Annular Metal-to-Metal Seal With Reusable Ridge Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current annular seals in oil and gas field operations face issues such as surface damage, incomplete sealing, and wear due to exposed sealing ridges and the need for large mechanical forces for activation, leading to ineffective sealing over time.
Innovation Solution
An annular metal-to-metal seal design featuring inner and outer seal portions with concave central surfaces and radially extending ridges that engage with annular surfaces upon energization, utilizing a plunger to push these surfaces for sealing contact, and allowing for reorientation and reuse by changing ridge engagement locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If exposed sealing ridges contact both inner and outer surfaces during positioning, then the seal can be positioned in the annular space, but surface damage and ridge damage occur leading to incomplete sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple sealing ridges (first sealing ridge, second sealing ridge, third sealing ridge) positioned at different locations and orientations. This segmentation allows different ridges to engage with different surfaces (inner, outer, or both) during positioning, distributing the contact stress and preventing damage to any single ridge or surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ridges are pre-configured in specific positions and orientations before insertion into the annular space. The first sealing ridge is positioned to contact the inner surface first, followed by the second and third ridges contacting the outer surface and inner surface in sequence, ensuring proper engagement before full sealing activation.
2Reliability
If large mechanical forces are applied to energize and seal the annular space, then sealing contact is achieved, but wear on inner and outer annular walls increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing ridges are distributed around the annular space at different angular positions and heights. This segmentation allows the sealing force to be distributed across multiple contact points rather than concentrated at a single location, reducing wear on the annular walls while maintaining effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sealing ridge has specific local properties (position, orientation, height) optimized for its particular location. The first sealing ridge contacts the inner surface at a specific location, while the second and third ridges contact the outer and inner surfaces at different locations, creating localized sealing zones that reduce overall wear.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the same sealing location is used repeatedly, then sealing function is maintained, but wear accumulates resulting in incomplete sealing over time
Solution Approach 1:
The seal incorporates multiple sealing ridges positioned at different locations around the annular space. During repeated sealing operations, different ridges can be engaged in sequence or simultaneously, distributing the wear across multiple contact points rather than concentrating it at a single location, thereby extending seal lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system allows for dynamic engagement of different sealing ridges depending on operational conditions. The ridges can be engaged in different sequences or combinations, creating variable sealing patterns that prevent wear accumulation at any single location during repeated operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a reliable, low-force sealing mechanism that reduces wear and allows for multiple uses by changing ridge engagement points, ensuring consistent sealing performance and extending the lifespan of the seal.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a plunger to push these surfaces for sealing contact
Implementation Method 2
the central seal portion can be capable of flexing radially outward upon energization of the seal
Data Source
AI summary
A metal-to-metal seal for sealing an annular space between a well casing and a wellbore. The seal includes an inner portion and an outer portion, each portion including a central seal portion. The central seal portion has a concave shape in a de-energized state which curves towards the centerline of the seal and is capable of flexing radially outward towards surface of the annular space when energized. The central seal portion further includes at least one outer ridge extending outward away from the centerline of the seal and sealingly engages with the outer annular surface when energized.