Segmented Seal Ring Structure for Gap-Free High-Pressure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal apparatuses for oilfield applications face challenges in minimizing extrusion gaps during expansion, leading to potential failure under high differential pressures and difficulties in reliable retraction due to stresses and strains during deployment and use.
Innovation Solution
A segmented seal apparatus with multiple seal elements formed from compliant materials like HNBR and PTFE, arranged in a ring structure with interlocking profiles and biased by axial forces, allowing for smooth expansion and contraction without significant stress, and featuring a design that maintains a solid, gap-free surface in both expanded and collapsed states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If segmented anti-extrusion rings are used during expansion, then the seal element can be deployed, but spaces are formed between segments creating extrusion gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-extrusion ring is divided into multiple segments that can move relative to each other during expansion, allowing the ring to adapt to the expanding seal element while maintaining continuous contact to prevent extrusion gaps
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-extrusion ring transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where segments can slide and rotate during expansion, enabling the ring to maintain its integrity and prevent extrusion gaps throughout the deployment process
2Reliability
If multi-layered rings with offset segments are used, then extrusion gaps are blocked, but the ring structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the anti-extrusion function and the gap-blocking function into a single integrated ring structure, eliminating the need for separate multi-layered rings while achieving both objectives through the segmented design with sliding and rotating capabilities
3Reliability
If circumferentially lapped segments are used, then extrusion gaps are avoided, but the ring has uneven faces and is spatially inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ring segments are designed to dynamically adjust their positions during expansion, sliding and rotating to maintain a compact, space-efficient configuration while eliminating extrusion gaps, rather than relying on static lapped arrangements that waste space
4Ease of operation
If seal elements are compressed during deployment, then radial expansion into contact with surrounding surface is achieved, but substantial stresses and strains are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented seal elements are designed to dynamically expand through sliding and rotating movements rather than pure compression, distributing the deployment stresses and strains across multiple degrees of freedom and reducing the peak loads on each element
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 effectively reduces extrusion gaps and minimizes stress on seal elements during deployment, ensuring reliable sealing and easy retraction by maintaining a solid, gap-free surface in both conditions, enhancing the seal's durability and performance under high pressures.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of seal elements is operable to be moved between the expanded and collapsed conditions by sliding with respect to one another along respective contact surfaces
Implementation Method 2
During deployment, the seal element is compressed to expand radially outwardly into contact with a surrounding surface
Implementation Method 3
the seal element is designed to seal against a pressure differential between respective upper and lower annular regions
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5A
AI summary
A seal apparatus and method of use is described. The apparatus comprises a seal assembly comprising a plurality of seal elements assembled together to form a ring structure around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure is operable to be moved between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition by movement of the plurality of seal elements. The plurality of seal elements is operable to be moved between the expanded and collapsed conditions by sliding with respect to one another along respective contact surfaces. Each of the plurality of seal elements is each formed from a compliant, compressible or resilient material.