Metallic seal components

• US 20020074742A1
• Filed: 11/30/2001
• Published: 06/20/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: FMC Technologies Incorporated (TechnipFMC, plc)
• Original Assignee: FMC Technologies Incorporated (TechnipFMC, plc)
• Inventors: Quoiani, Roberto L.
• Application Number:
  US10/010,427
• Publication Number:
  US 20020074742A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 277/627
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 2200/01 Sealings characterised by their shape
• CPC Class Codes: F16J 15/0806 characterised by material or surface treatment
• CPC Class Codes: F16J 15/0887 the sealing effect being obtained by elastic deformation of the packing
• CPC Class Codes: F16J 15/164 the sealing action depending on movements; pressure difference, temperature or presence of leaking fluid

Abstract

Shape memory alloy (SMA) technology and bi-metallic sealing elements are used to provide compact, reliable super-elastic sealing mechanisms, e.g., for use in the oilfield environment. Novel designs for sealing of annular areas are presented.

Claims

1. A metallic seal component comprising an alloy which in use exhibits super-elastic properties.

2. A seal component as defined in claim 1 comprising a shape memory alloy.

3. A seal component as defined in claim 2 comprising an energizing mandrel.

4. A seal component as defined in claim 2 comprising a seal backup spring.

5. A seal component as defined in claim 1 comprising a sealing element.

6. A seal component as defined in claim 5 in which the sealing element comprises a sealing ring.

7. A seal component as defined in claim 5 in which the sealing element comprises a sealing ridge that, in use, makes sealing contact with a cooperating sealing surface.

8. A seal component as defined in claim 5 in which the sealing element has a U-shaped cross-section.

9. A seal component as defined in claim 2 in which the shape memory alloy is selected from the group consisting of NiTi, CuZnAl and CuAlNi.

10. A seal component as defined in claim 1 which in use is stressed so as to maintain a sealing contact force with a co-operating sealing surface.

11. A seal component as defined in claim 1 that in use changes its shape or size between an energized, seal enabling state and a released, unsealed state, the change of shape or size being effected by heating or cooling.

12. A seal component as defined in claim 11 which when energized is stressed so as to generate sealing contact forces.

13. A seal component as defined in claim 11 having thermo-mechanical properties such that under ambient conditions in use the component is stressed so as to generate sealing contact forces.

14. A seal component as defined in claim 1 comprising a one-way shape memory alloy.

15. A seal component as defined in claim 1 comprising a two-way shape memory alloy.

16. A seal component as defined in claim 1 comprising a bi-metallic construction.

17. A seal component as defined in claim 16 having a U-shaped cross-section.

18. A seal component as defined in claim 1 having a tubular cross-section.

19. A bi-metallic seal element comprising a shape memory alloy.