Compact Ultrahigh Pressure Dynamic Seal Assembly With Pressure Activating Backup Ring

Abstract

The invention features a seal assembly for a high pressure liquid system. The seal assembly includes a seal carrier having a base portion defining a proximal end, a distal end, and a bore. The seal carrier also includes a seal disposed within the bore of the seal carrier. The seal carrier also includes a backup ring disposed within the bore of the seal carrier. The seal carrier also includes a hoop ring disposed substantially between the seal and the backup ring, the hoop ring having a proximal surface and an outer surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A seal component for a seal assembly of a high pressure liquid system, the seal component comprising:
 a body defining a substantially cylindrical aperture, the body including a first axial surface defining an outer diameter, a second axial surface defining an inner diameter, a third surface for engaging at least one of a press fit plug or a seal carrier, and a fourth surface for engaging at least one of a seal or a hoop ring when exposed to a pressure load,   wherein at least a portion of the second circumferential surface is angled relative to a vertical plane.   
     
     
         2 . The seal component of  claim 1  wherein the seal component is a backup ring. 
     
     
         3 . The seal component of  claim 1  wherein the fourth surface is angled radially outward. 
     
     
         4 . The seal component of  claim 1  wherein the fourth surface is angled between about two and about ten degrees. 
     
     
         5 . A method of locating a seal and a seal component in a seal assembly having a base portion defining a proximal end and a distal end, the method comprising:
 inserting, through an opening in the proximal end of the seal assembly, the seal into the seal assembly;   placing, through the opening in the proximal end of the seal assembly, the seal component in contact with the seal within the seal assembly; and   securing the seal and the seal component in the seal assembly using a fastening component provided through the opening in the proximal end of the seal assembly.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the seal component is at least one of a seal or a hoop ring. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  wherein a pressure stroke of the liquid pressurization pump causes angular deformation of the seal component. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising venting, through a seal carrier of the seal assembly, at least one of seal material or water that leaks relative to the seal component. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the venting occurs at least in part through an annular groove in the seal carrier.