DCHT selected to provide hydrogen sensors for NASA

January 5, 2001

DCH Technology, Inc. (DCHT) announced on Jan. 4 that they will be developing a new hydrogen sensor for critical fuel containment systems to be used on both the U.S. Space Shuttle fleet and its X33 next generation of space vehicles.

A special version of DCHT's patented Robust Hydrogen Sensor (RHS) will serve as a leak detector in the new seal systems being developed by Shape Change Technologies LLC, the prime contractor on a development program sponsored by the U.S. National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA).

NASA was in need of a sensor that could withstand a corrosive oxygen environment. After testing the RHS design recently, NASA was satisfied with the results. "The unit responded quickly to the hydrogen contamination test gas when it was introduced, tracking contaminant flux repeatedly at all chamber pressures tested," said David Bents, Manager of High Altitude and Power, NASA Glenn Lewis Field, Cleveland, OH.

The Robust Hydrogen Sensor consists of thin-film technology embedded into an integrated circuit. The sensor logs and processes data based on sensed inputs and communicates information to a system control or human interface device. Based on performance specifications, Shape Change Technologies selected a cryogenic—or deep-cold environment—version of the RHS for use on the NASA project.

For additional information, contact DCH Technology, Inc., Investor Relations, at 661-775-4380 or invest@dcht.com.

By Kevin Westerling, Assistant Editor, Power Online