Trelleborg Launches Spring-Energized Seals

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions recently launched its XploR S-Seal and XploR FS-Seal custom-engineered, spring-energized elastomer seals.

Meeting the needs of the oil, gas, and energy industries, the seals offer maximum extrusion resistance in demanding high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) sealing environments.

The elastomer materials for the seals are from the XploR range of Trelleborg Sealing Solutions compounds specifically developed for the harshest of oil-and-gas-processing conditions, providing resistance to rapid gas decompression and sour gas.

Molded into the elastomer profile of the XploR S-Seal and XploR FS-Seal are two corrosion-resistant metallic antiextrusion springs. These facilitate high-pressure operation through a temperature range of -45°C to 260°C (-49°F to 500°F) and ensure pressure transmits uniformly in all directions across the seal footprint. There is an option to overwind these springs with a polyetheretherketone or carbon fiber composite material to meet specific pressure requirements.

The antiextrusion springs provide strong extrusion resistance to the seal while the elastomer element maintains a gas-tight seal when unpressurized. During operation, the springs work with the pressure to increase the sealing effect. As system pressure increases, the antiextrusion springs are forced into the extrusion gap area providing a robust and reliable seal.

The XploR S-Seal has a rectangular body and rounded seal surface. The seal replaces an O-ring and backup rings or T-seal in HPHT static applications. The XploR FS-Seal profile has a concave feature on the base with a rounded sealing surface. This allows for increased compression in HPHT situations, specifically for large diameter clearance requirements.

Static test fixtures provided in-house testing of typical requirements for American Petroleum Institute 6A PR2 certification. This testing validates the compatibility of the XploR S-Seal and XploR FS-Seal at specific pressures and temperatures as indicated by the test protocol. Materials are NORSOK and ISO 23936 compliant.

For a webinar on the seals, visit https://www.oilandgas-seals.com/en/tools-and-media/technical-library/xplor-webinar-logged-in.

For more information, visit https://www.oilandgas-seals.com/en/products/static-seals/xplor-s-seal-and-xplor-fs-seal.