions Reduction Technology (ACERT) as an alternative to EGR in meeting emissions. Cat abandoned EGR in mid-production and instead invested in ACERT, which the company boldly claims does not bear many of the same concerns surrounding EGR such as fuel economy and long-term reliability, and will also lay the technological foundations for even more stringent EPA regulations in 2007.

The company refused to comment on the price of the engine, except to say it would sell it to OEMs “at a premium.”

The engine, unveiled yesterday at the Mid-America Truck show in Louisville, incorporates four core engine systems: fuel systems, air systems, electronics and aftertreatment. The technology will be available in the mid-range C7 (ratings from 190 to 330 hp and 520 to 860 lb-ft of torque); the C9 for on highway (275-400 hp with 860-1100 lb-ft of torque); the C11 (305-370 hp with 1050-1350 lb-ft of torque); and the two fleet and line-haul engines, the C13 (335-505 hp with 1350-1650 lb-ft of torque) and the C15 (435-550 hp with 1350-1850 lb-ft of torque). The engines will be available between October and December of this year.

ACERT technology uses a unique combustion process that incorporates sophisticated electric computer algorithms to identify the optimum settings for the lowest possible NOx emissions and fuel economy. Conventional, electronically wastegated turbochargers, coupled with hydraulic-assist valve control, yield an air management system, which recovers exhaust energy, improving fuel economy, and lowers in-cylinder combustion temperatures to improve emissions, the company says. “Our air system technology delivers cool, clean air into the combustion chamber, instead of recycled exhaust,” said John Campbell, director of Cat’s on-highway engine products. “This results in a reduction of oxides of nitrogen, as well as providing better fuel economy, improved response and additional engine braking capability.” Cat professes the system will deliver 3-5 per cent improved fuel economy over most EGR engines, which keeps it comparable to fuel performance of pre EPA-mandated engines.

The exhaust system also features a tailored aftertreatment system, which allows hydrocarbons and particulates in the exhaust to pass through the catalyst and chemically convert to carbon dioxide or water. Cat’s diesel oxidation catalyst consists of a substrate material core that provides the foundation for the wash coat and catalyst material that is used to speed up a chemical reaction. This emissions reduction system is incorporated into a muffler designed to each truck manufacturer’s requirements.

Caterpillar expects to accumulate more than 10 million miles of testing on engines with ACERT technology by the third quarter of 2003.