INTERLOCKING FACE SEAL ASSEMBLIES AND RELATED METHODS

摘要

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

主权项

1. A method for assembling an interlocking face seal assembly comprising:
forming a sealing element with a convex outer surface and having a spring located in a spring cavity defined by two sealing flanges and a center channel section; forming a backup ring with an inner surface defining a bore, said inner surface comprising a concave inner surface; assembling the sealing element into the bore of the backup ring such that the concave inner surface accepts at least a portion of the convex outer surface of the sealing element and the sealing element is retained within the backup ring; and wherein the spring is biased against an inside surface of each of the two sealing flanges.