21–23 Oct 2025
Arcotel Wimberger
Europe/Vienna timezone

TRIBOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS UNDER VARYING PRESSURE ATMOSPHERE

22 Oct 2025, 16:20
20m
Arcotel Wimberger

Arcotel Wimberger

Neubaugürtel 34-36 Vienna, 1070 Austria

Speaker

Felix S. M. Zak (Optimol Instruments Prüftechnik GmbH)

Description

Pressurized gas environments are critical in industries such as aerospace, energy, and manufacturing, where the behavior of materials and lubricants under high-pressure conditions can significantly influence system efficiency, safety, and durability. However, traditional tribological testing methods often fail to replicate the complex conditions encountered in these environments. To address this, a novel Tribotest option has been developed as an extension module for the SRV®5 tribometer. Designed for operation under various pressurized gas atmospheres, with a focus on hydrogen, this system enables evaluation of tribological performance and material durability in controlled environments.
The Tribotest module incorporates advanced design features to handle pressures up to 100 bar while mitigating challenges associated with hydrogen's small molecular size, high diffusion rate, and related hazards. Key innovations include a dual-circuit gas system with hermetic sealing and a protective nitrogen layer, ensuring dynamic sealing and safety. Additional safety measures, such as external sensors, continuous monitoring, and automatic shutdown mechanisms, address the unique risks of testing in hydrogen environment.
Despite the robust construction required for high-pressure operations, the Tribotest option allows precise temperature measurement near the friction point. This innovative solution offers a reliable and versatile platform for tribological investigations in pressurized gas environments, advancing the understanding of material behavior under real-world operating conditions.

Author

Felix S. M. Zak (Optimol Instruments Prüftechnik GmbH)

Co-authors

Ms Ameneh Schneider (Optimol Instruments Prüftechnik GmbH) Mr Gregor Patzer (Optimol Instruments Prüftechnik GmbH)

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