The importance of hydrogen for the long-term success of the energy transition is undisputed. It plays an outstanding role in sealing technology in particular, as numerous components of hydrogen and fuel cells are based on special manufacturing processes for seal production. The most important processes include the high-precision forming, stamping and coating of metallic plates. The reliable sealing of hydrogen in fuel cells and production facilities is one of the key competences of sealing technology.
A sealing manufacturer is currently focussing on the production of metallic bipolar plates for fuel cell stacks. A high-volume line for metallic bipolar plates was created in just two years. With eight million components per year, it is - according to the company - the largest production line in Europe. The plates are formed and stamped in two large presses, then cleaned, welded and coated.
Support for manufacturers of electrolysers
Plans for the expansion of further production capacities on a similar scale are already on the table. In parallel, Dana Neu-Ulm operates a small series production line with a capacity of 800,000 plates per year. The company continues to produce bipolar plates according to individual customer specifications on this line.
At Hannover Messe 2023, Dana confirmed the development of metallic bipolar plates for electrolysers with proton exchange membranes (PEM). Prototype tests are currently underway at numerous electrolyser manufacturers. With the help of the latest generation of high-performance metallic bipolar plates, Dana Neu-Ulm is supporting electrolyser manufacturers in the breakthrough of this technology.
Hydrogen, a gas with a small molecular size and high diffusion capacity, is flowing through more and more industrial production plants. The sealing material AFM 34 has confirmed its gas-tightness in leakage tests in accordance with EN 13555, even with hydrogen as the test medium. AFM 34 is physiologically completely harmless, has many approvals and is chemically resistant to H2. This makes the universal sealing material based on aramid fibre a suitable sealing solution for hydrogen applications.
