IMPROVED SEALING PERFORMANCE FOR HYDROGEN STORAGE AND SUPPLY SYSTEMS

摘要

The performance and durability of static and dynamic seals for hydrogen storage and delivery systems has been improved by utilizing a spring-loaded, plastic-coated radial seal combined with at least one mating surface that has been treated by one of several methods. These methods include applying a low-friction, hard, hydrogen-impermeable coating to the mating surface, chemically polishing the mating surface, and electrochemically polishing the mating surface. Each of these methods significantly reduces the surface roughness of the counter surface on a microscopic level. The seal can thus form a tighter and more gas-tight seal with the smoother mating surface to reduce the loss of hydrogen gas across the seal. The smoother mating surface can also improve the life of the seal by reducing surface wear on the seal.