Caterpillar gensets to power China-built jack-up rig

Caterpillar Oil & Gas announced today that the Cat® C175 and Cat 3512 generator sets have been selected to power the first Zentech R550-D jackup newbuild for Alliance Offshore in China.

Five Cat C175 generator sets, each with rated power of 1833 ekW at 1200 rpm, will be used as the prime power for the jackup with 1x Cat 3512 generator set providing emergency power. The newbuild is currently being constructed by CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Company in China and the Cat power solutions will be delivered in summer 2014. Cat dealer China Engineers Limited (CEL) led Caterpillar’s efforts on the project.

“We’re pleased to be selected to provide both main and emergency power for first R550D jackup rig ever constructed,”  Tim Tian, Caterpillar Oil & Gas Asia Pacific China sales manager noted. “The Cat C175 is the industry leader for jackup rigs in the offshore industry, reliably powering jackup rigs operating around the globe drilling at varied depths.”

Caterpillar explains that the Cat C175 is ideal for customers seeking a high power density and lower emissions offshore drilling module. Offering 20 percent more installed power than previous models, the C175-16 allows for deeper drilling and higher mud pump loading. Its compact footprint offers significant weight savings when compared to medium speed engines and allows for retrofit with today’s Cat 3516 module design. In addition, its full featured control system provides for easy interface with the local rig network, and can be controlled and monitored remotely.

According to the company’s press release, the C175-16 is also highly fuel efficient, incorporating a fuel system that uses a high pressure fuel pump and control valve that deliver multiple precise injections within a single combustion event. This results in lower emissions, improved performance and reduced fuel consumption. Driven by the ADEM™ A4 controller, the C175-16 engine management system features full redundancy and provides superior performance, even in the most demanding environments. The fuel system directly impacts customers overall owning and operating costs as the fuel consumption has been optimized for typical drilling load.

Caterpillar offshore experts will be on hand and available for questions at the Caterpillar #3341 at OTC Houston, May 5-9th.