US 2014/0174764 A1 · Annulus Seal Utilizing Energized Discrete Soft Interfacial Sealing Elements

Abstract

A seal assembly for sealing an annulus between inner and outer wellhead members includes an energizer ring formed of a high strength elastic material having inner and outer legs. An annular inner recess with grooves on its base is formed on an inward facing surface of the inner leg. An inner diameter seal ring formed of an inelastic material engages the grooves of the inner recess. An annular outer recess with grooves on its base is formed on an outward facing surface of the outer leg. An outer diameter seal ring formed of an inelastic material engages the grooves of the outer recess. When the energizer ring is coaxially inserted in the annulus, the inner diameter seal ring is compressively and permanently deformed into sealing contact with the inner wellhead member, and the outer diameter seal ring is compressively and permanently deformed into sealing contact with the outer wellhead member.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A seal assembly for sealing an annulus between inner and outer wellhead members, the seal assembly comprising:

an energizer ring formed of a high strength elastic material having inner and outer legs and a central axis;
an annular inner recess formed on an inward facing surface of the inner leg, the inner recess having grooves on a base of the inner recess;
an inner diameter seal ring formed of an inelastic material, the inner diameter seal ring engaging the grooves of the inner recess;
an annular outer recess formed on an outward facing surface of the outer leg, the outer recess having grooves on a base of the outer recess;
an outer diameter seal ring formed of an inelastic material, the outer diameter seal ring engaging the grooves of the outer recess;
and
wherein, when the energizer ring is coaxially inserted in the annulus, the inner diameter seal ring is compressively and permanently deformed into sealing contact with the inner wellhead member, and the outer diameter seal ring is compressively and permanently deformed into sealing contact with the outer wellhead member.

4 more elements

A method for sealing an annulus between inner and outer wellhead members, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a seal assembly that comprises an energizer ring formed of a high strength elastic material having inner and outer legs and a central axis, an annular inner recess formed on an inward facing surface of the inner leg having grooves on a base of the inner recess, an inner diameter seal ring formed of an inelastic material engaging the grooves of the inner recess, an annular outer recess formed on an outward facing surface of the outer leg having grooves on a base of the outer recess, and an outer diameter seal ring formed of an inelastic material engaging the grooves of the outer recess;
and
(b) inserting the seal assembly into the annulus so that the seal rings contact inner and outer surfaces of the annulus, plastically deforming the seal rings into sealing engagement between the legs and the inner and outer surfaces by a spring force in the legs.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Annulus Seal Utilizing Energized Discrete Soft Interfacial Sealing Elements

Life of this patent

Annulus Seal Utilizing Energized Discrete Soft Interfacial Sealing Elements

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20