H2 ready

sealing solutions

High Performance Sealing Technology

2 3

Complete
performance

Since the earliest days Delivering the very

COMPLETE H 2 PERFORMANCE
James Walker has been in Customers around the world rely
the business of fluid sealing on James Walker to help keep their
of our company, best performance and control since the valves operating efficiently and
innovative James Walker is at the heart of company’s founding in 1882. safely day-in and day-out.
From our earliest products
products have won everything we do. and throughout our history We have an extensive range of
respect for their excellent the company has developed world-class products and services
sealing solutions and which meet or exceed the required
performance and value. components in parallel with international standards in reducing
advances in valve technology. volatile organic compound (VOC)
fugitive emissions from valves,
As a result, we have amassed pipelines, processing plant and
specialised and unrivalled pressure vessels.
knowledge of applications
across a very broad range James Walker’s commitment to
of industries. constantly advancing materials
technology, product design and
manufacturing techniques is now
focused on safely sealing the
manufacture, processing and
transportation of hydrogen.

Behind the brand

If we opened up all the

Meeting the challenge

O-rings we’ve made in

the last 12 months and
joined them end to
end, they would wrap
around the world
almost 20 times
 4 5

Performance advantage Proving

performance
Interest and investment in hydrogen is growing at a phenomenal
rate as industrial and domestic energy use transitions from
carbon intensive energy sources to low or zero carbon energy.
This is increasing demand for suitably compatible and safe
technology to handle the production, transportation and storage
of the medium.

The breadth of these applications and the pace of change have led to
a gap in industry standardised and agreed methods of evaluating,
testing and approving components and materials for use with hydrogen.

PROVING H 2 PERFORMANCE
This places a significant burden on the equipment manufacturer to
confirm that products are appropriate and safe for use in hydrogen
service without clear guidance on any suitable or consistent methods
for evaluating product performance and safety.

Handling liquid and gaseous forms of hydrogen presents a unique set

of technical challenges which generally fall into three main categories:
• The
 extreme variations of temperature involved in creating,
processing and transporting hydrogen
• The chemical interactions hydrogen has with other materials
• The physical interactions hydrogen has with other materials
With no industry standards or approval regimes in place, James Walker
has taken the initiative and is undertaking a programme of
development, testing and validation of products and materials for
hydrogen service sealing applications.

The objective is to give customers confidence that a product or

material selected from our “H2 Ready” range is suitable for hydrogen
service, and that any such selection can be supported with evidence
from relevant testing.

This test and validation programme has already identified a number of

highly capable materials and products that are suitable for hydrogen
service and we are able to provide test results and reports to support
product selection for our OEM customers as well as demonstrate
operational suitability for end users.

As our validation programme continues, our range of products and

materials suitable for hydrogen service will be extended – look out for
the ‘H2 Ready’ icon when using our website or literature.

If you have questions about qualifying, specifying or selecting products

for use with hydrogen, or would like to discuss hydrogen projects in
more detail, please contact our product and materials experts through
your local James Walker office. They will be happy to review your
requirements and provide evidence-based solutions to support
your needs.
6 7

H2 ready elastomers
High performance elastomers A select range of elastomers has been
identified, tested and evaluated specifically for
hydrogen applications. As the industry evolves,
Hydrogen presents a new and unique set of sealing challenges this list will expand, investment in testing and
for elastomers. Materials need to be tested and evaluated, development will continue, so please contact
with selections supported by evidence. us for the latest information.
Our materials have been put through a combination of Our elastomeric materials have been formulated to meet the
varied, evolving challenges of tomorrow whilst also enhancing
independent third party testing, in-house validation and the performance of existing sealing solutions and enabling us

H 2 READY HIGH PERFORMANCE ELASTOMERS

customer feedback, including in low temperatures and to deliver superior solutions for our customers operating in the
harshest environments.
evaluated in RGD environments to prove their suitability
for the challenges of hydrogen service. Vermilion One
®

A fluoroelastomer (FKM) with ultra-low temperature capability and proven

Compounds are available with data and evidence to support material selection RGD resistance to Hydrogen. It also has excellent methanol resistance and
for challenging applications including: typical FKM tolerance of H2S, aromatics and hot water.
• RGD
Vermilion Three
®

• Low temperature The first and only elastomer Shell TAT approved to Shell MESC SPE 85/301,
• Permeability this low temperature fluoroelastomer (FKM) offers excellent temperature
performance and rapid gas decompression (RGD) resistance plus the
• High temperatures typical FKM tolerance of H2S, aromatics and hot water.
• High pressures
Vermilion Four
®

Seal types: An excellent cost-effective general purpose fluoroelastomer (FKM)

providing outstanding resistance to rapid gas decompression (RGD) at
• O-rings & back-up rings
larger cross sections and higher temperatures, this material also provides
• ‘T’ seals the resistance to H2S, aromatics and hot water typical of an FKM.
• Delta seals
Vermilion Five
®

• Custom moulded products

This hydrogenated nitrile (HNBR) material offers excellent low temperature
performance combined with good resistance to rapid gas decompression
(RGD) and sour conditions.

FR20/95
An ultra-high hardness fluoroelastomer (FKM) with very good rapid gas
decompression (RGD) resistance. It offers enhanced extrusion resistance
and superb mechanical properties for high pressure and mechanically
tough applications.
8 9

High performance
fugitive emission packing Supagraf H2 is an innovative valve stem packing combination
®

set designed specifically to meet the critical sealing demands

of hydrogen. The packing incorporates Supagraf Premier,
one of James Walker’s top-of-the-range fugitive emission
control packings that has a long track record of exceptional
Designed to meet the stringent requirements of valve performance in valves handling hydrogen, hydrocarbon liquid
applications and effectively addressing hydrogen fuels and gases, lubricating oils and processing chemicals.
sealing challenges, including; The performance of the Supagraf Premier graphite packing rings

H 2 READY COMPRESSION PACKING

is enhanced by the use of precision machined carbon rings,
• Permeability inserted at the top, bottom and intermediary positions. This
configuration improves control of extrusion gaps and pressure
capabilities and reduces the risk of potential leak paths by limiting
• High pressures any permeation through the voids within the structure of the
packing. It also acts as an additional fugitive emission blocker due
• Extreme temperatures to the higher structural density and limits potential corrosion and
cracking of the metal structure.
• Hydrogen
 induced stress
Supagraf Premier is third-party tested and certified to:
cracking of metal components
• ISO
 15848-1 Class AH (fugitive emissions): Certified by ITIS BV
• Presence
 of other challenging at 69 MPa (static) with a five-ring set in a BSM valve.
Emission level at 69 MPa/690 bar (10,000 psi) was ≤5ppmV
media like H2S or natural gas • API
 622: average emission level of 10.5ppmV, with a maximum of
37ppmV over five thermal cycles and 1510 mechanical cycles

Our proven packing solutions help our • TA Luft Rev 07.2002 requirements/VDI 2440
customers to seal valve stem applications • Shell specification SPE 77/312 Class A, Rev 16.10.2002
under harsh operating conditions with a high
concentration of hydrogen, maintaining • Shell
 specification SPE 77/312 Rev 06.2007: Class B rating
exceptional tightness over long service life as with 47.4 MPa/474 bar (6875 psi) helium in Class 2500 valve
well as a high level of operational safety. • API
 607 Edition 4 Fire Safety
• Base graphite material complies to Shell MESC SPE 85/204.

Class BH tightness at CO1 endurance class

The machined carbon ring, used as a bottom stuffing box ring, has been
tested in combination with Supagraf Premier preformed rings in a
4” Class 300 globe valve with no bonnet extension according to
ISO15848-1 standard achieving Class BH tightness at CO1 endurance
class temperature range from -196°C [-321°F] up to +400°C [752°F]
(with no adjustment).

Operationally proven
Supagraf H2 sealing system has been a proven stem sealing solution for
hydrogen service across a wide temperature range from cryogenic
-253°C [423°F] up to +515°C [959°C] and with significant temperature
swings (please contact James Walker for test reports, case histories or
other supporting materials).
10 11

High performance
engineering plastics Developed in close cooperation with the
valve industry, Devlon V-API is specifically
®

formulated to provide enhanced performance

across a wide range of temperature and
We continually strive to offer our customers innovative solutions pressure ranges for valve seats. This material
through our vast experience in thermoplastic engineering. offers a cost-effective solution with superior
performance.
Our range of Devlon materials is amongst the toughest and hardest-wearing

H 2 READY ENGINEERING PLASTICS

®

• Tailored for high temperature/pressure duties

thermoplastics and our extensive working relationship with our customers
• Low moisture-absorption properties
has allowed us to develop a portfolio suited to the variety of applications
experienced within the valve industry. • High molecular weight polyamide
• Temperature range: -50°C to +176°C
• Tested and qualified for hydrogen service • Hydrogen service tested and qualified

• Suited for high temperature and

high pressure applications
• Lower frictional losses than PEEK products
• Exceptional resistance to wear and abrasion
• Sufficiently conformable to seal in low pressure valve
applications
• Total assurance of product quality and traceability
with Positive Material Identification (PMI) technology Devlon X100 has specifically been developed
®

for use in the valve industry as a floating ball

valve seat material.
To meet the increasing demands of the valve industry,
Devlon X100 extends both the temperature and pressure range
of traditional materials such as Nylon 6 and PTFE, offering
improvements in moisture absorption resistance, with additional
enhancements in wear performance and chemical compatibility.

• Superior dimensional stability

• Enhanced
 chemical resistance
• Enhanced
 resilience and creep performance
• Commercial savings over traditional PEEK seat materials
• EC79
 tested and approved
12 13

Spring-energised
seals
James Walker has been manufacturing
spring-energised seals since the 1940s.
We recommend the use of these seals for applications that
preclude the use of more conventional elastomeric/polymeric
seals on arduous duties in areas such as:

• Oil and petrochemical

H 2 READY SPRING-ENERGISED SEALS

• Hydrogen service compatible
• Cryogenic plant
• Aerospace
• Food and pharmaceuticalprocessing
• Automotive and general industry

We offer a full range of Unilion precision-engineered

®

products that meet the following parameters:

• Used successfully on applications at up to 103 MPa/15,000 psi

• Cryogenic duties down to -260°C
• Temperature excursions up to +350°C
• Resistance to corrosive media
• Efficient dynamic operation following long stationary

Unilion is available in our Fluolion range of PTFE based materials,

®

which have been permeation tested in 100% hydrogen. This series

encompasses both virgin PTFE and filled variants to suit a wide range
of temperature, chemical and pressure requirements.

Unilion seals have no storage period limitation. They can safely be held
in stock on-site to meet OEM and maintenance requirements.
Additionally, as a single Unilion can perform three sealing duties - static,
reciprocating and rotary - stockholding requirements can be reduced,
thus simplifying inventory control.
14 15

High performance
fugitive emission
control gaskets
A gasket is often the most practical and cost effective way to seal
a bolted flange joint, however the problem for designers and
maintenance engineers, with challenging media such as hydrogen
at up to 100% concentration or mixed with H2S, CO2, or natural gas,
is to select the correct type to ensure process integrity and safe
operation. This is where our experience lies.

H 2 READY GASKETS
Our work at the forefront of sealing technology gives us a clear
understanding of the roles that different types of gaskets, their design and
latest material technology play in flange sealing, particularly in hydrogen
applications where specific material grades, exceptional tightness, fire
safety, electrical conductivity or anti-static properties are critical.

Metaflex ®

The Metaflex is a high grade spiral-wound fugitive emission control gasket

that consists of a sealing element combining thin metallic wraps
pre-formed into a chevron or ‘v’ profile and soft filler material introduced
between these wraps.

Metakamm
®

The Metakamm is a high temperature and high pressure semi-metallic

kammprofile-type gasket that consists of a metal core with concentric
serrated grooves on each sealing face and the addition of a soft layer of
sealing material bonded to each face.

Metakamm ActiVate
®

The Metakamm ActiVate is a new generation gasket with a unique,

grooved wave metal core construction that delivers outstanding
compression and recovery characteristics and offers superior sealing
performance for critical heat exchanger, piping and valve bonnet flange
applications, where the limits of other semi-metallic gasket options have
been reached.

Supagraf HD Pro
®

Supagraf HD Pro is a high grade TA-Luft approved gasket sheet made of

multi-layer stainless steel and highly oxidation-resistant flexible graphite.
The layers of graphite and stainless steel sheets are laminated with a high
strength non-adhesive joining system. The impregnation of the sealing
layers reduces leakage and improves handling.

Fluolion - range of PTFE gaskets as well as Centurion X, Chieftain X and

Sentinel X - high performance CNAF gaskets are all also suitable for bolted
flange connections in peripheral applications of hydrogen production in
power generation using renewable energy, electrolysis process,
distribution and storage, or methanol and e-fuels production.

Our hydrogen ready gaskets have been proven as bolted flange

connection sealing solutions for hydrogen service up to 100%
concentration with exceptional sealing performance (please contact
James Walker for test reports, case histories or other supporting materials).
 16 17

Application engineering Expertise, experience

and support
James Walker employs an experienced team
of highly qualified application engineers
around the world to provide advice and
technical support to our customers on many
issues, including:
• In-house
 Rapid gas decompression rigs - amongst the most

WORLDWIDE SUPPORT
advanced in the world capable of testing with a range of gasses and
gas mixtures including methane, CO2 and hydrogen.
• Fugitive
 emissions test rig according to API 622.
• Facilities
 to allow gasket characterisation testing to BS EN 13555
• Valve
 seat and seal testing from -196°C to +350°C at pressures
up to 10,000 psi.
• Environmental
 chambers capable of replicating conditions from
-70°C to +180°C and 5 - 95% relative humidity.
• Chemical
 type-approval testing which allows customers the
opportunity for third-party witnessed testing of elastomers and
polymers in their anticipated chemical environment.
• Support
 for customer valve qualifications to ISO 15848-1 or TA Luft
standards from cryogenic to +400°C.

Our products and services are not only assessed by third-parties for
international standards, our operations are also regularly inspected for
quality approval by a wide range of industry bodies and individual clients.

Some of our certifications include:

• Shell TAT
• NORSOK M710 / ISO 23936-2
• API 622
• TA-LUFT

For further information on any of the products or services detailed within

this brochure, please contact your local James Walker office, shown on
the rear cover or listed at www.jameswalker.biz.
James Walker
Worldwide
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T: +61 2 9721 9500 T: +91 224 0808080 T: +47 22 75 75 00
E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

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T: +32 3 820 79 00 T: +353 214 323626 T: +65 6715 6300
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T: +55 11 4392 7360 T: +39 2 2578308 T: +27 31 304 0770
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T: +86 21 6876 9351 T: +971 481 78888 T: +34 94 447 00 99
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T: +33 437 49 74 80 T: +31 186 633111 T: +44 1270 536000
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Germany New Zealand USA

T: +49 4038 60810 T: +64 9 272 1599 T: +1 708 754 4020
E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

Health warning: If PTFE products are heated to elevated temperatures, fumes will be produced which may give unpleasant effects, if inhaled. Whilst some fumes are emitted
below 300°C (572°F) from PTFE, the effect at these temperatures is negligible. Care should be taken to avoid contaminating tobacco with particles of PTFE or PTFE dispersion,
which may remain on hands or clothing. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available on request.
Information given in this publication is given in good faith and represents the results of specific individual tests carried out by James Walker or third parties in accordance with the
methodologies described in this publication, performed in a laboratory. No representation or warranty is given in relation to such information. Values and/or operating limits given
in this publication are not an indication that these values and/or operating limits can be applied simultaneously. While such results may comprise useful additional information
and are industry standard tests, they are no substitute for conducting (or procuring from James Walker) your own tests and engineering analysis and satisfying yourself as to
the suitability of the product you select. Please also note that a product tested in accordance with the published methodology may not perform to such values in application
and/or under different test conditions or methodologies for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to the environment in which it is used/tested or which passes through it
or otherwise affects the product, or due to the handling, storage or installation, or due to the effect of housing or other parts. Our personnel will be happy to discuss any historical
examples we have of a product having been previously used in a particular application.
To ensure you are working with the very latest product specifications, please consult the relevant section of the James Walker website: www.jameswalker.biz.

James Walker Sealing Products & Services Ltd

Registered Office: Lion House, Oriental Road,
Woking, Surrey GU22 8AP, United Kingdom.
Reg no: 00264191 England

Issue number 1
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