Sealing Solutions for H2 Distribution

Filling the tank of a vehicle or other hydrogen consumer, or filling a stationary tank with hydrogen is a complex process. In many cases, the hydrogen is compressed, cooled, and/or expanded. When connecting the tank system with or separating it from a vehicle or tank, high pressure surges or pressure drops occur that impose additional requirements on seal design and materials.

In the event of sudden pressure drops or major pressure gradients that may, for instance, occur at the end of the filling process or during the separation of the connection between the tank systems of the hydrogen supplier and hydrogen consumer, specialty sealing materials exhibiting high resistance against explosive decompression are required. At the same time, the materials must be highly resistant against tank pressures of up to 1,000 bar. Unlike many other gases, hydrogen heats up when it expands. To avoid overheating during the filling process, hydrogen must be heavily cooled down to at least -40 °C, which requires the utilization of special low-temperature materials.