Emission regulations for diesel engines used in upstream oil and gas activities

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Rapid progression of emission regulations in recent years, combined with regulatory variations across geographies made it more challenging to understand how these evolving regulations apply to engines used in the oil and gas industry. 

This article outlines two key exhaust emission regulations focused on diesel engines often used in upstream oil and gas activities. These are the diesel engines often used in equipment such as cementers, blenders, mixers, mud pumps and frac rigs you would see in upstream oil and gas activities.

Environmental Protections Agency’s (EPA) Nonroad Exhaust Emission Standards

Most recently in the United States, the EPA’s Tier 4 emission regulations have replaced the previous Tier 4 transitional, Tier 3 and Tier 2 regulations depending upon the engine range. For many of the upstream oil and gas activities, diesel engines now need to comply with the limits outlined in the EPA Nonroad Compression Ignition Exhaust Emission Standards. 

The key focus of current Tier 4 emission standards, in comparison to Tier 3 and Tier 2, has been the reduction in nitrous oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). 

For example: 

  • Diesel engines used in cementers, blenders, mixers and acidizing equipment often deliver 100 to 750 horsepower. These engines are required to comply with Tier 4 regulations since 2014 and 2015. These Tier 4 engines emit 90% less particulate matter than their Tier 3 versions. These engines also emit 85% less nitrous oxides compared to their Tier 3 versions.
  • Diesel engines used in frac rigs, electric power modules, mud pumps and some of the larger cementers and acidizing equipment often deliver over 750 horsepower. These engines were  required to comply with Tier 4 regulations since 2015 and emit 85% less particulate matter than their Tier 2 versions. They also emit 45% less nitrous oxides compared to their Tier 2 versions. 
Progression of EPA's Nonroad Exhaust Emission Standards over the last two decades
Progression of EPA's Nonroad Exhaust Emission Standards over the last two decades

With the most recent Tier 4 emission regulations, the U.S. EPA has also chosen to regulate the amount of sulfur within the diesel fuel used by these engines to 15 parts per million (ppm), a 97% decrease from the previous requirement of 500 ppm 

European Commission’s Non-road Mobile Machinery emission regulations

European Commission’s Non-road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) emissions regulate many of the diesel and natural gas engines used in various upstream oil and gas activities. The European Commission, like the EPA, chose to focus on reducing the emission of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter with these regulations.

Stage V is the latest and the strictest tier of these regulations. Here are the key highlights of Stage V emissions with regards to upstream oil and gas applications:

European Commission's NRMM emission regulations drove dramatic decreases in the emission of harmful pollutants
European Commission's NRMM emission regulations drove dramatic decreases in the emission of harmful pollutants
  • Stage V diesel engines that produce a power output of 130 to 560 kW, often used within cementers, blenders and mixers, emit 40% less particulate matter in comparison to their Stage IV counterparts. They also emit over 90% less particulate matter and nitrous oxides in comparison to their Stage II counterparts.
  • Diesel engines that produce over 560 kW, often used in frac rigs, power modules, mud pumps and larger cementers, are also included in the scope of Stage V emissions. These engines’ emissions were previously not regulated by Stage IV or Stage III regulations. 
  • The other scope expansion introduced with Stage V is the inclusion of particle numbers for engines that produce 19 to 560 kW power. 

How are the EPA and European Commission’s engine emission regulations different?

The most recent emission regulations from the EPA and European Commission (EC) have many commonalities. They both focus on similar pollutants, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrous oxides and particulate matter. They also have very similar target emission levels: 3.5 g/kW-hr of CO and 0.4 g/kW-hr of NOx emissions for larger high horsepower engines. 

Comparison of emission requirements across selected exhaust emission regulations
Comparison of emission requirements across selected exhaust emission regulations

One key difference between the EPA and European Commission’s engine emission regulations is the particulate number introduced with Stage V by the European Commission; the EPA’s Tier 4 regulations don’t have the same criteria. 

There are several more regional and local emission regulations that could impact your oil and gas equipment. This article aimed to provide you the basics around the emission regulations; you can also reach out to your local Cummins partner to discuss emission topics specific to your location and application.

Sign up below to receive periodic insights, updates and news relevant to the oil and gas industry. To learn more about oil and gas power solutions Cummins offers, visit our webpage.

 

References: 

  1. Update of Engine Categories, Emission Rates and Speciation Profiles for Tier-4 Nonroad Compression Ignition Engines (December 2017). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [PDF file]. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/
  2. Non-Road mobile machinery emissions (September 2016). Regulation (EU) 2016/1628 of the European Parliament and of the Council [PDF file]. Retrieved from https://eur-lex.europa.eu/
Aytek Yuksel - Cummins Inc

Aytek Yuksel

Aytek Yuksel is the Content Marketing Leader for Cummins Inc., with a focus on Power Systems markets. Aytek joined the Company in 2008. Since then, he has worked in several marketing roles and now brings you the learnings from our key markets ranging from industrial to residential markets. Aytek lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with his wife and two kids.

Why you should become a Cummins Home and Small Business dealer

Cummins dealer smiling next to home generator

For more than 100 years, Cummins Inc. has been dedicated to making people’s lives better by powering a more prosperous world. As a company, we seek to be customer-driven, innovative, responsible, and trustworthy so that we can truly make a difference now and in the future.

But exactly what does Cummins do? At a high level, we create power solutions. You’ll find Cummins products and solutions for on- and off-highway engines, turbochargers, electronics, fuel systems, generators and power systems, and more. We’re not in this on our own, though. With a broad network of Cummins-authorized dealers in the home and small business power solution space, we count on our independent dealers and their local relationships. If you’re interested in becoming a Cummins-authorized dealer, keep reading to find out the benefits and how to get started.

Does Cummins make Home Generators and Small Business generators?

Yes, Cummins offers generators that are sufficient for residential homes and small businesses, including:

  • 13-20 kW air cooled emergency standby generators
  • 25-150 kW liquid cooled emergency standby generators
  • 9,500-watt portable, dual fuel heavy duty generators
  • 2,500-4,500-watt portable, lightweight inverter generators
  • 300-1,000-watt portable lithium battery powered power stations

In the midst of severe weather, increased blackouts, and aging power grids, generators are becoming more and more important. Consider this: 83% of power outages were the result of weather-related incidents from 2000 to 2021.

When these outages occur during extreme temperatures, generators are critical to keeping homes and businesses comfortable, safe, and operational. Families won’t have to worry about losing their heat or everything inside their refrigerators. Businesses won’t have to worry about the potential financial impact that comes with an outage—which can be as much as $12,500 a day for a small business. 

All of these reasons are likely why search terms like “Cummins generator dealers near me” are so popular on Google and other search engines. Local people are consistently looking for the right generator solution. Cummins-authorized dealers can help ensure they have the power they need, no matter what.

What are the benefits of being a Cummins Generator Dealer for Home and Small Business?

Of course, if you’re thinking about becoming a Cummins-authorized dealer, the fact that there’s a market isn’t the only perk. Here are eight more reasons why you should become a Cummins-authorized Home and Small Business generator dealer.

  1. You’ll be backed by the Cummins brand, a name that’s synonymous with support, reliability, and sustainability. Cummins generators are quality, trustworthy equipment that you and your customers can count on.
  2. You will receive state-of-the-start training. Cummins provides courses and the certification path required to become a Cummins-authorized partner and product expert. Our technical training and certifications provide knowledge on Cummins home generator service like installation, maintenance, and repair.
  3. You can connect to a robust network of Cummins resources. Our dealers have access to a world-class set of tools, including training, a dedicated account executive, an online portal, sales and training certifications, and so much more.
  4. You’ll receive “preferred parts” pricing. By becoming an authorized dealer, you’ll get the best parts pricing around so you can maximize your profits. You can also pass these savings on to your customers to ensure your pricing is competitive.
  5. You can capitalize on marketing support. Cummins regularly invests in brand-building and lead generating campaigns to drive customers to our dealers. 
  6. You have access to warranty claim submission. Warranties don’t have to be a hassle for you or your customers. As an authorized-service dealer, you can submit warranty claims on behalf of your customer to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. 
  7. You can join the ChannelOne Partner Rewards Program. This competitive rewards program helps you maximize your earning power.
  8. You can list your company on the Cummins Parts & Service Locator. The Cummins service locator makes it easy for local customers to connect with your business, and it increases your overall brand visibility.

How to become a Cummins Dealer: It’s easier than you think

Stop missing out on all of the local online traffic searching for “Cummins authorized dealer near me,” and bring great products to your community! It takes just four simple steps to get started.

  1. Complete the online “Become a Dealer” interest form. A regional Cummins Account Executive will contact you to start the discussion.
  2. Share additional information about your business, your experience, and why you’re interested in becoming a Cummins dealer.
  3. Fill out and return the necessary paperwork to be processed by the Cummins team.
  4. Complete your required product training and become a Cummins Home and Small Business Dealer.

At Cummins, our company is dedicated to providing great products and services to customers throughout the world. If you’re ready to join our world-class network, get started now.

Cummins Office Building

Cummins Inc.

Cummins, a global power technology leader, is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from internal combustion, electric and hybrid integrated power solutions and components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric power generation systems, microgrid controls, batteries, electrolyzers and fuel cell products.

How do I calculate what size generator I need?

Customers talking to Cummins dealer

There are several great reasons why you might be considering a standby generator for your home or small business. In the event of a power outage (caused by severe weather, for example), having a standby generator helps ensure ongoing safety and comfort. And in the case of a business, the ability to reduce downtime and maintain operations is a significant advantage.

Standby generators—also known as permanent or whole-house generators—offer reliable and efficient backup power solutions for a wide range of applications. If you’re currently exploring your options, we imagine you have a few concerns. You’re probably looking for a generator that’s sold and serviced by a reputable company, and want to determine the right generator capacity for your needs.

In this article, we’re going to help you answer a key question: “What size generator do I need to run my house or small business in the event of a power outage?” Keep reading for an overview of how to find the perfect Cummins Inc. standby generator for your needs.

What is the rule for generator sizing?

When it comes to understanding generator sizing, one important rule to keep in mind is that the generator needs to be able to power everything requiring electricity, but it also needs to have additional capacity to account for various appliances’ starting wattage. Otherwise, you might find yourself in a situation where your generator simply won’t cut it, potentially leaving your home or small business without the power it needs.

Next, we’ll cover a basic framework for calculating your power needs.

How to Calculate Standby Generator Size

Here’s a simple, three-step process for assessing your needs and priorities, understanding generator sizes, and finding what size generator is going to work best. 

Let’s take a look at what this process looks like.

Step 1: Understanding Generator Sizes

Here’s a basic formula for how to calculate standby generator size:

  1. First, create a list of everything in your home or small business that would need to be powered by the generator in case of an emergency. This should include anything that requires electricity and isn’t something you would want to go without should you lose power. It’s important to not only consider running wattage, but starting wattage as well—since most appliances will require a few seconds’ worth of extra wattage to get started. There are several online sources for determining appliances’ wattage requirements.
  2. Add together each item’s running watts. When in doubt, err on the side of overestimating wattage requirements since it’s much better to have a little more power available than is needed as opposed to having to adapt to a generator that lacks sufficient power.
  3. Then, to roughly account for starting wattage, add the single-highest starting watts figure to the total.
  4. To ensure a margin of safety—and to account for potential future needs—you should multiply that figure by at least 1.25. The resulting number is the minimum generator capacity you should consider.

You can also use our home generator sizing calculator to estimate your power needs.

Step 2: Assessing Your Needs

It’s important to understand your priorities. While getting the right size and type of generator that fits your budget are important, it’s also important to consider how you intend to use the generator.

  • Will it need to be capable of maintaining enough power for your home or small business in case of an emergency?
  • Do you envision having a permanently-installed generator, or is portability important?

How you answer these questions should help provide context for the next step: exploring generator sizing and zeroing in on the perfect product for your needs.

Step 3: Finding the Right Generator

In addition to the generator size calculator, our online buyer’s guide to home generators is a great starting point for exploring your options. Cummins offers three main types of standby generators suited for a home or small business:

  • Permanently-installed 13-20 kW air-cooled home standby generators that can be powered up when needed. 
  • Permanently-installed 25-150 kW liquid-cooled home standby generators that can be powered up when needed. 
  • Heavy-duty, gasoline- or propane-powered 9,500-watt dual fuel portable generators that can provide backup power for a home or small business. 

Cummins: Reliable and Affordable Standby Power Solutions

At Cummins, we build versatile, high-quality standby generators for homes and small businesses. Don’t let their quietness fool you—they’re powerful and reliable. 

When you’re ready to explore your options, you can reach out to request an on-site assessment. One of our authorized dealers will help you assess your needs, evaluate different generator types and capacities, and understand how much a generator might cost to have installed.

Cummins Office Building

Cummins Inc.

Cummins, a global power technology leader, is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from internal combustion, electric and hybrid integrated power solutions and components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric power generation systems, microgrid controls, batteries, electrolyzers and fuel cell products.

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