US 8,678,398 B2 · Isolation gasket, system and method of manufacture

Abstract

Sealing systems for high pressure applications that provide electrical isolation between joined elements as well as enhanced resistance to leakage of media during a fire. High pressure sealing is accomplished using a metallic core to which an electrically isolating material is bonded on either or both sides. Sealing is achieved through a dielectric sealing element, such as a spring-loaded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) ring. Flanges of the joint may be bolted together with the seal interposed therebetween, and the flanges bolted together. In the event of a fire, heat may be generated that is at a high enough temperature to burn away the isolating material and PTFE ring. Systems of various embodiments provide a metal core backup seal and a compression limiter, which, respectively, prevent the media from leaking from the joint and maintain bolt load at the flanges.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A sealing device for use between joined pieces in a flow line that is operative for fluid passage therethrough, comprising:

a flat metal plate having opposing side surfaces and an opening formed therein to allow fluid passage therethrough;
a layer of dielectric material disposed on opposing side surfaces;
a pair of inner grooves and a pair of outer grooves formed on said opposing side surfaces, at least one of which penetrate through said layer of dielectric material and into said metal plate and which extend completely around said opening, wherein said pair of inner grooves have substantially identical diameters and said pair of outer grooves have substantially identical diameters greater than the diameter of the inner grooves and wherein said inner grooves comprise a first depth and said outer grooves comprise a second depth greater than said first depth;
a primary seal element disposed in said inner groove;
a secondary seal element disposed in said outer groove;
and
a compression limiter.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Isolation gasket, system and method of manufacture

Life of this patent

Isolation gasket, system and method of manufacture

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15