Pressure-Energized Ring Gasket for Low-Torque Wellhead Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wellhead connectors require excessive time and torque to establish high-pressure seals, leading to costly and inefficient installation processes.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-energized ring seal with a C-channel and C-shaped spring design that can be installed within standard ring grooves, allowing for sealing with significantly reduced torque and time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional crush-style gaskets are used with bolted flanged connections, then high-pressure sealing is achieved, but excessive torque and installation time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is segmented into a body portion and a separate resilient element (O-ring or spring), allowing the resilient element to be compressed independently to create the seal, while the body portion provides structural support. This segmentation enables sealing without requiring excessive bolt torque to compress the entire gasket uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the gasket by introducing a resilient element with specific durometer hardness (e.g., 90 durometer for O-rings) and elastic modulus. This parameter change allows the gasket to deform and seal under lower pressure conditions, reducing the torque required for installation while maintaining reliable high-pressure sealing.
2Reliability
If high torque is applied to bolted connections to energize crush-style gaskets, then sealing pressure is achieved, but risk of over-torquing and equipment damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element provides dynamic compliance, allowing the gasket to self-adjust and distribute compression forces evenly. This dynamic behavior prevents localized stress concentrations that occur with rigid crush-style gaskets, eliminating over-torquing risk while achieving adequate sealing pressure through controlled compression of the resilient material.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient element acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and distributes compression forces before they reach the flanged components. This beforehand cushioning prevents the harmful effects of excessive torque from being transmitted to the equipment, protecting threads and component surfaces from damage.
3Reliability
If multiple bolts are tightened incrementally to achieve load uniformity, then even pressure distribution is achieved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element provides self-service by automatically distributing compression forces uniformly across the sealing surface as the bolts are tightened. The elastic properties of the resilient material cause it to deform and conform to the sealing surface, self-adjusting to achieve even pressure distribution without requiring complex incremental tightening procedures or specialized tools.
4Adaptability or versatility
If standard ring grooves are used for conventional gaskets, then compatibility with existing equipment is maintained, but high make-up load is required
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element is nested within the body portion of the gasket, which itself fits within the existing standard ring groove. This nested configuration allows the gasket to utilize the proven geometry of standard ring grooves for equipment compatibility, while the resilient element provides the sealing function under lower make-up loads by deforming within the confined space.
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 new seal achieves proper sealing at a lower pressure, reducing installation time by up to 90% and eliminating the risk of over-torquing, while maintaining compatibility with existing wellhead equipment.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure-energized ring seal with a C-channel and C-shaped spring design that can be installed within standard ring grooves
Implementation Method 2
pressure-energized ring seal
Data Source
AI summary
An annular seal for installation in an annular groove defined at an interface between first and second wellhead component is disclosed. The seal has an annular body with first and second legs that define an annular channel at the inside diameter face of the annular body. The annular channel is configured to define a pressure cavity within the annular groove between the first and second wellhead component. The outside diameter face of the annular body has a tapered profile in cross-section, and the first and second legs have enlarged ends configured for engaging the inside diameter wall of the annular groove.