Compact Ultrahigh Pressure Dynamic Seal Assembly With Pressure Activating Backup Ring
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.
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.