Non-extrusion device for split annular casing/tubing hanger compression seals

A non-extrusion sealing device for preventing extrusion of an annular elastomer seal element used to form a seal between the outer circumferential surface of a well casing and the inner circumferential surface of a casing head, wherein

• said elastomer seal element has a central opening along a central axis therethrough;
• said elastomer seal element has a plurality of circumferentially spaced through holes surrounding said central opening;
• said sealing device comprises a generally flat annular ring having a center opening and a plurality of open-ended truncated cone portions defining a plurality of through holes in said seal device which corresponds to the through holes in said elastomer seal element;
• each said truncated cone portion is serrated having radially spaced segments and gaps therebetween when said sealing device is in a nonenergized state;
• said sealing device having inside and outside diameters approximately equivalent to inside and outside diameters of said elastomer seal element;
• said sealing device is adapted to be positioned against radial end surfaces of said elastomer seal element such that a pair of said sealing devices are positioned on each radial end surface, respectively, to form an annular sealing assembly therewith, such that said plurality of holes of each said sealing device and said truncated cone portions are aligned to receive a bolt or pin member therethrough and to form a seal therewith upon deformation of said elastomer element and each said truncated cone portion in response to compression of said sealing assembly;
• said annular sealing assembly is positioned in an annular gap between said well casing and said casing head, such,that upon energization said sealing assembly is compressed along a direction parallel to said central axis causing said elastomer seal element to deform and to be guided radially by said sealing devices in radially inward and outward directions such that the truncated cone portion of each sealing device is flexed into a position wherein said cone portion is generally co-planar with the remainder of said generally flat annular ring and said annular sealing assembly contacts said well casing and said casing head forming a seal therebetween.