Annular gasket and seal assembly

Abstract

A fluid connection having an annular grommet of rigid material in combination with a seal of relatively deformable material to prevent unorganized emissions and leaks due to minor surface imperfections. An annular grommet and seal assembly includes an annular grommet, preferably made of rigid metal, having a first channel on an inner diameter of the annular grommet, and one or more deformable seals configured to be relatively softer and more deformable than the annular grommet, the deformable seals being at least partially receivable within the first channel, the deformable seals being configured to extend out of the channel to abut one or more tapered surfaces of two connected parts being sealed. Assembly methods and tools for preventing damage to mating surfaces are also disclosed.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 563,475, filed March 11, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a fluid connection having an annular gasket. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a fluid connection in which both sides are aligned and sealed by using an annular gasket disposed in grooves on both connection sides. Background Technology

[0003] The use of annular gaskets is common in a wide range of pipe connections. Annular gaskets are typically used to maintain alignment of the connection while sealing it. For example, this type of high-pressure connection used in the oil and gas industry features oval or octagonal annular gaskets that fit into tapered grooves located on either side of the flange connection of a bolted joint. Such gaskets can be made of metallic materials such as mild iron, low-carbon steel, or various grades of stainless steel, deformed into the tapered grooves to provide a tight metal-to-metal seal between the connected parts.

[0004] Metal-to-metal annular gasket connections require smooth surfaces. Damage to the mating surfaces of the annular gasket or conical groove, before or during installation, can create pathways for leaks. Microscopic pores and surface defects in these mating surfaces can allow fugitive emissions, as pressurized gas can escape through very small defects. Corrosion of the annular gasket or conical groove surfaces before or during use can also increase surface defects, allowing for fugitive gas emissions or fluid leaks. Such performance issues are well known in the art and cause operators to exercise extreme care in storing and assembling such piping. Damage and leaks also result in frequent component replacements and other operating costs.

[0005] Another challenge with typical annular gasket connections is that alignment of parts is more difficult in horizontal connections, and the annular gasket may fall out of the tapered groove. Misalignment of parts during assembly can increase the likelihood of damage to the surface of the annular gasket or tapered groove.

[0006] Therefore, despite attempts in the prior art, there remains a need for an annular gasket system that is easier to align during assembly and less susceptible to fugitive emissions and leaks due to small surface defects. This disclosure attempts to address these and other issues. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In some embodiments, the annular gasket and seal assembly includes an annular gasket and one or more deformable seals, the annular gasket preferably being made of a rigid metal and including a first channel on a first perimeter of the annular gasket, the one or more deformable seals being configured to be relatively softer and more deformable than the annular gasket, the one or more deformable seals being at least partially receptable within the first channel, the deformable seals being configured to extend out of the channel to abut one or more tapered surfaces of the two connected parts being sealed.

[0008] In some embodiments, a deformable seal extends from a first channel of the annular gasket and is located between the two parts to seal the connection between them.

[0009] In some embodiments, the deformable seal is partially accommodated in a first channel within the annular gasket. The first channel in the annular gasket may be defined on each side by a metal-to-metal contact between the surfaces of the annular gasket and the connection between the two connecting parts on each side.

[0010] In some embodiments, the deformable seal extends from a channel in the annular gasket into a tapered groove and enters into the additional space provided between the two parts of the connection.

[0011] In some embodiments, a second groove is formed in the opposite second circumference of the annular gasket to cooperate with a retaining tool to keep the annular gasket partially aligned inside the tapered groove on one side of the connector until the other side of the connector is assembled in place, thereby capturing the annular gasket between the two connecting parts.

[0012] In some embodiments, alignment pins are used to guide the connecting parts into coaxial alignment before the two connecting parts contact the annular gasket. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an annular gasket with a seal;

[0014] Figure 2 This is during the process of installing it into the tapered grooves of the two connecting parts. Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an annular gasket with a sealing element;

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an annular gasket with a sealing element, the annular gasket being arranged in a tapered groove of two connecting parts assembled together;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of an annular gasket with a seal that extends beyond a tapered groove;

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged partial view of the components shows an annular gasket with a seal that extends beyond the gasket channel formed by two connecting parts.

[0018] Figure 6 It is installed between two connecting parts Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the annular gasket and sealing assembly;

[0019] Figure 7 This is a cross-section of an embodiment of the gasket and seal assembly;

[0020] Figure 8 It is installed between two connecting parts Figure 7 Enlarged partial cross-section of gasket and sealing components;

[0021] Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a gasket and seal assembly installed between two connecting parts;

[0022] Figure 10 This is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the annular gasket retainer;

[0023] Figure 11 This is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a gasket and seal assembly assembled in a first connecting part and held in place by an annular gasket retainer; and

[0024] Figure 12 This is a side perspective view of an assembly of connecting parts with alignment pins and two annular gasket retainers that hold the gasket and seal assembly in place. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following description depicts exemplary embodiments only and should not be considered as a limitation of scope. Any reference to "the invention" herein is not intended to limit or restrict the invention to the exact features or steps of any one or more exemplary embodiments disclosed in this specification. References to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "different embodiments," etc., may indicate that one or more embodiments described thus may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, the repeated use of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

[0026] Different numbers are used throughout this disclosure to refer to the accompanying drawings. The numbers used are for illustrative purposes only, and the absence of numbers in an obvious sequence should not be considered limiting, nor does it imply the existence of additional parts for that particular embodiment. The numbering pattern from one embodiment to another does not need to imply that each embodiment has similar parts, although it may.

[0027] Therefore, the specific arrangements disclosed are intended to be illustrative only and do not limit the scope of the invention, which will be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all their equivalents. While specific terms are used herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given a broad, common, and customary meaning that is inconsistent with the meaning applicable in the relevant art, and are not limited to any specific embodiment described below. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to add items to a list, the term “or” means at least one item, but does not exclude multiple items in the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the order and / or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not limiting.

[0028] It should be understood that the steps of any such process or method are not limited to any particular order, arrangement, or use of any particular graphics or interface. In fact, the steps of the disclosed process or method can generally be performed in different orders and arrangements while still falling within the scope of this invention.

[0029] The term "connection" can refer to two or more elements in direct physical contact. However, "connection" can also mean two or more elements that are not in direct contact with each other, but still cooperate or interact with each other.

[0030] As used with respect to embodiments, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc. are synonymous and are generally intended to be “open” terms (e.g., the term “comprising” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “at least having,” the term “comprising” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” etc.).

[0031] As discussed previously, there is a need for annular gaskets and their assembly methods that are less susceptible to emissions and leaks caused by minor surface defects, and that are less likely to cause damage and defects to those surfaces. The annular gasket and sealing assembly disclosed herein addresses these and other issues.

[0032] In some embodiments, Figure 1The illustration shows an annular gasket and seal assembly 100. The annular gasket 102 is preferably made of a rigid material (such as metal) and includes a first channel 104 (also referred to as a seal channel) on a first perimeter 106 (e.g., inner diameter) of the annular gasket 102. While the annular gasket 102 is defined as rigid and / or made of metal, it should be understood that the annular gasket 102 may still undergo deformation in some installations. The first channel 104 is configured to receive a seal 108 of a relatively soft material (such as PTFE, rubber, polyurethane, or a softer metal). The annular gasket 102 may include angled surfaces 110A-110B adjacent to the first channel 104, the angled surfaces 110A-110B being configured to each abut a respective angled surface of two connecting parts, as will be discussed regarding... Figures 2-3 As discussed herein. In some embodiments, the annular gasket 102 further includes a second channel 112 on a second perimeter 114 (e.g., outer diameter) to receive an annular gasket retainer (discussed later herein) to hold the annular gasket 102 in place during assembly. In some embodiments, the deformable seal 108 includes one or more contact portions 116A-116B that extend beyond the first channel 104 and beyond the angled surfaces 110A-110B to abut a connection side, the one or more contact portions 116A-116B being deformable upon assembly with the connection side. As shown, the angled surfaces 110A-110B may be configured to form a ridge of a recess 111 therebetween.

[0033] Figures 2-3 The illustration shows an annular gasket and seal assembly 100 assembled between a first connecting part 118 and a second connecting part 120. Specifically, Figure 2The illustration shows an incomplete assembly state, in which the first contact portion 116A of the deformable seal 108 contacts the first connecting surface 122 of the first connecting member 118, and the second contact portion 116B contacts the second connecting surface 124 of the second connecting member 120; however, the seal 108 is not fully deformed, and the angled surfaces 110A-110B have not yet contacted the first connecting surface 122 and the second connecting surface 124, respectively. The annular gasket 102 is also positioned in a gasket channel 126, which is formed by a first groove 128 in the first connecting member 118 and a second groove 130 in the second connecting member 120. As appreciated, the first groove 128 and the second groove 130 can be configured differently to form gasket channels 126 with different shape factors (e.g., square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.). As shown, the first groove 128 and the second groove 130 are tapered (i.e., forming a hexagonal gasket channel 126) to apply additional pressure to the annular gasket 102 and the seal 108, thereby ideally deforming one or both. Furthermore, as shown, the seal 108 extends axially into a portion of each of the first groove 128 and the second groove 130 of the two connecting parts 118, 120.

[0034] Figure 3 The complete assembly is illustrated, wherein the annular gasket 102 is completely enclosed within the gasket channel 126, wherein a first contact portion 116A abuts against and / or deforms against the first connecting surface 122, and a second contact portion 116B abuts against and / or deforms against the second connecting surface 124. A seal 108, made of a softer, deformable material, is deformable into surface defects to prevent fluid that might pass through the connection point 132 of the two connecting parts 118, 120 from reaching the annular gasket 102 and the associated rigid contacts (i.e., the contact point between the first connecting surface 122 and the first angled surface 110A, and the contact point between the second connecting surface 124 and the second angled surface 110B). Therefore, fluid cannot leak through the smaller surface defects in the rigid contacts, thus preventing discharge or leakage through the annular gasket.

[0035] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4 to 6As shown, the annular gasket and seal assembly 200 includes a deformable seal 208 coupled to the annular gasket 102. The deformable seal 208 is at least partially positioned within a first channel 104 of the annular gasket 102 and positioned between a first angled surface 110A and a second angled surface 110B. In some embodiments, the seal 208 includes a first portion 210 and a second portion 212, wherein a narrow neck 214 extends between the first portion 210 and the second portion 212. The narrow neck 214 extends radially beyond the first channel 104 (e.g., through the angled surfaces 110A-110B of the annular gasket 102) and is configured to form a first seal recess 216 and a second seal recess 218. The second portion 212 includes flange edges 220A-220B that extend to a width wider than the width of the narrow neck 214.

[0036] Specific reference Figures 5 to 6 An annular gasket and seal assembly 200 is shown positioned between two connecting parts 222, 224. As appreciated, the annular gasket 102 is enclosed within a gasket channel 226 formed by a first groove 228 in the first connecting part 222 and a second groove 230 in the second connecting part 224. A first portion 210 abuts the first connecting part 222 on a first surface 232 and abuts the second connecting part 224 on a second surface 234. A first protrusion 236 of the first connecting part 222 mates with a first seal groove 216, and a second protrusion 238 mates with a second seal groove 218, wherein a narrow neck 214 extends radially (e.g., through the first surface 232 and the second surface 234) to a second portion 212, which in some embodiments seals an opening 240 between the first connecting part 222 and the second connecting part 224. As understood, at least the neck 214 and the second part 212 of the deformable seal 208 can be axially compressed between the two connecting parts 222, 224, thereby creating a seal between them.

[0037] In some embodiments, such as Figures 7-9 As shown, the seal can have different shape factors. For example, in Figures 7-8 In the figure, the annular gasket and seal assembly 300 includes an annular gasket 102 and a seal 308. As shown, the seal 308 includes a first portion 310 positioned within a first channel 104 and a second portion 312 extending radially through a first angled surface 110A and a second angled surface 110B. The second portion may have different configurations, including but not limited to being generally straight, having one or more protrusions, tapering inward or outward, or any other number of configurations. Figures 7-8In the non-limiting example shown, the second portion 312 is asymmetrical. In other words, the second portion 312 includes a protrusion 314 on one side, which may be tapered (e.g., a flanged edge), as shown, but is not required.

[0038] Specific reference Figure 8 This asymmetrical configuration of the seal 308 is useful when at least a portion of the connection includes a gasket or coating 316. In other words, the first connecting part 318 may differ from the second connecting part 320 because at least one of the connecting parts 318, 320 includes a gasket or coating—in this example, the second connecting part 320 includes a gasket or coating 316. Therefore, the protrusion 314 extends to engage with the gasket or coating 316. As understood, the seal 308 may be shaped to complement the connection interface between the first connecting part 318 and the second connecting part 320. Furthermore, each connecting part 318, 320 may have a different geometry / shape factor (i.e., asymmetric) at the connection interface (e.g., where the seal 314 is positioned between the connecting parts 318, 320), wherein the seal 314 is configured to mate with the connecting parts 318, 320. Although not shown here, in some embodiments, the annular gasket may also be asymmetrical and configured to abut each connecting part when positioned within a gasket channel. In other words, the first groove of the first connecting part may have a different shape factor than the second groove of the second connecting part, which forms an asymmetric gasket channel when they are joined together.

[0039] Figure 9 Another non-limiting example is shown, in which the seal 408 is shaped and configured to complement the first connecting part 418 and the second connecting part 420. In other words, the first portion 410 is positioned within the first channel 104 of the annular gasket 102, and the second portion 412 extends radially inward and is positioned between at least a portion of a lower connecting interface 414 extending from the gasket channel 416 to the fluid channel 422 (i.e., the orifice). In this example, as shown, the second portion 412 may taper toward the coatings / gaskets 424, 426 of each connecting part 418, 420, which may help protect the coatings / gaskets 424, 426.

[0040] Figure 10 An embodiment of annular gasket retainer 134 is illustrated, which includes an elongated body 136 having a protrusion 138 at a first end 140 and a handle 142 at a second end 144. The protrusion 138 is configured to engage with a second channel 112 on annular gasket 102. For example, Figure 8The illustration shows a first annular gasket retainer 134A connected to an annular gasket 102 on a first side and a second annular gasket retainer 134B connected to an annular gasket 102 on a second opposite side. The protrusion 138 of each annular gasket retainer 134A-134B mates with a second channel 112. During assembly, the annular gasket retainers 134A-134B hold the annular gasket 102 in a first groove 128 / 228 of the first connecting parts 118 / 222, preventing misalignment and damage to the annular gasket 102, or damage to the connecting parts 118 / 222, 120 / 224, or the generation of surface defects on the connecting parts 118 / 222, 120 / 224, respectively, thereby reducing or preventing emissions and / or leaks. In addition, the annular gasket retainer 134 may be magnetic, or include a magnet therein or on it, so as to be magnetically coupled to the connecting sides 118 / 222, 120 / 224 of the ferrous material.

[0041] It will be appreciated that the annular gasket retainer can be in different configurations or shape factors without departing from this document. For example, in some embodiments, reference is made to... Figure 11 The annular gasket retainer 146 includes an elongated body 148, a magnet 150, and an end 152 configured to engage with a second channel 112 in the annular gasket 102. As understood, the end 152 is forced into the second channel 112, wherein the magnet 150 magnetically engages the annular gasket retainer 146 to a first connecting part 118 (or a second connecting part 120, if assembled from opposite sides) to hold the annular gasket 102 in place within a first recess 128. The end 152 may or may not include a lip or other protrusion. The elongated body 148 extends through the outer edge 119 of the first connecting part 118 for user access, which the user can then remove by applying an outward force to the elongated body 148. As previously described, this reduces or eliminates misalignment and damage during assembly, thereby reducing or preventing emissions and / or leaks.

[0042] In some assembly methods, the user inserts the annular gasket and sealing assembly 100 into the first recess 128 of the first connecting part 118. With the annular gasket 102 seated in the first recess 128, the user mates the end 152 of the annular gasket retainer 146 with the second channel 112 of the annular gasket 102. The user then places a magnet 150 against the first connecting part 118, thereby magnetically attaching the annular gasket retainer 146 to the connecting part 118. One or more alignment pins 154A can be inserted through the first connecting part 118 to facilitate proper alignment with the second connecting part 120. Once the first connecting part 118 and the second connecting part 120 are loosely connected (e.g., in a flanged connection, the bolt is not fully tightened), the user can then grasp the exposed distal end 156 and pull to remove it from between the first connecting part 118 and the second connecting part 120. The first connecting part 118 and the second connecting part 120 can then be fully engaged to ensure a tight seal between them.

[0043] also, Figure 12 The illustration shows a first alignment pin 154A and a second alignment pin 154B on the first connecting part 118. One or more alignment pins 154A-154B can be used to pre-align the connecting part 118 (or other embodiments) and the connecting part 120 (or other embodiments) before forming contact between them, thereby avoiding damage due to misaligned contact and thus preventing surface defects on the annular gasket 102 or the first groove 128 or the second groove 130 that could lead to discharge or leakage.

[0044] It will be appreciated that any number of configurations of the seals and other components disclosed herein are possible, and they can be used in many shapes, sizes, configurations, and applications. For example, while a gasket channel has been illustrated with a hexagonal configuration, it will be appreciated that other shapes / configurations can be used without departing from this document. Furthermore, the shape of the annular gasket can also be varied to conform to varying gasket channels, which may include annular gaskets of the elliptical type known in the prior art.

[0045] Therefore, it will be understood from the foregoing that the annular gasket and sealing assembly disclosed herein addresses the need for annular gaskets that are less susceptible to emissions and leaks caused by minor surface defects, and addresses the need for methods of assembling annular gaskets that are less likely to cause damage and defects to those surfaces.

[0046] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0047] Various changes and / or modifications to the inventive features illustrated herein, and further applications of the principles illustrated herein, may be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims, such changes and / or modifications being conceived by those skilled in the art and belonging to the present disclosure, and such changes and / or modifications being considered within the scope of this disclosure. Thus, while different aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. Although many similar or equivalent methods and components can be used to implement embodiments of this disclosure, only certain components and methods are described herein.

[0048] It will also be appreciated that systems and methods according to certain embodiments of this disclosure may include, combine with, or otherwise incorporate features or characteristics (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and / or portions) described in other embodiments. Therefore, different features of certain embodiments may be compatible with, combined with, included in, and / or incorporated into other embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, unless stated otherwise, the disclosure of certain features with respect to a particular embodiment of this disclosure should not be construed as an application to or inclusion of said features in that particular embodiment. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments may also include said features, components, elements, parts, and / or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of this disclosure. All variations falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims are included within their scope.

Claims

1. An annular gasket and seal assembly, comprising: An annular gasket, the annular gasket comprising: The first channel on the inner diameter, The first angled surface on the first side of the first channel, and The second angled surface on the second side of the first channel; and A deformable seal, wherein at least a first portion of the deformable seal is positioned within the first channel.

2. The annular gasket and sealing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The deformable seal also includes a first contact portion and a second contact portion.

3. The annular gasket and sealing assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The first contact portion and the second contact portion are separated by a recessed portion.

4. The annular gasket and sealing assembly according to claim 2, wherein, When the annular gasket and sealing assembly are assembled between the two connecting parts, the first contact portion abuts against the first surface of the first connecting part and deforms, and the second contact portion abuts against the second surface of the second connecting part and deforms.

5. The annular gasket and sealing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The deformable seal also includes a narrow neck located between the first portion and the second portion.

6. The annular gasket and sealing assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The deformable seal includes a first sealing groove located on a first side of the narrow neck and a second sealing groove located on a second side of the narrow neck.

7. The annular gasket and sealing assembly according to claim 6, wherein, When the annular gasket and sealing assembly is assembled between the first connecting part and the second connecting part, a first protrusion of the first connecting part is received in the first sealing groove, and a second protrusion of the second connecting part is received in the second sealing groove, with the first connecting part and the second connecting part applying axial pressure on the narrow neck.

8. The annular gasket and sealing assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The second portion of the deformable seal is received within an orifice between the first connecting part and the second connecting part.

9. The annular gasket and sealing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The deformable seal includes at least one flanged edge.

10. The annular gasket and sealing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, When the annular gasket and seal assembly is assembled between two connecting parts, the two connecting parts apply axial compression to the deformable seal.

11. The annular gasket and seal assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second channel on the outer diameter of the annular gasket.

12. The annular gasket and seal assembly of claim 11, further comprising an annular gasket retainer configured to mate with the second channel.

13. The annular gasket and sealing assembly according to claim 12, wherein, The annular gasket retainer includes an elongated body and an end.

14. The annular gasket and sealing assembly according to claim 12, wherein, The annular gasket retainer also includes a protrusion at the first end and a handle at the second end.

15. The annular gasket and seal assembly of claim 1, further comprising one or more alignment pins configured between the first connecting part and the second connecting part to align the first connecting part and the second connecting part during assembly.

16. An annular gasket and seal assembly, comprising: An annular gasket, the annular gasket including a channel on its outer diameter; as well as An annular gasket retainer includes an elongated body, an end, and a magnet, the end being configured to mate with the channel.

17. The annular gasket and sealing assembly according to claim 16, wherein, The annular gasket also includes a sealing channel on its inner diameter.

18. The annular gasket and sealing assembly of claim 17, further comprising a sealing element, wherein, A first portion of the seal is positioned within the seal channel, and a second portion of the seal extends beyond the angled surface of the annular gasket.

19. The annular gasket and sealing assembly according to claim 18, wherein, The first connecting part and the second connecting part apply axial pressure to the seal.

20. The annular gasket and sealing assembly according to claim 18, wherein, The second part includes at least one protrusion.

21. The annular gasket and sealing assembly according to claim 18, wherein, The neck is located between the first part and the second part.

22. The annular gasket and sealing assembly according to claim 21, wherein, The first connecting part and the second connecting part apply axial pressure on the neck.

23. The annular gasket and seal assembly of claim 16, further comprising one or more alignment pins configured between the first connecting part and the second connecting part to align the first connecting part and the second connecting part during assembly.

24. An annular gasket and seal assembly located between a first connecting part and a second connecting part, comprising: A metal annular gasket, the annular gasket being disposed in a gasket channel, the gasket channel being formed by a first conical groove in the first connecting part and a second conical groove in the second connecting part, the annular gasket comprising: A sealing channel located on the inner diameter, the sealing channel being sized to extend axially into a portion of the first tapered groove of the first connecting part and the second tapered groove of the second connecting part. A first portion and a second portion, the first portion being configured to abut the first connecting part within the first conical recess, and the second portion being configured to abut the second connecting part within the second conical recess; and A seal made of a relatively soft material, the seal being disposed within the seal channel and bridging the connection point or orifice between the first connecting part and the second connecting part, the seal being configured to deform when the first connecting part and the second connecting part are axially assembled.

25. The annular gasket and sealing assembly according to claim 24, wherein, A portion of the seal extends beyond the first and second tapered grooves and extends between the first and second connecting parts.

26. The annular gasket and sealing assembly according to claim 25, wherein, The first connecting part and the second connecting part apply axial compression to the seal.

27. The annular gasket and sealing assembly according to claim 25, wherein, The portion of the seal extending beyond the first and second conical grooves includes at least one protrusion.

28. The annular gasket and seal assembly of claim 24, further comprising a neck located between the first portion and the second portion of the seal.

29. The annular gasket and sealing assembly according to claim 28, wherein, The first connecting part and the second connecting part apply axial pressure on the neck.

30. The annular gasket and seal assembly of claim 24, further comprising one or more alignment pins configured to be positioned between the first connecting part and the second connecting part to align the first connecting part and the second connecting part during assembly.

31. The annular gasket and sealing assembly according to claim 24, wherein, The seal includes at least one flanged edge.

32. The annular gasket and seal assembly of claim 24, further comprising a second channel on the outer diameter of the annular gasket.

33. The annular gasket and seal assembly of claim 32, further comprising an annular gasket retainer configured to mate with the second channel.

34. The annular gasket and sealing assembly according to claim 33, wherein, The annular gasket retainer includes an elongated body and an end.

35. The annular gasket and sealing assembly according to claim 33, wherein, The annular gasket retainer also includes a protrusion at the first end and a handle at the second end.

36. The annular gasket and sealing assembly according to claim 24, wherein, The seal also includes a recess that bridges the connection point or orifice between the first connecting part and the second connecting part.

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