Testing system and testing method for simulating sealing performance in dynamic hydrogen generation environment

By using a test system that simulates a dynamic hydrogen environment, the problem of test deviation under dynamic changing environments in the field of salt cavern hydrogen storage has been solved, and a more realistic and reliable assessment of sealing performance has been achieved.

CN121595119APending Publication Date: 2026-03-03ZHONGYAN SALT CAVE COMPREHENSIVE UTILIZATION CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511838122.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-12-08
Publication Date
2026-03-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing testing methods are mostly based on single and static environments, which cannot meet the requirements of the dynamically changing environment in the field of salt cavern hydrogen storage, resulting in discrepancies between test results and actual performance.

Method used

A test system simulating a dynamic hydrogen environment was designed, including a main pressure tank and a secondary pressure tank. The system simulates high pressure, high temperature, hydrogen atmosphere and dynamic pressure changes through pressure control and temperature control mechanisms. Combined with the test environment of alternating gas and liquid media, the system uses compressors, pipelines and sensors to monitor sealing performance.

Benefits of technology

The test results are closer to actual working conditions, and can evaluate the hydrogen embrittlement resistance of materials under different hydrogen environments. It has a wide range of applications and avoids the deviation of test results under static environments.

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Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of a test system for simulating a salt cavern, in particular to a test system and a test method for simulating sealing performance in a dynamic hydrogen generation environment, the test system comprises a main pressure tank and an auxiliary pressure tank, the main pressure tank is used for placing a to-be-tested piece, and the auxiliary pressure tank is used for storing a required test medium; the main pressure tank is communicated with the auxiliary pressure tank, the main pressure tank and the auxiliary pressure tank are respectively provided with a temperature control mechanism used for controlling the temperature of the main pressure tank and the auxiliary pressure tank, and a pressure control mechanism is arranged between the main pressure tank and the auxiliary pressure tank. The pressure control mechanism and the temperature control mechanism can simulate high pressure, high temperature, hydrogen atmosphere, pressure dynamic change and gas-liquid medium alternation test environments in the salt cavern, provide various different working conditions and can dynamically change, the test result is closer to the actual working condition, the test is more real and reliable, and the method can be used for evaluating the hydrogen embrittlement resistance of the material in different hydrogen environments, and has a wide application prospect. The application range is wide.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of testing systems for simulated salt caverns, and in particular to a testing system and method for testing the sealing performance under a simulated dynamic hydrogen environment. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen, as a clean energy carrier, is increasingly widely used in energy, chemical, and aerospace fields. However, due to the small size and high permeability of hydrogen molecules, they are highly susceptible to leakage under high pressure, easily penetrating sealing materials or leaking through minute defects in sealed joints. This not only leads to energy loss but can also potentially cause serious safety accidents. Therefore, accurate assessment of the sealing performance of critical components in hydrogen systems is crucial.

[0003] Currently, methods for evaluating sealing performance mostly focus on single, static gas environments. For example, a common leak detection method is to monitor the leakage rate of a specific gas under constant pressure. However, in actual operating conditions, especially in the field of hydrogen cavern storage (such as alternating contact between hydrogen and liquids like brine), the pressure and media environment are often dynamically changing. These factors significantly affect the performance of sealing materials and the stability of the interface. Existing technologies struggle to effectively reproduce this complex and fluctuating service environment in the laboratory, leading to discrepancies between test results and actual performance. Furthermore, traditional detection methods often rely on external sensors, making it impossible to directly and historically record whether hydrogen intrusion has occurred inside the sealing interface. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is that, in order to address the fact that existing detection methods are mostly based on a single and static environment, which cannot meet the requirements of the dynamically changing environment in the field of salt cavern hydrogen storage, resulting in a deviation between the test results and the actual performance, a test system and test method for simulating the sealing performance under dynamic hydrogen storage environment are provided.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is: a test system for sealing performance under a simulated dynamic hydrogen environment, comprising a main pressure tank and a secondary pressure tank, wherein the main pressure tank is used to place the test piece, the secondary pressure tank is used to store the required test medium, the main pressure tank and the secondary pressure tank are interconnected, both the main pressure tank and the secondary pressure tank are provided with a temperature control mechanism for controlling their temperature, and a pressure control mechanism is provided between the main pressure tank and the secondary pressure tank, the pressure control mechanism being used to control the dynamic changes in pressure within the main pressure tank and the secondary pressure tank; The pressure control mechanism includes a first pipe, a second pipe, and a compressor. The two ends of the first pipe and the two ends of the second pipe are respectively connected to a main pressure tank, a secondary pressure tank, and a liquid pipe. The first pipe is equipped with a first pressure-reducing valve and a first pressure-increasing valve. The second pipe is equipped with a second pressure-reducing valve and a second pressure-increasing valve. The input end of the compressor is connected to the first pipe and is located between the first pressure-reducing valve and the first pressure-increasing valve. The output end of the compressor is connected to the second pipe and is located between the second pressure-reducing valve and the second pressure-increasing valve. The first pressure-reducing valve and the second pressure-increasing valve are located on one side of the compressor, and the first pressure-increasing valve and the second pressure-reducing valve are located on the other side of the compressor. The first pipe is connected to an external air source, and the input end of the external air source is located between the first pressure-reducing valve and the first pressure-increasing valve. The two ends of the liquid pipe are respectively connected to the bottom of the main pressure tank and the bottom of the secondary pressure tank, and a liquid valve is provided on the liquid pipe. Compared to existing technologies, this solution can simulate the test environment of high pressure, high temperature, hydrogen atmosphere, dynamic pressure changes, and alternating gas and liquid media in salt caves through pressure control and temperature control mechanisms. It provides a variety of different working conditions that can be dynamically changed, and the test results are closer to the actual working conditions. The test is more realistic and reliable and can be used to evaluate the hydrogen embrittlement resistance of materials in different hydrogen environments, with a wide range of applications.

[0006] To prevent the compressor from carrying water vapor into the main or auxiliary pressure tank, in some preferred embodiments, a water removal mechanism is provided at the input end of the compressor. By providing a water removal mechanism at the compressor input end, the moisture contained in the gas can be removed, ensuring the reliability of the testing environment.

[0007] To prevent gas backflow and subsequent return through the compressor, in some preferred embodiments, a one-way valve is provided at the input end of the compressor. The one-way valve effectively prevents high-pressure gas from backflowing due to pressure differential, protecting the system from damage to the compressor caused by the high pressure differential.

[0008] In order to obtain real-time data from the main pressure tank, in some preferred embodiments, the main pressure tank is equipped with a first sensor mechanism for monitoring the internal pressure, temperature and liquid level.

[0009] In order to obtain real-time data from the secondary pressure tank, in some preferred embodiments, the secondary pressure tank is equipped with a second sensor mechanism for monitoring the internal pressure, temperature and liquid level.

[0010] To ensure stable and reliable internal pressure in the main pressure tank, in some preferred embodiments, a first safety valve is provided on the main pressure tank.

[0011] To ensure stable and reliable internal pressure in the main pressure tank, in some preferred embodiments, a second safety valve is provided on the auxiliary pressure tank.

[0012] In some preferred embodiments, an air inlet valve is provided on the input end of the external air source.

[0013] A test method using a test system for simulating a dynamic hydrogen environment, as described above, includes the following specific steps: S1. In a completely hydrogen-free environment, place the hydrogen indicator inside the sealed part to be tested and seal it. Place the part to be tested in the main pressure tank and fix it. Remove the hydrogen in the main pressure tank and place brine in the secondary pressure tank. S2. Set the test parameters of the test piece in the main pressure tank, pressurize the main pressure tank and the auxiliary pressure tank to a higher than the set test pressure through the pressure control mechanism, and test their sealing performance. S3. Evacuate the main pressure tank and the auxiliary pressure tank several times and purge the internal air. Then add hydrogen to the main pressure tank and the auxiliary pressure tank and pressurize them to between the set lower and upper limits of the test pressure. Then heat the temperature inside the main pressure tank and the auxiliary pressure tank to the set test temperature. S4. Periodic control pressure control mechanism to realize the periodic rise and fall of pressure in the main pressure tank and the input or output of brine; S5. After the test, the main pressure tank is purged of hydrogen and depressurized through the control mechanism. The test piece is then removed and opened in a hydrogen-free environment. By observing whether the internal hydrogen indicator changes color or other changes, it can be visually determined whether hydrogen has penetrated the sealed connection, thereby evaluating its sealing performance.

[0014] In some preferred embodiments, step S5 is specifically performed as follows: S4.1 Start the compressor and open the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure increasing valve to reduce the pressure in the main pressure tank to the set lower limit of the test pressure. Then close the compressor, the first pressure reducing valve and the second pressure reducing valve to complete the pressure reduction of the main pressure tank. S4.2 Start the compressor and open the first pressure-boosting valve and the second pressure-reducing valve to raise the pressure in the main pressure tank to the set upper limit of the test pressure. Then, close the compressor, the first pressure-boosting valve and the second pressure-boosting valve to complete the pressurization of the main pressure tank. S4.3. Depending on the process requirements, the liquid circuit valve can be selectively opened to allow the brine to enter or exit the main pressure tank; please consider whether to include the instruction manual or the claims here, Mr. Zhu.

[0015] S4.4 Repeat steps S4.1, S4.2 and S4.3.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The test system and method for simulating sealing performance under dynamic hydrogen environments, through pressure and temperature control mechanisms, can simulate the high pressure, high temperature, hydrogen atmosphere, dynamic pressure changes, and alternating gas-liquid media conditions in salt caverns. This provides various working conditions that can be dynamically changed, resulting in test results that are closer to actual working conditions and more realistic and reliable testing. It can be used to evaluate the hydrogen embrittlement resistance of materials under different hydrogen environments, has a wide range of applications, and avoids the problem that existing testing methods are mostly based on single, static environments, which cannot meet the dynamically changing environment in the field of hydrogen cavern storage, leading to deviations between test results and actual performance. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0019] In the diagram: 1. Main pressure tank, 2. Auxiliary pressure tank, 3. Test piece, 4. First sensor mechanism, 5. Water removal mechanism, 6. Compressor, 7. First pipeline, 8. Liquid pipeline, 9. First pressure reducing valve, 10. Second pressure increasing valve, 11. First pressure increasing valve, 12. Second pressure reducing valve, 13. Check valve, 14. Inlet valve, 15. Liquid valve, 16. First safety valve, 17. Insulation jacket, 18. Second safety valve, 19. Second sensor mechanism, 20. Second pipeline. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Example 1, such as Figure 1 As shown, a test system for sealing performance under a simulated dynamic hydrogen environment includes a main pressure tank 1 and a secondary pressure tank 2. The main pressure tank 1 is used to place the test piece 3, and the secondary pressure tank 2 is used to store the required test medium. The main pressure tank 1 and the secondary pressure tank 2 are interconnected. Both the main pressure tank 1 and the secondary pressure tank 2 are equipped with a temperature control mechanism to control their temperature. A pressure control mechanism is provided between the main pressure tank 1 and the secondary pressure tank 2 to control the dynamic changes in pressure within the main pressure tank 1 and the secondary pressure tank 2. In this embodiment, the test piece 3 includes a sealing element and test material. The temperature control mechanism includes a heat insulation jacket 17 installed on the outer circumference of the main pressure tank 1 and the secondary pressure tank 2, which can input heating media such as steam into the heat insulation jacket 17. The pressure control mechanism includes a first pipe 7, a second pipe 20, a compressor 6, and a liquid pipe 8. The two ends of the first pipe 7 are connected to the upper ends of the main pressure tank 1 and the auxiliary pressure tank 2, respectively. The two ends of the second pipe 20 are also connected to the upper ends of the main pressure tank 1 and the auxiliary pressure tank 2, respectively. A first pressure-reducing valve 9 and a first pressure-increasing valve 11 are installed on the first pipe 7. A second pressure-increasing valve 10 and a second pressure-reducing valve 12 are installed on the second pipe 20. The input end of the compressor 6 is connected to the first pipe 7 and is located between the first pressure-reducing valve 9 and the first pressure-increasing valve 11. The input of the compressor 6... The output end is connected to the second pipe 20. The output end of the compressor 6 is located between the second pressure boosting valve 10 and the second pressure reducing valve 12. The first pressure reducing valve 9 and the second pressure boosting valve 10 are located on the left side of the compressor 6. The first pressure boosting valve 11 and the second pressure reducing valve 12 are located on the right side of the compressor 6. The first pipe 7 is connected to an external air source. The input end of the external air source is located between the first pressure reducing valve 9 and the first pressure boosting valve 11. The two ends of the liquid pipe 8 are connected to the bottom of the main pressure tank 1 and the bottom of the auxiliary pressure tank 2, respectively. A liquid valve 15 is provided on the liquid pipe 8. An air inlet valve 14 is provided on the input end of the external air source.

[0021] The compressor 6 is equipped with a water removal mechanism 5 and a one-way valve 13 at its input end. In this embodiment, the water removal mechanism 15 is a cold trap water removal mechanism. The cold trap water removal mechanism is resistant to high pressure and has good sealing performance. The condensate can be connected back to the test system.

[0022] The main pressure tank 1 is equipped with a first sensor mechanism 4 for monitoring the internal pressure, temperature and liquid level of the device.

[0023] The auxiliary pressure tank 2 is equipped with a second sensor mechanism 19 for monitoring the internal pressure, temperature and liquid level of the device.

[0024] The main pressure tank 1 is equipped with a first safety valve 16, and the auxiliary pressure tank 2 is equipped with a second safety valve 18.

[0025] Example 2 is an application of Example 1, specifically: a test method using a test system for simulating a dynamic hydrogen environment as described above, with the following specific operation steps: S1. Set the test parameters for the test piece 3 inside the main pressure tank 1. The test parameters mainly include test pressure and test temperature. Before the test, pressurize the main pressure tank 1 and the auxiliary pressure tank 2 to a pressure higher than the set test pressure through the pressure control mechanism. The test pressure is 200% of the set pressure, and the pressure is maintained for 3-5 days to test the sealing performance of the main pressure tank 1 and the auxiliary pressure tank 2. The set pressure of 200% is mainly to force all the pressure in the auxiliary pressure tank 2 into the main pressure tank 1 during the extreme test. The main pressure tank 1 needs to withstand twice its own pressure. Therefore, the set pressure is 200% during the sealing test. S2. In a completely hydrogen-free environment, place the hydrogen indicator inside the sealed component to be tested, and then seal it by welding, flange connection, threaded connection, etc. Place the test component 3 in the main pressure tank 1 and fix it, and remove the hydrogen in the main pressure tank 1. Place brine in the auxiliary pressure tank 2, and the brine height should be 1.2-1.5 times the highest point of all test components. S3. Evacuate the main pressure tank 1 and the auxiliary pressure tank 2 several times and purge the internal air. Then add hydrogen to the main pressure tank 1 and the auxiliary pressure tank 2 and pressurize them to between the lower and upper limits of the set test pressure, that is, within the set test pressure range. Then heat the temperature inside the main pressure tank 1 and the auxiliary pressure tank 2 to the set test temperature. S4. Periodically control the pressure control mechanism and realize the periodic pressure rise and fall of the main pressure tank 1 and the input or output of brine; S4.1 Start the compressor 6 and open the first pressure reducing valve 9 and the second pressure reducing valve 12 to reduce the pressure in the main pressure tank 1 to the set lower limit of the test pressure. Then close the compressor 6, the first pressure reducing valve 9 and the second pressure increasing valve 10 to complete the pressure reduction of the main pressure tank 1. S4.2 Start the compressor 6 and open the first pressure boosting valve 11 and the second pressure boosting valve 10 to raise the pressure in the main pressure tank 1 to the set upper limit of the test pressure. Then close the compressor 6, the first pressure boosting valve 11 and the second pressure depressurizing valve 12 to complete the pressure boosting of the main pressure tank 1. S4.3 Open the liquid circuit valve 15 and allow the brine to enter and exit into the main pressure tank 1; S4.4 Repeat steps S4.1, S4.2 and S4.3.

[0026] S5. After the test, the main pressure tank 1 is vented and depressurized by the control mechanism. The test piece 3 is taken out and opened in a hydrogen-free environment. By observing whether the internal hydrogen indicator changes color or other changes, it can be intuitively judged whether hydrogen has penetrated the sealed connection, thereby evaluating its sealing performance.

[0027] Its working principle is as follows: External gas, such as hydrogen, can be opened through the inlet valve 14 of the external gas source to pressurize or transport gas into the main pressure tank 1 and the auxiliary pressure tank 2, or to exhaust gas from the main pressure tank 1 and the auxiliary pressure tank 2. At the same time, the liquid valve 15 is opened, and the brine in the auxiliary pressure tank 2 is transported to the main pressure tank 1 through the liquid pipeline 8 using the pressure difference, so that it periodically submerges the test piece 3. Dynamic pressure control and gas-liquid circulation are mainly achieved through the pressure control mechanism, and the temperature control mechanism controls the temperature of the main pressure tank 1 and the auxiliary pressure tank 2 to reach the actual working conditions.

[0028] Based on the above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention, and through the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the inventive concept. The technical scope of this invention is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A test system for sealing performance under simulated dynamic hydrogen environment, characterized in that: It includes a main pressure tank (1) and a secondary pressure tank (2). The main pressure tank (1) is used to place the test piece (3), and the secondary pressure tank (2) is used to store the required test medium. The main pressure tank (1) and the secondary pressure tank (2) are interconnected. Both the main pressure tank (1) and the secondary pressure tank (2) are equipped with temperature control mechanisms for controlling their temperature. A pressure control mechanism is provided between the main pressure tank (1) and the secondary pressure tank (2). The pressure control mechanism is used to control the dynamic changes of pressure in the main pressure tank (1) and the secondary pressure tank (2). The pressure control mechanism includes a first pipe (7), a second pipe (20), a compressor (6), and a liquid pipe (8). The two ends of the first pipe (7) and the two ends of the second pipe (20) are respectively connected to the main pressure tank (1) and the auxiliary pressure tank (2). A first pressure-reducing valve (9) and a first pressure-increasing valve (11) are installed on the first pipe (7). A second pressure-increasing valve (10) and a second pressure-reducing valve (12) are installed on the second pipe (20). The input end of the compressor (6) is connected to the first pipe (7), and the input end of the compressor (6) is located between the first pressure-reducing valve (9) and the first pressure-increasing valve (11). The output end of the compressor (6) is connected to... The second pipe (20) is connected, the output end of the compressor (6) is located between the second pressure boosting valve (10) and the second pressure reducing valve (12), the first pressure reducing valve (9) and the second pressure boosting valve (10) are located on one side of the compressor (6), the first pressure boosting valve (11) and the second pressure reducing valve (12) are located on the other side of the compressor (6), the first pipe (7) is connected to an external air source, the input end of the external air source is located between the first pressure reducing valve (9) and the first pressure boosting valve (11), the two ends of the liquid pipe (8) are connected to the bottom of the main pressure tank (1) and the bottom of the auxiliary pressure tank (2) respectively, and a liquid valve (15) is provided on the liquid pipe (8).

2. The test system for sealing performance under a simulated dynamic hydrogen environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The compressor (6) is equipped with a water removal mechanism (5) at its input end.

3. A test system for sealing performance under a simulated dynamic hydrogen environment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A one-way valve (13) is provided on the input end of the compressor (6).

4. The test system for sealing performance under simulated dynamic hydrogen environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main pressure tank (1) is equipped with a first sensor mechanism (4) for monitoring the internal pressure, temperature and liquid level of the device.

5. The test system for sealing performance under simulated dynamic hydrogen environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The auxiliary pressure tank (2) is equipped with a second sensor mechanism (19) for monitoring the internal pressure, temperature and liquid level of the device.

6. The test system for sealing performance under simulated dynamic hydrogen environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main pressure tank (1) is equipped with a first safety valve (16).

7. The test system for sealing performance under simulated dynamic hydrogen environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The secondary pressure tank (2) is equipped with a second safety valve (18).

8. The test system for sealing performance under a simulated dynamic hydrogen environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: An air inlet valve (14) is provided on the input end of the external air source.

9. A test method using a test system for simulating a dynamic hydrogenation environment as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The specific operating steps are as follows: S1. In a completely hydrogen-free environment, place the hydrogen indicator inside the test piece and seal it. Place the test piece (3) inside the main pressure tank (1) and fix it. Remove the hydrogen from the main pressure tank (1) and place brine in the auxiliary pressure tank (2). S2. Set the test parameters of the test piece (3) in the main pressure tank (1), pressurize the main pressure tank (1) and the auxiliary pressure tank (2) to a higher than the set test pressure through the pressure control mechanism, and test their sealing performance. S3. Vacuum the main pressure tank (1) and the auxiliary pressure tank (2) several times and then fill them with hydrogen to remove the internal air. Then add hydrogen to the main pressure tank (1) and the auxiliary pressure tank (2) and pressurize them to between the lower and upper limits of the set test pressure. Then heat the temperature inside the main pressure tank (1) and the auxiliary pressure tank (2) to the set test temperature. S4, Periodically control the pressure control mechanism and realize the periodic rise and fall of the pressure in the main pressure tank (1) and the input or output of brine; S5. After the test, the main pressure tank (1) is vented and the pressure is reduced by the control mechanism. The test piece (3) is taken out and opened in a hydrogen-free environment. By observing whether the internal hydrogen indicator changes color, the hydrogen can be directly judged whether the hydrogen has penetrated the sealed connection, thereby evaluating its sealing performance.

10. The test method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The specific operation of step S4 is as follows: S4.1 Start the compressor (6) and open the first pressure reducing valve (9) and the second pressure reducing valve (12) to reduce the pressure in the main pressure tank (1) to the set test pressure lower limit. Then close the compressor (6), the first pressure reducing valve (9) and the second pressure increasing valve (10) to complete the pressure reduction of the main pressure tank (1). S4.2 Start the compressor (6) and open the first pressure boosting valve (11) and the second pressure boosting valve (10) to raise the pressure in the main pressure tank (1) to the set upper limit of the test pressure. Then close the compressor (6), the first pressure boosting valve (11) and the second pressure depressurizing valve (12) to complete the pressure boosting of the main pressure tank (1). S4.3 Open the liquid circuit valve (15) and allow the brine to enter or exit the main pressure tank (1). S4.4 Repeat steps S4.1, S4.2 and S4.3.