Trelleborg offers new TPU, EPDM for hydrogen sealing systems

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—As the world transitions toward carbon neutrality, hydrogen sealing materials will play a major role.

To make this sustainable technology possible, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has launched a new line of hydrogen sealing systems for a range of environments.

Using EPDM and a unique thermoplastic polyurethane, the H2Pro range of hydrogen sealing materials is intended to perform at every point on the hydrogen value chain, according to Trelleborg.

"Hydrogen has a major role to play in the transition to a carbon neutral world, both as a fuel source and as a storage medium for surplus energy from renewable sources," said James Simpson, global segment director for energy. "Due to its inherent characteristics, hydrogen is difficult to seal."

According to Simpson, the H2Pro range is appropriate for pumps, valves, connectors and numerous other devices in the hydrogen supply chain.

The EPDM rubber, known as H2Pro EBT25, is suitable for high-pressure environments across a wide range of temperatures. The TPU, known as Zurcon H2Pro ZLT, is suitable for very low temperature sealing systems.

Both are designed "to accelerate innovation for sustainable technology ... with hydrogen production, transport, storage and end-use," Trelleborg said in a June 5 press release on the new products.

The materials resist permeation (with the lightest and simplest element on the periodic table), have excellent wear and extrusion properties during production and can withstand rapid gas decompression.

During RGD, hydrogen exists in a high-pressure system, then rapidly decompresses and can be absorbed into the seal.

When this happens, the integrity of the seal can be affected as the gas tries to escape, causing blisters and cracking.

The TPU, in particular, will be useful for liquid hydrogen storage and transportation, Trelleborg said.

Extrusion properties for both the TPU and EPDM have been validated to "key industry standards."

"Because it is so challenging to seal, Trelleborg is creating the materials and application-specific solutions to support every type of business involved in hydrogen, including those in the energy generation, aerospace, off-highway, truck and bus, CPI, chemical transportation and marine industries," Simpson said. "As a longstanding global leader in polymer and elastomer solutions, we are ideally positioned to be their sealing partner of choice for hydrogen."

While Zurcon H2Pro ZLT can be used for O-rings for static seals on valves, filters, refueling nozzles, actuators and pumps, H2Pro EBT25 can withstand RGD and features 85 Shore A hardness.

The EPDM can help seal custom-molded parts and frame seals for fuel cells and electrolysis equipment.

For more on the H2Pro range, including registration for a free webinar, visit trelleborg.com.

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