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THE BUSINESS OF MAINTENANCE: Put power into your power transmissions |
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Written by Robert Robertson
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In today's competitive economy, there's even more pressure on oil and gas companies to justify asset fleet purchases and reduce maintenance costs. And getting the most out of heavy-duty vehicles working in the field is critical. If you're in the market for more power under the hood, Caterpillar recently launched the new CX31-P600 and CX35-P800 transmissions for petroleum applications.
In recent years, Caterpillar has continued to focus on transmissions designed specifically for the petroleum industry. The power, ease of operation, and shifting options of Cat transmissions have already been proven in other demanding industries, including mining, locomotive and earth moving. Now, these transmissions have been optimized for work in the oil and gas fields.
As part of the strategy to supply the petroleum market with the most advanced and diverse transmission packages in the 275- to 2,500-hp range, the CX31-P600 (rated at 600 bhp) and the CX35-P800 (rated at 800 bhp) both include options for integral pump drives, a rear pump drive and third-party PTOs. The CX31 will also include an option for an integral drop box. Transmission-mounted controls are also tailored specifically for well-servicing needs. The standard 10-bolt PTO mounting pads, optional integral PTOs, and optional rear PTO give petroleum customers flexibility in well-service installations.
Ratings for the CX31-P600 include:
Gross Input Power: 447.60 kW (600 hp)
Gross Input Torque: 2746 N*m (2,025 lb-ft)
Weight: 1,026 lbs.
Ratings for the CX31-P800 include:
Gross Input Power: 596.80 kW (800 hp)
Gross Input Torque: 3661 N*m (2,700 lb-ft)
Weight: 1,390 lbs
"The CX series transmissions are higher-powered, lighter-weight versions of our durable TH31 and TH35 petroleum transmissions," says Darin Bohlmann, marketing representative for Caterpillar's Global Petroleum Division. "The PTO options, integral Cat drop box [available on the CX31], and controls were designed specifically for the wide variety of well-service applications."
Selectable modes of operation
On each CX transmission, selectable modes of operation optimize transmission functionality to meet the needs of the various applications that exist in the petroleum industry:
• Manual Pumper: A manual shift mode for pumping applications. Shifts are initiated by an operator;
• Auto Pumper: An optional auto-shift mode for pumping applications. Shifts are initiated automatically by the on-board transmission controls based on load conditions;
• Work-over/draw works: A manual shift mode for operating draw works applications. Dual shifter inputs are available for shifting from the cab (in road mode) and shifting from the work platform (in work mode) on a work over rig; and
• Road: An auto-shift mode for road operation. This mode of operation offers advanced shift tuning that significantly improves ride quality.(Road Mode isn't currently available on the CX35-P800).
Software features
More than 30 software features specifically designed for the well-service industry are featured on CX transmissions, including:
• Output shaft speed and torque limiting; the transmission is configurable to limit the output speed and torque of the transmission. This improves safety and increases durability by not allowing the attached equipment to over speed or be overloaded.
• Lock-to-neutral: In a mobile rig application there are conditions in which a rig shouldn't be moved for safety reasons. This feature prevents the transmission from shifting into gear unless certain conditions are met, improving the safety of the rig;
• Warm-up mode: To help achieve proper operating temperature as fast as possible, the CX transmissions have an optional rapid warm-up mode that brings the transmission up to operating temperature 18 times faster than running in neutral or park. This improves productivity and engine and transmission life; and
• Electronic oil level check: The CX transmission has an optional oil level sensor in the transmission that allows for the level to be checked electronically. Properly maintaining the oil level will improve transmission life.
For more information about Cat power transmissions and other products for the petroleum industry, visit www.cat.com.
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