Sealing Element Recesses for Regular Folding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional annular blowout preventers experience irregular folding patterns in elastomeric sealing elements, leading to high strain energy density and reduced lifespan due to uneven sealing surfaces and high compressive forces required for complete sealing.

Innovation Solution

A pressure containment device with a sealing element featuring a plurality of recesses on its radially inwardly facing interior and end surfaces, which are arranged to promote regular folding and reduce strain energy density, allowing for even distribution of sealing pressure and increased lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional elastomeric sealing element is used in an annular blowout preventer, then sealing function is achieved, but irregular folding patterns occur leading to high strain energy density and reduced lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidsealing element lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing element is segmented into multiple sectors with recesses formed in its outer surface. These recesses divide the sealing element into distinct folding zones, guiding the material to fold uniformly across each sector rather than creating irregular concentrated folds. This segmentation distributes strain energy evenly across the sealing element structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the sealing element are given different local properties through the recesses. The recesses create zones of controlled flexibility and rigidity, allowing specific areas to accommodate folding while maintaining overall sealing integrity. This local differentiation prevents uniform stress distribution that leads to irregular folding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If conventional sealing elements are compressed to achieve complete sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but high compressive forces are required and strain distribution becomes uneven

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidcompressive force required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The recesses segment the sealing element into controlled folding zones that guide compression forces. When compressive force is applied, the recesses ensure folding occurs uniformly across all sectors rather than concentrating deformation in specific areas. This allows effective sealing at reduced compressive forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The geometry of the recesses (depth, width, spacing) is optimized to change the mechanical parameters of the sealing element. The recesses modify the folding characteristics and strain distribution, allowing the sealing element to achieve effective sealing with lower compressive forces by distributing the deformation more efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the sealing element is designed to fold during operation, then sealing engagement is achieved, but irregular folding patterns create high strain energy density in certain regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing engagementVSAvoidstrain energy density

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The recesses divide the sealing element into multiple sectors, each capable of independent controlled folding. This segmentation ensures that folding strain is distributed evenly across all sectors rather than concentrating in irregular patterns. Each sector folds in a predictable manner, reducing peak strain energy density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The recesses are pre-formed in the sealing element during manufacturing, creating predetermined folding zones before operation. This preliminary structuring guides the folding action during sealing engagement, ensuring uniform strain distribution from the outset rather than allowing irregular folding patterns to develop during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 regular folding pattern and even strain distribution enhance the sealing element's lifespan and reduce the compressive force needed for sealing, ensuring consistent sealing performance and improved durability.

Implementation Method 1

a radially inwardly facing interior surface comprising a plurality of recesses... arranged to promote regular folding and reduce strain energy density

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

even distribution of sealing pressure and increased lifespan

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStress distribution:

Data Source

PatentUS10316607B2Pressure containment devices

Publication Date: 2019.06.11 GRANT PRIDECO LP

AI summary

A pressure containment device includes a sealing element. The sealing element includes a longitudinal axis, a substantially annular cross-section arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, a radially inwardly facing interior surface having a plurality of recesses, a radially outwardly facing exterior surface, a first end surface having a plurality of recesses, and a second end surface. The first end surface and the second end surface are each arranged to extend from the radially inwardly facing interior surface to the radially outwardly facing exterior surface. The first end surface and the second end surface are arranged at opposite ends of the sealing element.