Storage trials involving polymers in a controlled gas atmosphere

Press release: OPR Group GmbH commissions explosion-proof facility for materials testing in gas atmospheres

(PresseBox) (Großbottwar/Ilsfeld, 13.08.2026)

With the commissioning of an explosion-proof area, OPR Group GmbH is expanding its capacity for materials testing. Since July 2026, the specialised fire-resistant container has been part of the testing institute’s facilities at the Ilsfeld site and serves as a safe environment for material testing in gases at pressures of up to 150 bar. This move is the company’s response to the increased demand for ageing tests involving elastomers and thermoplastics in various gas atmospheres.

“We are currently seeing high demand for the storage of elastomers and thermoplastics under various gas atmospheres. The main reasons for this are the replacement of fluorinated refrigerants and the growing importance of hydrogen in industry,” explains Timo Richter, Managing Director of OPR Group GmbH. To meet this increased demand, the company commissioned a special fire-resistant container in July 2026. The new, explosion-proof area expands the testing capabilities of the materials experts from Großbottwar and enables polymer materials to be tested under various gas atmospheres and at pressures of up to 150 bar. This includes, amongst other things, tests with hydrogen, propane, ammonia and oxygen.

A modern bottling and storage concept designed to ensure a high level of safety

A state-of-the-art filling and storage system ensures that tests are carried out in a controlled manner within the explosion-proof environment, whilst complying with high safety standards. “With these expanded testing capabilities, we will continue to be a reliable partner to industry in the future when it comes to investigating polymer materials under demanding conditions,” adds Richter. The new fire-resistant container is part of a major investment programme by the company at its Ilsfeld site. Over the past three years, a total of more than five million euros has been invested in the development and expansion of the company’s testing services.

Key Technical Specifications:
– In-house designed, explosion-proof heating jackets
– High-pressure autoclaves up to 180 bar
– Automatic filling and weighing system
– Sensor monitoring to prevent flammable atmospheres
– Number of test stations: 11
– Size: 18 m²
– Fully digitized

(As at October 2026)