Slip Seal Structure With Retaining Rings for High-Pressure Casing Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rubber slip seals used in casing heads fail to meet the requirements of high pressure (15000 PSI) and wide temperature range (−29° C. to 121° C.) due to rubber's limited temperature range, gas explosion risks, deformation at high temperatures, and loss of elasticity at low temperatures, leading to reduced sealing performance.
Innovation Solution
A slip sealing structure featuring a cylindrical sealing body with outer and inner metal retaining rings and a fabric covering layer, where the metal retaining rings are pressed against the fabric layer to enhance compression resistance and gas explosion resistance, and the fabric layer provides support and reduces deformation across temperature extremes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rubber slip seals are used, then sealing performance is achieved under normal conditions, but the sealing performance deteriorates under high pressure and wide temperature ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining rubber material with fabric reinforcement layers and metal retaining rings. The fabric layer (e.g., polyester or nylon) is embedded within the rubber to provide dimensional stability and prevent extrusion at high temperatures and pressures, while the metal retaining rings constrain the rubber to maintain sealing geometry under extreme conditions, thus expanding the operational temperature and pressure range.
2Reliability
If rubber slip seals are used, then sealing function is provided, but gas explosion resistance is poor under high pressure relief
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric reinforcement layer (e.g., polyester or nylon mesh) embedded in the rubber seal provides structural integrity during high-pressure relief events. This composite structure prevents the rubber from exploding or fragmenting under gas pressure, allowing the seal to withstand explosive forces while maintaining its sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal retaining rings are pre-installed on the sealing body to provide structural support before high-pressure events occur. These rings act as a constraint system that prevents the rubber from deforming or exploding under sudden gas pressure, cushioning the seal against harmful explosive forces.
3Reliability
If rubber slip seals are used, then sealing is achieved, but deformation occurs at high temperatures due to rubber softening
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric reinforcement layer (e.g., polyester or nylon) embedded in the rubber seal provides dimensional stability at high temperatures. The fabric's high thermal stability counteracts the rubber's tendency to soften, preventing the seal from deforming or extruding under thermal and pressure loads while maintaining the sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal retaining rings are pre-installed to provide structural support before high-temperature conditions occur. These rings constrain the rubber seal, preventing it from deforming or extruding when the rubber softens under thermal and pressure loads, thus maintaining shape stability.
4Reliability
If rubber slip seals are used, then sealing function is provided, but elasticity is lost at low temperatures resulting in decreased sealing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric reinforcement layer provides structural support that compensates for the rubber's loss of elasticity at low temperatures. While the rubber becomes harder and less elastic, the fabric maintains the seal's structural integrity and prevents permanent deformation, preserving sealing performance in cold environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A slip sealing structure comprises a cylindrical sealing body comprising an upper and a lower end surfaces, wherein an outer side and an inner side of at least one end surface of the sealing body are provided with an outer metal retaining ring and an inner metal retaining ring respectively, a fabric covering layer is disposed on the at least one end surface, and the outer and inner metal retaining rings are respectively pressed against an outer and inner edges of the fabric covering layer such that the fabric covering layer provides support for the outer and inner metal retaining rings. Through the outer and inner metal retaining rings, compression resistance of the slip sealing structure can be improved, and rubber extrusion at high temperatures and high pressures can be avoided; the fabric covering layer enhances performances of compression resistance and gas explosion resistance of the slip sealing structure.