SINTERED METAL SEAL

摘要

A sintered metal seal comprising a sintered metal portion and an elastomeric portion molded thereto or impregnated therein. The sintered metal portion is substantially porous, and at least a portion of the elastomeric portion extends into porous openings formed in the surface of the sintered metal portion. In one embodiment, elastomeric elements are impregnated in the sintered metal portions such that the elastomeric elements are disposed in at least some of cavities formed in the porous sintered metal portion. The sintered metal seal is particularly well adapted for use in oil and gas well equipment, and various embodiments are disclosed, including a piston unit for a through-flowline tool string, a packer element assembly for a compression packer, a molded seal for a molded seal unit for sealing between a tubing string and a production well packer, a service seal for a service seal unit for sealing between a tubing string and a gravel packer in a well, and a seal block for a wireline valve.