Mining Magazine Award: Specialist readership rates mtu engine No. 1

• Winners in “Environmental Excellence” category
• Readers vote for new generation of mtu Series 4000 without exhaust gas aftertreatment
• Key technologies create ideal drive solution for mining industry

Friedrichshafen, 30 January 2012.  The readers of “Mining Magazine” have honored Tognum subsidiary MTU Friedrichshafen with the “Mining Magazine Award” in the category “Environmental Excellence”. The drive and propulsion specialist received the award for its new Series 4000 engine which meets Tier 4 final emissions regulations without using exhaust gas aftertreatment systems. The mining industry makes the award in recognition of outstanding new technologies, machines and equipment in its sector. Readers of the trade publication were asked to select their favorite from three finalists in each of eleven categories with this year’s award including nominations for projects in the new “Environmental Excellence” category for the first time. Competing with mtu in the top trio were an Australian mine with a recycling program for for its spoil tip and a Bolivian mine with a 59-meter high dust mitigation dome designed to reduce the effects of dust on the environment. Readers of the trade journal voted the mtu Series 4000 into top spot.
  
“During development of the new Series 4000 we took account of machine manufacturers’ demands as well as listening to feedback from our end-users,” explained Tognum CTO Dr. Ulrich Dohle. “The end result was an engine which ideally matches the needs of the mining industry.” For example, despite tighter regulations, Series 4000 engines meet the relevant emissions targets with in-engine technology only and they do that on up to 5 % less fuel than Tier 2 engines.

In its new 4000 units, mtu has put together a technology package combining high-pressure injection, controlled two-stage turbocharging and exhaust gas recirculation. The key to its success lies in the perfect integration of all these technologies. Because field trials under actual working conditions provide indicators on where engines need further optimization, mtu tested new technologies involving exhaust gas recirculation and high cylinder pressures on prototypes at a very early stage. From 2015, new generation Series 4000 engines will be going into operation in heavy mine vehicles, wheel loaders and excavators with 8, 12, 16 and 20-cylinder units covering the 800 kW to 3,000 kW power range.