Safety, reliability, and extreme performance for the High Performance Sealing industry and the new challenges of the energy transition.
1. The sealing challenge in high-pressure environments
In high-tech sectors, from traditional Oil & Gas to new applications related to the Hydrogen Economy, sealing components are subject to increasingly severe operating conditions. Among the most insidious threats to O-rings and elastomeric gaskets is the phenomenon of Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD). When an elastomer operates at high pressures in the presence of light or highly permeating gases (such as hydrogen), gas molecules penetrate the material matrix. A sudden drop in pressure causes rapid expansion of the gas trapped inside the rubber, which can generate cracking, blistering, or structural collapse of the component (a phenomenon also known as Explosive Decompression). To address this critical issue, Lavel Gomma continues to invest in Research and Development to offer advanced, certified solutions.
2. The rigorous requirements of NORSOK M-710 and ISO 23936-2 standards
The NORSOK M-710 Edition 3 and ISO 23936-2 standards represent the international benchmark for qualifying elastomeric materials intended for critical applications. Achieving compliance with these protocols requires passing extremely stringent laboratory tests conducted by independent third parties, such as Element Materials Technology (UK). The tests simulate repeated cycles of pressurization and rapid decompression at high temperatures to verify the structural integrity of the material before and after testing.
3. The success story: The FK90EDCR (FKM) compound
Tests performed on O-rings made with our FK90EDCR compound (Fluoroelastomer / FKM) confirmed the material’s outstanding performance. Operating test conditions:
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Test gas: 100% Hydrogen ($H_2$)
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Test pressure: 150 bar (15 MPa)
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Operating temperature: 100°C (±2°C)
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Number of cycles: 8 consecutive cycles with dwell time and rapid decompression at 19.1 bar/minute
Certification result: All tested samples achieved the highest score provided by the standard (Rating 0000 – PASS). This outcome attests to the total absence of internal cracking, fractures, or microscopic deformations after 8 cycles of extreme stress.
4. Hydrogen and Energy Transition: Concrete value for our partners
The decision to test the FK90EDCR compound with 100% Hydrogen responds to a precise demand from the modern market. Due to its small molecular size, hydrogen exhibits a high tendency to permeate, requiring compounds formulated with the utmost chemical and structural precision. By achieving this milestone, Lavel Gomma provides manufacturers and system engineers with a material capable of ensuring:
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Maximum operational safety: Reduction of leakage risk in high-pressure systems.
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Component longevity: Reduction of downtime and extraordinary maintenance costs.
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Application versatility: Suitability for use in valves, compressors, actuators, and hydrogen storage/transport systems.
Would you like more information on the mechanical properties of the FK90EDCR compound, or do you need support in developing custom sealing components for your applications?