Ring gasket and seal assembly

Abstract

A fluid connection with ring gaskets of rigid material combined with a seal of relatively deformable material to prevent fugitive emissions and leakage due to minor surface imperfections. A ring gasket and seal assembly includes a ring gasket, preferably made of rigid metals, having a first channel on an inner diameter of the ring gasket, and one or more deformable seals, which are configured to be relatively softer and more deformable than the ring gasket, that are at least partially receivable within the first channel, the deformable seal configured to extend out of the channel to abut one or more tapered surfaces of two connection parts being sealed. Assembly methods and tools to prevent damage to mating surfaces are also disclosed.

Description

RING GASKET AND SEAL ASSEMBLYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional App. Ser. No. 63 / 563,475, filed on March 11, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to fluid connections with ring gaskets. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to fluid connections where two sides are aligned and sealed by use of a ring gasket disposed in a groove of both connection sides.BACKGROUND

[0003] The use of ring gaskets is common in the broad field of pipe connections. Ring gaskets are commonly used to hold a connection in alignment while sealing the connection. For example, high pressure connections of the type used in the oil and gas industry have oval or octagonal ring gaskets which fit into tapered grooves in both sides of a bolted flange connection. Such gaskets may be made of metallic materials such as soft iron, low carbon steel, or various stainless-steel grades, which deform into the tapered grooves in order to provide a tight metal-to-metal seal between the connected parts.

[0004] Metal-to-metal ring gasket connections require smooth surfaces. Damage to the mating surfaces of the ring gaskets or the tapered grooves prior to, or during, installation can create a path for leakage. The microscopic porosity and surface imperfections in these mating surfaces can allow fugitive emissions as pressurized gases may escape through very small imperfections. Corrosion of the surfaces of the ring gaskets or the tapered grooves prior to, or during, use can also increase the surface imperfections and thereby allow the escape ofGB Docket No. 24-046.PCT fugitive emissions of gases or leakage of fluids. Such performance problems are well known in the art, and cause operators to take great care in storing and assembling such piping. The damage and leakage also lead to frequent replacement of the components and other operational expenses.

[0005] Another challenge with the typical ring gasket connections is alignment of the parts is more difficult in horizontal connections, and the ring gasket may fall out of the tapered grooves. Misalignment of the parts during assembly may increase the possibility of damage to the ring gaskets or the tapered grooves surfaces.

[0006] Therefore, despite attempts in the prior art, there remains a need for a ring gasket system which is easier to align for assembly and less susceptible to fugitive emissions and leakage through minor surface imperfections. The present disclosure seeks to solve these and other problems.SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0007] In some embodiments, a ring gasket and seal assembly comprises a ring gasket, preferably made of rigid metals, comprising a first channel on a first perimeter of the ring gasket, and one or more deformable seals, which are configured to be relatively softer and more deformable than the ring gasket, that are at least partially receivable within the first channel, the deformable seal configured to extend out of the channel to abut one or more tapered surfaces of two connection parts being sealed.

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

[0009] In some embodiments, the deformable seal is partially contained in the first channel in the ring gasket. The first channel in the ring gasket may be bounded on each side by a metal-to-metal contact between the ring gasket and a surface on each side of the connection between the two connection parts.

[0010] In some embodiments, the deformable seal extends from the channel in the ring gasket out of the tapered grooves into additional space provided between the two parts of the connection.

[0011] In some embodiments, a second groove is formed in a second, opposite perimeter of the ring gasket to mate with a holding tool to keep the ring gasket aligned partially inside the tapered groove of one side of the connection until the other side of the connection is assembled into place, capturing the ring gasket between the two connection parts.

[0012] In some embodiments, alignment pins are used to guide the connection parts into coaxial alignment prior to both connection parts contacting the ring gasket.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Fig. 1 is a partial cut-away sectional view of an embodiment of a ring gasket with a seal;

[0014] Fig. 2 is a partial view of a cross-section of an embodiment of the ring gasket with seal of Fig. 5 during installation into tapered grooves of two connection parts;

[0015] Fig. 3 is a partial view of a cross-section of an embodiment of the ring gasket with a seal of Fig. 1 disposed in tapered grooves of two connection parts assembled together;

[0016] Fig. 4 is a partial cut-away sectional perspective view of an embodiment of ring gasket with a seal extending beyond the tapered grooves;

[0017] Fig. 5 is an enlarged partial view of the assembly in Fig. 4 showing a ring gasket with a seal extending beyond the gasket channel formed by two connection parts;

[0018] Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the ring gasket and seal assembly of Fig. 4 installed between two connection parts;

[0019] Fig. 7 is a cross-section of an embodiment of a gasket and seal assembly;

[0020] Fig. 8 is an enlarged partial cross-section of the gasket and seal assembly of Fig. 7 installed between two connection parts;

[0021] Fig. 9 is a partial view of a cross-section of an embodiment of a gasket and seal assembly installed between two connection parts;

[0022] Fig. 10 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a ring gasket holder;

[0023] Fig. 11 is a partial view of a cross-section illustrating an embodiment of a gasket and seal assembly assembled in a first connection part and held in position with a ring gasket holder; and

[0024] Fig.12 is a side perspective view of an assembly of one connection part with alignment pins and two ring gasket holders maintaining the position of the gasket and seal assembly.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to “the invention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

[0026] Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure using various numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafter only and the absence of numbers inan apparent sequence should not be considered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of that particular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment to the other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts, although it may.

[0027] Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and / or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.

[0028] It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0029] The term “coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

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

[0031] As previously discussed, there is a need for ring gasket which is less susceptible to emissions and leakage from minor surface imperfections, and a method of assembling the same which is less likely to cause damage and imperfections to those surfaces. The ring gasket and seal assembly disclosed herein solves these and other problems.

[0032] Fig. 1 illustrates, in some embodiments, a ring gasket and seal assembly 100. The ring gasket 102 is preferably made of rigid material, such as metal, and comprises a first channel 104 (also referred to as a seal channel) on a first perimeter 106 (e.g., inner diameter) of the ring gasket 102. Although the ring gasket 102 is defined as rigid and / or made of metal, it will be appreciated that the ring gasket 102 may still be subject to deformation in certain installations. The first channel 104 is configured to accept a seal 108 of relatively softer material such as PTFE, rubber, polyurethane or softer metal. The ring gasket 102 may comprise angled faces 110A-B proximal to the first channel 104 that are configured to each abut a respective angled surface of two connection parts, as will be discussed with Figs. 2-3. In some embodiments, the ring gasket 102 further comprises a second channel 112 on a second perimeter 114 (e.g., outer diameter) to accept a ring gasket holder (discussed later herein) to hold the ring gasket 102 in place during assembly. In some embodiments, the deformable seal 108 comprises one or more contacting portion(s) 116A-B which extend out of the first channel 104 and beyond the angled faces 110A-B to abut the connection sides with deformation upon assembly therewith. As shown, the angled faces 110A-B may be configured as ridges that form a valley 111 therebetween.

[0033] Figs. 2-3 illustrate the ring gasket and seal assembly 100 being assembled between a first connection part 118 and a second connection part 120. Specifically, Fig. 2 illustrates an incomplete assembly state wherein a first contacting portion 116A of the deformable seal 108is in contact with a first connection surface 122 of the first connection part 118 and second contacting portion 116B is in contact with a second connection surface 124 of second connection part 120; however, the seal 108 is not fully deformed, and the angled faces 110A- B are not yet contacting the first connection surface 122 and second connection surface 124, respectively. The ring gasket 102 is likewise positioned in a gasket channel 126 formed by a first groove 128 in the first connection part 118 and a second groove 130 in the second connection part 120. As appreciated, the first groove 128 and second groove 130 may have varying configurations to form a gasket channel 126 of different formfactors (e.g., square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.). As shown, the first groove 128 and second groove 130 are tapered (i.e., form a hexagonal gasket channel 126) so as to place additional pressure on the ring gasket 102 and seal 108, thereby, ideally, deforming one or both. Further, 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 connection parts 118, 120.

[0034] Fig. 3 illustrates a complete assembly, wherein the ring gasket 102 is fully enclosed in the gasket channel 126, with the first contacting portion 116A abutting and / or deformed against the first connection surface 122 and the second contacting portion 116B abutting and / or deformed against the second connection surface 124. The seal 108, being of softer, deformable material, is able to deform into surface imperfections to prevent fluid that may pass through the connection point 132 of the two connection parts 118, 120 from reaching the ring gasket 102 and the associated rigid contacts (i.e., the contact point between first connection surface 122 and first angled face 110A, and the contact point between second connection surface 124 and second angled face HOB). As a result, fluid cannot leak through minor surface imperfections in the rigid contacts, preventing emissions or leakage past the ring gasket.

[0035] In some embodiments, as shown in Figs. 4-6, a ring gasket and seal assembly 200 comprises a deformable seal 208 coupled to the ring gasket 102. The deformable seal 208 at least partially positioned within the first channel 104 of the ring gasket 102 and between the first angled face 110A and second angled face 110B. In some embodiments, the seal 208 comprises a first portion 210, a second portion 212, with a narrow neck 214 extending between the first and second portions 210, 212. The narrow neck 214 extends radially beyond the first channel 104 (e.g., past angled faces 110A-B of the ring gasket 102) and is configured to form a first seal groove 216 and a second seal groove 218. The second portion 212 comprises flanged edges 220A-B that extend to a width wider than that of the narrow neck 214.

[0036] Referring specifically to Figs. 5-6, the ring gasket and seal assembly 200 is shown positioned between two connection parts 222, 224. As appreciated, the ring gasket 102 is enclosed within a gasket channel 226 formed from a first groove 228 in the first connection part 222 and a second groove 230 in the second connection part 224. The first portion 210 abuts the first connection part 222 on a first surface 232 and the second connection part 224 at a second surface 234. A first protrusion 236 of the first connection part 222 mates with the first seal groove 216 and a second protrusion 238 mates with the second seal groove 218, with the narrow neck 214 extending radially (e.g. past the first surface 232 and second surface 234) to the second portion 212, the second portion 212, in some embodiments, sealing an aperture 240 between the first and second connection parts 222, 224. As understood, at least the neck 214 and second portion 212 of the deformable seal 208 may be axially compressed between the two connection parts 222, 224, creating a seal therebetween.

[0037] In some embodiments, as shown in Figs. 7-9, the seal may have varying formfactors. For example, in Figs. 7-8, a ring gasket and seal assembly 300 comprises a ring gasket 102 and a seal 308. As shown, the seal 308 comprises a first portion 310 positioned within thefirst channel 104, and a second portion 312 that extends radially past the first and second angled faces 110A-B. The second portion may have various configurations, including, but not limited to, being substantially straight, having one or more protrusions, being tapered inwardly or outwardly, or any other number of configurations. In the non-limiting example shown in Figs. 7-8, the second portion 312 is asymmetrical. In other words, the second portion 312 comprises a protrusion 314 on one side, which may be tapered (e.g., flanged edge), as shown, but is not required.

[0038] Referring specifically to Fig. 8, such an asymmetrical configuration for the seal 308 is useful when at least a portion of the connection comprises a liner or coating 316. In other words, the first connection part 318 may differ from second connection part 320 in that at least one of the connection parts 318, 320 comprises a liner or coating — in this example, second connection part 320 comprises the liner or coating 316. Accordingly, the protrusion 314 extends to interface with the liner or coating 316. As understood, the seal 308 may be shaped so as to be complementary to the connection interface between the first and second connection parts 318, 320. Further, each connection part 318, 320 may have a different geometry / formfactor (i.e., asymmetrical) at the connection interface (e.g., where the seal 314 is positioned therebetween), with the seal 314 configured to mate therebetween. Although not shown here, in some embodiments the ring gasket may also be asymmetrical and configured to abut each connection part when positioned within the gasket channel.. In other words, the first groove of the first connection part may have a formfactor that differs from the second groove of the second connection part, which forms an asymmetrical gasket channel when coupled together.

[0039] Another non-limiting example is shown in Fig. 9, wherein the seal 408 is shaped and configured complementary to a first connection part 418 and a second connection part 420. In other words, a first portion 410 is positioned within the first channel 104 of the ring gasket102 and a second portion 412 extends radially inward an is positioned between at least a portion of a lower connection interface 414, the lower connection interface 414 extending from the gasket channel 416 to the fluid channel 422 (i.e., bore). In this example, as shown, the second part 412 may taper toward the coating / liner 424, 426 of each connection part 418, 420, respectively, which may aid in protecting the coating / liner 424, 426.

[0040] Fig. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a ring gasket holder 134 comprising an elongated body 136 with a protrusion 138 on a first end 140 and a handle 142 on a second end 144. The protrusion 138 is configured to mate with the second channel 112 on the ring gasket 102. For example, Fig. 8 illustrates a first ring gasket holder 134A coupled to the ring gasket 102 on a first side and a second ring gasket holder 134B coupled to the ring gasket 102 on a second, opposite side, the protrusion 138 of each ring gasket holder 134A-B mated with the second channel 112. The ring gasket holders 134A-B keep the ring gasket 102 in the first groove 128 / 228 of the first connection part 118 / 222 during assembly so that the ring gasket 102 does not misalign and become damaged during assembly or otherwise damage or create surface imperfections on the connection parts 118 / 222, 120 / 224, respectively, thereby reducing or preventing emissions and / or leakage. Further, the ring gasket holder 134 may be magnetic, or comprise magnets therein or thereon so as to magnetically couple to connection sides 118 / 222, 120 / 224 of ferrous material.

[0041] It will be appreciated that the ring gasket holder may be in various configurations or formfactors without departing herefrom. For example, in some embodiments, referring to Fig. 11, a ring gasket holder 146 comprises an elongated body 148, a magnet 150, and a tip 152 configured to mate with the second channel 112 in the ring gasket 102. As understood, the tip 152 is forced into second channel 112, with the magnet 150 magnetically coupling the ring gasket holder 146 to a first connection part 118 (or second connection part 120, if assembling from the opposite side) to thereby hold the ring gasket 102 in position within the first groove128. The tip 152 may or may not comprise a lip or other protrusion. The elongated body 148 extends past the outer edge 119 of the first connection part 118 so as to be accessible by a user who may then remove it by exerting an outward force on the elongated body 148. As noted earlier, this reduces or eliminates misalignment and damage during assembly, reducing or preventing emissions and / or leakage.

[0042] In some methods of assembly, a user will insert the ring gasket and seal assembly 100 into the first groove 128 of the first connection part 118. With the ring gasket 102 seated in the first groove 128, the user will mate the tip 152 of the ring gasket holder 146 to the second channel 112 of the ring gasket 102. The user will then place the magnet 150 against the first connection part 118 to thereby magnetically couple the ring gasket holder 146 to the connection part 118. One or more alignment pins 154A may be inserted through the first connection part 118 so as to aid in the correct alignment with the second connection part 120. Once the first connection part and the second connection part 118, 120 are loosely coupled (e.g., in a flanged connection, the bolts are not fully tightened), a user may then grasp the exposed distal end 156 and pull to remove it from between the first and second connection parts 118, 120. The first and second connection parts 118, 120 may then be fully coupled to ensure a tight seal therebetween.

[0043] Additionally, Fig. 12 illustrates a first alignment pin 154A and a second alignment pin 154B on a first connection part 118. The one or more alignment pins 154A-B may be used to pre-align the connection parts 118 (or other embodiments), 120 (or other embodiments) before contact is made between them, avoiding damage by misaligned contact, thereby preventing surface imperfections on the ring gaskets 102 or first groove 128 or second groove 130 which could cause emissions or leakage.

[0044] It will be appreciated that any number of configurations of the seal and other components disclosed herein are possible, and that they can be utilized for many shapes,sizes, configurations and applications. For example, while the gasket channels have been illustrated with a hexagonal configuration, it will be appreciated that other shapes / configurations may be used without departing herefrom. Additionally, the ring gasket may vary in shape as well to conform to varying gasket channels, which may include an oval style ring gasket known in the prior art.

[0045] Accordingly, it will be appreciated from the foregoing that the ring gasket and seal assemblies disclosed herein solve the need for a ring gasket which is less susceptible to emissions and leakage from minor surface imperfections, and solves the need for a method of assembling the same which is less likely to cause damage and imperfections to those surfaces.

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

[0047] Various alterations and / or modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, can be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims, and are to be considered within the scope of this disclosure. Thus, while various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. While a number of methods and components similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice embodiments of the present disclosure, only certain components and methods are described herein.

[0048] It will also be appreciated that systems and methods according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties or features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and / or portions) described in other embodiments.Accordingly, the various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and / or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment unless so stated. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include said features, members, elements, parts, and / or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A ring gasket and seal assembly, comprising: a ring gasket, comprising: a first channel on an inner diameter, a first angled face on a first side of the first channel, and a second angled face on a 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 ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 1, wherein the deformable seal further comprises a first contacting portion and a second contacting portion.

3. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 2, wherein the first contacting portion and the second contacting portion are separated by a valley.

4. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 2, wherein when the ring gasket and seal assembly is assembled between two connection parts, the first contacting portion deforms against a first surface of a first connection part and the second contacting portion deforms against a second surface of a second connection part.

5. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 1, wherein the deformable seal further comprises a narrow neck interposed between the first portion and a second portion.

6. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 5, wherein the deformable seal comprises a first seal groove on a first side of the narrow neck and a second seal groove on a second side of the narrow neck.

7. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 6, wherein when the ring gasket and seal assembly is assembled between a first connection part and a second connection part, a first protrusion of the first connection part is received within the first seal groove anda second protrusion of the second connection part is received within the second seal groove, the first and second connection parts exerting axial pressure on the narrow neck.

8. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 7, wherein the second portion of the deformable seal is received within an aperture between the first and second connection parts.

9. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 1, wherein the deformable seal comprises at least one flanged edge.

10. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 1, wherein when the ring gasket and seal assembly is assembled between two connection parts, the two connection parts exert axial compression on the deformable seal.

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

12. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 11, further comprising a ring gasket holder configured to mate with the second channel.

13. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 12, wherein the ring gasket holder comprises an elongated body and a tip.

14. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 12, wherein the ring gasket holder further comprises a protrusion on a first end, and a handle on a second end.

15. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 1, further comprising one or more alignment pins configured to be interposed between a first connection part and a second connection part, thereby aligning the first connection part with the second connection part during assembly.

16. A ring gasket and seal assembly, comprising: a ring gasket comprising a channel on an outer diameter; anda ring gasket holder comprising an elongated body, a tip configured to mate with the channel, and a magnet.

17. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 16, wherein the ring gasket further comprises a seal channel on an inner diameter.

18. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 17, further comprising a seal, wherein a first portion of the seal is positioned in the seal channel and a second portion of the seal extends beyond angled faces of the ring gasket.

19. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 18, wherein a first connection part and a second connection part exert axial pressure on the seal.

20. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 18, wherein the second portion comprises at least one protrusion.

21. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 18, wherein a neck is interposed between the first portion and the second portion.

22. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 21, wherein a first connection part and a second connection part exert axial pressure on the neck.

23. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 16, further comprising one or more alignment pins configured to be interposed between a first connection part and a second connection part, thereby aligning the first connection part with the second connection part during assembly.

24. A ring gasket and seal assembly between a first connection part and second connection part, comprising: a ring gasket of metal disposed in a gasket channel, the gasket channel formed from by a first tapered groove in the first connection part and a second tapered groove in the second connection part, the ring gasket comprisinga seal channel on an inner diameter sized so as to extend axially into a portion of the first tapered groove of the first connection part and the second tapered groove of the second connection part, a first portion configured to abut the first connection part within the first tapered groove and a second portion abutting the second connection part within the second tapered groove; and a seal of relatively softer material disposed within the seal channel and bridging across a connection point or aperture between the first and second connection parts, the seal configured to deform when the first connection part and the second connection part are assembled axially.

25. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 24, wherein a portion of the seal extends beyond the first and second tapered grooves and between the first and second connection parts.

26. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 25, wherein the first and second connection parts exert axial compression on the seal.

27. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 25, wherein the portion of the seal that extends beyond the first and second tapered grooves comprises at least one protrusion.

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

29. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 28, wherein the first connection part and the second connection part exert axial pressure on the neck.

30. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 24, further comprising one or more alignment pins configured to be interposed between the first connection part and the second connection part, thereby aligning the first connection part with the second connection part during assembly.

31. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 24, wherein the seal comprises at least one flanged edge.

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

33. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 32, further comprising a ring gasket holder configured to mate with the second channel.

34. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 33, wherein the ring gasket holder comprises an elongated body and a tip.

35. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 33, wherein the ring gasket holder further comprises a protrusion on a first end, and a handle on a second end.

36. The ring gasket and seal assembly of claim 24, wherein the seal further comprises a valley bridging across the connection point or aperture between the first and second connection parts.

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