EGR FACT VS. FICTION

There are plenty of misconceptions — and some flat-out mistruths — out there about land drilling engines featuring Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) technology. Let’s separate fact from fiction when it comes to the Cat® 3512E Tier 4 Final Land Electric-Drive Drilling Engine.

FICTION: EGR requires a significantly larger cooling system. 
FACT: Master skid length and height are unchanged.

Cooling the exhaust gas increases heat rejection by about 25-30 percent — but thanks to an efficient, dual-stage aftercooler, the change in cooling system size is marginal. In fact, there’s no effect on the overall length or height of the master skid for the Cat 3512E compared to the Tier 2 model.

FICTION: EGR increases fuel consumption. 
FACT: Fuel consumption and costs are lower.

The Cat 3512E actually consumes less fuel versus a 3512C Tier 2 engine with an updated fuel system.

FICTION: EGR reduces reliability and durability. 
FACT: Reliability and durability are proven in the field.

EGR is proven, reliable technology that’s been in continuous use since the 1980s. At Caterpillar, we have more than a decade of experience with EGR on engines for high-demand applications like mining and earthmoving, and our Tier 4 Final products have accumulated 530 million hours and counting. The 3512E was validated across multiple applications for more than 230,000 hours to ensure the highest levels of reliability and durability.

FICTION: EGR needs more service. 
FACT: Maintenance intervals are the same or longer.

Increased oil flow and improved oil cooling mean service intervals are extended for the Cat 3512E, with the major overhaul maintained on the same schedule as the Tier 2 model.