Established in 1924, Nippon Pillar has solidified its position in the industry as a global leader in sealing technologies. Beginning in Japan, the company expanded into the American market in 1999 and has consistently set the standard for quality and reliability in the industry. Fugitive Emissions Journal had the pleasure of speaking with Rodney Roth, Independent Technical Sales of Nippon Pillar Corporation of America as he speaks to a hundred years of Nippon’s continuous adaptability in its manufacturing capabilities that meet the evolving needs of clients, and Nippon’s commitment to ESG initiatives.
By Shopia Ketheeswararajah
Nippon’s Commitment to Quality
With a legacy spanning a century, Nippon Pillar has adapted to several industries across the board and innovative technological advancements all while remaining effective in its mission to provide state-of-the-art solutions for emissions reductions. At the heart of Nippon Pillar’s product offering lies an extensive line of sealing solutions that are designed for emissions abatement. “From high-performance mechanical seals to advanced packing solutions, Nippon Pillar’s products are engineered to deliver unparalleled reliability and efficiency,” said Rodney Roth. Whether the application is used to contain volatile organic compounds in refineries or minimize leakage in chemical processing plants, Nippon Pillar’s products play a pivotal role in ensuring environmental compliance and safety.
“Rigorous quality control measures, stringent testing protocols, and adherence to industry standards ensure that every product that we offer meets and maintains the highest standard of performance,” Roth explained. Providing products that emulate the highest quality is more than just a goal for Nippon Pillar, it is the company’s way of life. Nippon Pillar takes pride in its research and development capabilities. “Our products are engineered to deliver unparalleled reliability. Our means to provide solutions to the industry’s most sought-after challenges is what sets us apart from our competitors,” he said.
In addition to the company’s commitment to quality and research and development, the Pillar Rapid Repair Center proves the company’s commitment to mitigating common challenges within the industry. “When we receive a seal that requires repair and reconditioning, we ensure the repair service is high quality and restores the products to new-like status. We offer competitive pricing and fast turn-around times,” he said. Nippon Pillar follows API standards, and with servicing mechanical seals, most types of seal models can be serviced with API682. “Some of the most common services we offer with the Rapid Repair Center are lapping and polishing, procurement and replacement of consumable parts, cleaning, inspection, assembly and API Air test, as well as providing clients with a repair report and certification,” he shared.
Nippon Pillar places the utmost importance on customer satisfaction. “Going the extra mile to understand the client’s needs and provide tailored solutions is what keeps our clientele’s loyalty,” Roth stated. From initial consultation to post-installation support, the company has a dedicated team of experts to ensure the client receives unmatched service and support every step of the way. “Nippon Pillar is devoted to its accumulation of wisdom and strength to build a company that is known for excellence and known for being dependable, innovative, and passionate about contributing to the global community,” he said.
Renewable Energy Sector
As the industry dives deeper into sustainability and producing components that aid in decarbonization, Nippon has taken this opportunity to accelerate its abilities in the energy sector. One example is photovoltaic power generation, which is one of the most common energy sources, using solar cells to convert light energy directly into electricity. Polycrystalline silicon is a raw material for solar cells. The Siemens process, which is a typical method of producing polycrystalline silicon, includes the reaction of metallic silicon with hydrogen and chlorine at high temperatures (approximately 500 °C) and under high pressure.
Another example of high-performance material applied for renewable energy is geothermal fluid pipes in geothermal power generation. Geothermal power generation is a method of extracting steam from a two-phase flow (hot water and steam) emanating from deep underground volcanic regions and using it to generate electricity.
Additionally, the use of hydrogen is becoming increasingly relevant in the industry when discussing alternative renewable sources of energy. Hydrogen, which does not emit CO2 , is attracting attention as an energy source for decarbonization, and initiatives for the hydrogen value chain (hydrogen production – transport – storage – use and consumption) are underway.
Hydrogen is classified according to its production method as green hydrogen (produced by water electrolysis using renew-able energy), blue hydrogen (produced from fossil fuels and the CO2 produced is stored and reused) and grey hydrogen (produced from fossil fuels and the CO2 produced is emitted as is). Green hydrogen, which does not emit CO2, contributes significantly to the reduction of carbon emissions.
In addition, in the field of hydrogen utilization and consumption, one of the areas where practical and commercial applications are progressing is in the field related to fuel cell vehicles, where high-performance materials are also being used. Hydrogen stations that supply hydrogen to fuel cell vehicles have highly pressurized hydrogen gas environments, posing a high risk of hydrogen embrittlement.
ESG Initiatives at Nippon Pillar
“We commit to ESG initiatives that align with sustainable practices and our responsibility as a leading provider in the sealing solution industry,” shared Roth. Nippon recognizes the importance of minimizing its environmental footprint while maximizing its societal impact. One of its primary ESG goals is to develop innovative sustainable products and technologies that not only meet market demands but reduce emissions. By leveraging advanced materials and engineering expertise, Nippon Pillar America developed its Emission Defense Packing (EDP) series. “To keep up with current FDA and EPA regulations, we created this line of packing to comply with API, LDAR, and other requirements without having to compromise on sealing capabilities,” said Roth. The OEM packing that Nippon offers is an extensive range of continuous and split rings for ship repair and new valve manufacturing. This packing is available in die molded, braided, or combination to ensure low emissions. Additionally, the company offers gaskets that are manufactured from graphite sheets reinforced with stainless steel foil. “Pillar gaskets are designed with high density in mind between the inner diameter and outer diameter to improve sealing performance and workability, all while maintaining heat resistance and the elasticity of the flexible graphite,” shared Roth.
A Vision for Tomorrow
When asked about the future of the company, Roth is certain Nippon Pillar will continue to lead in emission abatement and sustainability. “With a century of excellence behind us and a relentless drive for innovation, we are positioned to shape the future of emission reduction for generations to come,” he stated.
Nippon Pillar Corporation of America stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence in several sectors of the industry. With a notable history, a commitment to quality, and a vision for a better tomorrow, Nippon Pillar is a force in the fight against fugitive emissions. As it comes close to celebrating its 100th anniversary, the company looks forward to another century of transformative solutions that will make a positive impact on the industry, the environment, and the company as a whole.