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to the hydrogen value chain , we visited its site in Kontich , Belgium , where the serial production of gaskets for electrolyser cells will soon commence .
Omniseal Solutions ’ dedicated prototyping cell
Employing a workforce of around 1,200 spread across 14 manufacturing facilities , eight R & D centres and five sales office in the Americas , Europe and Asia , the company has both a global reach and local customer support . Furthermore , as part of Saint-Gobain ’ s High Performance Solutions division , it has direct access to the corporation ’ s expertise embodied by some 3,500 researchers .
In addition to sharing invaluable R & D resources , various business entities within Saint-Gobain also have a common mission : to serve as enablers of a decarbonised world . While divisions catering to the construction market are actively developing materials to facilitate the building sector ’ s transition to Net Zero , Omniseal Solutions is innovating to enable technologies that drive the energy sector towards carbon neutrality . These efforts are aimed at bolstering a broad spectrum of existing and emerging clean technologies , including those associated with the production , transport , storage , distribution , and application of both gaseous and liquid hydrogen . To learn more about the company ’ s most recent contribution
Long-standing experience with hydrogen
Hydrogen has long been a familiar medium for Omniseal Solutions , so it is no surprise that they can quickly adapt to new market requirements . Philippe Yeterian , Business Manager – Energy , explains : “ In the realm of hydrogen , we have been engaging with various players along the value chain for years , gradually gaining traction in qualifying our products and materials . This is always a lengthy process , but over time , we have cultivated strong partnerships with a diverse range of customers . It is also worth noting that our exposure to hydrogen as a medium extends beyond the energy sector , including to ultra-demanding segments such as the space industry . Consequently , our established track record , featuring a portfolio of products exposed to hydrogen under a wide range of conditions – a significant technical challenge – greatly enhances our credibility when engaging with new clients . While some emerging technologies may be relatively recent , we are rooted in a solid foundation of extensive knowledge in working with hydrogen .”
Rapid response , agility and investment capacity
One of Omniseal Solutions ’ key strengths lies in its distinctive position within a global corporation , enabling it to exhibit remarkable resourcefulness while reaping the advantages of being an integral part of an industrial giant . Mr . Yeterian elaborates : “ We often say that Omniseal Solutions enjoys the best of both worlds : we possess a high degree of autonomy and flexibility , granting us operational independence and agility to innovate . Simultaneously , we benefit from the substantial resources and support of Saint-Gobain , particularly in terms of investment capacity and R & D capabilities . We make these resources available to our clients , a principle we especially uphold
Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 12 | October 2023 11