O-Rings for Hyrdrogen Sealing Throughout Hydrogen Supply Chain
O-Rings for Hydrogen Sealing Throughout Hydrogen Supply Chain
Hydrogen production requires infallible seals to ensure safety, whether to infrastructure or, when used as fuel in vehicles, passenger safety. Hydrogen is volatile and incredibly difficult to seal and contain due to its low molecular size and high diffusivity; it can permeate most materials.
The hydrogen supply chain consists of production, storage, transportation, and utilisation, and guaranteed sealing is required throughout. High performance seals are crucial in maintaining optimal pressures and temperatures in the extreme environments present in the supply chain. If any leaks or gaps appear in hydrogen equipment the results can be catastrophic.
Why use O-Rings for High-Performance Hydrogen Sealing:
The volatility of hydrogen makes its transition through the supply chain extremely challenging; high performance sealing is vital. For the right application, O-Rings are a great option for efficient hydrogen sealing, with applications across the supply chain from valves to electrolysis and transportation.
Developed from different hydrogen compatible materials, primarily elastomers, O-Rings are incredibly versatile. While having chemical resistance, they also offer specific benefits: suitable for extreme temperatures, high pressure resistance, compressing and deforming under pressure to create a tight seal, and they can be removed and replaced for maintenance.
Where are O-Rings used for High-Performance Hydrogen Sealing:
- Connectors – must be completely sealed and operate between high and low temperatures and pressures.
- High Pressure Valves – used at filling stations and in compressors to control the flow of hydrogen; these seals must withstand pressures up to 100 MPa and temperatures between -50 °C - +85 °C.
- Low Pressure Valves – used between the electrolysis process and the compression of hydrogen; the expansion behaviours of hydrogen cause high temperatures, so seals must function between -40 °C to +150 °C.
- Electrolysers – seals ensuring the efficiency and protection of hardware from electrochemical attacks.
- Hydrogen Turbines – natural gas turbines transitioned to blended hydrogen-natural gas turbines to generate electricity. Components in these must withstand high temperatures, be compatible with gas mixtures, and resist rapid gas decompression.
- Hydrogen Compressors – high performance sealing required to protect hardware and prevent leakage, operating at speeds up to 4 m/s, a wide temperature range, and very high pressures.
- CGH2 Storage and Transport – Gaseous hydrogen requires seals suitable for low temperatures and high pressures, while resisting permeation.
- LH2 Storage & Transport – Liquid hydrogen is stored and transported at cryogenic conditions requiring seals suitable for extremely low-temperature environments.
- Internal Combustion Engines - Depending on the design of the injectors and position of the seal, they must be able to operate in a wide temperature range, under high pressures, and stop leakage to ensure passenger safety.
- Hydrogen Fuel Cell – operating at a wide temperature range, and high pressures with a significant risk of electrochemical attack which can damage seals and hardware.
Trelleborg H2Pro™ - Sealing Solutions for Hydrogen
Trelleborg’s H2Pro range offers sealing solutions, including O-Rings, across the entire hydrogen supply chain from the production of green hydrogen to storage and transportation, including pumps, valves, connectors, and more. The entire range has been specifically engineered and tested to meet hydrogen sealing requirements. They can withstand a wide temperature range, high and low pressures, rapid gas compression, and leakage.
To find out more about the H2Pro range and how it can work for you, contact our technical team here.