Downhole seal protector arrangement

Abstract

A seal protection arrangement including a seal. One or more projections disposed proximate the seal and having rigidity/flexibility to deflect components passing thereby that are not intended to seal with the seal. Rigidity/flexibility to allow a component intended to seal with the seal to engage and seal therewith. A method for protecting a seal in a downhole assembly.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A seal protection arrangement comprising:
 a seal; and   one or more projections disposed proximate the seal and having rigidity/flexibility to deflect components passing thereby that are not intended to seal with the seal and rigidity/flexibility to allow a component intended to seal with the seal to engage and seal therewith.   
     
     
         2 . A seal protection arrangement as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the one or more projections are fingers. 
     
     
         3 . A seal protection arrangement as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the one or more fingers are curved. 
     
     
         4 . A seal protection arrangement as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the curves are in a direction away from the seal. 
     
     
         5 . A seal protection arrangement as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the one or more projections are metal. 
     
     
         6 . A seal protection arrangement as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the one or more projections are polymeric. 
     
     
         7 . A seal protection arrangement as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the one or more projections are rubber. 
     
     
         8 . A seal protection arrangement as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the one or more projections comprise a composite material. 
     
     
         9 . A seal protection arrangement as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the one or more projections are wipers. 
     
     
         10 . A seal protection arrangement as claimed in  claim 9  wherein the wipers are rings. 
     
     
         11 . A seal protection arrangement as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the one or more projections are a controlled electrolytic material. 
     
     
         12 . A seal arrangement as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the one or more projections act as a seal or a backup seal for the component and the seal. 
     
     
         13 . A method for protecting a seal in a downhole assembly comprising:
 disposing one or more projections proximate the seal, the one or more projections having rigidity/flexibility to deflect components passing thereby that are not intended to seal with the seal and rigidity/flexibility to allow a component intended to seal with the seal to engage and seal therewith;   running downhole equipment over the projections while not contacting the seal.   
     
     
         14 . The method as claimed in  claim 13  further including engaging a component intended to seal with the seal and creating a seal. 
     
     
         15 . The method as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the one or more projections are flattened to facilitate sealing contact with the component to be sealed. 
     
     
         16 . A downhole system comprising:
 a housing;   a seal disposed in the housing; and   one or more projections disposed proximate the seal, the projections having rigidity/flexibility to deflect components passing thereby that are not intended to seal with the seal and rigidity/flexibility to allow a component intended to seal with the seal to engage and seal therewith.