Compression Strategy Starts with the Right Engine – Here’s how to pick it: G3516TA vs G3516J

 

Gas compression operators not only must contemplate how to move more gas more cost effectively but also how to do so more sustainably as well. As industry requirements evolve, deciding between the Cat® G3516J or G3516 TA is ultimately determined by a site’s unique emissions requirements.

 

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A Lean Burn Leader

Operators can choose between two gas compression engine combustion options: lean burn or rich burn. Lean burn engines generally provide lower exhaust temperatures, reduced maintenance requirements, and greater fuel efficiency and flexibility. Importantly, lean burn engines also typically control NOx levels without an aftertreatment1.

The field-proven Cat G3516J, a lean burn engine, builds on these inherent advantages with advanced engineering updates that provide an optional power increase from 1,380 up to 1,500 hp. The expanded horsepower rating is compatible with the latest Ariel compressor, KBE/4, and promotes greater gas throughput to positively impact operator revenue.

The G3516J also extends cylinder head service intervals to as much as 30,000 hours to minimize operational costs and downtime. Additionally, the cylinder liner design reduces carbon build-up in the combustion chamber.

The engine’s fuel flexibility allows it to maintain full load capacity using fuels from LHV 700 to 2,395 BTU. This broad fuel tolerance minimizes the need for fuel conditioning, which further reduces operational costs. Also, using a prechamber spark plug allows the G3516J to eliminate de-rating for fuels as low as 30MN.

Operators experience important NOx flexibility as well, as the G3516J offers NOx emissions as low as 0.3 g/bhp-h with the optional prechamber spark plug. This empowers operators to meet evolving requirements from site to site, eliminating stranded assets.

A Rich Burn Powerhouse

Rich-burn engines can deliver important advantages in gas compression applications as well. Regarding emissions, rich burn engines typically achieve lower NOx levels compared to lean burn engines through the use of a three-way catalyst.

Similar to the G3516J, the rich burn G3516 TA is built on the durable G3500 platform. Designed to operate at 1,380 hp, the G3516 TA delivers dependable performance that supports CapEx and OpEx savings fleetwide. The engine also affords operators the ability to run on a wide range of gaseous fuels while ensuring longevity.

A key difference between the G3516 TA and its lean burn counterpart is the NOx levels that are possible. When paired with a three-way catalyst, operators can experience NOx emissions as low as 0.15 g/bhp∙h.

Choosing the type of engine architecture that best suits a site depends on an operator’s goals as well as the project’s requirements. As both the G3516J and G3516 TA offer durability, mobility, longevity, fuel efficiency and flexibility, operators seeking greater horsepower may benefit from the lean burn J model. For sites with stringent NOx requirements, the rich burn TA model may be advantageous.

Contact your local Cat dealer for customized support and recommendations that leverage deep oil and gas industry expertise.

 1 Cat.com. Understanding the Differences Between Lean-Burn and Rich-Burn Engines. https://www.cat.com/en_US/blog/lean-burn-rich-burn.html

Frequently Asked Questions

Lean burn engines operate with excess air, resulting in lower exhaust temperatures, reduced maintenance, and improved fuel efficiency. Rich burn engines use a stoichiometric air-fuel mix and typically require a three-way catalyst to meet emissions targets.

Learn more about the lean-burn and rich-burn combustion architectures in industrial gas engines here : https://www.cat.com/en_US/blog/lean-burn-rich-burn.html

Operators may prefer the G3516 J for its:

  • Optional power increase from 1,380 to 1,500 hp
  • Compatibility with Ariel KBE/4 compressors for higher throughput
  • Extended cylinder head service intervals (up to 30,000 hours)
  • Reduced carbon  build up which supports engine life
  • Wide fuel tolerance (LHV 700 to 2,395 BTU)
  • NOx emissions as low as 0.3 g/bhp-h with a prechamber spark plug

The G3516 TA offers:

  • Reliable 1,380 hp performance
  • Lower NOx emissions (down to 0.15 g/bhp-hr with a three-way catalyst)
  • Compatibility with a wide range of gaseous fuels
  • Proven durability and cost-effective operation across fleets

The G3516 TA rich burn engine is ideal for sites with stringent NOx limits, especially when paired with a three-way catalyst.

The G3516 J lean burn engine is better suited for operators needing higher horsepower and broader fuel tolerance without sacrificing emissions compliance.

Yes! The G3516 J reduces costs with longer service intervals, lower maintenance, and flexible fuel use, while the G3516 TA offers reliable performance and fuel versatility that supports fleet-wide CapEx and OpEx savings.

Yes. The G3516 J reduces downtime and fuel conditioning costs, while the G3516 TA supports CapEx and OpEx savings through dependable performance and fuel versatility.

Contact your local Cat dealer for expert guidance tailored to your site’s goals and regulatory requirements.

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