Quantum Fuel Systems, which produces Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuel systems, says it recently received an order for its newest Virtual Pipeline product line extension, the VPLite21, which is a 20-foot modular container.
Quantum’s new customer, a utility company, plans to place the Virtual Pipeline trailers at isolated locations with scheduled maintenance projects on the transmission pipelines or distribution systems, allowing it to provide a continuous, uninterrupted supply of natural gas to its customers.
“We have listened to utility leaders in the industry who have told us that they need our product, but in a smaller footprint,” said Mark Arold, president of Quantum Fuel. “The VPLite21 addresses those needs and allows Quantum to serve new markets.
“There is enormous interest in Virtual Pipeline Trailers, and we look forward to further expanding our product portfolio with even more configuration options to be able to offer solutions tailored to our customers’ needs.”
Quantum's 20-foot modular container has a gaseous capacity of approximately 227,000 standard cubic feet (SCF) and weighs less than 25,000 pounds empty, and less than 35,000 pounds fully loaded. It is equipped with 21 vertical Type 4 CNG tanks, which enables increased flexibility for customers who require smaller onsite storage capacity or have smaller project needs.
The VPLite21 will start delivering in the second quarter of 2019, Quantum said, and will be certified for use in the United States and Canada, with worldwide availability to follow.
For the last three years, Quantum Fuel Systems has been delivering VPLite Virtual Pipeline Trailers to customers. The VPLite product line, at 3,600 pounds per square inch (psi), can carry up to approximately 530,000 SCF in the VPLite51, but is also available in configurations with less hauling capacity. Quantum also has a 5,000-psi trailer option.