Skip to main content

Weir and Rolls-Royce subsidary MTU name joint venture 'EPIX'

Published by , Editorial Assistant
Oilfield Technology,



Weir Oil & Gas, the world’s leading provider of upstream pressure pumping equipment, and Rolls-Royce Power Systems subsidiary MTU, a market leader in heavy-duty industrial power systems based on diesel and gas engines, have announced their joint venture is to be named EPIX.

EPIX will provide the industry’s first integrated system for hydraulic fracturing. Commenting as the new company made its debut at OTC 2016, new EPIX CEO Douglas Schwedland said: “By leveraging the expertise of our founding companies, EPIX will initially deliver integrated power system solutions that are specifically engineered for hydraulic fracturing and then apply these same principles of integrated systems to other applications.”

Schwedland has more than 20 years’ experience in the diesel engine and business systems industries. He most recently served in the dual role of CEO of MTU Middle East FZE and business development director, Middle East, Africa and Central Asia for Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG, and has held various leadership positions with Detroit Diesel Corporation, MTU Detroit Diesel, and Tognum AG.

Schwedland’s vast sales and distribution experience will lead EPIX in its mission to answer an industry demand for greater efficiency in fracturing operations.

He continued: “The industry is asking for comprehensive solutions that will remain productive in harsher, continuous operation environments, and we are answering with innovations that deliver on all levels, from productivity and efficiency to reduced total cost of ownership.”

EPIX and its founding companies have seen firsthand the demands continuous duty operations put on fracturing equipment through longer lateral runs, increasing flow rates and higher pressures.

Optimising performance

With engine, transmission, and pump components designed to work together, EPIX’s first product offering, a purpose-built power system, will optimise longevity and performance, while lowering total cost ownership for operators during well completion operations.

The system features an MTU FracPack, (Series 4000 engine combined with ZF 8 TX gear box) coupled with the SPM® QEM 3000 hydraulic fracturing pump. ZF Friedrichshafen Group, a key supplier to the EPIX solution, developed the ZF 8 TX transmission to work seamlessly with the engine and pump as a true fully integrated system.

In addition to offering the first completely integrated system for fracking, EPIX is also committed to delivering a warranty and service promise for the life of its products. All components are designed to work together mechanically to deliver more operating hours per unit. By allowing operators to align maintenance schedules and warranties across the entire power system, downtime is reduced and efficiencies are gained.

Future enhancements

Future enhancements for the first system include integrated monitoring controls which will provide intelligence for predictive and preventative maintenance. Weir’s global service network will manage all aspects of maintenance and service for EPIX, bringing together the vast technical expertise of Weir, MTU and their partners for a seamless, one-stop customer experience.

“The opportunities for a streamlined system are limitless. EPIX will keep our customers productive not only with world-class products, but with a service model that streamlines maintenance for the pump, transmission, and engine. One supplier – one contract – one true partner, EPIX,” Schwedland concluded.


EPIX plans to begin operations following regulatory approvals.


Adapted from a press release by Louise Mulhall

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/product-news/03052016/weir-and-rolls-royce-subsidary-mtu-name-joint-venture-epix/

You might also like

 
 

Embed article link: (copy the HTML code below):


 

This article has been tagged under the following:

Oil & gas news