Work

Research and Testing on the Performance of Soft-Seal Structures in Liquid Hydrogen Globe Valves

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: As one of the most important future energy solutions, liquid hydrogen has advantages in terms of high energy density, ease of storage and transportation, low cost, and high safety. Valves are critical components for liquid hydrogen systems; compared to other energy systems, liquid hydrogen systems require higher sealing performance for valves at working temperatures to ensure operational safety and efficiency. However, recent research either focuses on cryogenic valves for liquid nitrogen and higher temperature ranges or liquid hydrogen temperatures (−253 °C) with safety valves and small diameters (typically below DN50). In this work, the sealing performance of liquid hydrogen globe valves at design temperatures was investigated through the finite element method and experimental tests. The behavior of different sealing structures under liquid hydrogen conditions was observed by means of comparative numerical analysis. Furthermore, a test system for liquid hydrogen valves with diameters ranging from DN10 to DN100 was established, covering a size range that encompasses 80% of commercially available liquid hydrogen valve products. By employing an internal cooling method utilizing liquid helium to reach target temperatures, the valve leakage rates (both internal and external) were assessed using helium mass spectrometry. The test results indicated that valve leakage was recorded at only 25% of the maximum allowable leakage, thereby adhering to the standards set for liquid hydrogen valves. These test results provide actionable insights for optimizing valve design and advancing hydrogen energy infrastructure development.

Source: Processes

DOI: 10.3390/pr13123858

Authors: Zhiwen Meng, Suke Jin, Meng Yu, Fanding Li

Institution: Jiangnan University

Language: English

Topic: Spacecraft and Cryogenic Technologies

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896

Funders: Government of Jiangsu Province, Jiangsu Provincial Key Research and Development Program, National Key Research and Development Program of China