Industry’s first natural gas variable speed, large displacement engine will soon power the digiPrime hydraulic fracturing platform operated by Liberty Energy. The technology is the result of a collaboration involving Cummins Inc. and Liberty Energy to re-engineer the Cummins HSK78G natural gas engine, initially developed as part of a fixed speed generator set for the power generation market, for this application.

The digiPrime pump, combined with the 3,000 horsepower, 78 liter Cummins natural gas variable speedThe Cummins HSK78G. Source: Cummins Inc. engine, is a direct drive solution with superior thermal efficiency. This pump configuration translates into reduced fuel costs and emissions for hydraulic fracturing completions operations.

Further savings can be found from the maintenance and servicing of the HSK78G variable speed engine also tamps down operating costs, as these units offer longer service lives relative to standard diesel engines. Development efforts have improved the natural gas spark-ignited engine’s response time and load acceptance during operation. The engine has a high tolerance to fluctuations in the methane content of the fuel and can operate across various gas compositions — offering greater flexibility in fuel source when in the field. It is also designed to be compatible and adapt across multiple well-servicing transmissions.