Isolation Flange Seal Assembly High-Pressure Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hydrocarbon drilling and production systems, existing isolation flange assemblies require manipulation of control lines through passages, which can damage the lines and compromise sealing integrity, especially under high pressures.
Innovation Solution
A spool assembly with an isolation flange and seal assembly that minimizes control line manipulation during installation by using angled seal rings and a test port for seal integrity testing, ensuring secure sealing without excessive bending of control lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If control lines are manipulated through passages during isolation flange installation, then isolation flange can be installed, but control lines may be damaged and sealing integrity compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control line is pre-positioned within the spool passage before the isolation flange is installed. The flange is then installed from the exterior without requiring the control line to be manipulated through the passage, thus preventing damage while maintaining proper sealing configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation flange assembly is divided into separate components: the flange body installed from the exterior and the seal assembly positioned internally. This segmentation allows the flange to be installed without manipulating the control line through the passage
2Reliability
If traditional sealing methods are used at the isolation flange interface, then sealing can be provided, but sealing integrity under high pressure may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The seal rings are made from pliable inelastic materials such as graphite or fluoropolymer, which change their physical properties under pressure to maintain sealing integrity. The angled profiled surfaces transform axial sealing force into radial bulging, creating effective high-pressure seals
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly uses composite construction with inner and outer seal rings made from different pliable inelastic materials (e.g., graphite and fluoropolymer), combining the advantages of each material to achieve reliable sealing under high pressure conditions
3Ease of operation
If control lines are extensively manipulated during isolation flange installation, then isolation flange can be installed, but excessive bending may damage the control lines
Solution Approach 1:
The control line is pre-positioned within the spool passage before flange installation begins. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for extensive manipulation and bending during the actual flange installation process, preventing damage to the control line
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 reduces the risk of control line damage and enhances sealing integrity by eliminating the need for intrusive manipulation, maintaining effective sealing under high pressures and facilitating easy installation of the isolation flange.
Implementation Method 1
The seal rings are axially slidable with respect to one another and can be made from pliable inelastic materials such as graphite or a fluoropolymer. The seal rings contact one another along profiled surfaces that are angled such that by axially urging the seal rings towards one another produces a bulge in the seal assembly directed radially outwards and inwards.
Implementation Method 2
The seal rings contact one another along profiled surfaces that are angled such that by axially urging the seal rings towards one another produces a bulge in the seal assembly directed radially outwards and inwards.
Data Source
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AI summary
An isolation flange assembly including a body including a receptacle disposed therein, and a first seal assembly disposed in the receptacle of the body, wherein the first seal assembly is configured to sealingly engage an inner surface of the receptacle of the body and an outer surface of a tubular member extending into the receptacle of the body, wherein the first seal assembly includes an annular radially outer seal, and an annular radially inner seal in engagement with the outer seal.