EXPLORATION • DRILLING • FIELD SERVICES


Although S seals are used extensively in wellhead components, FS seals have a thicker cross section and are used for larger extrusion gaps and rougher casing and tubing surfaces. Both are capable of withstanding very high pressure.


SKF has tested its S and FS seals to API 6A-17D


standards, which ensures they can handle the high pressure, temperature and chemical resistance needed for wellheads. It believes it is currently the only seal company doing validation tests for wellhead conditions. S and FS seals are very well established. A key factor in their performance is a set of new materials from SKF that can withstand the harsh conditions of the wellhead. High pressure gases can penetrate into seal materials and a combination of chemical attack and rapid gas decompression (RGD) can then cause severe damage. Te new material, called SKF Ecorubber-H85A- b-ED, is resistant to RGD and long-term ageing, and has been certified to demanding standards (NOR-SOK M710). One potential problem with S and FS seals – as mentioned earlier – is that they incorporate metal springs, which can separate from the elastomer at high pressures. SKF has overcome this by developing a manufacturing technology that ensures a very strong bond between the rubber and metal. Te S


and FS seals may look identical to any others – but SKF’s underlying technology helps them to handle more extreme conditions. SKF is best known as a bearings company, but its manufacturing expertise and deep knowledge of the oil & gas sector underpin a range of high quality seals that offer real benefit to wellhead applications. l


The Locking T-seals have retention ridges that snap into place on installation


Tim Rushton is with SKF. www.skf.com


Created and produced by


OFFSHORE WIND


OIL & GAS


Register now Supported by Platinum Sponsor For more information ✔ at www.engineerlive.com/iog


MARINE ENERGY


Gold Conference Sponsor


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52