Subscribe50-Litre Powers Up To 1,567 Kw For Tier 2 Mining Equipment.
Cummins Tier 2 EPA certified QSK50 16-cylinder engine for large mining equipment made a European debut today at the INTERMAT exhibition (April 24-29). The new generation 50-litre has evolved from the industry standard K2000E engine to incorporate Cummins latest combustion and power cylinder technology.
While achieving lower emission levels, power has increased to a top-rated 1,567 kW (2,100 hp) and life-to-overhaul extended by 17%. Other performance enhancing technology includes upgraded Quantum electronics and Cummins Modular Common Rail fuel system. This results in an 18% faster load response together with an 80% reduction in noise.
"This engine is purpose-designed for powering large mine haul trucks, excavators and loaders operating under high load and high hour factors", commented Manfred Duering, General Manager of Cummins Mining Business in Europe, CIS and Africa.
"Even under severe operational conditions at high altitude, the QSK50 can run on near 24/7 duty cycles with over 96% availability - and still offer the longest life-to-overhaul of any equivalent engine. In most applications we expect the engine to burn over 3,300,000 liters (875,000 US gallons) of fuel before overhaul. This is a terrific testimony to the inherent strength of the Cummins 50-litre engine platform".
"With a useful top-rated power increase of 75 kW (100 hp) and significantly improved power delivery across the rpm range, the QSK50 looks set to establish even higher productivity standards at Tier 2 emission levels than the industry renowned K2000E achieves at Tier 1", added Duering.
The 50-litre engine platform is a recognized mining industry standard with over 4,250 engines in-service. The new generation QSK50 offers a major advantage for OEMs upgrading to Tier 2 as the engine retains the same installation envelope as the K2000E. Dimensions are almost identical with no change to mounting locations, inlet or outlet connections.
Cummins combustion and power cylinder technology enables the QSK50 to meet Tier 2 emission regulations without adding complexity. Significantly, engine displacement and piston speed remain the same as before - ensuring the highest levels of in-service reliability are maintained.
Tier 2 emissions were introduced by the EPA on 01/01/2006 for engines above 560 kW (751 hp). While not applicable beyond North America, it is anticipated that some mining equipment OEMs may utilize Tier 2 certified engines on global product platforms to take advantage of this latest clean engine technology. Compared to Tier 1 levels, exhaust emissions of Nitrogen Oxides and Hydrocarbons (NOx + HC) are reduced by 39% and Particulate Matter (PM) by 63%.
Engine sociability is further enhanced as the QSK50 virtually eliminates visible smoke at rated power and reduces white smoke at cold start-up by 75%. The Modular Common Rail System enables precise control of fuel injection to prevent unbalanced fueling and the uneven pressure between cylinders which contribute to NVH (noise, vibration, harshness). Noise under load and at idle has been dramatically reduced by about 80% compared to Tier 1 engines. Engine idle stability and cold starting have also been improved by around 50%.
The QSK50 utilizes a proprietary power cylinder design already proven on the more powerful QSK60 engine. The FCD (Ferrous Cast Ductile) single-piece cast iron piston enables even expansion & contraction during thermal cycles, while piston cooling nozzles provide a high oil flow rate. This design virtually eliminates any risk of power cylinder failure before engine overhaul, together with the benefit of very low oil consumption.
Cummins latest electronic architecture for Quantum power engines, designated Advanced Engine Management (AEM), features on the QSK50.
The engine electronic module operates at twice the processing speed of the previous system, fully isolated from any detrimental thermal or vibration loadings. A standard set of 37 sensors are located throughout the engine, including 16 exhaust gas temperature sensors to enable individual cylinder health monitoring.
The operator can download and undertake trending analysis with AEM datalogs of engine duty cycle, fuel consumption, load factors, fault snapshots and stop-starts. A progressive auto-derate feature is available as part of the engine protection system, triggered when pre-set threshold limits are exceeded.
QSK50 power ratings extend from 1,044 kW (1,400 hp) to 1,566 kW (2,100 hp) at 1900 rpm. Peak torque of 8,265 Nm (6,096 lb-ft) is available at 1500 rpm. Ratings from 1,193 kW (1,600 hp) are available with 2-stage aftercooling for high altitude operation.
Mine equipment capability can be enhanced for 24/7 operations by specifying EliminatorTM oil filtration system and CentinelTM oil replacement system. Equipped with these options, QSK50 oil service intervals can be dramatically extended while ensuring the best possible engine lubrication. They also offer a major reduction in used oil & filter disposal.
Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems.
Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, (USA) Cummins serves customers in more than 160 countries through its network of 550 company-owned and independent distributor facilities and more than 5,000 dealer locations. Cummins reported net income of $550 million on sales of $9.9 billion in 2005.
A substantial manufacturing presence in Europe includes the mid-range engine plant at Darlington UK and the high horsepower engine plant at Daventry, UK, where the QSK50 is manufactured.
Paris, France (April 24, 2006)