Cummins Inc.’s Tier IV QSB6.7 engine with integrated air intake to exhaust aftertreatment technology has won a gold award for design leadership in the LLEAP 2008 awards, taking first place in the systems category. A double award success has been achieved by Cummins with the new Direct Flow air filter on the QSB6.7 recognized with a silver award in the LLEAP innovative components category.
The award-winning 6.7-L QSB engine incorporating the direct flow engine air filter and Cummins particulate filter exhaust aftertreatment was revealed at the ConExpo show held in Las Vegas in March this year. The QSB6.7 captured industry attention as the first fully integrated system shown ready to meet U.S. EPA Tier IV Interim and European Stage IIIB off-highway low-emissions regulations taking effect in January 2011.
A performance-enhancing high pressure common rail fuel system and variable geometry turbocharger enable the Tier IV QSB6.7 to increase top-rated power to 300 hp (224 kW), representing a power output more typical of a larger-displacement engine. Cleaner, more efficient combustion reduces fuel consumption by up to 5 percent, dependent on rating. The direct flow air filter improves air flow efficiency and dust protection for the engine.
“We are very proud to be recognized with gold and silver LLEAP awards which highlight how Cummins Tier IV design approach has taken a lead role in the off-highway equipment industry with a fully integrated air intake to exhaust aftertreatment solution,” said Ric Kleine, vice president of Cummins Off-Highway Business.
“Our next-generation engines such as the QSB6.7 go beyond meeting the stringent 2011 emissions levels to lower the cost of ownership for operators and enhance equipment productivity. We are able to achieve this because we have access to the Tier IV-enabling technologies, all from within Cummins’s own resources.”
“This single-source capability to design, manufacture and integrate the key components is reflected by the LLEAP innovation award for the Cummins Direct Flow engine air filter,” added Kleine.
Held annually, the LLEAP awards (Leadership in Lifting Equipment and Aerial Platforms) are sponsored by Lift and Access magazine to recognize innovative products or design concepts advancing the industry. The LLEAP awards are judged by a panel of respected equipment rental professionals and industry consultants.
Performance-Enhancing Technology
Advanced in-cylinder combustion with lower fuel consumption is achieved for the Tier IV QSB6.7 by utilizing cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) together with the high pressure common rail fuel system. Cooled EGR works by recirculating a varying proportion of the exhaust gas back to the cylinder. This reduces the oxygen content to lower combustion temperature with a resulting 45 percent reduction in NOx formation.
The Cummins particulate filter is part of an integrated engine and aftertreatment solution that reduces particulate matter (PM) emissions by 90 percent to meet the 2011 regulations. The PM is collected on the filter and oxidized by passive and active regeneration modes to exit the filter as clean exhaust gas. The particulate filter is hardened to withstand severe shock loads and vibration.
The Tier IV QSB6.7 features a Cummins variable geometry turbocharger to enhance engine response. A sliding-nozzle design continuously varies the air flow boost to precisely match engine rpm and load demands.
Direct Flow Air Filter
Air intake flow for the Tier IV QSB6.7 is performance upgraded with a Cummins direct flow air filter by Fleetguard providing a 35 percent smaller installation profile than typical engine air filters, yet retaining the same filtration efficiency. This is accomplished by creating a direct flow path through the filter media, which is packaged in a rectangular configuration rather than a conventional cylindrical shape.
“Emissions regulations and tighter tolerances on components packaging have dictated the need for the higher air filtration performance and better integration opportunities provided by the new direct flow filter,” said Kevin Westerson, executive director of Engineering and Technology, Cummins Filtration.
“A further benefit is that the direct flow housing includes a sensor to monitor temperature and pressure which sends data to the engine electronic control module to ensure optimum system operation,” added Westerson.
For more information, call 800-22FILTER.
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