Rapid Gas Decompression: Why Elastomer Seals Fail in High-Pressure Gas

Elastic gases in high-pressure gas environments, especially hydrogen and CO2, can be damaged even if the material is chemically compatible.

Mechanism is broken.

At high pressure, the gas penetrates into the gasoline. When the pressure decreases rapidly, the gas trapped inside expands and creates foam or cracking gasoline from within. According to Greene Tweed, hydrogen has high permeability so when combined with high pressure, RGD becomes a real problem. In addition, research by the U.S. Department of Energy records that saturated hydrogen in seal materials at high temperature and pressure changes the size and mechanism of the gasoline.

How to restrict.

• Choosing elastomer compounds has been RGD tested for the right type of gas and pressure. Freudenberg says there are more than 1,500 material formulations to develop according to application.
• Consider fluoridated elastomers (FFKM, FEPM) and coatings that reduce friction or gas deterrence.
• Control the speed of discharge in operation when possible.

Source of reference.

Greene Tweed, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, U.S. Department of Energy (Hydrogen Program). Article compiled and reinterpreted by SNS-VN; brand name belongs to the owner.