15 Years of ACERT Engine Technology

ACERT or advanced-combustion-emission-reduction-technology was designed to reduce engine emissions and replace an inferior EGR system.  Strict government regulations aimed at reducing air pollution and improve air quality compelled companies like CAT to get busy engineering cleaner engine technology.

Caterpillar launched ACERT engines in 2003 after rejecting the EGR system.  The decision not to convert to EGR engines resulted in hefty EPA fines until CAT developed the clean technology alternative.  That technology has been around for 15 years now.

The C7 and C9 ACERT engines used a HEUI pump which is an electronic injector system.  Electronically controlled turbochargers and exhaust after treatment complete the mid-range ACERT package.  The C11, C13, and C15 engines use a MEUI system which is a mechanically actuated electronic  unit injection system, with dual turbochargers.

ACERT innovation also includes variable intake-valve actuation.  Improvements from the HEUI system found in the MEUI pump enable it to inject varying amounts of fuel several times during each compression stroke.  The on-board computer adjusts the amounts and timing of air and fuel delivered to each cylinder for peak combustion while much less Nitrogen Oxide exits into the atmosphere.  The ACERT engine diesel oxidation catalyst also traps particulate matter.

Over the long haul, ACERT technology has proved to be a better and more cost effective alternative to the EGR system.