Sealing Solutions from Parker Prädifa

The Prädifa Technology Division of Parker Hannifin has developed a wide range of sealing solutions tailored to the special requirements of electrolyzers and fuel cells – especially to the bipolar plates used in the cell stacks. 

Electrolyzers and fuel cells are systems that are closely related to each other in terms of technology. Irrespective of the specific technical design, the stack that is responsible for the chemical reaction is always central to the system. It consists of various components including the electrochemical heart of the fuel cell or electrolyzer: the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). 

In turn, the bipolar plates are a central element of the stack. They serve as connecting elements between the individual cells and enable the transportation of gases and liquids between the electrodes. In addition to gas distribution and cooling of the stack, they seal the stack against the outside. The seals used are crucial for efficiency and safety of the total system and both reliable sealing against the outside and effective separation of the process gases within the system are essential to optimal performance of fuel cells and electrolyzers. 

Sealing Solutions for Bipolar Plates

The seals must be able to withstand high pressures, high temperatures, and/or corrosive media while ensuring that neither educts, products, or electrolytes can escape in an uncontrolled manner. Parker Prädifa´s portfolio of sealing solutions covers a wide variety of sizes and shapes. It extends from elastomer frame seals to composite solutions with seals that are connected to carrier frames or directly to the bipolar plate or other components of the stack. 

An overview of the solutions:

• Rubber frame seals provide a cost-efficient solution. They can be produced in practically any desired size and shape. 

• Injected composite seals can be applied directly to a bipolar plate or to a metal or plastic carrier frame. This considerably reduces assembly errors, times, and costs, and simplifies the installation process. The need for seal grooves may be eliminated in certain cases. 

• PTFE seals are particularly well suited for applications requiring high chemical resistance such as those in stationary fuel cells and electrolyzers operating with aggressive chemicals. They are characterized by high media resistance, long life, good electrical insulation properties, and high dimensional stability under load. 

Additional information about Parker’s sealing solutions for bipolar plates can be found at:

• www.parker.com/praedifa-hydrogen
• www.parker.com/content/dam/Parker-com/Literature/Praedifa/Brochures/Sealing-Solutions-for-Bipolar-Plates_PTD3040_EN.pdf

Search related valve / actuator articles:   Parker Hannifin Manufacturing LtdIssue 98Seals