Trelleborg expanding test capabilities for hydrogen industry

Fort Wayne, Indiana – Trelleborg Sealing Solutions (TSS) is set to start building a hydrogen testing facility in Fort Wayne, with construction scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2024.

The project will enable Trelleborg to expand its hydrogen-testing capabilities, as it targets a ‘leadership position’ in the industry, according to its 17 Nov announcement.

The facility, it said, will "help customers navigate the challenges of the entire hydrogen value-chain, including generation, storage & transportation, end-use and future hydrogen applications."

“Customers often do not know the testing specifications for hydrogen,” explained Konrad Saur, VP innovation & technology.

In the absence of agreed hydrogen test procedures, added Saur, established testing standards for certain niche applications or oil & gas applications are used.

However, these tests are not representative of the requirements for hydrogen applications, according to the TSS executive.

In response, Trelleborg has established an "application-specific test regime" based on its knowledge of hydrogen sealing requirements.

Testing capabilities offered at the facility will include “critical criteria” such as hydrogen leak detection, dynamic testing and permeation testing.

Tests can replicate “worst case application conditions” for rapid gas decompression, where hydrogen in a high-pressure system can be absorbed into a seal.

There will also be testing capabilities for pressures up to 15,000psi and across all temperature ranges from cryogenic to above 180°C, Trelleborg added.