September 2010 Vol. 237 No. 9

TechNotes

12-, 16-Cylinder Versions Of Low Emission Compressor Engine Unveiled

Dresser Waukesha has introduced 12-cylinder and 16-cylinder versions of its 275GL Series engine. The 16V275GL+ high-performance engine (16 cylinders) was rolled out in April and its sister 12-cylinder version was unveiled in late July. Both are for gas compression applications and are said to offer class-leading power and low emissions levels.

The 16V275GL+ is designed to help improve productivity and reduce fuel costs while meeting the new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for NOx, CO and VOC emissions which became effective July 1.

The company says the engine is capable of 0.5 g/bhp-hr NOx, 1.8 g/bhp-hr CO and 0.7 g/bhp-hr VOCs. This performance meets the EPA’s 2010 Spark-Ignited New Source Performance Standard (SI NSPS) requirements of 1.0 g/bhp-hr NOx, 2.0 g/bhp-hr CO and 0.7 g/bhp-hr VOCs. With its low NOx capability, the engine meets the 0.5 g/bhp-hr NOx requirement for non-attainment areas.

The engine does not require the added cost and complexity of an emissions-after treatment system because it meets each of the emissions requirements directly out of the exhaust stack.

The changing emissions landscape adds another dimension to an engine purchase decision, said Lloyd Beauchamp, vice president, sales – gas compression, Dresser Waukesha. In addition to the usual considerations of efficiency, fuel flexibility, maintenance and total lifecycle, the cost of emissions compliance – now and in the future – must be factored into the engine selection process.

Beauchamp said, “We’re looking ahead and developing products that will meet future emissions requirements and offer customers the peace of mind that they are selecting the engine with the best overall value for their investment. We call that ‘future-proofing’ the engine investment.”

The plus (+) symbol in the 16V275GL+ name refers to a series of improvements that give this engine its competitive advantages. Although a reduction in NOx emissions was a primary objective in designing the engine, the process also yielded reduced levels of CO, and VOC levels that remain within forthcoming EPA regulations. The new engine maintains a 2% fuel efficiency advantage over competitive units so it burns less gas, thereby making more available for sale.

The 16V275GL+ offers fuel flexibility so it will operate dependably at full power even as fuel content varies. Rated at 4,835 hp at 1,000 rpm, the engine is said to deliver the most power in its class.

The new 12V275GL+ is reported to be rated at 3,625 bhp at 1,000 rpm. The company says the engine operates at full load with no derate at higher altitudes. The unit features a hydroelastic damper that reduces the costs of damper fluid sampling.

Like other 275GL Series engines, the new units are equipped with an enhanced version of Dresser Waukesha’s ESM® engine control system to optimize engine performance and maximize uptime. The engines are designed to simplify and improve packaging, operation and service.