MOSSVILLE, Ill. — Caterpillar has submitted its October ’02 heavy-duty engine line for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification.

The product line features a number of technology enhancements to ensure Cat engines continue to provide excellent reliability, durability, performance and operating cost while lowering emissions.

“Design changes in the turbocharger and fuel injection system, as well as the addition of a fuel temperature stabilization system and proven aftertreatment technology, will lower emissions while maintaining the exceptional performance and operating cost truck owners require,” says John Campbell, director of Caterpillar On-Highway Engine Products.

The improved Cat engines will use aftertreatment, which is accomplished through a proprietary Caterpillar technology called a diesel oxidation catalyst. This unique system 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.

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.

Aftertreatment technology is not new to Caterpillar — in fact, 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 technology for October is essentially the same as for today’s mid-range engines, sized for the C-10, C-12 and C-15.

“Over the past decade, our aftertreatment technology has proven to reduce emissions without sacrificing durability, fuel economy or increasing maintenance costs,” Campbell adds.

The enhanced technology incorporated on these engines includes building blocks of Caterpillar’s Advanced Combustion Emissions Reduction Technology (ACERT). ACERT technology is a systems solution combining breakthrough combustion technology with advanced fuel and air systems technologies, new integrated Cat electronics and an aftertreatment solution. ACERT will meet emissions regulations up through 2006 and is a solid foundation for meeting future emissions regulations.