Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc. has received a contract to develop a specialized 5,000 psi compressed natural gas (CNG) tank specifically configured for an integrated storage system for heavy-duty mining trucks in Australia.
Quantum says the tank will be developed for an international industrial firm that supports mining and other manufacturing applications leveraging CNG. The mining applications require availability of natural gas using virtual pipeline delivery methods, and Quantum says the use of CNG tanks for mining applications complements the manufacturer's recently announced commercial entry into the virtual pipeline industry.
Quantum says its Q-Lite 5,000 psi prototype tank was developed using the same design and production characteristics of the company's Q-Lite line of CNG tanks already being utilized by Class 6-8 on-road trucks around North America. The company also says the toughness and durability of its Q-Lite tank is evidenced in the supplied photo, as a 140-tonne CAT 789C dump truck is driving directly over a Quantum tank without incident.
‘The mining industry is a major energy user, and mining companies around the world are increasingly focused on energy efficiency, lower emission and cost-effective ways of generating power,’ says Brian Olson, president and CEO of Quantum.
‘Although many thought mining would be dominated by [liquefied natural gas (LNG)], Quantum and its commercial partners are now proving that CNG offers a much lower-cost solution compared to diesel and LNG,” claims Olson.
Photo courtesy of Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc.
