SEALING ARRAY FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE APPLICATIONS

摘要

A sealing array (100) for positioning in an annular space between tubular members (102, 114) to provide a seal therebetween. The sealing array (100) includes a pair of oppositely disposed backup rings (138, 140), each defining a primary outer seal member of the sealing array (100). A pair of rigid cap rings (158, 160) is disposed between the backup rings (138, 140). Each cap ring (158, 160) has a substantially planar surface and an oppositely disposed surface that engages one of the backup rings (138, 140) to energize the backup rings (138, 140) upon the application of sufficient pressure. The cap rings (158, 160) are sized to form controlled extrusion gaps with both tubular members (102, 114). An energizing element (178) is disposed between the planar surfaces of the cap rings (158, 160). The energizing element (178) engages a planar surface of at least one of the cap rings (158, 160) and seals the extrusion gaps (180, 182) associated with the engaged cap ring (158) upon the application of sufficient pressure.