Seal Subassembly Load Redirection for Pressure Reversal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal assemblies in resource recovery and fluid sequestration industries face challenges with unidirectional seals being adversely affected by pressure reversals, leading to potential damage and leakage.
Innovation Solution
A seal arrangement that redirects mechanical load paths through non-sealing features to protect unidirectional seals from reverse loading, using mechanically energized subassemblies with internal energizers and load shoulders to maintain sealing integrity during pressure reversals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If unidirectional seals are used to energize other seals, then sealing performance is improved, but the seals are adversely affected by pressure reversals
Solution Approach 1:
A load shoulder is introduced as an intermediary structure between the seal assembly and the pressure system. The load shoulder intercepts and redirects reverse pressure loads before they can reach the seal assembly, allowing the seal to maintain its unidirectional energizing function while being protected from harmful reverse pressure effects
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is segmented into distinct functional components: the seal assembly for primary sealing, the load shoulder for load management, and the seal subassembly for secondary sealing. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, with the load shoulder handling reverse pressure protection while the seal assembly focuses on maintaining sealing performance
2Reliability
If seal assemblies are designed for pressure containment, then sealing integrity is maintained, but wear and damage occur under dynamic pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The load shoulder is positioned and dimensioned to provide beforehand protection against reverse pressure loads. By establishing a predetermined load path through the load shoulder before reverse pressure can damage the seal, the system cushions the seal assembly from wear and damage while maintaining sealing integrity under dynamic conditions
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 enhances sealing performance and protects seal assemblies from damage by redirecting mechanical loads, ensuring reliable operation under dynamic conditions with improved wear tolerance and reduced leakage.
Implementation Method 1
the seal arrangement redirecting a mechanical load path through the seal subassembly to the non-sealing feature
Implementation Method 2
the seal subassembly configured to impart energy to the seal assembly to promote sealing of the seal assembly with a mating surface
Data Source
AI summary
A seal arrangement includes a seal assembly and a seal subassembly in operable contact with the seal assembly. The seal subassembly is configured to impart energy to the seal assembly to promote sealing of the seal assembly with a mating surface. A non-sealing feature of the seal subassembly depends from the seal subassembly and is interactive with a load shoulder of a structure adjacent the seal subassembly. The seal arrangement redirects a mechanical load path through the seal subassembly to the non-sealing feature, during use. A method of protecting a seal subassembly from reverse loading is by redirecting a load path through a seal subassembly to a non-sealing feature, while also permitting pressure energizing of the seal assembly by the seal subassembly in a sealing direction. A downhole system includes a borehole in a formation, a string in the borehole, and a seal.