The ESA Divisions have resumed their project activities in the new year. Below are the latest updates.
Packings Division
Last month, the third hydrogen emission test utilizing a specialized braided expanded graphite set was completed at DHBW Mannheim University. This month, the next test involving an impregnated graphite ring set will commence. The project is progressing as scheduled. A draft paper detailing the test results for the Valve World Conference in December will be submitted shortly.
The final version of prEN 18183, developed by the Division, has been sent to CEN. It will be passed on to CCMC for the official vote at the end of this month.
The packing installation training course has been revised to include animations from the introductory course on packings. Additional images, installation videos, and voiceover text are still needed.
Expansion Joints Division
The WordPress version of the expansion joints configurator is currently undergoing testing by the Division members to ensure it functions correctly.
The development of the training module titled “Introduction to Fabric Expansion Joints” is still in progress.
Mechanical Seals Division
Members of the Division are actively working on updating API 682. Due to the increased review workload, the publication date for the standard may be postponed until early 2027.
The training for single mechanical seals has been finalised. Voiceover recording commenced this month, and the completed training course is expected to be available this spring.
The reliability document for mechanical seals has received approval from the members and will be made available in the ESA Knowledgebase. The update to the position paper concerning the Machinery Directive has been completed and will be published on the ESA website. Additional position papers are currently under review.
Flange Gaskets Division
The final training modules for gasket installation and flange gasket assembly have been finished. Following a review by members, a few minor errors and issues with the voiceover sound volume were identified. These issues are currently being addressed, and the training courses will be available shortly.
The ESA-funded research project aimed at assessing gasket aging in a hydrogen atmosphere at Cetim is still under consideration. The test parameters and sample materials, provided by Division members, need to be finalised.
Work on updating the Glossary of Terms for gaskets is ongoing.
Elastomeric & Polymeric Seals Division
The report regarding the previous Arrhenius aging project has to be finished. The numerical simulation of the aging process for elastomers utilising Python is currently in progress. An abstract for the ECCMR (European Conference on Constitutive Models for Rubber) Conference, scheduled in Oxford this September, has been submitted.
The aging test for FKM materials in both air and hydrogen environments began in October. The air tests have been completed, and initial findings were shared at the most recent Division meeting. The hydrogen tests faced delays due to the transition to the new dedicated hydrogen testing facility. However, these tests will begin shortly.
The training module named “Introduction to Elastomeric Seal Applications” is still under review.
The ESA is in the process of updating its website. All Divisions are collaborating on refreshing the content of their respective webpages.
Ralf Vogel,
Technical Director, ESA