Caterpillar has submitted its October 2002 heavy duty engine line for Environmental Protection Agency certification. The engines lower emissions, but still not enough to meet the EPA’s 2002 emissions levels, meaning Cat will have to pay a fine for every one sold.

The technology used in the engines incorporates “building blocks” of Caterpillar’s Advanced Combustion Emissions Reduction Technology. ACERT engines, which will meet the new emissions standards, are expected to be in full production in late 2003 and will meet emissions regulations up through 2006, but they won’t be ready for this October. Most other engine makers have opted to use exhaust gas recirculation, or EGR, to meet October 2002 emissions standards.
The engine line Caterpillar is submitting to the EPA will use aftertreatment technology as well as changes in the turbocharger and fuel injection system, and the addition of a fuel temperature stabilization system.
Aftertreatment is accomplished through a proprietary Caterpillar technology called a diesel oxidation catalyst. This 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.
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 2002 engines is essentially the same as for today’s mid-range engines, sized for the C-10, C-12 and C-15.