MWM facilitates calculation of methane number for gas mixtures with computer program

MWM – renamed Caterpillar Energy Solutions in 2013 – played a key role in determining international standards for the calculation of the methane number for gas mixtures used for energy generation in combustion engines. The term “methane number” was introduced in the 1960s at the instigation of MWM/KHD within the scope of FVV (German Research Association for Combustion Engines) research conducted by AVL, one of the world’s leading mobility technology companies, on the knock resistance of gases and gas mixtures. Due to the involvement of engine manufacturers in the evolution and development process, MWM/KHD also had a significant influence on the “invention” of the methane number. Back in the day, computers were not yet widely available, so the calculation results were documented in diagrams. The calculation of the methane number was very complicated and required a lot of specialized knowledge. In the 1980s, however, the methods for the calculation of the methane number started to be entered in the computer program “Methane Number Calculation”, which had been developed by an MWM employee. For the first time, this program enabled the easy determination of the methane number of a gas mixture. In 2012, Caterpillar Energy Solutions adapted the computer program to modern gas engines, and in 2016, the program was published by EUROMOT EU (European Association of Internal Combustion Engine Manufacturers). Subsequently, the program was recommended for standardization. Today, many manufacturers of gas generator sets and gas suppliers use this calculation program for the easier comparison of the output of gas generator sets offered.