Weir Oil & Gas has recently joined with MTU to develop power systems that are engineered for use during hydraulic fracturing that occurs during the completion stage of shale oil and gas projects.
MTU, which manufactures heavy-duty industrial diesel engines, is the brand name operating under both the Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG name and Bergen Engines AS, and are responsible for developing, producing, and servicing engines, propulsion, and energy systems. MTU engines are used for driving heavy land, rail, and defense vehicles, and also are used in ships. The project will build on MTU’s existing SPM pumping technology. Steve Noon, the Divisional Managing Director of the Weir Oil & Gas commented on the new relationship.
“Our teams are working to develop fully integrated purpose-built power systems for fracking,” said Noon. “This innovative approach will introduce a complete package, with all components built specifically for fracking applications, integrated and optimized to work together.” The team of engineers is working to optimize the engine, the transmission, and the fracturing pump. The system features smart controls for monitoring. The Weir-MTU partnership was announced during the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Michael Haidinger, the Chief Sales Officer of Rolls-Royce Power Systems, added how the partnership will address challenges faced by frack site operators. “We’ve brought our best engineering minds together to design a solution that enhances run times for the engine, transmission and pump, creating a robust system that will enhance operations. It is a new approach that offers customers one efficient supplier for such a critical system.” The power system is expected to be available sometime during 2015.