Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has given the go-ahead for the construction of a new hydrogen seal testing laboratory in Fort Wayne (USA). With this construction project, the manufacturer of polymer-based precision seals is expanding its hydrogen testing capacities. Completion is already planned for the first quarter of 2024.
By setting up the laboratory, the company is consolidating its role as a development and cooperation partner for sealing solutions along the entire hydrogen value chain. From hydrogen production to storage, transport and end use, customised sealing solutions are developed and intensively tested. A dedicated hydrogen-specific test system is part of Trelleborg's strategic goal. Customers can thus be supported in the development of hydrogen seals and specific challenges can be addressed.
Konrad Saur, Vice President of Innovation & Technology, explains: “Often the test specifications for hydrogen are not known and in the absence of established hydrogen test methods, reference is made to established test standards for specific niche applications or oil and gas applications. However, these tests are not representative of the requirements of hydrogen applications. Therefore, Trelleborg has developed a hydrogen-specific test system based on our expertise in the requirements of hydrogen seals.”
Independence from external laboratories guaranteed
The testing capabilities offered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, include hydrogen leak detection, dynamic condition testing and permeation testing that replicate all critical hydrogen sealing criteria. In addition, Trelleborg plans to conduct tests that replicate challenging application conditions of rapid gas decompression, where hydrogen can be absorbed into a seal in a high-pressure system.
The new test centre will also simulate a sudden pressure release, whereby the gas trapped in the seal expands. This can lead to gas escaping and the seal blowing bubbles and tearing. Such eventualities must always be checked and ruled out by means of extensive tests. In addition to the test capacities listed, tests for pressures up to 15,000 PSI/1,034 bar are also possible. All temperature ranges from cryogenic temperatures to over 180 °C and for thermal cycle tests at various pressure profiles can also be tested.
John Mclaughlin, Director of Research and Development Services Americas, emphasises: “Hydrogen, which is used both as an energy storage medium and as a fuel, has the potential to reduce emissions on a large scale. The market demand for hydrogen sealing components is therefore enormous, ranging from standard products to highly technical solutions where few in the industry have extensive experience.” With its current and future testing capabilities, the company can fulfil almost all hydrogen sealing requirements. This means that Trelleborg is ultimately not dependent on external laboratories, which is a strategic advantage.
