APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SUPPORTING A MEMBER AND CONTROLLING FLOW

摘要

A material is used in an apparatus that regulates a fluid to provide sufficient support for a member, such as a seal, yet allow the passage of the fluid in a passageway. The material can be a porous metal which is placed in the passageway so as to be closely aligned with the passageway's opening. The placement of the porous metal at or near the opening allows the seal to rest on the cross-section of the passageway as well as on the support provided by the porous metal. The increase in surface area upon which the seal is support reduces the risk that the seal will be cut and/or abraded, particularly in high pressure environments. The use of the material is the passageway further provides design control over the flow of the fluid.