The various Divisions of ESA are continuing their work, albeit with an extended break during the summer holidays.
Packings Division
The CEN standard “Pumps — Specification for Gland Packings manufactured from Yarns and Ribbons” has successfully passed the DIS stage and will be revised to incorporate the feedback received during the DIS inquiry. The ISO standard 12101:2025 “Industrial valves — Measurement, test and qualification procedures for fugitive emissions — Classification system and qualification procedures for type testing of stem seals for valves” has now been issued. The hydrogen test for a PTFE packing, conducted in accordance with ISO 15848 CO1, has been completed, and the test report is available in the members area. The packing samples for the student project at DHBW Mannheim have been chosen. Testing of various styles and constructions of expanded graphite packings with hydrogen is set to commence in early October.
Expansion Joints Division
The development of the configurator tool for selecting different fabric expansion joint designs is still in progress, and the latest version of the software requires review by the Division members.
Work on the training module titled “Introduction to Fabric Expansion Joints” is ongoing, with additional application information and suitable images to be included.
Mechanical Seals Division
The update process for API 682 is ongoing with assistance from several Division members.
The training presentation on single mechanical seals has been updated, with more slides and animation content added. The revised version will be evaluated by the Division members. Additionally, animation content will be incorporated into the troubleshooting presentation.
The reliability document for mechanical seals has been revised and will be assessed by the members. Furthermore, the position paper for the Machinery Directive will also be updated.
A new article discussing 3D-printed components for mechanical seals is nearing completion. Another article highlighting women in engineering has been finalised and will soon be published on the ESA website.
Flange Gaskets Division
The training module for chapter 5, which covers the gasket installation procedure, has been updated, and the voiceover is now in the process of being created. Additional content has been incorporated into Chapter 6, focusing on flange gasket assembly analysis.
A research project examining gasket ageing in a hydrogen atmosphere will commence at Cetim. A questionnaire aimed at determining the test parameters has been circulated among the members.
In the sustainability project, gasket spacers made from biodegradable materials, along with biodegradable wrapping foil, have been tested, and the supplier contacts will be made available on the ESA website. Furthermore, efforts to reuse scrap material from the gasket cutting process are ongoing.
Elastomeric & Polymeric Seals Division
Samples for the Arrhenius project, which investigates the ageing of FKM materials in both air and hydrogen environments at Cetim, have been chosen. The report on the previous Arrhenius test project is expected to be released soon.
The working group examining the limitations of peroxide usage in elastomers for food and drinking water is currently reviewing forthcoming legislation. Progress on the Introduction to Elastomeric Seals training programme is also continuing.
Ralf Vogel,
Technical Director, ESA