Seal assembly with accumulator ring
US6948715B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 29, 2002 |
| Grant date | Sep 27, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 23, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16J15/166
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A seal assembly with an accumulator ring for protecting a seal from explosive decompression is disclosed. The accumulator ring and the seal are contained within a seal gland. The seal is made of a material that is susceptible to damage from explosive decompression. When exposed to a high-pressure fluid environment, the accumulator ring fills with a quantity of high-pressure fluid, either by permeation if it is solid or by permeation and/or vents and/or channels leading to a void if it is hollow. During an explosive decompression event, the accumulator ring expands to fill the remaining volume of the seal gland. Then, the accumulator ring exerts an axial compressive or supporting force on the seal for a sufficient amount of time to allow the seal to expel fluid contained in it and minimize the effects of explosive decompression thereto.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.