US 2011/0079960 A1Published application

Multi-Piece Pressure Operated Rings for a Downhole Pump Plunger

OwnerB. Michael Borden, Milton F. Whitmarshinventors

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Abstract

A pressure responsive seal ring assembly includes a first and second arcuate-shaped ring segment configured for non-interlocking assembly onto a plunger body. A tab extends beyond a first end of each ring segment and is received by a recessed portion in the first end of the opposing ring segment. The tabs and recessed portions provide a gap in the outer peripheral surface of the assembled ring. A second tab extends beyond a second end of the second ring segment and is received by a recessed portion in the second end of the first ring segment. Pads provide an inter-space effective for allowing fluid flow between the interior peripheral surface and the plunger body. The ring segments expand radially outward with an increase in pressure to provide a seal and retract radially inward with a decrease in pressure. The ring segments, however, remain connected and resist fluid flow therebetween.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A pressure responsive seal ring assembly for use in a downhole submerged pump assembly, the pump assembly including a plunger with a metallic cylinder and at least one seal ring groove in the cylinder for receiving a seal ring, the seal ring comprising:

a first and second arcuate-shaped ring segment, said first and second ring segments having a first and second end, said first and second ends having an angular distance therebetween of less than 180°;
a first tab that extends beyond said first end of each of said ring segments, said first tab and said second end of each of said ring segments having an angular distance therebetween of greater than 180°;
a first recessed portion in said first end of each of said ring segments, said first recessed portion in each of said ring segments being substantially co-planer with said first tab of an opposing said ring segment, said recessed portion capable of receiving said opposing first tab;
a second tab that extends beyond said second end of said second ring segment, said second tab and said first end having an angular distance therebetween of greater than 180°;
and
a second recessed portion in said second end of said first ring segment, said second recessed portion being substantially co-planar with said second tab and capable of receiving said second tab.
wherein said ring segments connect to one another in a non-locking manner so that under pressure said ring segments expand radially outward and resist fluid flow therebetween.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.