Caterpillar Oil & Gas has announced the development of the Caterpillar® Gas Mechanical System (GMS), a fully integrated power solution for frac operations, utilising 100% natural gas.
Engineered for high-horsepower pressure pumping applications, the GMS features the 3600 hp Cat® G3520 engine and the new TH55G-E90 transmission. Cat Oil and Gas said its scalable design requires fewer trailers on-site, increases the power density per trailer, and decreases fuel consumption, compared to alternative frac operation methods.
"This solution embodies the collaborative approach that has strengthened our customer relationships for years," said Derek Kamp, Vice President of Cat Oil and Gas. "We began by deeply understanding the challenges specific to pressure pumping operations. Leveraging our extensive portfolio across diverse industries, we developed a tailored solution that addresses these pain points directly. Our customers sought to capitalise on the abundance of low-cost natural gas for power generation, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.”
Including proprietary built-in hardware and integrated control logic, the GMS was engineered from the ground up. With a focus on fewer components and simpler technology, this scalable system can be deployed with existing personnel skillsets. The GMS has been designed to pair with any SPM™ frac pump or existing high-horsepower pump for an optimised frac site solution.
Current field testing in the Permian Basin has shown the GMS achieving production rates up to 13 bbl/min. while sustaining over 20 pumping hr/d. The GMS will continue to be tested across major North American basins.
"By optimising and simplifying the conversion of fuel into workable power, we've created a streamlined architecture that empowers our customers to leverage their industry expertise, reduce complexity, and fully realise the value of 100% natural gas utilisation," added Kamp.
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