For Worldwide Release: October 2013
Release Number: GP13PR25
GCM34 series to improve performance, optimize load acceptance
Houston, TX – Caterpillar Global Petroleum is pleased to announce the release of significant upgrades to the industry leading Cat® GCM34 gas engine platform. Major upgrades to the GCM34 engine series include an enhanced control strategy with a new closed loop air fuel ratio feedback system to improve both performance and emissions control. The key control strategy changes have significantly improved the engine’s starting and load acceptance ability as well as heightened engine performance under varying site conditions. Additionally, upgrades to cylinder heads, check valves, gas admission valves and spark plugs offer extended maintenance intervals and improved durability.
Caterpillar is currently implementing the upgrades on GCM34 engines across North America, with the entire fleet expected to be outfitted by the end of 2013. Additionally, all future GCM34 gas compression engines will be equipped with the new configuration.
“It is essential that we consistently listen to our gas compression customers and continue to engineer our power solutions to outperform expectations in the field.” Wayne Longer, Caterpillar senior account manager stated. “Our customers want flexible power solutions that are optimized to perform anywhere in the world. We are committed to providing best-in-class iron to the gas compression marketplace and look forward to continuing to introduce responsive, relevant products to meet evolving needs.”
Initially introduced to the market in 2005, GCM34 engines have achieved over one million operating hours on 90 units installed throughout North America. The engine’s proven reliability onsite is recognized throughout the industry, with some of the oldest engines in the field population approaching 35,000 hours.
Built using the proven Cat diesel platform, the GCM34 engines are utilized in natural gas storage, natural gas pipeline compression and natural gas re-injection services around the world. Available in 12 and 16 cylinder configurations, the GCM34 engines provide 6135 bhp @ 750 rpm and 8180 bhp @ 750 rpm respectively. The engine has a speed turn down capability of 40 percent, delivering full rated torque from 450 to 750 rpm and is capable of operating continuously at loads as low as 50% throughout the same speed range. Additionally, the 16 cylinder engine has a mechanical efficiency of over 43 percent with fuel consumption rated at factor of 5860 btu/bhp-hr.
Caterpillar will be at the GMRC Gas Machinery Show, October 6-9th. Please stop by booth #221 to meet our industry experts. Additionally, please check the show agenda frequently as Caterpillar experts will be featured in numerous Technical Sessions. For up to the minute information at GMC, follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/caterpillaroilandgas & Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/catoilandgas, using #natgas. For more information on the gas compression solutions Caterpillar offers, please visit catoilandgasinfo.com.
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About Caterpillar Global Petroleum
Caterpillar Global Petroleum, Caterpillar Inc.’s oil and gas division with headquarters in Houston, Texas, groups all the sales and service activities for Cat oil and gas power solutions. Since the 1930s, Caterpillar has manufactured engines for the oilfield and today provides premier power solutions with outputs from 31 to 16,000 kW. The sales and service network includes more than 2,100 dealer locations world-wide dedicated to support customers in the drilling, production, well service and gas compression segments. More information is available at: http://www.catoilandgasinfo.com/pr
About Caterpillar
For more than 85 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making progress possible and driving positive and sustainable change on every continent. With 2012 sales and revenues of $65.875 billion, Caterpillar is a technology leader and the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, clean diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. More information is available at www.cat.com.
Press Inquiries
Caterpillar Press Relations:
Jenna Janik
Tel: +1.713.895.1449
Janik_Jenna_E@cat.com
