DCH Technology Chosen by Antaeus for Bridge Monitoring System
17 February 1999
DCH Technology Chosen by Antaeus for Bridge Monitoring System
VALENCIA, Calif., Feb. 17 -- DCH Technology, Inc.
(OTC Bulletin Board: DCHT) announced today that it has been selected by
Antaeus Corporation for incorporation into its technology suite for use in its
"smart" bridge monitoring system. The Company will provide its proprietary
Hydrogen Sensors to be used for corrosion detection associated with aging
bridge structural members. Antaeus is to provide Pulse(TM) -- the world's
first totally automatic "smart" bridge monitoring system. DCH estimates this
application at over $1 million in annual revenue going into the millennium.
The purpose of a "smart" bridge monitoring system is to ensure safety and
reduce and manage maintenance costs. There are over 577,000 bridges in the
U.S. transportation infrastructure and the average bridge is 54 years old.
Last year, the U.S. Government spent $5 Billion maintaining and rehabilitating
bridges. The need for reliable maintenance technology and cost management is
growing annually.
Hydrogen gas is a natural byproduct of corrosion associated with iron and
steel alloys. DCH Hydrogen Sensors are fast and chemically selective in
detecting very small amounts of hydrogen gas. This form of detection becomes
quite important in the myriad of situations on a bridge where it is not
practical or feasible to continuously monitor corroding members. Further, the
DCH new generation sensor technology supports remote monitoring using the
Antaeus fiberoptic network.
Congress responded to the need for bridge monitoring technology in 1991
when it passed the Intermodal Surface Transportation and Efficiency Act
(ISTEA). This act mandated the use of bridge management systems. Recently,
Congress provided funds going forward into the 21st century by passing the
1998 $200 Billion TEA-21 initiative (Transportation Equity Act).
David Haberman, Chairman of DCH stated, "We are pleased to be selected for
use in the Pulse(TM) system and to be associated with Antaeus which is a world
leader in this growing industry. Monitoring of corrosion is a natural
companion to the proprietary Antaeus metal fatigue analytical technology.
This is an excellent example of the market versatility of the proprietary
DCH Hydrogen Sensor technology." Antaeus is a strategic affiliate of Material
Technologies, Inc.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995: Statements in this news release looking forward in time involve risks
and uncertainties, and actual results may be materially different. Factors
that could cause actual results to differ include activity levels in the
securities markets and other risk factors such as customer order rates,
cancellations, late delivery of customer components, production delays,
dependence upon certain customers, dependencies upon key executives, viability
of quarterly results, single operating facility, competition, product
liability risk, control by management, foreign currency fluctuation, and other
risks detailed in the Company's applicable SEC filings.
For More Information Please Contact: DCHINVEST@aol.com or call
805-775-8120, ext. 11. Also See The DCH Website at http://www.dcht.com.