Following a lengthy summer recess, the ESA Divisions reconvened at the start of this month. Below are the key developments in each Division's activities.
Packings Division
Further work on testing various graphite-based packing designs with hydrogen has been performed. A test with a low emission expanded graphite packing was finished in July. This month a test with a special die-formed ring set has commenced. The student thesis with the initial results was translated into English and is available in the Members area. Comprehensive results will be showcased at the Valve World Conference in December.
The standard FprEN 18183 "Specification for Gland Packings manufactured from Yarns and Ribbons" has passed the final voting process during the summer. It is now validated by CEN and should be published at the end of this year.
The Division started a compression packing engineering knowledge project. The aim is to review calculation methods for gland pressure recommendations for valves and pumps and to compare them with existing laboratory and field-testing information.
Expansion Joints Division
A test version of the expansion joints configurator is now available on the Division’s webpage. It is further tested by the member companies.
The training presentation titled "Introduction to Fabric Expansion Joints" is still under development and has been enhanced by additional information.
Mechanical Seals Division
Completion of the fifth iteration of API 682 remains in progress, with Division members actively refining specific technical elements. The standard is anticipated for publication in early 2027.
The training program about single mechanical seals is now available within the ESA Knowledge base training portal. Development of the subsequent training program focused on dual mechanical seals has begun.
The Division continues its systematic review and revision of previously published position papers and documentation.
Flange Gaskets Division
The project to explore the aging characteristics of gasket materials subjected to temperature variations from room temperature to 90 °C in hydrogen as further discussed in the Division. Up to six Division members will select suitable samples for this project. After the sample supply the project will start towards the end of this year.
The Glossary of Terms for gaskets is still under review by the Division members.
An article about the Chairwomen in this Division has been published in the August edition of Valve World magazine.
Elastomeric & Polymeric Seals Division
The report on the previous work on Arrhenius aging project is nearing its finalisation.
A poster presentation on the aging project was delivered successfully at the European Conference on Constitutive Models for Rubber XIV held in Oxford during the current month.
The ongoing test program at Cetim is evaluating the aging characteristics of FKM and FFKM specimens under both air and hydrogen environments. Compression set testing of FFKM material in air at 175 °C commenced in late August. Additional testing at this identical temperature in hydrogen conditions will commence this month for both FKM and FFKM materials.
The training presentation titled "Introduction to Elastomeric Seal Applications" has been further reviewed and updated.
Ralf Vogel,
Technical Director, ESA