Trelleborg Sealing Solutions launches the full H2Pro range of over 20 sealing compounds proven to provide reliable solutions for every application of the H₂ value chain. Industry-leading R&D has enabled Trelleborg to develop proprietary next-level testing regimes to validate materials for real-world H₂ applications.

Designed to accelerate innovation for sustainable technology, the H2Pro range has solutions for the challenges of H₂ 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, said, “As the smallest and lightest molecule, H₂ 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 H₂ industry rely on standards used typically for high-pressure gasses in the oil & gas sector, but these are often unsuitable for replicating real-world H₂ application conditions.

“Utilizing our unsurpassed R&D capabilities, Trelleborg has developed proprietary testing protocols that replicate real-world H₂ applications, providing customers with confidence in products to make the energy transition reliable, efficient and economic.”

Trelleborg has developed proprietary test standards for H₂ permeation, endurance validation and H₂ compatibility including the ability to withstand RGD. Occurring when H₂ 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 H₂ applications with elastomers including ethylene propylene diene monomers (EPDM), fluoroelastomers (FKM), silicones and Zurcon polyurethanes (PU). For other H₂ 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 H₂, including energy generation, aerospace, off-highway, truck and bus, chemical transportation and processing and marine industries,” said Simpson. “As a global leader in polymer and elastomer solutions, we are the ideal sealing partner of choice for everyone working in the H₂ field.”

Having established proprietary testing standards for H₂ applications, Trelleborg continues to push the boundaries of validating H₂ sealing solutions. A new 93 square-meters/1,000 square-feet H₂ Test Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S., opened in June 2024. It extends compatibility and permeation validation and conducts further dynamic testing in gaseous H₂ 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 eFuels such as ammonia or methanol are being considered.