As fuel costs rise and emissions regulations tighten, drilling operators are seeking cost-effective solutions that enhance efficiency without requiring major equipment overhauls. H&P (NYSE: HP) introduced the Cat® Dynamic Gas Blending™ (DGB) Gen 2 Kit by Caterpillar Oil & Gas to meet this need. Designed to optimize fuel flexibility and improve performance, the system has proven to help operators reduce costs while aligning with sustainability goals.
The DGB Gen 2 Kit is designed to retrofit existing engines, including the Cat 3512C, maximizing engine efficiency while reducing the need for costly engine replacements. By utilizing advanced port-injection technology, the system optimizes the air-to-fuel ratio in the cylinder, minimizing methane slip and improving thermal efficiency. This technology allows H&P to achieve up to 75% diesel displacement, delivering cost savings on fuel and contributing to the reduction of GHG emissions.
As the industry continues to adapt to changing sustainability and operational landscapes, flexibility is more important than ever. “We’re able to offer drillers a solution that enables more efficient rigs without the need to overhaul their fleet or compromise on performance,” said Matt Rayson, Director of Product Management at Caterpillar Oil & Gas. “The dual fuel technology behind this upgrade extends the use of diesel engines while reducing fuel costs and emissions, allowing operators to transition seamlessly to blending diesel and natural gas.” This approach helps ensure that operators can continuously optimize their operations while meeting shifting market conditions and sustainability goals.
“This upgrade is a win-win. It lets us get more out of our existing engines while cutting fuel costs and emissions,” said H&P SVP Americas Operations, Mike Lennox. “Operators need practical solutions that don’t require overhauling their entire fleet, and the DGB Gen 2 Kit gives them exactly that. It’s a smarter way to run cleaner, more efficient rigs without sacrificing performance.”
Field trials in the Eagle Ford demonstrated the kit’s efficiency, displacing an average of 65% diesel over nine months. At peak performance, displacement reached 75%, saving over 94,000 gallons of diesel on a single rig with more than 4,500 engine hours.
The DGB Gen 2 Kit is a positive disruptor, going beyond traditional fuel flexibility to provide a robust platform for future-proofing operations. The integration of real-time engine controls from the Cat Smart Engine Management System (EMS) enables optimization of engines operations, further improving fuel consumption and performance.
This next-generation dual-fuel system is part of H&P’s broader strategy to enhance its fleet’s capabilities, reduce operational costs, and lead the industry in sustainable drilling practices. By enhancing its existing assets with this advanced technology, H&P continues to set the standard for performance, efficiency, and sustainability in the drilling sector.
Plans are underway to integrate the DGB Gen 2 Kit into more than 60 engines in the FlexRig® fleet by the end of 2025, positioning H&P to remain at the forefront of technological advancement while maintaining the highest operational standards.
About H&P
Founded in 1920, H&P is committed to delivering industry-leading drilling productivity and reliability. H&P operates with the highest level of integrity, safety, and innovation to deliver superior results for our customers and returns for shareholders. Through its subsidiaries, the company designs, fabricates, and operates high-performance drilling rigs in conventional and unconventional plays around the world. H&P also develops and implements advanced automation, directional drilling, and survey management technologies. For more information, visit www.hpinc.com.
