Seals for hydrogen and technical gas applications
Hydrogen and other technical gases (oxygen, nitrogen, argon, helium) present unique sealing challenges due to their low molecular density, high permeability, and the need to operate under extreme pressure and temperature conditions.
In the energy transition towards a more sustainable future, safety and efficiency in the transport, storage, and use of hydrogen depend on reliable sealing systems. This is where the quality of our seals comes into play.
ABOUT
GASES
Main challenges of seals in hydrogen systems
Hydrogen (or other gas) applications pose unique sealing challenges, requiring specific materials and designs to ensure safety and efficiency.
- Permeability: Hydrogen is the smallest molecule in the universe, increasing the risk of leakage through the seal material.
- Chemical compatibility: Some elastomers can degrade with prolonged exposure to hydrogen.
- Extreme temperatures: From cryogenic applications (storage at -250°C) to high-temperature systems (above 200°C in fuel cells).
- Pressure and load cycles: In compressed hydrogen storage systems at 700 bar, seals must withstand pressure variations without failure.
- Hydrogen embrittlement: Some materials suffer structural degradation due to hydrogen penetration, which can lead to cracks and premature failures.
SEAL
CHARACTERISTICS
Sealing gaskets for hydrogen and other industrial gas applications must meet strict requirements for safety, resistance, and chemical compatibility. Selecting the right materials and designs is crucial to ensuring effective sealing under extreme conditions of pressure, temperature, and prolonged exposure to reactive gases.
Guaranteed safety
- Minimization of leakage risk.
- Reduction of gas permeability.
- Increased lifespan and reliability in demanding environments.
Regulatory compliance
- EN549: Elastomeric materials for domestic gas appliances.
- EN682: Seals for gas and liquid fuel pipelines.
Maintenance efficiency
- Reduced maintenance due to high durability.
- Optimization of operational efficiency by reducing gas losses.
Quality in demanding environments
- Resistant to pressure cycles and temperature fluctuations.
- Suitable for continuous exposure to reactive gases without losing mechanical properties.
Thermal resistance
- Operating range from -250 °C to +250 °C.
- Ability to maintain elasticity and sealing performance in extreme thermal cycles without material degradation.
Low permeability
- Materials like FKM, hydrogenated EPDM, and modified PTFE with permeability <10⁻⁶ cm³·cm/cm²·s·bar.
- Strong resistance to load cycles, reducing fatigue in high-pressure environments.
SEALS
IN STOCK
Most common seals for these gases
O-rings play a crucial role in sealing systems that operate with hydrogen, as their simple yet effective design ensures tight sealing in both static and dynamic connections. Check real-time stock at JIOrings:
SEALS by MATERIAL
- FFKM Seals: Provide excellent chemical resistance and low permeability.
- FPM Seals: Special variants with high resistance to gas diffusion.
- HNBR Seals: Suitable for high-pressure applications with good mechanical resistance.
- PTFE Seals: Offer the lowest permeability and absolute chemical resistance.
SEALS by CERTIFICATIONS
- EN549-Certified Seals: Comply with elastomeric material requirements for domestic gas appliances, ensuring thermal aging resistance and chemical stability.
- EN681-1-Certified Seals: Designed for water and gas pipelines, offering high resistance to deformation and aging in contact with gaseous fuels.
- EN682-Certified Seals: Suitable for gas and liquid fuel pipelines, resistant to oils, hydrocarbons, and demanding thermal conditions.