High-Temperature High-Pressure Seals Made from a Novel Polymer System

Seals that can be used at temperatures higher than 225°C and pressures over 5000 psi are needed for both renewable energy applications, such as geothermal drilling, and equipment for industrial processing. Currently-available seals exhibit severe failure at temperatures above 200°C, because most of the devices encounter hydrolysis problem. This problem will be addressed by developing seals from an advanced polymer in various forms. The polymer will have temperature stability up to about 300°C and superior chemical and moisture resistance. Phase I will develop a novel high-temperature seals from an advanced polymer system with controlled microscopic morphologies. The seals will be fabricated and tested using a high-pressure vessel at elevated temperatures, and compared to conventional seals with and without surface coating. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The high-temperature high-pressure seals should find application in bearings for bits and pumps; seals for instrumentation packages; feed-through of telemetry/power cables; mechanical-chemical processing equipment such as pressure reactors; hydraulic motors; marine equipment; Pressure Temperature Spinner (PTS) instruments; annular preventers; packoff strippers; compact piston seals; machined valve seats; and seals for a variety of industries: mining, steel mills, offshore drilling, tunneling, railroads, and construction.