More News out!!!
WESTPORT INNOVATIONS INC ("WPT-T;WPIVF-L") - To Use New Alloy for Diesel Engine Injectors
Westport Innovations Inc. of Vancouver and ETREMA Products Inc. of Ames, Iowa have signed agreements valued at Cdn$225,000 under which ETREMA will supply an advanced metal alloy for Westport's new prototype natural gas injectors. Westport plans to install these prototypes in a natural gas-fuelled diesel engine by the fall of 2000.
The advanced metal alloy, called Terfenol-D, quickly expands or contracts in the presence of a magnetic field. Terfenol-D governs the flow of fuel through the injector by opening and closing at a much higher rate than the mechanical solenoid technology that it replaces. In addition, the electronics that control Terfenol-D will be much simpler and more robust than mechanical solenoid controls.
Westport expects that its injector will be more reliable using Terfenol-D than with other alternatives, and will optimize the injection process so that Westport's natural gas fuelled diesel engines can operate faster, with lower emissions. The agreements give Westport exclusive worldwide rights to Terfenol-D for natural gas in engines. "The simplicity of ETREMA technology and its capabilities for high-speed operation make it a perfect fit for Westport," said David Demers, President of Westport.
ETREMA is a closely held corporation engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of advanced material alloys, devices using such alloys, and engineering services. The company's primary interest is the development of products that use Terfenol-D to achieve performance that other technologies and materials cannot match. ETREMA has the only facility in the world capable of producing high quality, commercial quantities of Terfenol-D, which was originally developed as technology for the U.S. military.
Westport Innovations' patented High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI) natural gas fuel systems are intended to retain all of the performance and fuel economy of diesel engines while meeting future U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emissions targets for oxides of nitrogen (NO*) and particulate matter (PM). Westport Innovations' fuel systems are also intended to significantly reduce carbon dioxide (CO(2)) emissions to meet proposed global warming initiatives.
Westport's strategy is to develop its technology through key strategic alliances. With Ford Motor Company of Dearborn, Michigan, Westport is developing the enabling technologies for a natural gas fuelled diesel engine for light-duty vehicles. In addition, Westport has agreements with Cummins Engine Company, Inc. of Columbus, Indiana to develop natural gas fuelled diesel engines suitable for heavy-duty trucks and stationary power generation.
Note: This news release contains forward-looking statements about Westport's plans for its technology based on the current expectations of management. Westport cautions investors that due to risks and uncertainties, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. TEL: (604) 718-2016
Alan Bayless, Investor Relations
______________________________________
(c) Corporate Dissemination Services Inc. All rights reserved.
Tel:(604) 689-1101
Fax:(604) 689-1106
RapidFAX (tm) - To get the NEWS as it happens, call (604) 689-3041. |
