Annular Metal Seal Geometry for Low-Torque High-Pressure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal systems for annular components in pressure control equipment (PCE) stacks face challenges in forming reliable, high-pressure seals with low torque requirements, particularly in mineral extraction systems where environmental conditions can be harsh.
Innovation Solution
A seal system comprising first and second annular components with radially-outer and radially-inner surfaces, respectively, featuring threaded portions for coupling and angled sealing surfaces oriented at different angles to form a metal-to-metal seal, allowing for efficient sealing with low torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional seal systems are used in pressure control equipment, then sealing function is provided, but high torque requirements and unreliable sealing under high pressure occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by orienting the angled sealing surfaces of the first and second annular components at different angles relative to the longitudinal axis. This asymmetric configuration creates a mechanical advantage that reduces the torque required to form a reliable metal-to-metal seal under high-pressure conditions, directly resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and torque requirement.
2Force
If metal-to-metal seal is formed with different angled surfaces, then low torque sealing is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the sealing surfaces by specifying different angles for the first and second angled surfaces relative to the longitudinal axis. This parameter change enables low-torque sealing while the patent addresses manufacturing precision by providing specific angle ranges and tolerance specifications that balance manufacturability with performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A seal system includes a first annular component having a radially-outer surface with a first threaded portion and a first sealing portion, wherein the first sealing portion has a first angled surface that is oriented at a first angle relative to a vertical axis. The seal system also includes a second annular component having a radially-inner surface with a second threaded portion and a second sealing portion, wherein the second sealing portion has a second angled surface that is oriented at a second angle relative to the vertical axis, and the second angle is different from the first angle. The first annular component and the second annular component are configured to threadably couple to one another via the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion and to form a metal-to-metal seal against one another via the first angled surface and the second angled surface.