Seal elements for annular control devices

1. A seal element for an annular control device, comprising: an elastomer seal sleeve defining an annular opening therein between a pipe passing through the seal element when the seal element is uncompressed, the seal element arranged to be radially compressed to contact an exterior of the pipe;

wherein the elastomer seal sleeve comprises at least one of a wear resistant material disposed on an interior surface of the seal sleeve or a lubricant channel formed on the interior surface; and

wherein the elastomer seal sleeve comprises at least two, opposed lay helical grooves being continuous and longitudinally separated to as to traverse a circumference of the elastomer seal element a plurality of times to generate a high pressure area in the middle of the seal sleeve to reduce wear.

2. The seal element of claim 1 wherein the wear resistant material comprises longitudinally oriented wear bars.

3. The seal element of claim 1 wherein the wear resistant material comprises at least one circumferentially oriented wear ring.

4. The seal element of claim 1 wherein the lubricant channel comprises recesses forming a fluid bearing.

5. The seal element of claim 1 wherein the lubricant channel comprises an asymmetrical cross section.

6. The seal element of claim 5 comprising a taper on one side of the cross section.

7. The seal element of claim 1 further comprising a wiper seal disposed on at least one longitudinal end of the seal sleeve.

8. The seal element of claim 1 wherein the interior surface is shaped in the form of a labyrinth seal arranged to distribute a differential pressure across the seal element through a plurality of labyrinth chambers.

9. The seal element of claim 1 wherein the elastomer seal material comprises at least one sensor.

10. The seal element of claim 9 wherein the at least one sensor comprises a resistance sensor.

11. The seal element of claim 9 wherein the at least one sensor comprises a temperature sensor.