Caterpillar launches new pump monitoring system

Caterpillar Oil & Gas has launched its new Pump Electronic Monitoring System (PEMS) technology at the 2017 Offshore Technology Conference. PEMS is designed to monitor pumps in well service operations, with Caterpillar claiming that the new system can help avoid catastrophic failures, minimise downtime and preserve fluid end and power end components.

Available to order now from the global Cat dealer network, PEMS is compatible with the company’s Cat Triplex and Quintiplex pump platforms.

PEMS collates pump data by using several onboard sensors. If an impending failure is detected, PEMS will send a warning message to the pump operator for review. PEMS is able to analyse a wide range of data, including oil temperature, oil pressure, vibration, discharge pressure and suction pressure sensors, as well as detecting both cavitation and valve leaks. This data can be used to both schedule preventative maintenance, or preserve and maintain high wear components like fluid ends.

It is possible to retrofit PEMS to most modern pumps, regardless of their OEM (original equipment manufacturer). The system is also available as an optional attachment on a range of Caterpillar Oil and Gas products.

With a headquarters in Houston, Texas, Caterpillar Oil & Gas is the oil and gas division of Caterpillar. The company’s sales and service network includes more than 2,100 dealers across the globe, serving customers in the drilling, production, gas compression and well service sectors.