Retrofit Kit For Prior-Tier Engines
Caterpillar is announcing plans to launch a series of kits to upgrade MUI engines to either EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Tier 1 emissions level or EPA Tier 2 emissions level. Through an overhaul, the kits will allow marine engine operators of Cat MUI engines to comply with the EPA Marine Remanufacturing Program. Retrofit kits will be available through the Cat global dealer network beginning later in 2010.
Testing of the engine retrofit kits has been taking place throughout the United States supported in part by government grants. This money has supported three private marine operators in the overhaul, upgrade, and testing of their engines all in verification of emissions reductions. The vessel operators have reported positive responses to the engines by reducing smoke and emissions output with positive impacts on vessel performance.
With thousands of engines still in operation that were produced before emissions regulations were in effect, Caterpillar Marine Power Systems and Caterpillar Emissions Solutions have been working for nearly two years to design engine retrofit kits. These kits will allow customers to upgrade Mechanical Unit Injector (MUI) engines to reduce emissions to EPA regulated levels. The EPA is now focusing on unregulated or prior-tier engines through the Marine Remanufacture Program.
“Despite the variety of technologies which could be used to affect the requisite reductions in particulate matter, Caterpillar believes the engine retrofit option will prove most beneficial to our customers” , notes Terry Sears, Caterpillar Emissions Solutions Product Manager. “By upgrading a mechanical engine to an electronic engine, the operator will gain smoother operation, easier diagnostics, and improved fuel economy above and beyond reducing emissions. The ease of installation is also another win because the entire retrofit can be accomplished in hull without major modification of the design or structure of the vessel.”