Customer

A large Electrolyzer manufacturer in the market for Hydrogen production

Aim

Hydrogen, produced by water electrolysis, is seen as a key technology for reaching net zero emissions. Specific alkaline electrolyzers are producing hydrogen in cells, consisting of an anode, a cathode and a membrane in between. These cells are connected in series to form a stack. Proper sealing of the membrane itself and between the cells is crucial for safe and efficient operation. The customer turned to ERIKS because they needed to improve the performance of their seals.

Project

Contact with the customer was initiated after they purchased a standard rubber profile from the ERIKS webshop. They were not satisfied with their incumbent supplier’s solution and were looking to improve the ease of assembly and performance of their seals. The ERIKS standard profile was suitable for a first performance test, which showed that they needed a more application-specific material for better sealing and electrical properties. Subsequently, they started working with our international material and engineering specialist.

Solution

One of the main challenges in alkaline electrolysis is the corrosive liquid electrolyte, thus the sealing material needed improved properties for withstanding alkaline water solution under the additional electric load. In addition, the seal needed to present the best possible sealing properties e.g., resistance against permanent deformation.

Driven by local engineering and product management, international ERIKS specialists in material development (at our dedicated rubber laboratory ERT) and product management, we eventually conceived the best possible solution for the customer’s application. This solution is built around well-balanced material properties and product design.

Read More about ERIKS Hydrogen Solutions here.