Parker-hannifin Corporation

William Brooks Frederick

Timothy David Heiman

A radially expandable backup ring (50) with relatively rigid segments () and relatively resilient segments () that are integral with one another to circumferentially urge the relatively rigid segments () together when the backup ring () expands. The backup ring () may radially expand to reduce or eliminate a radial gap between the backup ring () and a radially inwardly facing surface of a corresponding cased wellbore () to prevent or minimize axial extrusion of a corresponding sealing member (), such as a compressible packer seal of a cased-hole retrievable packer assembly. The relatively resilient segments () allow the backup ring () to elastically expand and retract to prevent axial extrusion of the sealing member (). The relatively rigid support segments () may be axially aligned with a corresponding relatively resilient segment () of the backup ring to prevent axial extrusion of the sealing member () through the corresponding relatively resilient segment ().

Expandable backup ring

A backup assembly is provided for backing up a seal assembly that seals a gap between two components of a joint assembly. The backup assembly may include an elastomer, a spring element embedded within the elastomer, and first and second rings located adjacent to the elastomer on opposite sides of the spring element. The spring element may be a garter spring, and the elastomer may be over-molded around the spring. The elastomer may have opposing wing extensions that extend respectively along the first and second rings, and the rings may be steel rings. The elastomer, spring element, and rings form an annular backup ring. The backup assembly may be employed in a seal assembly for sealing a gap between two components of a joint assembly. The seal assembly may include a diaphragm seal component, and the backup assembly operates to provide backup and extrusion resistance for the seal component.

Growing community of inventors

Winona Lake, IN, United States of America

William Brooks Frederick