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Oct. 28, 2000

Cummins Develops Reliability In Barge Pump Engine

Barges transporting petro-chemical products typically have two or more pumps for loading and off loading. Given the potential danger of these products, the reliability of these pumps and their driver engines is of great importance to operators. Cummins Southern Plains, headquartered in Arlington Texas, has developed a pump driver based on the popular commercial marine auxiliary version of the six-cylinder Cummins C-series engine delivering 230 HP at 1800 RPM. This version of the engine is radiator cooled.

These are engines that have to live "outside" in a marine environment. The engine enclosures are 12 gauge, phosphatized, epoxy coated steel. The radiators have epoxy coated tanks and structural members, with solder coated cores. Mufflers are under the enclosure to shield them from the elements, and for a low profile benefit. Nylon / aluminum fans, and stainless steel air shutdowns are other items specified to reduce corrosion problems. The units are equipped with Sentinel safety engine shutdown systems, and Kil-Aire flapper valves for emergency air shutdowns.

For enhanced reliability and safety, the pump engines are available with optional hydraulic starting systems, which makes them entirely self sufficient when it comes to batteries and air compressors. The system employs a small pump to that fills an accumulator to 3000 psi. And, of course, there is no electricity anywhere else on the units. They also use anti-static fan drive belts for safety.

With the demise of the two-cycle engine, operators have been installing these engines on their new construction. Blessey Marine, who operate over 60 barges on the US inland rivers, have purchased eleven of the engines with hydraulic start for their new construction. "On new construction, this engine is winning the bids," says Cummins Southern Plains Account Manager Jay Rowan, "I feel that we mostly won out because the customers had higher confidence in their future with Cummins."

Plans are in place to offer a 140 HP Cummins B-series unit in 2001.

For further information, contact:

Jay Rowan
Marine Accounts Manager
Cummins Southern Plains
P.O. Box 1367
4750 Homestead RD.
Houston, TX 77251-1367, USA
Phone: 281 812-0175 Fax: 281 812-0154
E-Mail: jay.w.rowan@cummins.com

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