What Happens When Hydrogen Bites Back?

Technology moves at pace.  Not only does it bring change, it creates ripples of disruption that can have far reaching impact. 

The search for cleaner energy solutions is one area that is definitely creating some of those ripples.  

The benefits of hydrogen as the leading alternative are widely touted, and the ripple effect of this leap towards the future is spawning additional technologies such as fuel cells and hydrogen storage. 

Further ripples are seeing traditional components and materials being severely tested.  Hydrogen atmospheres create unique challenges for certain high strength metals like stainless steel. 

Hydrogen molecules can infiltrate the atomic lattice of stainless steel, creating internal pressure and causing microstructural changes.  Aptly named “Hydrogen Embrittlement” the process sees the molecules migrating to the point of highest stress, causing the metal to become brittle and potentially fracture at that stress point. 

Considering that energising springs are often made of stainless steel, and are regularly held in a stressed position, the chance of the spring’s structural integrity and durability being compromised is high.  A broken energising spring can lead to catastrophic failures and safety hazards in critical applications.  If the spring fails the seal will fail, potentially leading to a hydrogen leak. 

All is not lost, however.  Replacing stainless steel with exotic alloys means greater resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. 

At Clifford Springs we have been making springs from exotic alloys for many years.  We understand how to work with the different alloys, and can advise on which one would be most appropriate for the environments you need your spring energised seals to work in. 

Click here to find out more about the range of materials we can supply. 

Looking for an energising spring to work in your hydrogen rich environment?  Speak to our Technical Sales Manager, Graham Fowler today: 

E: graham.fowler@cliffordsprings.co.uk  T: +44 (0)1527 62876

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