Non-extrusion device using shape memory alloy for extending operational temperature range of seals

A sealing system, comprising:

• a first component comprising a seal recess defined in the first component;
• a second component comprising a sealing surface;
• and
• a seal positioned in the seal recess, the seal comprising:
• a seal body;
• and
• a non-extrusion device embedded within the seal body, the non-extrusion device comprising:
• a non-extrusion ring comprising a polymer material;
• and
• a shape memory alloy (SMA) ring embedded within the non-extrusion ring, wherein the non-extrusion device is fully enclosed by the seal body,
• wherein the non-extrusion device is in a non-contracted state at a first temperature and a contracted state at a second temperature,
• wherein the non-extrusion device transitions from the non-contracted state to the contracted state upon reaching a first transition temperature, and
• wherein, upon reaching the first transition temperature, the SMA ring circumferentially contracts such that the non-extrusion device contracts in a direction toward the sealing surface.

A method of manufacturing a sealing system, the method comprising:

• forming a seal, wherein the seal is formed by:
• embedding a shape memory alloy (SMA) ring within a non-extrusion ring to form a non-extrusion device, wherein the non-extrusion ring comprises a polymer material;
• and
• embedding the non-extrusion device within a seal body, wherein the non-extrusion device is fully enclosed by the seal body;
• disposing the seal onto a first component such that the seal is positioned in a seal recess defined in the first component;
• and
• installing a second component, such that a sealing surface of the second component contacts a surface of the seal, wherein one or more extrusion gaps are formed between the sealing surface and the surface of the seal,
• wherein the non-extrusion device is embedded within the seal body such that the non-extrusion device is proximal to an extrusion gap edge of the seal body after the second component is installed.