Quantum Fuel Systems has developed a 5,000 psi natural gas tank for the compressed natural gas (CNG) virtual pipeline market, and it has shipped the first 100 units of the tank to a foreign-based customer, the company announced.

The tank was developed in connection with the customer's arrangement with an industrial firm to transport CNG in bulk quantities to locations where natural gas pipeline infrastructure is nonexistent, according to Quantum. Virtual CNG pipeline applications include natural gas transport to remote manufacturing and power generation sites, mines, oil and gas fields, and marine.

The 640-liter tank was designed to maximize the transport density of natural gas at 5,000 psi, compared to traditional 3,600 psi CNG storage, and its design characteristics with patented interfaces enable high capacity, Quantum said. In addition, the customer has a proprietary tank fill technology that allows for refueling and elevated use of the tanks' available capacity.

The tank is a derivative of Quantum's Q-Lite CNG storage tank technology for Class 6-8 trucks.