Permeation and chemical compatibility

In the evolving landscape of the energy transition, the need for reliable testing and evaluation of polymers, composite materials, and elastomers is crucial. At Kiwa, we offer a range of services aimed at providing insight into material behavior under various conditions, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of your applications.

For whom: customers and questions

Our services cater to a diverse range of clients, including manufacturers of polymers and elastomers, pipe and fittings manufacturers, plastic processing industries, as well as energy (gas and heat) and water distribution system operators.

As the energy transition progresses, new challenges emerge, such as the introduction of novel gases and materials. We are here to address these challenges, providing expertise in assessing chemical compatibility, permeation behavior, and material performance.

Some specific example questions from our customers include:

• How much hydrogen will permeate through an old PVC pipe connection?
• Could DME distributed in PE piped networks be expected to interact chemically?
• Will my new elastomer O-ring blister when there is a sudden pressure drop in a CO₂ network?
• Will the permeation of hydrogen at high pressure through a reinforced thermoplastic pipe be reduced or even stopped by a dedicated permeation barrier layer?
• Could we showcase the excellent permeation barrier properties of our drinking water pipe against chemicals in polluted soil?

Testing capabilities

Kiwa offers a comprehensive suite of testing capabilities to address the diverse needs of our clients. Our services include:

• Engineering assessments to identify risk and design and execution of corresponding testing programs and evaluations.
• Permeation tests to quantify permeation rates and permeability, solubility and diffusion coefficients.
• Immersion testing including mechanical and chemical testing of the materials before and after immersion to identify possible changes in material properties.
• Rapid gas decompression tests to analyze the materials response and expose possible blistering behavior or other visual damages.

USPs/Benefits for Choosing Kiwa

Choosing Kiwa Technology for your material compatibility testing needs offers several unique benefits:

• Expertise: Our team of experienced professionals possesses deep knowledge in material science and energy systems, ensuring accurate assessments and reliable results.
• Customized solutions: We tailor our testing programs to suit your specific requirements, providing comprehensive evaluations that address your concerns effectively.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our advanced testing facilities are equipped with cutting-edge instrumentation, enabling precise measurements and simulations of real-world conditions.