QUANTUM and Thiokol Certify Conformable Hydrogen Tank
IRVINE, Calif., June 29 - ATK Thiokol Propulsion Company (NYSE:ATK) and QUANTUM Technologies WorldWide, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of IMPCO Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:IMCO), today announced the certification of the world's first all-composite ultra-lightweight conformable storage tank for hydrogen and compressed natural gas to NGV2-2000 standards. This is the only conformable tank technology in the world that has successfully passed all testing requirements of NGV2-2000. This state-of-the-art all-composite conformable tank was designed, developed and manufactured by ATK Thiokol Propulsion Company, an operating company within Alliant Techsystems Inc. (NYSE:ATK). ATK Thiokol Propulsion has granted QUANTUM exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute conformable tank storage systems for OEM vehicle applications
Ultra-lightweight composite gaseous fuel storage cylinders are critical components required for optimizing the storage of on-board hydrogen fuel for fuel cell vehicles. ATK's expertise in developing conformable tank technology allows for gaseous fuel storage using various unconventional shapes, unlike conventional cylindrical shaped hydrogen storage tanks. The varying shapes allow for the storage of 30-40% more fuel, with the result being greater vehicle range. In addition to optimizing the volumetric efficiency of the fuel storage, this type IV plastic lined tank technology also addresses the hydrogen embrittlement and stress corrosion cracking concerns associated with type III aluminum lined hydrogen storage tanks.
Syed Hussain, President and CEO of Quantum Technologies, Inc., said, ``This is a significant addition to QUANTUM's advanced fuel storage system portfolio, which will be made available to manufacturers of fuel cell and natural gas vehicles. We are proud to be aligned with such a prominent company as ATK Thiokol Propulsion -- the first to produce a conformable tank that passes the stringent NGV2-2000 regulatory requirements. This achievement advances QUANTUM's commercialization of ATK's unique composite conformable gaseous fuel storage tank technology for the emerging automotive fuel cell markets.''
The QUANTUM strategic alliance with NASA Space Shuttle rocket booster manufacturer, ATK Thiokol Propulsion, was formed in June 2000. The alliance provides QUANTUM access to ATK scientists, engineers and other professionals experienced in all facets of technology including the handling and management of hydrogen fuel.
For more information, please contact:
Alan Niedzwiecki, Executive Director, Business Development
QUANTUM Technologies WorldWide, Inc. Tel: (949) 399-4552
Eileen M. Oswald, Director of Communications
QUANTUM Technologies WorldWide, Inc. Tel: (949) 885-7547
Andy Haaland, Manager, Alternative Fuel Vehicle Products
ATK Thiokol Propulsion Company Tel: (435) 863-6373
QUANTUM website: www.qtww.com
QUANTUM Technologies Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of IMPCO Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:IMCO). QUANTUM is focused on the development of fuel system enabling technologies for manufacturers of alternative propulsion and energy in emerging global markets.
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 IMPCO Technologies, Inc. 2000 annual report on Form 10-K, and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SOURCE: QUANTUM Technologies WorldWide, Inc.