Trelleborg launches a custom-engineered elastomer-to-metal wellhead sealing solution
Published by Nicholas Woodroof,
Editor
Oilfield Technology,
Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has announced the launch of a new metal end cap seal specifically engineered for High Temperature High Pressure (HTHP) wellhead, tubing and casing hanger sealing environments, which combines the pressure and extrusion resistance of a metal-to-metal bonded component with the flexibility of an elastomer.
The high performance elastomer-to-metal bonded sealing elements provide the high level of extrusion resistance necessary for high pressure and temperature casing and tubing hanger applications. Combining the range of proprietary XploR™ Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD) and sour gas resistant elastomers with corrosion resistant metal end caps, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions engineers can design a customised sealing solution to meet specific oil field requirements.
Eric Bucci, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Segment Manager Oil & Gas Americas, said: “High pressure wellhead sealing environments, such as casing strings and tubing hangers, are safety-critical applications requiring a robust and capable sealing product. The new metal end cap seal that Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has developed uses our proprietary and proven XploR materials, which provide superior explosive decompression resistance, oilfield fluid compatibility and longevity in HTHP environments. These benefits accelerate the performance of our customers, allowing them to operate oil & gas equipment with optimal safety and reliability.”
Sealing in the elastomer-to-metal design solution is achieved by controlled deformation of the elastomer and metal end cap elements during installation and operation. Optimal stress distribution throughout the elastomer body is modeled through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to ensure appropriate design standards are applied to each customer’s unique application. Extrusion resistance is provided by the specially designed metal end caps that provide positive metal-to-metal sealing interference with the hardware upon assembly and conform with any potential extrusion gaps under pressure.
The mechanical end cap seal can withstand pressures up to 103.4 MPa/ 15 000 psi and temperatures up to +177 °C/ +350 °F in static applications. The seal materials are certified to NORSOK, NACE, API and Total standards.
Features and benefits
- Withstands pressures up to 103.4 MPa / 15,000 psi
- Temperature resistance from -18 °C/ 0 °F to +177 °C / +350 °F
- Chemically-bonded metal end caps provide a high level of extrusion resistance and metal-to-metal sealing
- Elastomer sealing element provides leak tightness against sub-optimal tubing surface finishes
- Custom engineered to fit existing tube sizes
- Materials certified to NORSOK, API and Total standards for demanding downhole environments
Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/product-news/29032018/trelleborg-launches-a-custom-engineered-elastomer-to-metal-wellhead-sealing-solution/
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