Across the ESA, Divisions are moving forward with a wide range of projects; from testing new materials and refining industry standards to developing training tools and exploring more sustainable solutions. Here’s a look at what each group is currently working on.
Packings Division
The CEN standard “Pumps — Specification for Gland Packings Manufactured from Yarns and Ribbons”, which was initiated by this Division, is currently in the DIS enquiry phase until 03.07.25. The ISO WIP 12101 “Industrial valves — Measurement, test and qualification procedures for fugitive emissions — Classification system and qualification procedures for type testing of stem seals for valves” has been completed and is set to be published on 16.06.25. Hydrogen testing of a PTFE packing, in accordance with ISO 15848 CO1, is ongoing at DHBW Mannheim University. A student project titled “Testing of different styles and constructions of expanded graphite packings with hydrogen” has been established. Nine ESA member companies have agreed to supply packing samples for this initiative. The next phase involves selecting appropriate samples for testing, which is scheduled to begin in September.
Expansion Joints Division
The transition of the configurator tool from an Excel spreadsheet to a web-based solution is still in progress. The newly created version in WordPress requires thorough checking and evaluation.
Work on the training module titled “Introduction to Fabric Expansion Joints” is ongoing. The format for presenting various standard types of expansion joints along with corresponding application images has been established and will be incorporated into the presentation.
Mechanical Seals Division
The update process for API 682 is ongoing, with members of this Division participating in various working groups. The final document is anticipated to be released early next year. A training presentation focused on single mechanical seals has been completed and is currently awaiting voiceover addition. A draft for a training module that addresses troubleshooting mechanical seal failures has been prepared and will be reviewed by the members. Additionally, a reliability document for mechanical seals has been developed and will also undergo revision by the members.
A new article discussing 3D printed components for mechanical seals is set to be created. Furthermore, an article highlighting women in engineering is in the works.
Flange Gasket Division
The Divison is working on further training modules on gasket installation and assembly analysis. Two additional subtitled versions of the Gasket video in French and German will be available soon. Cetim did research on gasket ageing in hydrogen atmosphere. The Division is planning to establish a new test project with Cetim defined by the members.
The work on the sustainability project is continuing. One member company presented their experience with recycling structural waste from gasket sheet production. New injection-moulded samples of gasket spacers made from biodegradable material have been distributed to the members for testing. Also, samples of biodegradable wrapping foil as a sustainable alternative to standard plastic shrink-wrap are available to the members now.
Elastomeric & Polymeric Seals Division
The Arrhenius project is progressing with compression tests at CETIM to assess the ageing of FKM materials in both air and hydrogen environments across different temperatures. The report on the Arrhenius test project is almost finished. Discussions have taken place regarding the limitation of peroxide usage in elastomers designed for food and drinking water applications, leading to the formation of a working group to address this matter. Efforts on the initial training program named “Introduction to Elastomeric Seals” are ongoing.
Ralf Vogel,
Technical Director, ESA