WELL DOOR SEALING ASSEMBLY, SYSTEM AND TOOL

Abstract

A seal assembly including a seal subassembly disposed upon a seal subassembly configured to hold pressure, a first load member having a first side disposed adjacent a first side of the seal subassembly, the first load member configured to engage the seal subassembly such that the first load member independently has a limited axial movement capability in both longitudinal directions along the seal assembly, and a first energizer adjacent a second side of the first load member, the first load member isolating the first energizer from mechanical loading in a direction opposite a direction of bias of the first energizer. A downhole tool including a housing, and an actuator disposed in the housing, the actuator including a seal assembly. A wellbore system including a borehole in a subsurface formation, a string disposed in the borehole, a downhole tool disposed within or as part of the string and including the seal.

Description

1 / 21 WELL DOOR SEALING ASSEMBLY, SYSTEM AND TOOL CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED DEPOSIT REQUESTS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of an earlier filing date of U.S. Application No. 63 / 452,791, filed March 17, 2023, and U.S. Application No. 63 / 498,727, filed April 27, 2023, and U.S. Application No. 18 / 598,437, filed March 7, 2024, the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND

[0002] In resource recovery and fluid sequestration sectors, sealing is a significant issue. Seal assemblies are designed to allow pressure actuation of various devices and pressure containment in several others. Many work very well, but there is always room for improvement. In some seal assemblies, one-way seals are used to energize other seals. This works well too, but sometimes with pressure reversals such one-way seals can be deleteriously affected. Since pressure reversals are common in the aforementioned industries, the technique is always receptive to alternative configurations that reduce the disadvantages. SUMMARY

[0003] An embodiment of a sealing assembly comprising a sealing subassembly configured to maintain pressure, a first load member having a first side disposed adjacent to a first side of the sealing subassembly, the first load member configured to engage a recess in a central member radially inward to the sealing subassembly or a housing radially outward to the sealing subassembly such that the first load member independently has a limited axial movement capability in both longitudinal directions along the sealing assembly and a first energizer adjacent to a second Petition 870250082285, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, p. 15 / 309 2 / 21 side of the first load member, wherein the first load member isolates the first energizer from mechanical loading in a direction opposite to a direction of propensity of the first energizer.

[0004] An embodiment of a downhole tool comprising a housing and an actuator disposed within the housing, the actuator including a sealing assembly.

[0005] A type of oil well system that includes a well in a subsurface formation, a string disposed in the well and a downhole tool disposed within or as part of the string and that includes the seal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any respect. With reference to the attached drawings, similar elements are numbered similarly:

[0007] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sealing assembly as shown here in a first position;

[0008] Figure 2 is the same view as Figure 1, but with the sealing assembly in a reverse pressurized position;

[0009] Figures 3A to 3F are enlarged views of a portion of Figure 1 which illustrate different modalities of the energizer employable in Figure 1;

[0010] Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1, but includes a feature for axially fixing a portion of the sealing assembly to a mandrel;

[0011] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment that includes a two-piece gasket and a continuous load ring;

[0012] Figures 6A and 6B illustrate one embodiment, wherein the energizer is a spring with the sealing assembly shown in a first position and a reverse pressurized position;

[0013] Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of a fence assembly with two fence subassemblies energized by a common energizer in opposite directions;

[0014] Figures 8 and 9 are inverted versions of Figures 1 and 2; Petition 870250082285, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, p. 16 / 309 3 / 21

[0015] Figures 10 and 11 are inverted versions of Figures 6A and 6B;

[0016] Figures 12 and 13 are inverted versions of Figure 7.

[0017] Figure 14 is a view of a downhole tool employing the sealing assembly disclosed herein;

[0018] Figure 15 is another downhole tool that employs the sealing assembly as disclosed herein; and

[0019] Figure 16 is a view of an oil well system that includes the sealing assembly as revealed here. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the apparatus and method revealed by way of example, but without any limitation with reference to the Figures, is presented here.

[0021] With reference to Figure 1, a sealing assembly 10 is illustrated. The illustration places the sealing assembly 10 in a central member 12 which is illustrated as a piston rod mandrel, but it should be understood that the mandrel 12 may also be a tubular member making the sealing assembly 10 more of an annular seal. The sealing assembly 10 includes a sealing subassembly 14 comprising a series of elements which may be formed in a single piece or may simply be stacked. The elements of the subassembly 14 may be such as herringbone or similar shaped seals and may be formed of materials such as polyether ether ketone, elastomers, plastics, etc. In alternative embodiments, the subassembly may also include at least one elastomeric element such as a sealing ring or T-seal which may be intended for bidirectional sealing.Subassembly 14 is configured so that its pressure-holding capacity is enhanced when mechanically energized. This can be particularly beneficial in conditions where low-pressure differentials exist across the sealing assembly 10. In one embodiment, when subassembly 14 is mechanically energized, it will seal a pressure associated with the movement of chuck 12. The mechanical energy can, in embodiments, come from an energizer 16a or 16b on either side of the axial assembly. Petition 870250082285, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 17 / 309 4 / 21 seal assembly 10. Energizers include one-way seals, springs (such as helical springs, conical washers, elastomers, etc.), a plurality of magnets arranged to create a mechanical load in one direction, etc. Each energizer is configured to tend in one direction toward the subassembly, energizing it. In a case where the energizer is a one-way seal, each one-way seal 16 is configured to maintain pressure from one direction toward the seal subassembly 14 and relieve pressure in one direction away from the subassembly 14. Where pressure is experienced by a one-way seal 16 toward the subassembly 14, that one-way seal will exert a mechanical force through a load member 18a or 18b on the subassembly 14, energizing it to seal against a hole in a housing (not shown).In this case, energizer 16 does not comprise a seal; energy is supplied in ways other than pressure, such as by spring force or magnetic force. Ultimately, subassembly 14 remains energized.

[0022] Adjacent to the energizers 16 are the load members 18 (illustrated as 18a and 18b). The load members 18 are individually configured for limited longitudinal movement. This means that each load member 18 is capable of moving longitudinally from the chuck 12 by a limited amount in both longitudinal directions. This can be caused by a radial projection 20 (20a, 20b) that extends radially inward from a body 21 of the load members 18. As such, a load path through a load member 18 limits the load through the energizer 16 or subassembly 14 based on the limited longitudinal motion potential of the load members 18. The construction, as presented here, ensures that the associated energizer 16, while capable of being part of a mechanical load path towards the subassembly 14, is isolated from mechanical loading in a direction opposite to the direction of propulsion and / or sealing.It should be understood that the term isolated is intended to mean that at least part of the mechanical load path that would otherwise be carried through the energizer 16 is not carried through it. Petition 870250082285, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, p. 18 / 309 5 / 21 energizer 16, but rather it is carried through the load member 18 and the mandrel 12. In other words, the energizer 16 is not a full participant in the mechanical load path in a direction opposite to the protrusion and / or sealing direction of the respective energizer. The interruption of the mechanical load path for each respective energizer, in a direction opposite to the protrusion and / or sealing direction of the respective energizer, is caused by the respective load member 18a or 18b which transfers the mechanical path from an opposite side of the sealing assembly 10 to the mandrel 12 before reaching the energizer 16a or 16b, respectively. One skilled in the art will understand the negative consequences associated with overloading an energizer 16 in the reverse direction (in the case of a one-way seal, its non-sealing or venting direction).Overloading an energizer in the reverse direction commonly results in deformation of its original shape and degradation of its performance – especially its performance in the presence of a low differential pressure acting across the seal. Notably, in conventional multi-element piston rod seal assemblies, energizers serve two fundamental purposes: First, energizers help energize the other elements of the seal assembly, such as V-rings. Second, energizers serve as an augmenter of the seal subassembly 14 or, in the case of a one-way seal energizer 16, as the primary sealing element against low differential pressure acting across the seal assembly 10.This is arguably the most important role of the energizer, given that elements without a mechanical energizer (such as V-rings) are commonly unable to effectively seal against low differential pressures on their own due to their reliance on pressure energization to establish the contact forces necessary for sealing. The mechanical energization feature of the energizer (e.g., its spring force or internal spring, sealing ring, structural shape, etc.) generates sufficient contact forces after installation within the bore (due to tightening) to seal against low differential pressures. In low differential pressure environments that... Petition 870250082285, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 19 / 309 6 / 21 act through a sealing assembly; an energizer that has been overloaded in the reverse direction may perform poorly due to shape change. Furthermore, a deformed shape of an energizer 16 will be much more vulnerable to damage under continuous reverse pressure load. In the case of a spring force, this may be due to cyclic loading. In the case of a one-way seal, this is due to its original venting capacity (i.e., reverse pressure venting) being degraded or completely eliminated by the shape change. In other words, without being able to effectively vent reverse pressure, the one-way seal may suffer extrusion damage in the reverse direction, given that its original design was not intended for this capacity.

[0023] As noted above, and still referring to Figure 1, the load members 18 include, in one embodiment, a radial projection 20 that is received in a sliding manner in a recess 22 in the mandrel 12. The projections 20 and the recess 22 may be annularly complete or annularly discontinuous. In some embodiments, the recess 22 is a groove. It will be understood that the recess 22 exhibits an axial length that is greater than an axial length of the corresponding projection 20. This is what allows the load ring 18 to translate axially with varying pressure directions and thus have the effects it is configured to have while also being of limited longitudinal movement relative to the mandrel in both longitudinal directions. In one embodiment, the load members 18 are multi-part structures retained with a retaining ring 24 (24a, 24b).In such an embodiment, the retaining ring 24 may be configured as a split ring that is divided at one location (i.e., a C-shaped ring) and fits over the multi-part load member 18 to retain and propel the load member toward the recess 22. The retaining ring 24 may also be configured with more than one split and held together by the use of a high viscosity grease (National Institute of Lubricating Grease NLGI 2 or higher) after assembly. In some embodiments, one or more retaining rings 24 may be sized to fit the housing hole (not shown) within which. Petition 870250082285, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, p. 20 / 309 7 / 21 The mandrel is installed as a centering bearing feature for the seal assembly 10. In such cases, the retaining ring 24 may be formed of relatively soft non-metallic materials such as polyether ether ketone, polytetrafluoroethylene, or other thermoplastics to minimize the potential for wear or damage to the housing bore (not shown) that could result from contact with the retaining ring 24 during the movement of the mandrel 12. The placement of centering features, such as the combination of load members 18 and retaining rings 24 at multiple points along the length of a seal assembly 10, ideally centers the seal assembly 10 and leads to improved sealing performance by maintaining uniform and consistently small extrusion gaps in critical areas of the seal (such as the interface between elements contained in the seal subassembly 14 and the interface of said elements with the housing bore).The multi-point centering, as discussed, also greatly increases the ability of a seal assembly to withstand potential lateral loading (or irregular mechanical loading) of mandrel 12 during normal downhole tool operation. This enhancement significantly improves seal performance and is especially useful for tubular downhole applications where mandrel 12 imparts off-axis loading to a sleeve, ball, or other member, which in turn puts mandrel 12 into bending and results in lateral loading of seal assemblies.

[0024] With reference to Figures 1 and 2 simultaneously, the mechanical paths can be known. In Figure 1, the seal assembly 10 is illustrated energized by being spring-loaded and / or by increased pressure from the left of the figure. In the case of an increased pressure mode, the energizer 16 is a one-way seal. The one-way seal 16a is pressure-loaded (from the left of the figure, as observed) in the direction in which it is intended to maintain pressure. The pressure then results in the seal 16a moving to the right of Figure 1 towards the seal subassembly 14. The movement of the one-way seal 16a is transferred directly to the load member 18a. Petition 870250082285, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 21 / 309 8 / 21 through contact with seal 16a and provides the first stage of the mechanical path through the seal assembly 10 during pressure loading from the left of Figure 1 (the sealing direction of the one-way seal 16a). Load member 18a slides within recess 22a and thus transfers the mechanical load to seal sub-assembly 14. The same mechanical load is also transferred to load member 18b, which correspondingly slides to the right of Figure 1. The movement of load member 18b is limited by recess 22. Specifically, a load shoulder 26 of radial projection 20 is placed in contact with a limit shoulder 28, whereby the mechanical load path is transferred directly to mandrel 12. At this point, seal sub-assembly 14 is energized. It will be understood that the one-way seal 16b (or any of the energizers 16b) is NOT in the mechanical load path for pressure on the left side of Figure 1.Instead, it is isolated from this mechanical load path by transferring all of this mechanical load from that direction to the chuck 12 by the load member 18b. Returning to Figure 2, it will be understood that the pressure is now on the right side of the figure. Each of the above statements applies in the opposite direction, but the mechanical load path that reaches the load member 18a from the pressure on the right of Figure 2 is transferred to the chuck 12 through the contact between a load shoulder 30 and a limit shoulder 32. Again, the one-way seal (or other energizer) facing a direction opposite to the prevailing pressure, 16a in this case, is isolated from the mechanical load path in the aforementioned direction.For each case, that of Figure 1 and that of Figure 2, the one-way seal that is pressure-loaded in a direction opposite to that in which it is configured to maintain pressure will escape (i.e., vent) that pressure and not experience a mechanical load in a direction opposite to the sealing direction of the respective one-way seal. Isolating the respective one-way seals 16a or 16b prevents damage to these seals that might otherwise occur due to overload in their respective non-sealing direction and require maintenance or replacement. Petition 870250082285, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 22 / 309 9 / 21

[0025] With reference to Figures 3A to 3F, various types of energizers that can be employed in connection with this disclosure are illustrated. They include, in order: a spring-energized seal with a cantilever-type spring and a support platform sometimes known as a hat ring (Figure 3A); a spring-energized seal with a coil-type spring (Figure 3B); a spring-energized seal with a sealing ring (Figure 3C); a metallic C-seal (Figure 3D); stacked cone washers (Figure 3E); and magnets (Figure 3F). It should be understood that these are merely non-limiting examples of possible energizers that can be used in the sealing assembly disclosed herein. One skilled in the art is familiar with each of these types of energizers, and each is readily available commercially.

[0026] With reference to Figure 4, an alternative embodiment of a sealing assembly, designated 40, is illustrated. This embodiment utilizes all the components of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, but adds another component in the form of a subassembly locator 42 which locates the sealing subassembly 14 in relation to the mandrel 12 (which, as in the previous embodiment, can be a rod-piston type mandrel or a tubular type mandrel). The locator 42 eliminates the need for the sealing subassembly 14 to translate before being mechanically energized. It will be recalled that the mechanical loading of the subassembly used for energizing in Figure 1 occurs after the load shoulder 26 comes into contact with the limit shoulder 28. The additional movement of the load member 18a of the one-way seal (or other energizer) 16a compresses the subassembly 14, thus energizing it.In the embodiment of Figure 4, however, the subassembly 14 (or at least the part of it on the locator side 42 that is being made part of a mechanical load path based on pressure, spring force (helical spring, conical washer, gas spring, magnetic fields, etc.) applied from that side to the sealing assembly 40) is energized against the locator 42 which, in this way, transmits load to the mandrel 12. The opposite load member 18b may not even reach the respective limit shoulder unless some pressure is applied from the side. Petition 870250082285, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 23 / 309 10 / 21 of energizing the seal assembly 40 escapes through or to the non-energized side of the seal assembly 40. If such pressure escapes through or to the subassembly and causes the opposite load member 18 to move into contact with its respective limit shoulder, the one-way seal (or other equalizer) 16b on that side will be isolated from the mechanical load path in the same way as it was in Figures 1 and 2. One skilled in the art will understand the propensity of seal assemblies in dynamic applications to suffer from intermittent pressure escapes during times of linear or rotational motion. These intermittent occasions of pressure deviation can result in a condition commonly known as pressure suppression between the two halves of the subassembly 14.In the case of Figure 4, it is possible that each load member 18a and 18b simultaneously reaches its respective limit shoulder on mandrel 12 in the case of pressure suppression between the two halves of subassembly 40; however, in all scenarios, both energizers 16a and 16b are always protected.

[0027] With reference to Figure 5, another embodiment is illustrated which uses a split packing configuration 44 for the load member 18. A split packing 44 employs a side 46 of the packing 44 which is part of the mandrel 12 and a side 48 of the packing 44 which is in a separate sub 50, this sub 50 being fixable to the mandrel 12 by means of, for example, threads 52. The split packing 44 allows the use of a one-piece load ring 18, which may provide benefit in some applications.

[0028] With reference to Figures 6A and 6B, another embodiment of the sealing assembly, designated 60, is illustrated, wherein the sealing sub-assembly 14 is configured as a bidirectional seal, meaning that it is capable of sealing in opposite directions, and is energized in only one direction from a single energizer 16. One of the main benefits of having a single energizer 16 and a bidirectional seal is a smaller number of components and a shorter overall length of the sealing assembly 60 compared to the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 4 and 5. The sealing sub-assembly 14 is illustrated as a series of spine shapes. Petition 870250082285, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 24 / 309 11 / 21 reverse fishbone with a central adapter 67 in the middle of the stack and an end adapter at each end 65 and 66; however, in other embodiments, it is contemplated that the subassembly could include, or could be exclusively, a bidirectional elastomeric seal that is energized by compression between the packing 62 and a housing bore (not shown). As mentioned earlier, examples of bidirectional elastomeric seals would include T-seals, O-rings, herringbone shapes. As in the preceding Figures, the sealing subassembly 14 is configured so that its pressure-holding capacity is intensified when mechanically energized. In Figures 6A and 6B, the energizer 16 is represented as a series of cone washers 61, arranged so as to provide mechanical energization to effect a seal of the subassembly along a defined displacement distance (i.e., spring working length).The defined displacement distance is the distance that the load member 18 can translate along the mandrel 12 between opposing limit shoulders 63 and 64. Those skilled in the art will understand the suitability of cone washer arrangements for energizing seal assemblies based on their ability to generate high loads within a small installation space. Furthermore, since the cone washers 61 are of an annular shape, the force transmission to the seal subassembly 14 is uniform along the circumference of the seal assembly 60 and concentric to the seal subassembly 14 itself, which is ideal in both cases. Finally, the cone washers 61 have a high degree of configurability in parallel, in series, or a combination of both, thus allowing optionality in terms of spring characteristics.When compared with an energizer 16 that is pressure-energized (like a one-way seal, see 16a in Figure 1, for example), an energizer 16 that is spring-energized or magnetically energized will provide a relatively high and relatively constant energizing force that is independent of the pressure differential across the energizer 16a. The relatively high and relatively constant force output. Petition 870250082285, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 25 / 309 12 / 21 of the spring or magnetic energizers allows for improved sealing performance that highly energizes the seal subassembly at all possible pressure differentials. One skilled in the art will understand that seal assemblies intended for downhole service are commonly susceptible to leaks under conditions where there is a low differential pressure across the seal. In most conventional pressure-energized seal designs, this vulnerability results from the seal being minimally energized under low differential conditions (and as mentioned earlier, perhaps damaged by experiencing overload in the reverse direction) and thus being unable to seal adequately against pressure. In comparison, a seal, such as the embodiment described, with a consistently high energizing force is expected to perform much better under low differential conditions, keeping the seal subassembly adequately energized.Finally, in applications where the sealing assembly is dynamic in nature (i.e., translation, rotation, etc.), a relatively constant energizing force may be preferable when considering friction with the housing bore (not shown). A relatively constant energizing force would result in a relatively constant and more predictable amount of sealing friction when compared to an equivalent seal that is pressure-energized (thus having variable friction based on the pressure differential across the energizer). Greater predictability allows for improvement in the overall design process for downhole seals and tools. Although the energizer 16 is represented as a series of cone washers 61, other spring embodiments are also contemplated, including those described in conjunction with other embodiments in the present invention.

[0029] With reference to Figure 7, another embodiment of the sealing assembly, designated 70, is illustrated, wherein three pressure zones are established by means of two bidirectional sealing sub-assemblies 71 and 72 and an energizer 16 installed on a mandrel 12. The first pressure zone Z1 is located to the left (in the Figure) of the first sealing sub-assembly. Petition 870250082285, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, p. 26 / 309 13 / 21 71. The second pressure zone Z2 is located between the first and second sealing subassemblies 71 and 72. The third pressure zone Z3 is located to the right (in the Figure) of the second sealing subassembly 72. The energizer 16 is represented as a series of cone washers 61 that is used to energize both sealing subassemblies 71 and 72 simultaneously and in opposite directions by applying a spring force uniformly to both load members 74a and 74b. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of magnets may be arranged between load members 74a and 74b to produce a collective pass length using the magnetic field-induced pass of each magnet. A passage 73 is included within the mandrel 12 to fluidly communicate Zone 2 to a different region of the mandrel 12.In one embodiment, the sealing assembly 70 is installed on a mandrel that comprises a portion of a balanced pressure rod piston control system of a subsurface safety valve as taught in US Patent 6,173,785 B1 and incorporated in the commercially available Reach™ pipeline recoverable safety valve from Baker Hughes, Houston, Texas. Furthermore, Zone 2 would represent a portion of the valve's balance line that is used to compensate for hydrostatic pressure in the subsurface safety valve's control line, resulting from the valve's seating depth and the density of the hydraulic fluid selected to operate the valve. In an alternative embodiment, pressure zone 2 may represent a portion of an atmospheric chamber (i.e., an air-filled zone at atmospheric pressure). As per US Patent 6,173.785 B1, Zone 1 would represent a portion of the valve control line and Zone 3 represents a region of the valve exposed to pipeline pressure (i.e., oil well pressure within the subsurface safety valve). Furthermore, seal assembly 70 would represent a combination of seals marked 26 and 28 in US patent 6,173,785 B1. As in previous embodiments, load members 74a and 74b are independently limited in their displacement so that energizer 16a can energize each. Petition 870250082285, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 27 / 309 14 / 21 sealing subassemblies 71 and 72 move in the respective direction of propulsion of the energizer, while in the reverse direction the energizer is protected from overload. Each load member 74a and 74b is individually permitted to move within its limits and, in the absence of pressure in Zone 1 or Zone 3, each sealing subassembly 71 and 72 will be uniformly energized by the energizer 16. The present embodiment also allows for supplementary pressure energization which imparts additional energizing force to one or both sealing subassemblies. Supplementary pressure energization occurs when, for a limited displacement of load members 74a and 74b, the pressure differential acting against one or both sealing subassemblies results in increased compression of the energizer 16 and a higher energizing load which is transmitted to one or both sealing subassemblies as a result.

[0030] Although Figures 1, 2 and 4 to 7 illustrate embodiments in which the recess 22 is in the mandrel 12, the teachings in the present invention are equally applicable to arrangements in which the recess 22 is in a structure radially outward from the load member(s) 18. This is the case in each of Figures 8 to 13. 200 series numerals of the same numerals used in the embodiments described above for all similar individual components will be used to indicate similarity to the previous embodiments. Comparison of Figures 8 to 13 with Figures 1, 2 and 4 to 7 will ensure a correct understanding of the teachings of the present invention.

[0031] Figures 8 and 9 are similar to Figures 1 and 2 with the load members 218 aeb displaced to the left and right, respectively, of the figure as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The differences, besides the recesses 222 aeb being radially outward from the sealing assembly 210 in a housing 215, include that the central member is a rod piston 225 and that the sealing assembly uses a retainer 223, shown as a nut, threaded onto thread 221 in the housing 215 to retain the sealing arrangement within the housing and transfer pressure-induced load to the housing. In another embodiment, the retainer 223 may be of a ring construction of Petition 870250082285, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, p. 28 / 309 15 / 21 press-fit (e.g., radially outward C-shaped ring) or segmented load ring that is deposited within a groove in the enclosure 215 after installation of the energizer 216. The use of the retainer 223 as described is common to all embodiments shown in Figures 8 to 13. As in Figures 1 and 2, the load members 218 aeb may be segmented, instead of a complete ring, to aid installation. However, in such an embodiment, the retaining rings 224 aeb, being of a press-fit ring construction, would be installed internally within the load members 218 aeb instead of externally as in Figures 1 and 2.As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the retaining rings 224 aeb can be installed within an inward-facing profile of the load members 218 aeb to align the load members longitudinally in the form of a continuous ring and expand the load members outward toward the recess 222 aeb. In another embodiment, the load members 218 aeb can themselves be of press-fit ring construction with a radially outward propensity, so that the retaining rings 224 aeb are no longer required. Apart from the differences mentioned, the sealing assembly 210 otherwise functions identically to that in Figures 1 and 2.

[0032] With reference to Figures 10 and 11, two positions of another embodiment are illustrated which is similar to Figures 6a and 6b, but modified to dispose the recess 222 radially outward from the sealing assembly 260 in the housing 215. This embodiment, like that of Figures 8 and 9, uses a central rod piston member 225. Unlike that of Figures 6a and 6b, the sealing subassembly 214 is energized by the energizer 261 after being first installed within the piston hole contained in the housing 215. This order of operations for the sequence of assemblies allows the sealing subassembly 214 to be installed within the piston hole in a non-energized condition, resulting in easier installation due to reduced interference of the sealing subassembly with the piston hole after installation (compared to a sealing subassembly that is Petition 870250082285, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, p. 29 / 309 16 / 21 mechanically energized before its insertion into the hole, which increases its radial cross-section and its interference with the inner diameter of the hole). The reduced interference also reduces the likelihood of damaging elements of the sealing subassembly (e.g., cutting or rolling a V-ring) during the installation process and thus improves reliability. Finally, the sequence of assemblies as described also allows a comparatively greater energizing force to be applied by the energizer 261 without fear of being unable to install the sealing assembly into the hole, for the reasons mentioned.

[0033] With reference to Figure 12, an embodiment similar to Figure 7 is illustrated. The embodiment of a sealing assembly 270 repositions the recess 222 radially outward from the sealing assembly 270 in the housing 215. The central member is a rod piston 225 and the sealing assembly uses a nut 223 threaded onto thread 221 in the housing 215. The same as Figures 10 and 11, the sealing subassemblies 271 and 272 are energized by the energizer 261 and the nut 223 after being first installed within the piston hole contained in the housing 215 in a non-energized condition. Thus, the aforementioned benefits of such an order of operations are equally shared in this embodiment. Apart from the differences mentioned, the embodiment functions identically to that of Figure 7.

[0034] With reference to Figure 13, the same configuration as in Figure 12 is employed, but a pressure conduit 273 is added to the housing 215 for uses insensitive to pipe pressure. This is also similar to Figure 7, since that figure includes a conduit 73 for the same purpose, but in mandrel 12 as opposed to housing 215.

[0035] With reference to Figure 14, a downhole tool 80 is illustrated that uses the seal assembly 10, 40, 60, 70, 210, 260 and 270 in a rod piston actuator 82. The tool 80 includes a sleeve 84, which may be a sliding sleeve, having orifices 86. The sleeve 84 is movable in a housing 88 so that the orifices 86 are aligned with the openings 88 or misaligned with the openings 88. The tool has greater reliability. Petition 870250082285, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, p. 30 / 309 17 / 21 and service life, since the energizers 16 used in it do not become mechanically reverse-charged after pressure reversal in it.

[0036] With reference to Figure 15, another downhole tool 90 is illustrated which uses the sealing assembly 10, 40, 60, 70, 210, 260 and 270 as disclosed herein. Tool 90 uses a rod piston actuator 92, upon which the sealing assembly 10, 40, 60, 70, 210, 260 and 270 is arranged to actuate a flow tube 94. After actuation of the flow tube 94, a tab 96 can be forced into an open position by the flow tube 94. The flow tube can return to a position where the tab 86 is closed based on the energy of a power spring 98. Due to the sealing assembly 10, 40, 60, 70, 210, 260 and 270 as disclosed herein, reverse mechanical loading of the energizers 16 is avoided and therefore the reliability of the downhole tool 90 is improved.

[0037] With reference to Figure 16, a well system 100. System 100 includes a well 102 in a subsurface formation 104. A string 106 is disposed in well 102. A downhole tool that includes seal assemblies 10, 40, 60, 70, 210, 260 and 270, as disclosed herein, is disposed in or as a part of string 106.

[0038] Below, some modalities of the aforementioned revelation will be presented:

[0039] Embodiment 1: A sealing assembly comprising a sealing subassembly configured to maintain pressure, a first load member having a first side disposed adjacent to a first side of the sealing subassembly, the first load member configured to engage a recess in a central member radially inward to the sealing subassembly or a housing radially outward to the sealing subassembly such that the first load member independently has a limited axial movement capability in both longitudinal directions along the sealing assembly and a first energizer adjacent to a second side of the first load member, the first load member Petition 870250082285, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, p. 31 / 309 18 / 21 isolating the first energizer from mechanical loading in a direction opposite to the direction of propensity of the first energizer.

[0040] Embodiment 2: The sealing assembly, according to any previous embodiment, additionally includes a second load member having a first side adjacent to a second side of the sealing subassembly, the second load member configured to engage with the center member or the housing such that the second load member independently has a limited axial movement capability in both longitudinal directions along the sealing assembly and a second energizer adjacent to a second side of the second load member, the second load member isolating the second energizer from mechanical loading in a direction opposite to a direction of propensity of the second energizer.

[0041] Modality 3: The sealing assembly, according to any previous embodiment, wherein the sub-assembly is mechanically energized by the first energizer in a direction of propensity of the first energizer.

[0042] Modality 4: The sealing assembly, according to any previous embodiment, wherein the sub-assembly is mechanically energized by the second energizer in a direction of propulsion of the second energizer.

[0043] Modality 5: The sealing assembly, according to any previous embodiment, with the sealing subassembly including herringbone-shaped elements.

[0044] Embodiment 6: The sealing assembly, according to any previous embodiment, wherein at least one portion of the sealing subassembly is axially fixed to the central member or housing.

[0045] Modality 7: The sealing assembly, according to any previous embodiment, wherein the first energizer comprises a one-way seal. Petition 870250082285, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, p. 32 / 309 19 / 21

[0046] Modality 8: The sealing assembly, according to any previous embodiment, wherein the first energizer is a spring configuration.

[0047] Modality 9: The sealing assembly, according to any previous embodiment, wherein the first energizer is an arrangement of magnets.

[0048] Embodiment 10: The sealing assembly, according to any previous embodiment, wherein the magnet arrangement is a plurality of magnets arranged to produce a collective pass length using a magnetic field-induced pass from each magnet.

[0049] Embodiment 11:0 sealing assembly, according to any previous embodiment, wherein the first load member is a multi-part ring.

[0050] Embodiment 12: The sealing assembly, according to any previous embodiment, which further comprises a sub that is fixed to the mandrel to create a receptive gasket for the first load member and the first load member is a circumferentially complete ring.

[0051] Embodiment 13: The sealing assembly, according to any previous embodiment, with the central member or housing including a recess receptive to a portion of the first load-bearing member.

[0052] Modality 14: The sealing assembly, according to any previous embodiment, where the central member is a rod piston.

[0053] Modality 15: The sealing assembly, according to any previous embodiment, where the central member is an annular piston.

[0054] Modality 16: The fence assembly, according to any previous embodiment, additionally comprising: a second fence sub-assembly disposed in the central member or enclosure, with the first energizer energizing the fence sub-assembly and the second fence sub-assembly in opposite directions.

[0055] Modality 17: The fence assembly, according to any previous modality, with the central member or enclosure containing a Petition 870250082285, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, p. 33 / 309 20 / 21 internal passage extending for fluid communication with the first energizer.

[0056] Modality 18: The sealing assembly, according to any previous embodiment, wherein the sealing subassembly is energized by the first energizer and a retainer after the subassembly is installed in the cabinet.

[0057] Embodiment 19: A downhole tool comprising a housing and an actuator disposed in the housing, the actuator including a sealing assembly in accordance with any previous embodiment.

[0058] Modality 20: The tool, according to any previous embodiment, additionally includes a sleeve disposed in operational contact with the housing and actuatable by the actuator.

[0059] Modality 21: The tool, according to any previous embodiment, additionally includes a flow tube disposed in operational contact with the housing and actuatable by the actuator.

[0060] Modality 22: The tool, according to any previous embodiment, additionally includes a tongue in operational contact with the flow tube.

[0061] Embodiment 23: An oil well system that includes a well in a subsurface formation, a string disposed in the well and a downhole tool disposed within or as part of the string and that includes sealing in accordance with any previous embodiment.

[0062] The use of the terms a, an, and similar references in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) should be interpreted as encompassing both the singular and the plural, except where otherwise indicated in the present invention or clearly contradicted by the context. Additionally, it should be considered that the terms first, second, and similar in the present invention do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but are instead used to distinguish one element from another. The terms about, substantially, and generally are intended to include the degree of error associated with measuring the specific quantity. Petition 870250082285, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, p. 34 / 309 21 / 21 based on equipment available at the time the order is placed. For example, approximately and / or substantially and / or generically includes a range of values ​​of ± 8% of a given value.

[0063] The teachings of this present disclosure can be used in a variety of well operations. These operations may involve the use of one or more treatment agents to treat a formation, the fluids residing in a formation, an oil well, and / or equipment in the oil well, such as a production pipeline. Treatment agents may be in the form of liquids, gases, solids, semi-solids, and mixtures thereof. Illustrative treatment agents include, but are not limited to, fracturing fluids, acids, steam, water, brine, anti-corrosion agents, cement, permeability modifiers, drilling muds, emulsifiers, demulsifiers, signalers, flow improvers, etc. Illustrative well operations include, but are not limited to, hydraulic fracturing, stimulation, signaler injection, cleaning, acidification, steam injection, water injection, cementing, etc.

[0064] Although the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various alterations may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiment disclosed as the best contemplated mode for carrying out the present invention, but that the invention includes all embodiments that fall within the scope of the claims.Furthermore, in the drawings and description, exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, and although specific terms may have been employed, they are used, unless otherwise stated, only in a generic and descriptive sense and not for the purpose of limitation; therefore, the scope of the invention is not thus limited. Petition 870250082285, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 35 / 309

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Sealing assembly (10, 40, 60, 70, 210, 260, 270) characterized by: a sealing subassembly (14) configured to maintain pressure; a first load member (18) having a first side disposed adjacent to a first side of the sealing subassembly (14), the first load member (18) configured to engage a recess (22) in a central member (12) radially inward to the sealing subassembly (14) or a housing (215) radially outward to the sealing subassembly (14) such that the first load member (18) independently has a limited axial movement capability in both longitudinal directions along the sealing assembly (10, 40, 60, 70, 210, 260, 270); and a first energizer (16) adjacent to a second side of the first load member (18), wherein the first load member (18) isolates the first energizer (16) from the mechanical load in a direction opposite to a direction of propensity of the first energizer (16).

2. Sealing assembly (10, 40, 60, 70, 210, 260, 270), according to claim 1, further characterized by: a second load member (18) having a first side adjacent to a second side of the sealing subassembly (14), the second load member (18) configured to engage with the central member (12) or housing (215) such that the second load member (18) independently has a limited axial movement capability in both longitudinal directions along the sealing assembly (10, 40, 60, 70, 210, 260, 270); and a second energizer (16) adjacent to a second side of the second load member (18), wherein the second load member (18) isolates the second energizer (16) from mechanical load in a direction opposite to a direction of propulsion of the second energizer (16). Petition 870250082285, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 36 / 309 2 / 3 3. Sealing assembly (10, 40, 60, 70, 210, 260, 270), according to claim 1, characterized in that the subassembly (14) is mechanically energized by the first energizer (16) in a direction of propulsion of the first energizer (16).

4. Sealing assembly (10, 40, 60, 70, 210, 260, 270), according to claim 1, characterized in that the subassembly (14) is mechanically energized by the second energizer (16) in a direction of propulsion of the second energizer (16).

5. Sealing assembly (10, 40, 60, 70, 210, 260, 270), according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one portion of the sealing subassembly (14) is axially fixed to the central member (12) or to the housing (215).

6. Sealing assembly (10, 40, 60, 70, 210, 260, 270), according to claim 1, characterized in that the first energizer (16) comprises a one-way seal.

7. Sealing assembly (10, 40, 60, 70, 210, 260, 270), according to claim 1, characterized in that the arrangement of magnets is a plurality of magnets arranged to produce a collective pass length using a magnetic field-induced pass from each magnet.

8. Sealing assembly (10, 40, 60, 70, 210, 260, 270), according to claim 1, further characterized by a sub (50) that is fixed to the mandrel (12) to create a gasket (44) receptive to the first load member (18) and the first load member (18) being a circumferentially complete ring.

9. Sealing assembly (10, 40, 60, 70, 210, 260, 270), according to claim 1, characterized in that the central member (12) or housing (215) includes a recess (22) receptive to a portion of the first load member (18).

10. Sealing assembly (10, 40, 60, 70, 210, 260, 270), according to claim 1, further characterized by a second sealing subassembly (72) disposed in the central member (12) or in the enclosure Petition 870250082285, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, page 37 / 309 3 / 3 (215), with the first energizer (16) energizing the fence subassembly (10) and the second fence subassembly (72) in opposite directions.

11. Sealing assembly (10, 40, 60, 70, 210, 260, 270), according to claim 1, characterized in that the central member (12) or housing (215) contains an internal passage that extends for fluid communication with the first energizer (16).

12. Sealing assembly (10, 40, 60, 70, 210, 260, 270), according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing subassembly (14) is energized by the first energizer (16) and a retainer is applied after the subassembly (14) is installed in the enclosure (215).

13. Downhole tool (80) characterized by: a housing (215); and an actuator (82) disposed in the housing (215), wherein the actuator (82) includes a sealing assembly (10, 40, 60, 70, 210, 260, 270) as defined in claim 1.

14. Tool (80), according to claim 13, characterized by additionally including a sleeve (84) disposed in operational contact with the housing (215) and actuatable by the actuator (82).

15. Oil well system (100) characterized by: a well (102) in a subsurface formation (104); a string (106) disposed in the well (102); and a downhole tool disposed within or as a part of the string (106) and including the sealing assembly (10, 40, 60, 70, 210, 260, 270) as defined in claim 1. Petition 870250082285, dated 12 / 09 / 2025, pp. 38 / 309

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