Seal assembly for well tools

摘要

A method and apparatus for inserting a seal stack in a seal bore defined by a well tool located downhole where ambient conditions would cause radial swelling of the seal stack. The seal stack is mounted at the surface in a confined space defined between a mandrel and a constraining sleeve shearably connected to the mandrel. Upon run-in of the mandrel to enter the seal bore, the constraining sleeve engages an upwardly facing surface surrounding the entrance to the seal bore which prevents further downward movement of the constraining sleeve. Application of a downward force effects the shearing of the connection between the mandrel and the constraining sleeve and permits the mandrel and seal stack to be inserted in the seal bore while the constraining sleeve moves upwardly relative to the mandrel.