Caterpillar Marine presented its new LNG (liquefied natural gas) test bed for gas-fueled engines at its facility in Kiel. The company says that this LNG preparation unit is ‘the first of its kind’ and comprises of an LNG tank and a gas preparation unit, both in 40 ft container size both developed and provided by Marine Service GmbH, Hamburg. With its Kiel location, the company expects to improve its understanding of the technology and enhance the service it provides to clients adopting LNG.
Georg Gillert, engineering supervisor for Caterpillar Marine said: “Caterpillar’s LNG test bed in Kiel is a milestone in LNG development. While LNG is a promising fuel, it does offer unique challenges. LNG has to be kept at extremely low temperatures to prevent it from vaporizing, and this requires additional gas handling components not found in other power systems. New engine and gas handling architecture is needed to take full advantage of LNG’s emissions benefits. Customized monitoring and control processes will also be needed to optimize fuel/air composition and safe engine operation.”
According to Caterpillar, the Kiel test bed will focus on familiarizing Caterpillar personnel with LNG capabilities; demonstrating LNG benefits to Caterpillar’s clients; arm Caterpillar sales personnel and dealers with valuable information regarding the technology; testing and improving LNG components; and facilitate customer training to not only become familiar with LNG, but also teach customers important safety information regarding LNG handling and operational procedures.
