Sealing device having high differential pressure opening capability

摘要

A sealing device is used in a flow control apparatus, the sealing device including a static seal and a protective seal or fluid restriction. The protective seal is formed between two members formed from resilient materials being substantially resistant to wear or failure when exposed to large pressure differentials and associated jetting action. The static seal is formed using a sealing element that includes a material that is at least partially deformable, such as an elastomer or the like. The protective seal is engaged prior to engaging or disengaging the static seal in order to prevent damage to the deformable material of the static seal.

主权项

1. A sealing device for separating fluid volumes, comprising:
a housing having one or more openings therein; a flow control element having one or more sealing elements arranged on the flow control element and movable with the flow control element, the flow control element being arranged within the housing with the one or more sealing elements arranged to contact the housing, the flow control element being configured to move relative to the housing between a closed position and an open position to selectively block fluid communication in the closed position between a first fluid volume exterior of the housing and a second fluid volume interior of the housing, and to selectively permit fluid communication in the open position between the first fluid volume and the second fluid volume via the one or more openings, the one or more sealing elements in contact with a first area of the housing in the closed position, the one or more sealing elements in contact with a second area of the housing in the open position, and the one or more openings in the housing disposed longitudinally between the first and second areas of the housing; and a protective member arranged to engage the flow control element, the protective member restricting fluid communication between the first fluid volume and the second fluid volume when the protective member is engaged with the flow control element; wherein, when the flow control element is moved between the closed position and the open position, the one or more sealing elements of the flow control element traverse the one or more openings in the housing and the protective member protects the one or more sealing elements from a differential pressure between the first volume and the second volume.