The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 31, 1985
Filed:
Jul. 26, 1982
Thomas G Choate, Houston, TX (US);
Exxon Production Research Co., Houston, TX (US);
Abstract
A seal pressure reduction system for protecting fluid seals located in the sealing gap between the moving parts of a fluid-carrying system from deterioration due to chemical action, excessive temperature or excessive pressure is disclosed. A first seal resistant to chemical action and excessive temperatures is installed in the sealing gap such that the front side of the first seal is in contact with the production fluid. A second seal resistant to excessive pressure is installed in the sealing gap between the first seal and the ambiance to form a sealed cavity along the sealing gap. A hydraulic fluid is located in the sealed cavity. A hydraulic pressure means located between and communicating with the production fluid and the hydraulic fluid is used to pressurize the hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic pressure means is actuated by the pressure of the production fluid to pressurize the hydraulic fluid to a pressure greater than, less than, or equal to that of the production fluid. Thus, the differential pressure acting on the first seal is reduced or eliminated while the second seal is isolated from deterioration induced by the production fluid. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of second seals are used to form a plurality of sealed cavities between the first seal and the ambiance. Hydraulic fluid is located in each of the sealed cavities. Each sealed cavity has associated therewith a hydraulic pressure means. The initial hydraulic pressure means is actuated by the production fluid to pressurize the hydraulic fluid in the initial sealed cavity. Subsequent hydraulic pressure means are each actuated by the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the preceding sealed cavity to pressurize the hydraulic fluid in its corresponding sealed cavity.