Trelleborg Launches Range of Proven H2Pro Solutions for Hydrogen
Trelleborg Sealing Solutions launches the full H2Pro range of over 20 sealing compounds proven to provide reliable solutions for every application of the hydrogen value chain. Industry-leading R&D has enabled Trelleborg to develop proprietary next-level testing regimes to validate materials for real-world hydrogen applications.
Zurcon H2Pro ZLT, a unique thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for very low temperatures
Designed to accelerate innovation for sustainable technology, the H2Pro range has solutions for the challenges of hydrogen production, transport and storage, and end-use. Proven to withstand challenging application environments, the materials are suitable for high pressures, low temperatures, and resist permeation, making them better able to withstand rapid gas decompression (RGD), while also demonstrating excellent wear and extrusion properties.
James Simpson, Global Segment Director Energy, says: “As the smallest and lightest molecule, hydrogen has the potential to drive the energy transition, but it is difficult and complex to seal.
“The lack of relevant industry standards to validate our materials against was a major challenge when developing the H2Pro range. Some in the nascent hydrogen industry rely on standards used typically for high-pressure gasses in the oil & gas sector, but these are often unsuitable for replicating real-world hydrogen application conditions.
“Utilizing our unsurpassed R&D capabilities, Trelleborg has developed proprietary testing protocols that replicate real-world hydrogen applications, providing customers with confidence in products to make the energy transition reliable, efficient and economic.”
Trelleborg has developed proprietary test standards for hydrogen permeation, endurance validation and hydrogen compatibility including the ability to withstand RGD. Occurring when hydrogen permeates into a seal under pressure, RGD can cause seals to blister and crack when pressure is rapidly relieved.
The extended H2Pro range meets the diverse requirements of real-world hydrogen applications with elastomers including ethylene propylene diene monomers (EPDM), fluoroelastomers (FKM), silicones and Zurcon polyurethanes (PU). For other hydrogen sealing solutions there are plastics and metals including Turcon polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), 316L stainless steel and a range of Zurcon engineered plastics in ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) and polyether ether ketone (PEEK).
“The comprehensive H2Pro range comprises application-specific solutions that support every type of business involved in hydrogen, including energy generation, aerospace, off-highway, truck and bus, chemical transportation and processing and marine industries,” adds Simpson. “As a global leader in polymer and elastomer solutions, we are the ideal sealing partner of choice for everyone working in the hydrogen field.”
Having established proprietary testing standards for hydrogen applications, Trelleborg continues to push the boundaries of validating hydrogen sealing solutions. A new 93 square-meters/1,000 square-feet Hydrogen Test Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, US, opened in June 2024. It extends compatibility and permeation validation and conducts further dynamic testing in gaseous hydrogen and additional validation of cryogenic gaseous solutions. The new facility also provides completely new and valuable capabilities, including tests of specific customer equipment in strategic real-world applications and testing of derivative alternative fuels to support the Power-to-X industry, where e-fuels such as ammonia or methanol are being considered.
For more on the H2Pro range watch the customer webinar: https://www.trelleborg.com/en/seals/resources/technical-library/webinars/energy/webinar-h2pro-validated-materials
To view the H2Pro brochure: https://www.trelleborg.com/seals/-/media/tss-media-repository/tss_website/pdf-and-other-literature/brochures/h2pro_en.pdf?rev=83692c8de9714638a07b71b3deb92b42?&openpdf=1
Trelleborg Sealing Solutions | www.trelleborg.com/seals