EXPLORATION • DRILLING • FIELD SERVICES
Enhanced sealing for
he need to drill deeper for oil, with a corresponding increase in pressures and temperatures, makes working in an already harsh environment even more challenging. At the
WELLHEADS T
A new design of seal can be more easily installed in wellheads, explains Tim Rushton
same time, the current spot-market price of oil is putting even greater emphasis on the need to control operating costs. Meeting these seemingly opposing demands is never easy, but an innovative design of wellhead seal from SKF looks set to play an important role in helping oil companies drill deeper while keeping costs in check.
Called the Locking T-seal, the product is based on a proven design that has been developed from the fluid power sector, where it is used to prevent the piston seals in large bore cylinders becoming displaced or misaligned during installation. SKF has now adapted and patented this design, using specially developed materials to meet the exact needs of the upstream oil sector. Te seal is especially useful in wellheads, where it is difficult to locate seals used with backup rings precisely during installation. Traditional S-seals and spring-backed seals are often hidden from view, making it impossible to determine if they have seated correctly and thus leading to subsequent damage and failure of the seal assembly. Additionally, the steel backup springs used in standard S and FS seals can break apart during installation; if this occurs it can be an expensive and potentially dangerous operation to remove the broken parts from the well-hole. Te Locking T-seals feature specially designed
retention ridges that snap into place on installation, helping to prevent rotation or displacement and mechanically locking the anti-extrusion backup rings into the correct orientation. Te locking action makes it quick and simple to install each seal, without the risk of damage to the seal or other system components, while providing a secure
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connection that minimises the risk of leakage and environmental impact. Te Locking T-seal can also be used in dynamic
reciprocating motion, as well as high-pressure static connections.
FULL SEAL RANGE A further development from SKF is a full range of industry approved S and FS wellhead seals. Tese are designed to withstand ever-higher pressure and temperature, while meeting tougher regulatory requirements. Te pressure between casing layers can be in excess of 10,000psi – meaning that the seals must be manufactured and tested to very high standards. Tubing and rough casing diameters can also vary widely, and wellhead seals must be able to compensate for these variations.
FS and S seals can withstand the harsh conditions found in oil & gas applications
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