In recent years, demand for natural gas has been growing as an energy source that produces fewer CO₂ emissions than coal and oil. Efforts to build a carbon-neutral society are driving the rise of next-generation energy sources like blue hydrogen, alongside carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). Since these gases require high-pressure transportation and storage, highly airtight seals with extended service lives are critical components in the underlying gas compressors.

The key to improving airtightness lies in how much we can reduce the clearance between sliding parts using the seal. However, because existing resin materials have a high coefficient of thermal expansion^*1, a large clearance was required for sliding parts that generate heat. Consequently, metal seals are traditionally preferred for high-airtightness applications because their low coefficient of thermal expansion makes them far less prone to deformation than resins. On the other hand, metal seals presented challenges such as damage to contact surfaces and corrosion.
*1: Coefficient of thermal expansion is a numerical value that indicates the degree of expansion or contraction due to temperature changes (the higher the value, the greater the tendency to expand).

Our newly developed low-thermal-expansion resin, ALP K03-406, allows labyrinth seals to achieve a coefficient of thermal expansion comparable to stainless steel. As such, it is expected to deliver an airtightness level equivalent to that of metal seals.

Leveraging the natural characteristics of resin, it ensures stable operation and a long service life by minimizing damage to contact surfaces like rotors and casings and providing excellent corrosion resistance. We plan to conduct tests using the actual turbo compressors.

Starlite has been actively developing seals for compressors. The new low-thermal-expansion resin labyrinth seal, ALP K03-406, provides a wider selection of options to meet varying performance requirements and operating conditions. We will continue to advance the development of sealing technologies for compressors and support the next generation of energy infrastructure.

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