Interlocking face seal assemblies and related methods

摘要

Supported face seal assemblies and related methods are disclosed. The supported face seal assemblies (156) have spring energized seal element (108) supported by a backing ring (132). When the two components are joined, they form an interlocking face seal assembly (156) that is less prone to separate during installation and/or service. The methods disclosed include the steps of forming a spring energized sealing element (108) with a convex outer surface (150), forming a backup or support ring (132) with a concave inner surface (146), assembling the sealing element into the inner bore of the backup or support ring such that the concave inner surface accepts a portion of the convex outer surface and the sealing element (108) is retained within the backup or support ring (132).