Evaluation of Caterpillar C15 Diesel Engine Performance in Petroleum Applications Before and After Reconditioning Using Dynotest Testing

Muhamad Rajiv; Adrian Permana; Ali Ardin; Wanda Aprilia Savira; Fuad Zainuri; Muhamad Todaro

Authors

Muhamad Rajiv Politeknik Negeri Jakarta Author
Adrian Permana Politeknik Negeri Jakarta Author
Ali Ardin Politeknik Negeri Jakarta Author
Wanda Aprilia Savira Politeknik Negeri Jakarta Author
Fuad Zainuri Politeknik Negeri Jakarta Author
Muhamad Todaro Politeknik Negeri Jakarta Author

Keywords:

Caterpillar C15 engine, low power, dynotest engine, BMEP, engine performance

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the performance improvement of the Caterpillar C15 diesel engine based on dynotest data before and after the reconditioning process in petroleum applications. In field practice, low power conditions often become an issue that directly impacts unit productivity. The test results show that before the reconditioning, the engine could only produce a maximum power of 357 HP with a BMEP of 165.3 psi. After reconditioning, the performance significantly improved with power reaching 524 HP, an increase of approximately 46.8%. Additionally, the torque increased to 1313 lb·ft and the boost pressure reached 28 psi, followed by an increase in BMEP to 213.5 psi. This improvement indicates that the combustion process has become more efficient due to enhancements in the air and fuel supply systems. The performance curve shows a pattern that remains stable but shifts to a higher level, indicating an increase in efficiency without changing the basic characteristics of the engine. Thus, the reconditioning has proven effective in restoring engine performance and enhancing operational efficiency in petroleum applications.

References

[1] A. K. S. Jardine, D. Lin, and D. Banjevic, “A review on machinery diagnostics and prognostics implementing condition-based maintenance,” Mech. Syst. Signal Process., vol. 20, no. 7, pp. 1483–1510, Oct. 2006, doi: 10.1016/J.YMSSP.2005.09.012.

[2] A. K. Agarwal, A. P. Singh, and R. K. Maurya, “Evolution, challenges and path forward for low temperature combustion engines,” Prog. Energy Combust. Sci., vol. 61, pp. 1–56, Jul. 2017, doi: 10.1016/J.PECS.2017.02.001.

[3] S. Elevli and B. Elevli, “Performance Measurement of Mining Equipments by Utilizing OEE,” 2010.

[4] Anthony. Martyr and M. A. . Plint, “Engine testing : the design, building, modification and use of powertrain test facilities,” 2012.

[5] B. Organ, Y. Huang, J. L. Zhou, Y. S. Yam, W. C. Mok, and E. F. C. Chan, “Simulation of engine faults and their impact on emissions and vehicle performance for a liquefied petroleum gas taxi,” Science of The Total Environment, vol. 716, p. 137066, May 2020, doi: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2020.137066.

[6] J. P. Holman et al., “McGraw-Hill Series in Mechanical Engineering Internal Combustion Engine Xnderung nur iiber,” 1988.

[7] Rakopoulos, C. D., & Giakoumis, E. G. (2009). Diesel engine transient operation: Principles of operation and simulation analysis. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-375-4⁠.

[8] Hasan, A.O., Al-Rawashdeh, H., Abu-Jrai, A., Gomaa, M.R., & Shalby, M. (2022). Impact of variable

compression ratios on engine performance and unregulated HC emissions of a light-duty diesel engine with different fuel types. Applied Energy, 320, 119287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2022.119287

[9] Dindarloo, S.R., & Siami-Irdemoosa, E. (2020). Determinants of fuel consumption in mining trucks. Energy, 112(1), 232–240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2016.06.085

[10] Agarwal, A.K., Singh, A.P., & Maurya, R.K. (2020). Evolution, challenges and path forward for low

temperature combustion engines. Progress in Energy and Combustion Science, 61(1), 1–56.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pecs.2017.02.001

[11] Reşitoğlu, İ.A., Altinişik, K., & Keskin, A. (2020). The pollutant emissions from diesel-engine vehicles and exhaust aftertreatment systems. Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, 22(1), 15–27. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-014-0793-9

[12] Kumar, R., et al. (2020). Applied Thermal Engineering, 170, 115012.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2020.115012

[13] E. Corti, L. Raggini, A. Rossi, A. Brusa, et al., “Investigation of Aging Effects on Combustion and Performance Characteristics of Mining Engines,” SAE Int. J. Engines, vol. 16, no. 4, pp. 515–527, 2023, doi: 10.4271/03-16-04-0030.

[14] A. J. Nyongesa et al., “Experimental evaluation of the significance of scheduled turbocharger reconditioning on marine diesel engine efficiency and exhaust gas emissions,” Ain Shams Engineering Journal, vol. 15, no. 8, Aug. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.asej.2024.102845.

[15] Caterpillar Inc(2026, April 8). Engine factory test report: C15 engine (Engine Test JDY00566) [Technical report]. Caterpillar Confidential

[16] Caterpillar Inc.(2026). C15 engine specifications (Product Description No. SEBU8400-04). Caterpillar Service Information System (SIS 2.0).