During the 1990's, advancements in well stimulation technologies created a market opportunity for a purpose built transmission for driving trailer mounted fracturing pumps.

 

Available transmissions were either under-rated for the power demand, or too heavy to suit the mobile application. PREP was engaged by a major heavy equipment OEM to develop a series of prototype transmissions specifically designed as fracturing pump drives.

Stringent design requirements included a very high power density, increased reliability, lower rebuild costs, and better efficiency than what was available commercially. The resulting prototypes were 9-speed powershift transmissions rated at 2,250HP, successfully utilizing and matching standard torque converter and off-highway planetary gearset components.

 

Features include lockup capability, PTO, integral parking brake, oil-cooled wet clutches, and standard SAE engine mounting. PREP also developed sophisticated transmission control software to provide peak performance while providing hardware protection in all operational modes.

Following successful field testing in both hot and cold climates, the IP developed by PREP was purchased and the transmissions are now in full production with one of the top three OEM engine manufacturers.