An in-situ view cell system for investigating swelling behavior of elastomers upon high-pressure hydrogen exposure

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 71; pp. 1317 - 1325
• Main Authors: Kuang, Wenbin, Nickerson, Ethan K., Li, Donghui, Clelland, Dustin T., Seffens, Robert J., Ramos, Jose L., Simmons, Kevin L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 19-06-2024
• Subjects: Elastomer; High-pressure hydrogen; In situ measurement technology; Swelling behavior; View cell; High-pressure hydrogen; In situ measurement technology; Swelling behavior; View cell; Elastomer
• ISSN: 0360-3199
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.05.340

The transition to hydrogen as a clean and efficient energy carrier is impeded by challenges in the compatibility of hydrogen with materials used within hydrogen infrastructure. Elastomers, crucial in sealing components, often exhibit premature failures in high-pressure hydrogen environments due to excessive swelling. This study employs an innovative in-situ view cell system to assess the swelling behavior of hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) under various hydrogen conditions. The system, designed to withstand pressures up to 96.5 MPa, incorporates Digital Image Correlation (DIC) for strain measurements and volume estimation. Results reveal non-linear volume increases during depressurization, challenging conventional assumptions. Furthermore, investigations into peak hydrogen pressures and pressure-holding scenarios during decompression highlight complex swelling trends. The introduction of a novel computer vision (CV) method enhances precision in volume estimation, overcoming DIC limitations. The study provides insights into mitigating elastomer swelling, crucial for developing robust materials to support future hydrogen-driven energy systems.
•Developed and utilized an in-situ view cell system to investigate elastomer swelling in high-pressure hydrogen.•Revealed non-linear swelling behavior during depressurization.•Identified critical pressure threshold for volume swelling.•Introduced novel computer vision method for a different way of volume estimation.•Offered insights for swelling mitigation in hydrogen infrastructure.