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HYDROGEN SEALING SOLUTIONS

Hydrogen fuel

Innovative hydrogen fuel and hydrogen sealing solutions that address your challenges.

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OVERVIEW

What is hydrogen energy?

Hydrogen fuel is a clean energy source that generates power through chemical reactions rather than combustion. It is typically produced by splitting water molecules (electrolysis) or extracting hydrogen from natural gas. Hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity with only water and heat as by-products, making it a zero-emission alternative to fossil fuels.

Hydrogen energy plays a key role in decarbonising industries such as transportation, manufacturing and power generation. It is used in fuel cell vehicles, industrial heating and as an energy storage solution for renewable power.

Achieving ambitious net zero goals requires significant emissions reduction efforts in hard-to-abate markets such as refining, chemical, steel and heavy-duty transport. Low-carbon hydrogen fuel has emerged as a key lever for decarbonising these sectors. However, according to International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates, less than 1% of global hydrogen gas in 2022 was produced using low-emissions methods.

Solidifying our industry’s sustainable future requires the rapid scaling of low-carbon hydrogen fuel solutions. John Crane is meeting this challenge with market-ready hydrogen innovations that equip our customers to achieve mission-critical decarbonisation goals. These solutions are already enabling green and blue hydrogen operations around the globe, from Australia to Canada and key markets in between.

OUR EXPERIENCE

Proven hydrogen experience

40 + years

With more than four decades of experience in hydrogen compression, hydrogen sealing and filtration, John Crane is a leader in market-ready decarbonization technologies.

Market-ready solutions

Since 1979, we have installed more than 5,000 seals, filters, couplings and systems in hydrogen applications — delivering reliability across every link of the value chain.

Active projects worldwide

John Crane’s solutions are trusted by both large-scale green and blue hydrogen initiatives and small-to-medium-scale pilot projects in operation today.
Hydrogen Shutterstock 2588361337

ACCELERATING PROGRESS

Accelerating progress across the new hydrogen value chain

John Crane takes a comprehensive approach to scaling the new hydrogen production ecosystem. 

We believe it is essential to deploy all sources of low-carbon hydrogen, including hydrogen produced through renewable- or nuclear-powered 
electrolysis and traditional natural gas reforming technologies retrofitted with carbon capture solutions. 


However, production is just one link in the new hydrogen value chain. To decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors, hydrogen storage and transportation are just as critical.  Our hydrogen valve seal solutions enable a safe, scalable hydrogen transportation infrastructure, including alternative energy carriers such as ammonia.


We are committed to developing the solutions that will shape our 
industry’s next century. This includes the hydrogen filtration and sealing solutions of the future, plus hydrogen-ready services that support our 
industry in achieving its ambitious decarbonisation goals. Through 
collaborations with Hydrogen Europe and other hydrogen fuel pioneers, we are actively accelerating and scaling the new hydrogen production ecosystem that is pivotal to our industry’s future.

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HOW WE HELP

A global leader in hydrogen sealing solutions

Proven hydrogen expertise

Since producing the first hydrogen gas seal in 1979, John Crane has supplied thousands of dry gas seals to hydrogen applications. More than 5,000 mechanical seals, filters, couplings and systems are in use today, delivering proven hydrogen sealing solutions to some of the world's most innovative clean hydrogen facilities. 

Decreasing emissions by 98% in an Oman production plant

A prominent exploration and production firm in Oman partnered with John Crane to reduce emissions and enhance operational efficiency.

By replacing conventional oil seals with advanced Type 28 dry gas seals, we helped our customer decrease its CO2 emissions by 98% and lower gas consumption by approximately 2% in the gas turbine.

This was alongside achieving higher-quality gas with lower oil removal costs.

A comprehensive range of hydrogen fuel solutions

We are experts in hydrogen sealing technologies, and our wide-ranging hydrogen portfolio proves it.

Our solutions are designed to overcome critical hydrogen compression, pumping and filtration challenges, both now and as the energy transition progresses.

We offer gas seals, systems, filtration and couplings specifically designed for hydrogen, ammonia and methanol applications.

Investments in low-carbon innovation

We are committed to pioneering sustainable designs that address the unique dynamics of compressing and filtering hydrogen.

This includes next-generation hydrogen sealing solutions for higher-speed applications such as hydrogen pipelines and liquefaction.

IN MORE DETAIL

Our experience - in more detail

Hydrogen Facility

Enabling one of Canada’s largest blue hydrogen facilities

John Crane was selected to provide sealing technologies for 
one of Canada’s largest blue hydrogen production sites. The 
project demonstrated blue hydrogen and carbon capture 
technologies from the facility’s steam methane reformer units. 

The site is now capturing up to ~1.2 million tonnes (Mt) per 
year of carbon dioxide, which is then transported and 
permanently stored over two kilometers below the earth’s 
surface in a deep saline aquifer.

Hydrogen Pipeline

Delivering safe, reliable hydrogen compression

John Crane’s dry gas seals, high-performance couplings and gas 
systems play a critical role in scaling up the clean hydrogen 
economy — but their value doesn't stop there. 

These hydrogen sealing solutions are equally important in 
various secondary processes involving gases such as O2, CO2 
and ammonia, each of which poses unique challenges. With an 
unrivaled track record for innovation and service excellence, 
John Crane is the trusted partner for reliable compression 
solutions.

Technician Testing Seal

Powering critical pumps across industries

Pump applications are critical across the hydrogen value chain, 
ranging from large water intake, cooling water and circulation 
pumps in green hydrogen production to essential services like 
amine, lean solution, CO2 and boiler feedwater in blue 
hydrogen production. Pumps are also vital in ammonia, 
methanol, liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) conversion 
and reconversion, as well as various end-use applications. 

John Crane's mechanical seals, seal support systems, couplings 
and filtration solutions have long set the industry standard for 
reliable, safe pump operation. Today, they are delivering this 
same unmatched reliability and safety in global hydrogen 
applications, contributing to the scalability of this essential 
new energy ecosystem.

Hydrogen Plant

Advanced filtration for optimal hydrogen quality

Filtration plays a critical role  in the hydrogen value chain. Our 
cutting-edge solutions ensure the right hydrogen quality for 
each application and protect crucial equipment. This includes 
compressors, turbines, dryers, heat exchangers and fuel cells, 
while safeguarding hydrogen sealing systems throughout the 
process.

With expertise in seal gas conditioning, fuel gas conditioning 
and process filtration for water pre-filtration and modular 
systems, we offer practical solutions for diverse filtration 
needs. As the hydrogen industry evolves, John Crane pioneers 
filtration innovation to secure a reliable and efficient future for 
hydrogen applications and technologies.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common Questions

What are hydrogen sealing solutions?

Hydrogen sealing solutions are engineered technologies, such as dry gas seals and mechanical 
seals, that help control leakage, protect equipment and support safe, reliable hydrogen 
compression, pumping and transport across the hydrogen value chain. 

Why is sealing critical in hydrogen applications?

Hydrogen’s small molecular size and high diffusivity increase leakage risk. Effective hydrogen 
sealing helps maintain safety, operational efficiency and equipment reliability, particularly in high
pressure applications such as compressors, pipelines and hydrogen valve systems.

What causes seal failure in hydrogen systems?

Seal failure in hydrogen systems can result from hydrogen embrittlement, material incompatibility, 
pressure cycling and inadequate seal design. Engineered sealing solutions designed specifically for 
hydrogen service help mitigate these risks and support long-term reliability.

What is the role of hydrogen in achieving net zero emissions?

Hydrogen plays an important role in achieving net zero emissions by helping decarbonise industrial 
processes and energy applications where electrification is not practical. When produced through 
low- or zero-carbon pathways, hydrogen enables emissions reduction across sectors such as 
refining, chemicals, power generation and heavy transport.

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