Natural Gas Compression – CAT/Ariel Emphasis

18 Months – 95 Quarter Credit Hours

2024-2025 Tuitions Fees: $30,980

Admission Requirements

Application Fee, Application for Admission, Enrollment Agreement, High School Diploma or GED, Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse Clearance, Accuplacer Testing or SAT Scores.

Program Overview:

Two Year Associate in Specialized Technology (AST) Degree Program

The Natural Gas compression CAT/ Ariel Emphasis AST Degree Program encompasses hands-on training courses in the natural gas compression field.  These courses provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in some of the most in demand and satisfying technical career opportunities available today.

Natural Gas Compression – CAT/ Arie l Emphasis students will work hands-on, acquiring a basic knowledge of general technician abilities through troubleshooting electronic controls on engines and compressors. Students will complete theory classes then move into the lab to apply what they learned.  Along with the basic curriculum, students will be introduced to live projects regularly.

CPI has partnered with CAT/ Cleveland Brothers and Ariel to offer students training on today’s technology. This partnership ensures CPI will always have the current technology available to use as training aids on the newest equipment industry has to offer. During the CAT/ Ariel Emphasis, students will review how to disassemble/ assemble components, perform regular preventive maintenance, test/ adjust/troubleshoot various systems specific to CAT and Ariel equipment. Students graduate with experience working with the Ariel local dealership network – Cleveland Brothers. CAT – and with comprehension on full spectrum operations. This program is designed to prepare and place trained graduates in a career in the natural gas compression industry. Students may need to travel within Pennsylvania or the Northeast United States corridor for employment with CAT/ Cleveland Brothers Equipment Company.  Inc. or Ariel Corporation. Additional employment opportunities within these companies or other companies may be available nationally and globally.

Entry-Level Career Opportunities:

• • Oil and Gas Field Technician
  • Service Writer or Claims Writer
  • Shop Foreman
  • Part and Service Sales Representative
  • Field Service or Maintenance Technician

Maximum # of Students Per Class:  16

Program starts in August. Please check with CPI Admissions and review the Program Enrollment Agreement for specific start dates.

Courses In This Program Include:

First-Term/Quarter Credits
HDC-121 Workplace Safety 2.0
HDC-122 Tooling, Hardware, and Fabrication 1.0
HDC-141 Basic Diesel Engines 4.0
NGE-120 Caterpillar Gas Engine ‐ Introduction to Gas Engines and Software 3.0
MTH-131 Technical Mathematics 4.0
PSS-125 Pathways to Success with Integrated Technology 3.0

Second-Term/Quarter Credits
NGE-121 Caterpillar Gas Engine ‐ Fluids and Fluid Systems 3.0
NGE-130 Introduction to Natural Gas Compression and Ariel Compressors 3.0
EEL-134 Industrial Safety 3.0
PHY-155 General Physics 4.0

Third-Term/Quarter Credits
NGE-122 Caterpillar Gas Engine ‐ Fuel and Ignition Systems 3.0
NGC-131 Ariel Natural Gas Compressor Systems 3.0
COM-121 Fundamentals of Public Speaking 3.0
EIE-122 Introduction to AC/DC Electricity 2.0
EIM-143 Basic Hydraulics 2.0
EIM-146 Basic Pneumatics 1.0

Fourth-Term/Quarter Credits
NGC-190 Caterpillar and Ariel Externship 10.0

Fifth-Term/Quarter Credits
NGE-123 Caterpillar Gas Engines ‐ Intake and Exhaust Systems 3.0
NGC-230 Ariel Natural Gas Compressor Maintenance and Repair 4.0
HDC-155 Electrical Systems 3.0
EIP-120 Introduction to Control Logic 1.0

Sixth-Term/Quarter Credits
NGE-124 Caterpillar Gas Engine ‐ Electronic Controls 3.0
NGC-231 Ariel Natural Gas Compressor Major Component Removal and Replacement 4.0
CDL-131 Basic Commercial Driving 1 4.0
SOC-151 Customer Service 3.0
COM-130 Technical Writing 3.0

Seventh-Term/Quarter Credits
CDL-141 Basic Commercial Driving 2 3.0
SOC-221 Professionalism and Employment Readiness 2.0
SOC-233 Introduction to Leadership 4.0
EIP-251 Programmable Logic Controllers I 4.0

Total Quarter Credit Hours:………………………………………………………………….…95.0

Course Descriptions

CDL-131 (4.0 Credits) – Basic Commercial Driving 1
This course teaches students requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and other regulatory agencies related to the operation of commercial equipment. Students will be taught to prepare for the PennDOT Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Permit (if applicable) and be taught basic operating techniques (shifting, backing, alley-docking, and serpentine turns) of commercial vehicles through off-road driving and simulation training.

CDL-141 (3.0 Credits) – Basic Commercial Driving 2
Students continue their education and begin learning the fundamentals of on-road driving utilizing multiple configurations of equipment (example: tractor/trailer combination, flatbed operations, dump truck operations, and variable transmission systems). Students culminate their program by taking a PennDOT CDL exam (if applicable).

HDC-121 (2.0 Credits) – Work-Place Safety
This course will teach students how to work in a safe environment for themselves and fellow employees. The instructor will instruct shop safety practices including identifying safety materials (SDS sheets), fire extinguishers, eye wash stations, first aid kits, electrical power shut-downs, lock-out/tag-out, and personal protection equipment.

HDC-122 (1.0 Credit) – Tooling, Hardware, And Fabrication
This course will instruct students on all tooling used in the Heavy Diesel Construction industry. It will start with basic hand tooling, air and electrical power tools, and shop tooling and end with precision measuring tools. This course also provides students with instruction on many different types of hardware found in the industry. Students will be required to identify different styles, types, and grade classifications of hardware. Additionally, this course is designed to teach students basic fabrication skills such as basic GMAW and SMAW welding, basic oxyacetylene torch set up, and cutting, grinding, and cutting with an electric grinder, along with additional safety on these types of equipment.

HDC-141 (4.0 Credits) – Basic Diesel Engines
This course will teach the basic diesel engine. Students will look at how it came to be, the advancements from a simple mechanical engine through all electronic controlled engines. The students will be required to disassemble, measure critical parts, and reassemble an engine to running condition.

HDC-155 (3.0 Credits) – Electrical Systems
This course starts as a basic electricity theory and will move through lighting circuits, internal cab circuits, engine electronics, and multiplexing. Students will be required to build, diagnose, identify, and troubleshoot all types of circuits. This course also
delves into deeper electrical and electronics components and issues related to electrical systems. Students review multiple control circuits, usages of controller networking, and key concepts of troubleshooting.

NGC-130 (3.0 Credits) – Introduction To Natural Gas Compression And Ariel Compressors
This course is designed to introduce students to Ariel compressor models and natural gas compression. Natural gas upstream, midstream, and downstream flow applications are described and illustrated with specific Ariel compressor models for each usage. Compressor and skid package components are shown and described. Each student will access Ariel’s website and review how to navigate, find, and download technical documentation pertaining to compressor operation and maintenance procedures. Students will enroll in and complete assigned modules within Ariel’s Online Basic School. Basic math skills will be utilized to calculate and determine compressor operation.

NGC-131 (3.0 Credits) – Ariel Natural Gas Compressor Systems
This course identifies Ariel compressor components and specifies each item’s location and function. The student will study lubrication fundamentals and compressor frame and force feed lubrication systems. Students will disassemble, rebuild, and test piston rod packing cases, suction and discharge valves, lubrication distribution blocks, and clearance devices. Students will measure, record, and interpret compressor main component clearances and locate component weight stamping and complete a compressor balance sheet. Each student will research specific topics at the Learning Resource Center and perform presentations of their discoveries. Students will complete assigned Ariel Online Basic School modules and the certificate final test.

NGC-190 (10.0 Credits) – CAT/ Ariel Externship
Students complete a 4-week externship at Cleveland Brothers Equipment Company and another 4 weeks at Ariel Corporation and an Ariel customer location. This externship will provide students with an opportunity to work with experienced technicians, supply personnel, and equipment operators in the shop and onsite locations to enhance knowledge and skills gained from course work in the Natural Gas Compressor program.

NGC-230 (4.0 Credits) – Ariel Natural Gas Compressor Maintenance And Repair
This course has students removing, rebuilding, and replacing Ariel natural gas compressor components. Students will remove and replace wear components, rebuild assemblies based on Ariel’ s recommended maintenance intervals. The course will cover Ariel’s Warranty and Start Up procedures to ensure safe and reliable operation of a compressor system. Throughout the course, students will be setting, measuring, and verifying compressor clearance values to validate correct reassembly processes were followed and achieved. Ariel’s Performance
Program will be covered, and students will build compressors using instructor given parameters and then use the software to optimize and troubleshoot compressor operation. Each student will research a specific maintenance topic at the Learning Resource Center and present their findings to the class.

NGC-231 (4.0 Credits) – Ariel Natural Gas Compressor Major Component Removal And Replacement
This course leads students through the procedures and methods for aligning the compressor to the driver to minimize vibration and stresses on equipment. Students will also participate in removing and replacing major compressor components that could fail during a catastrophic event. These components include crosshead guides, cylinders, and connecting rods which had not been removed in previous courses. Discussions will also cover frame replacement. The course will also focus on compressor operational and performance issues related to skid configurations, vibration, and valve failures. The course completes with students verifying compressor component measurements and alignments are with in Ariel’s published specifications.

NGE-120 (3.0 Credits) – Caterpillar Gas Engine Introduction To Gas Engines And Software
This course will provide engine related foundational information about gaseous fuels, Caterpillar gas engines, service information software, and engine diagnostic software. The course will begin with a review of the characteristics of paraffin based gaseous fuels and their effects on spark ignited gas engines. The student will be taught the differences between diesel and gas engines and why these differences are necessary when burning gaseous fuels. This section of the course will continue with discussions on high and low heat values, stoichiometric processes, air fuel mixture requirements, and detonation/preignition concerns. The course will expose the students to the history of Caterpillar gas compression engines, as well as an introduction to the Cat’s current gas compression product line. The students will then turn their attention to the use of the Service Information System (SIS).

SIS is an integral part of Caterpillar’s parts and service organizations. It is a software-based tool providing parts and service information for Caterpillar engines and machines since 1977.

This course will familiarize students with the capabilities of SIS and the types of information derived from it. The various methods of information gathering will be reviewed. SIS will be used throughout curriculum courses to access Caterpillar service information regarding parts, operation, maintenance, specifications, testing, adjusting, and troubleshooting. Finally, the course will concentrate on the use of Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) software, ET is a Windows based software used to communicate with Caterpillar diesel and gas engine control modules. ET facilitates such electronic tasks as control module programming, conducting operational tests, monitoring and data logging critical information, and troubleshooting codes and events. The course will concentrate on the hands-on use of the software.

NGE-121 (3.0 Credits) – Caterpillar Gas Engine Fluids And Fluid Systems
This course is an in-depth study of the engine lubrication and cooling systems used on Caterpillar gas engines. The course will begin with Cat fluid recommendations and preventive maintenance and progress through the advanced diagnostics associated with those systems and their fluids. This course provides the student with the critical information that will be used in dealing with customers, performing proper preventive maintenance, and analyzing fluid system problems.

NGE-122 (3.0 Credits) – Caterpillar Gas Engine Fuel And Ignition Systems
This course will provide tile essentials of the operation, maintenance, testing, adjusting, and troubleshooting of tile various types of fuel and ignition systems used on Caterpillar gas engines. The course will begin with instruction on fuel system components to include gas regulators, carburetors, and electronically controlled fuel system components. The second part of the course will concentrate on the ignition system and begin with tile types of ignition systems used on Caterpillar spark ignited engines. Classes will include lessons on magneto type ignition systems and the current electronic controlled coil over plug systems.

NGE-123 (3.0 Credits) – Caterpillar Gas Engine Intake And Exhaust Systems
This course will review the various types of intake and exhaust systems used on Caterpillar gas engines. Students review each system type and the components which make them up. The effects of aftercooling, turbocharging, and wastegating will be discussed. Discussions on system testing will include compression tests, blowby tests, and emission testing. The course will conclude with class sessions to support the use of Caterpillar Gas Engine Rating Pro (GERP) software.

NGE-124 (3.0 Credits) – Caterpillar Gas Engine Electronic Controls
This course is an in-depth study of tile electronic control systems used on Caterpillar gas engines. Using a system’s concept approach, students review tile operation, programming, and troubleshooting of the system. Lessons will concentrate on electronic concepts to ensure students have the knowledge and confidence levels needed to analyze control system issues.

EEL-134 (3.0 Credits) – Industrial Safety
This course reviews basic workplace safety concepts and practices. Focus is on the common causes of workplace accidents and the role of OSHA and other federal and state agencies in regulating safety.

EIE-122 (2.0 Credits) – Introduction To AC/DC Electricity
This course covers tile fundamentals of AC and DC electricity and provides hands-on electrical measurement, circuit building, and circuit analysis practice. Tile theory and application of inductance, capacitance, electromagnetism, and transformers are all also covered.

EIM-143 (2.0 Credits) – Basic Hydraulics
This course introduces hydraulic power theory and application. Learners develop the skills and knowledge needed to work with hydraulics in modern industry. Key topics covered include hydraulic power safety, hydraulic circuits, hydraulic schematics, and the principles of hydraulic pressure and flow.

EIM-146 (1.0 Credit) – Basic Pneumatics
Basic Pneumatics prepares learners to work with industrial pneumatic applications. It introduces pneumatic power and takes learners through key topics and skills in pneumatic power & safety, pneumatic circuits, pneumatic schematics and the principles of pneumatic pressure and flow.

EIP-120 (1.0) Credit) – Introduction To Control Logic
This hands-on class introduces and builds on control logic concepts and electrical wiring techniques utilized by various industries to control electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic machines and processes, ON/OFF, sequencing, and timer-based control are covered in depth with emphasis placed on the development of relevant troubleshooting skills. NOTE: This course is designed to meet the prerequisite for the EIP-251 (Programmable Logic Controllers I) course. Students who have successfully completed the EIE124 (Electric Motor Control) course do not need to complete this course.

EIP-251 (4.0 Credits) – Programmable Logic Controllers I
This course utilizes an Allen Bradley ControlLogix Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) to teach the fundamentals of PLCs. Topics include PLC orientation, operation, programming, and troubleshooting.

COM-121 (3.0 Credits) – Fundamentals Of Public Speaking
This course is designed to introduce the student to public speaking. The student will be taught tactics to overcome fears about speaking in public. The course will focus on preparing the speech, delivering the speech, evaluating the delivery, and improving delivery. The student will prepare and deliver informative, demonstrative, and persuasive presentations.

COM-130 (3.0 Credits) – Technical Writing
This course involves the study and practice of writing in professional settings. It is designed to help students learn and apply concepts of effective written communication appropriate for careers in technical and trade fields. The course will help the student develop the essential skills of a professional technical communicator with an emphasis on producing clear and effective written communications. Topics presented in the class include identifying keys to effective writing, characteristics of job-related writing, the writing process, collaborative writing, electronic communications, preparing professional correspondences, designing documents, writing instructions and procedures, writing short reports and proposals, and preparing presentations.

MTH-131 (4.0 Credits) – Technical Mathematics
This course is designed to teach mathematical concepts that allows the student to become proficient in mathematics commonly used in various technical and trade fields. Course topics include manipulations of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, ratios, and measurement systems. The student will review how to work with exponents, roots and radicals and will be introduced to basic principles of algebra, plane geometry, triangle trigonometry, vectors, and quadratic equations.

PHY-155 (4.0 Credits) – General Physics
This course is designed to provide the student with an algebra-based introduction to the general concepts and principles of physics. Course topics will include forces and motion including motion in one and two dimensions, circular motion, rotational motion, equilibrium, and elasticity. The course will also include principles of impulse and momentum, energy and work, thermal properties of matter, fluids, electric fields and forces, electric potential, current and resistance.

PSS-125 (3.0 Credits) – Pathways to Success Seminar with Integrated Technology
New students need to develop strategies and skills necessary for success in higher education. Topics include transitioning to post-secondary learning, setting academic goals, managing time and keeping organized, learning and studying, preparing for and taking tests, understanding policies, and utilizing electronic resources. Students will review and practice fundamental skills in composing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. During the course, students will review the tools to help them attain academic success, and to become independent, motivated learners.

SOC-151 (3 .0 Credits) – Customer Service
This course is designed to help the student develop a heightened awareness of the challenges and opportunities in customer service. In this course, the student is introduced to a variety of skills including identifying customer behavior, determining customer needs through active listening, becoming an effective verbal and nonverbal communicator, honing telephone customer service skills, handling difficult customers, encouraging customer loyalty, and practicing service recovery.

SOC-221 (2.0 Credits) – Professionalism And Employment Readiness
This course is designed to prepare the student for the job search and entry into the workplace. The course will commence with teaching the student how to construct a resume, cover letter, and thank-you note. The student will review essential interview techniques and will complete a mock interview. The course will conclude with an overview of the basic concepts of professionalism in the workplace.

SOC-233 (4.0 Credits) – Introduction To Leadership
This course is designed to introduce the student to principles of leadership including, leadership theories, styles of leadership, motivating employees, team­building, and conflict management. Upon completion of the course, the student should understand principles related to ethics and whistle­blowing, giving praise, networking, giving instructions, situational communication, and conflict mediation.