Hydrogen Seals
Revolutionising Hydrogen Sealing Solutions for Sustainable Energy
M Barnwell Services is a trusted partner for high-performance Hydrogen Seals, meticulously engineered to elevate sealing efficiency across diverse industrial applications. Discover the superior efficiency and versatility of our Hydrogen Seals.
Hydrogen Seals Market
In specific applications, hydrogen sealing can occur in either gas or liquid form. While each form presents unique considerations, chemical compatibility typically isn’t a significant concern, and most seal materials perform effectively. When requirements aren’t particularly demanding, EPDM elastomer-based solutions are often the most cost-effective for hydrogen seals.
When hydrogen is in its liquid state, the primary concern is the extremely cold cryogenic temperatures of -253°C. Elastomers aren’t suitable for such low temperatures, so PTFE seals are often the preferred choice.
Sealing hydrogen as a gas poses challenges related to high-pressure conditions (700 bar and above), permeation through seal materials, and the risk of rapid gas decompression. To resist permeation, chlorobutyl elastomer or polyurethane seals are available. For high-pressure applications, manufacturers can utilise elastomers or polyurethanes with robust resistance to extrusion and rapid gas decompression. Alternatively, they can employ PTFE, which remains unaffected by rapid gas decompression.
Storing, transporting, or using large quantities of hydrogen in its liquid or gas form isn’t straightforward. Hence, it’s common to store and transport it as methanol or ammonia. Users typically separate hydrogen when required, often at the point of use, such as in fuel cells or combustion. While sealing these liquids, temperature and pressure levels are generally manageable, but it’s crucial to consider chemical compatibility since FKM isn’t compatible. EPDM seals are generally the preferred choice in such cases.
Temperature Specific:
In electrolysers and fuel cells, strict purity and cleanliness standards can be achieved using materials and treatments commonly found in the semiconductor industry. Elastomers become hard and brittle below -60°C, but PTFE, PCTFE, and metal sealing solutions can function at cryogenic temperatures. For high-temperature applications, some FKM or even FFKM elastomers can withstand temperatures up to 220°C or even 300°C. PTFE sealing solutions are typically preferred.
Metal seals can endure even higher temperatures, up to around 870°C. Additionally, they can be coated with soft materials like tin or indium for gas-tight sealing. Alternatively, gold or silver to reduce the risk of hydrogen embrittlement.
Hydrogen Seals Applications
Managing hydrogen in both its liquid and gaseous forms poses distinct technical challenges. As hydrogen gains global attention as a clean energy option amidst the push for low carbon sources and achieving net zero emissions, understanding its unique properties becomes paramount.
Hydrogen is a small molecule existing as a gas at room temperature. It transitions into a liquid state at a frigid -253°C, offering the potential for efficient volume storage and transportation. However, handling hydrogen comes with complexities.
Safety concerns arise due to hydrogen’s lower ignition energy and its propensity to ignite with lower oxygen levels compared to natural gas. Moreover, its high flame speed and elevated burning temperatures in the air increase the risk of accidents such as uncontrolled releases or explosions.
Addressing these challenges involves tackling three main areas:
- Temperature Variations: The extreme temperature fluctuations involved in production, processing, and transportation pose sealing challenges, demanding careful material selection to ensure durability and performance.
- Chemical Interactions: Hydrogen interacts with various materials, potentially leading to detrimental effects like embrittlement or cracking, especially in metallic components. Selecting suitable materials and understanding service conditions are crucial to prevent system failures.
- Physical Interactions: Hydrogen’s mobility enables it to interact with polymer-based materials, potentially altering their properties and affecting sealing performance. Careful consideration and selection of materials are necessary to ensure safe storage, transportation, and usage.
At M Barnwell Services, rigorous research and testing are ongoing to evaluate material performance for hydrogen service. This provides customers with confidence in selecting appropriate solutions. Our comprehensive range of plastics, elastomers, gaskets, and compression packing undergo thorough characterisation and validation. Both are essential for safe sealing across diverse hydrogen applications.
Features:
- Resistance to permeation and rapid gas decompression (RGD) for applications involving high-pressure gaseous hydrogen.
- Ability to seal cryogenic temperatures for storing liquid hydrogen.
- Ultra-high purity elastomers with minimal permeation and outgassing.
- Rubber-metal and rubber-plastic seals are designed for high-volume components in fuel cells and electrolysers.
Conclusion
Hydrogen stands as a cornerstone in achieving sustainable development goals aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions. However, renewable energy sources like wind and solar exhibit fluctuations and aren’t uniformly available everywhere. Surpluses generated by these sources can be harnessed for the power-to-hydrogen process. Hydrogen’s ability to be stored and transported allows for its distribution to regions with high energy demand but insufficient renewable energy sources.
In the realm of hydrogen applications, dependable and efficient sealing technology plays a pivotal role in ensuring safety and performance. As hydrogen emerges as a prominent clean energy source, industries such as fuel cells, hydrogen storage, and transportation confront unique challenges in containing this highly reactive gas.
We meticulously craft our seals and sealing materials for hydrogen applications, ensuring they are engineered to withstand the demanding conditions of storage, transport, and utilisation.
Through advanced materials and innovative designs, we mitigate leakage and uphold system integrity in even the most demanding environments. By providing robust sealing technologies, we aim to facilitate the widespread adoption of hydrogen as a sustainable energy solution while prioritising safety and reliability.
If you would like more information about our range, download our catalogue, visit the Seal Maker Page, or contact a member of the team.
E&OE. Information gathered from manufacturing partners.