Trelleborg Sealing Systems introduces the H2Pro™ series of sealing materials for any application in the hydrogen value chain.
According to Trelleborg Sealing Systems, the H2Pro™ series of sealing materials solves the challenges of hydrogen production, transportation, storage and end use, and can withstand different application environments, suitable for high pressure, low temperature and permeability resistance.
The H2Pro™ series of sealing materials is ethylene-allene monomer (EPDM) rubber, H2Pro™EBT25 for all temperature and pressure environments, and the unique thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for extremely low temperatures, Zurcon®H2Pro™ZLT.
James Simpson, director of global energy at Trelleborg, said it was difficult to seal hydrogen because of its inherent properties. The H2Pro™ family, designed by Trelleborg Sealing Systems' global R&D team, provides reliable sealing solutions for a wide range of applications, including pumps, valves, connectors and many other devices in the hydrogen supply chain.
Hydrogen is the smallest and simplest element in the molecular structure, so it faces problems such as infiltration and leakage in the application of hydrogen. Rapid gas decompression means that hydrogen in a high-pressure system can be absorbed into the seal, and if the pressure in the system is reduced, the gas in the seal may expand and cause the seal to break when the gas tries to escape.
Not only that, seals for different hydrogen systems must be able to withstand harsh environments, such as high pressures of 1,000 bar in high pressure valves, as low as -250°C in liquid hydrogen storage and transportation.
James Simpson said that because sealing technology is so challenging, Trelleborg is developing materials and application-specific solutions to support a variety of businesses related to hydrogen energy, including energy production, aerospace, off-highway, truck and bus, CPI, chemical transportation and Marine industries.
H2Pro™ can also be used in a range of other compounds and seal profiles, such as Turcon™ polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and thermoplastic compounds for Varilip™ lip seals; V-type reactor seal for low temperature compressed hydrogen and liquid hydrogen (LH2) for static and dynamic applications; Blue hydrogen FKM seal; Low hardness EPDM and silicone compounds for low pressure applications; Metal seals for static liquid hydrogen LH2 applications; Wear resistant composite bearings and piston rings for compressors.