Trelleborg Sealing Solutions is introducing a new H2Pro range, comprising over 20 sealing compounds proven to provide reliable solutions for every application of the hydrogen value chain.
Trelleborg’s R&D has developed proprietary next-level testing regimes to validate materials for real-world hydrogen applications. Designed to accelerate innovation for sustainable technology, the H2Pro range has solutions for the challenges of hydrogen production, transport and storage, and end-use. Able to withstand challenging application environments, the materials are suitable for high pressures, low temperatures, and resist permeation, making them better able to withstand rapid gas decompression (RGD), while demonstrating good wear and extrusion properties.
James Simpson, Global Segment Director Energy, said: “As the smallest and lightest molecule, hydrogen has the potential to drive the energy transition, but it is difficult and complex to seal. The lack of relevant industry standards to validate our materials against was a major challenge when developing the H2Pro range. Some in the nascent hydrogen industry rely on standards used typically for high-pressure gases in the oil and gas sector, but these are often unsuitable for replicating real-world hydrogen application conditions. Utilizing our unsurpassed R&D capabilities, Trelleborg has developed proprietary testing protocols that replicate real-world hydrogen applications, providing customers with confidence in products to make the energy transition reliable, efficient and economic.”
Trelleborg’s proprietary standards test for hydrogen permeation, endurance validation and hydrogen compatibility including the ability to withstand RGD. Occurring when hydrogen permeates into a seal under pressure, RGD can cause seals to blister and crack when pressure is rapidly relieved.
The extended H2Pro range meets the requirements of hydrogen applications with elastomers including ethylene propylene diene monomers (EPDM), fluoroelastomers (FKM), silicones and Zurcon polyurethanes (PU). For other hydrogen sealing solutions there are plastics and metals including Turcon polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), 316L stainless steel and a range of Zurcon engineered plastics in ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) and polyether ether ketone (PEEK).
Simpson added: “The comprehensive H2Pro range comprises application-specific solutions that support every type of business involved in hydrogen, including marine industries. As a global leader in polymer and elastomer solutions, we are the ideal sealing partner of choice for everyone working in the hydrogen field.”
Trelleborg recently opened a new Hydrogen Test Centre in Fort Wayne, Indiana, US which extends compatibility and permeation validation and conducts further dynamic testing in gaseous hydrogen and additional validation of cryogenic gaseous solutions. The new facility provides tests of specific customer equipment in strategic real-world applications. Additionally it can carry out testing of derivative alternative fuels to support industries where e-fuels such as ammonia or methanol are being considered.
Image: Zurcon H2Pro ZLT thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for very low temperatures (source: Trelleborg)
