Segmented Seal Ring Structure to Prevent Extrusion Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal apparatus in oilfield applications, such as downhole and wellhead tools, face issues with extrusion gaps during expansion, leading to potential failure under working conditions due to spaces formed between segmented anti-extrusion rings.
Innovation Solution
A seal apparatus comprising a ring structure with interlocking elements that can move between expanded and collapsed conditions without introducing significant stress, using a substrate with greater rigidity than the seal members, and featuring interlocking profiles to prevent separation, allowing for smooth sliding and effective sealing without gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If segmented anti-extrusion rings are used to support seal elements, then the seal element can be expanded radially outwardly, but spaces are formed between the segments creating extrusion gaps that lead to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element itself is segmented into multiple arcuate segments that can expand and collapse radially. Each segment is supported by corresponding anti-extrusion ring segments, allowing the seal to be deployed in a compact state and expanded to a sealed state without forming harmful extrusion gaps, as the segmented design allows controlled expansion while maintaining continuous support.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-extrusion ring segments are nested within or alongside the seal element segments during the collapsed state, providing support in a compact configuration. Upon expansion, the segments move outward in a coordinated manner, maintaining continuous support coverage without creating gaps that would lead to extrusion failure.
2Reliability
If a unitary annular elastomeric seal element is compressed to expand radially, then sealing is achieved, but the seal element experiences significant stress during deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element is divided into multiple arcuate segments that can expand radially in a stepwise manner. This segmentation allows the seal to be deployed in a low-stress compact state and then expanded to a sealed state, distributing the expansion stress across multiple segments rather than concentrating it in a single unitary element.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal element transitions from a static compact configuration to a dynamic expanded sealed configuration. The segmented design enables controlled radial expansion where each segment can move independently, reducing deployment stress while achieving the required sealed state.
3Ease of operation
If segmented rings are used for expansion, then the apparatus can be collapsed for insertion, but the segments create extrusion gaps at the expanded condition
Solution Approach 1:
Both the seal element and anti-extrusion rings are segmented into corresponding arcuate segments. This coordinated segmentation allows the apparatus to collapse for easy insertion while maintaining continuous support coverage when expanded, preventing extrusion gaps from forming between segments during the expanded sealed state.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-extrusion ring segments are positioned to provide localized support at specific points around the circumference, with each segment corresponding to a seal element segment. This localised support arrangement ensures that extrusion is prevented at each location without requiring continuous ring structure that would prevent collapse.
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 apparatus provides a solid seal with negligible stress during deployment, maintaining a smooth surface and preventing extrusion gaps, enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of oilfield seals by ensuring continuous support and sealing on both external and internal surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one seal member is configured to conform, deform, or compress in use. The at least one seal member may be formed from a compliant, compressible or resilient material.
Implementation Method 2
During deployment, the seal element is compressed to expand radially outwardly into contact with a surrounding surface
Implementation Method 3
featuring interlocking profiles to prevent separation, allowing for smooth sliding and effective sealing without gaps
Data Source
Figure 1A~1E
Figure 2A~2E
Figure 3A~5D
AI summary
A seal apparatus and method of use is described. The seal apparatus comprises a seal assembly comprising a plurality of 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 elements.; The plurality of elements is operable to be moved between the expanded and collapsed conditions by sliding with respect to one another along respective contact surfaces. Each ofthe plurality of elements is a compound element comprising a substrate and at least one seal member disposed on a part ofa surface of the element.