QUANTUM/ATK Hydrogen Tank Passes First Cycling Test
IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 4 - QUANTUM Technologies WorldWide, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of IMPCO Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:IMCO) and ATK Thiokol Propulsion Company (NYSE:ATK), today announced the successful completion of the first fast-fill cycling test of QUANTUM's 5,000 psi TriShield(TM) hydrogen storage tank. The test was completed at the QUANTUM / ATK Thiokol hydrogen storage testing facility located at ATK Thiokol's plant in Promontory, UT. The successful completion of this test demonstrated the continued commitment of the QUANTUM / ATK Thiokol alliance to develop state-of-the-art technology for hydrogen storage and enable the mass commercialization of fuel cell powered vehicles.
QUANTUM's all-composite tank was successfully cycle-tested per NGV2-2000 requirements (modified for the 5,000 psi hydrogen storage pressure) and the European Integrated Hydrogen Project (EIHP) hydrogen storage standard. The testing was witnessed and validated by the independent Technical Surveillance Association (Technishcer Uberwachungs Verein E.V, also known as TUV ). This is the first time an all-composite tank has been cycle tested to the modified NGV2-2000 standard at 5,000 psi. After the testing, QUANTUM's 11`` x 46'' hydrogen storage tank was sectioned and examined by TUV, and no liner degradation was noted. These results validate the ability of QUANTUM's polymer-lined, all-composite tanks to be routinely fast-filled with no deterioration, a critical safety feature for the market acceptance of on-board hydrogen storage for fuel cell vehicles.
``The superior design, and manufacture of QUANTUM's Type IV TriShield(TM) hydrogen storage tank has been confirmed by meeting the test requirements of the NGV2-2000 and EIHP. Temperature and metallurgical performance data from these fully instrumented tests indicate that the tank and its components are the safest that are available for use in all hydrogen storage applications,'' said Syed Hussain, President and CEO of QUANTUM. ``This event is further evidence of the strength of the alliance between QUANTUM and ATK Thiokol Propulsion-bringing to bear the world's most advanced technical staff that is capable of solving the complex technical issues associated with hydrogen storage and handling technologies for alternative fuel vehicles, fuel cell applications and refueling infrastructure.'' Hussain added, ``The fact that our tank performed flawlessly and withstood the repeated fast-filling of hydrogen at 5,000psi, and that our proprietary polymer liner showed no stress corrosion cracking or hydrogen embrittlement, sets us apart as a technology leader and a market leader.''
The hydrogen testing facility is owned and operated under a teaming agreement between QUANTUM and ATK Thiokol and will be accessible to manufacturers of compressed gas storage tanks for applications in the automotive, industrial, aerospace and defense industries. The QUANTUM strategic alliance with NASA Space Shuttle rocket booster manufacturer, ATK Thiokol Propulsion, was formed in June 1999. The alliance provides QUANTUM access to ATK Thiokol scientists, engineers and support personnel experienced in the handling and management of hydrogen fuel, and authorizes QUANTUM to advance the commercialization of ATK Thiokol's unique composite conformable hydrogen fuel storage tank technology for the emerging automotive fuel cell markets.
QUANTUM designs, develops, integrates and manufactures products for gaseous fuel storage, fuel delivery and electronic control systems for internal combustion engines and fuel cells. QUANTUM products enable the fuel cell to operate at optimal efficiency while meeting the performance requirements of its target markets. QUANTUM's target markets are portable power generation, stationary power generation, mobile vehicles and refueling infrastructure. In the alternative fuel industry, QUANTUM focuses on the development and mass production of fuel systems for automotive OEM markets worldwide.
For more information:
Alan Niedzwiecki, Executive Director, Business Development
QUANTUM Technologies, WorldWide, Inc. Tel: (949) 399-4500
Eileen M. Oswald, Director of Communications
QUANTUM Technologies, WorldWide, Inc. Tel: (949) 885-7547
Dale Rasmussen, Investor Relations
IMPCO Technologies, Inc. Tel: (206) 575-1594
Andy Haaland, Manager AFV Products
ATK Thiokol Propulsion Tel: (435) 863-6373
Certain matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current trends. These include the company's ability to design and market advanced fuel metering, fuel storage or electronic control products, the company's ability to meet OEM specifications, and other such risks as cited in the 2001 annual report on Form 10-K for IMPCO Technologies, Inc. and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.