Metal-to-metal seal assembly for oil and gas production apparatus
OwnerMichael D. Ezellinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A metal-to-metal seal assembly provides a dynamic seal between a piston and a cylinder. A first seal engages the inner diameter of the piston, while a second seal engages an outer diameter of the piston. The piston is disposed between an inner mandrel and an outer tubular member that form an annular space therebetween. The seal uses a hollow seal ring is provided having a “C”-shaped cross section and containing a coiled spring. The seals form an interference fit against the mandrel and tubular member.
Claims25
A piston assembly providing a dynamic fluid seal comprising:
- (a) a piston captured within an annular space between a first hollow cylinder co-axially aligned with a second hollow cylinder;
- wherein each of said piston, first cylinder and second cylinder have an inner diameter and an outer diameter,
- (b) a first and a second metal-to-metal seal engaged against the piston's inner diameter and said first cylinder's outer diameter;
- and
- (c) a third and a fourth metal-to-metal seal engaged against the piston's outer diameter said the second cylinder's inner diameter;
- wherein the first and second metal-to-metal seals have a rigid major diameter.
An assembly utilizing metal-to-metal seals comprising:
- (a) a piston contained between a first hollow cylinder and a second hollow cylinder;
- wherein an annular space is defined therebetween, and wherein said piston can move linearly within said annular space;
- (b) a first metal-to-metal seal engaged against an inner diameter of said piston and an outer diameter of said first cylinder;
- (c) a second metal-to-metal seal engaged against an outer diameter of said piston and an inner diameter of said second cylinder;
- (d) a shaft located distally from said piston in said annular space and separate from said piston;
- wherein the first and second seals have a rigid major diameter.
A method of sealing a piston captured within an annular space between a first hollow cylinder co-axially aligned with a second hollow cylinder comprising the steps of:
- (a) engaging a first and a second metal-to-metal seal between an inner diameter of the piston and an outer diameter of the first cylinder;
- (b) engaging a third and a fourth metal-to-metal seal between an outer diameter of the piston and an inner diameter of the second cylinder;
- wherein the first and second seals have a rigid major diameter.
A downhole actuation device comprising:
- (a) a piston captured within an annular space between a first hollow cylinder co-axially axially aligned with a second hollow cylinder and responsive to an actuation pressure;
- wherein said piston, first cylinder and second cylinder each have an inner diameter and an outer diameter,
- (b) a first metal-to-metal seal engaged against the piston's inner diameter and said first cylinder's outer diameter;
- (c) a second metal-to-metal seal engaged against the piston's outer diameter said the second cylinder's inner diameter;
- wherein the first and second seals have a rigid major diameter;
- (d) a shaft located distally from said piston in said annular space and separate from said piston;
- and
- (e) means for selectively pressurizing said annular space.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.