ATF.V more good news, one of these days this puppy is going to get some big contracts.......and....kaboom...I hope :-)
CALGARY, Sept. 5 /CNW/ - (CDNX: ATF) - Alternative Fuel Systems Inc.
('AFS') announced today that the U.S. Patent Office and Eurasian Patent Office
have granted AFS and its partner, Matros Technologies Inc., two new patents on
the Reverse Flow Catalytic Converter ('RFC') for internal combustion engine
applications. The new patents cover techniques for optimizing the reduction
of harmful emissions in engine exhaust.
These latest patents stem from ongoing joint development programs between
AFS and Matros Technologies that target the development and commercialization
of innovative exhaust aftertreatment solutions. The two companies are
currently focusing their collaborative efforts on applying reverse flow
technology to diesel engine exhaust reduction. Diesel engine exhaust has
become an increasing health and environmental legislative concern in recent
years. The relatively low exhaust temperatures of diesel engines make it
difficult to effectively utilize traditional catalytic materials and processes
to control harmful emissions. The AFS/Matros catalytic converter is designed
to create and maintain the optimal temperatures for destroying pollutants such
as particulate matter (PM), nitrous oxides (NO(x)), and hydrocarbons (THC) in
diesel engine exhaust. RFC technology uses an innovative exhaust flow reversal
process in order to store and regenerate heat energy to maintain a hotzone in
the catalyst monolith, thereby facilitating efficient catalytic conversion.
Originally, Matros Technologies applied reverse flow technology to
industrial, large-scale chemical plant processes and, over the years, Matros
has demonstrated significant emission reductions and received numerous patents
in this area. By working together, AFS and Matros have become the first
companies to develop this type of advanced aftertreatment technology for
vehicle and stationary generator applications. AFS has several vehicles on the
road in Tokyo, Japan using reverse flow converter products.
"The introduction of reverse flow to the catalytic process represents a
genuine breakthrough in the application of catalytic technology to diesel
engines," said AFS President, John C. Anderson. "The AFS/Matros team is the
first to explore this process, and we expect to be one of the first companies
to commercialize a practical and effective aftertreatment solution to the
global problem of diesel emissions. Since becoming President of AFS last year,
I have made it a company priority to stay at the forefront of aftertreatment
development. Given the enormous number of diesel engines on the road today,
and increasing worldwide awareness of diesel exhaust hazards, this will
continue to be vital and expanding area in environmental technologies."
Earlier this year, AFS announced the formation of a new Advanced
Aftertreatment Development Program focusing on several areas of emission
reduction technologies. Anderson commented, "Our Aftertreatment Program is
more than a research project. Our team of experts is focused, not just on this
technology's great potential, but on making the practical application of this
technology a reality. With AFS' proven track record in the successful
development and commercialization of leading edge engine management
technologies, I expect to see this technological advancement join AFS' product
line within the next two years."
Demand for diesel emissions reduction solutions is being driven by
legislation around the world. Increasingly stringent emissions regulations,
combined with the reality that there are over 230 million diesel vehicles
currently operating worldwide, suggest that, although catalytic technology for
diesel engines is in its infancy, the potential market size for exhaust
aftertreatment solutions is in the multi-billion dollar range. The RFC can be
applied to original equipment manufacturing (OEM) or the retrofit market.
Alternative Fuel Systems Inc. is an environmental technology company
providing innovative solutions to the global engine exhaust emissions problem.
AFS has developed and commercialized electronic engine management technologies
that enable diesel and gasoline engines to operate using natural gas, and is
at the forefront of research into exhaust aftertreatment technology. AFS is
headquartered in Calgary, Canada and trades on the CDNX as ATF.
The Canadian Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the
information contained herein.
-0- 09/05/2000
For further information: (403) 262-1833, Fax: (403) 237-7441, Email: investor@afsglobal.com, www.AFSGlobal.com To request a free copy of this organization's annual report, please go to www.newswire.ca and click on reports@cnw.
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