Elastomers and seal

selection

© The Robert Gordon University 2006 1

 Introduction
• Elastomers and seals are critical components of
completion strings
• Their main function is fluids and pressure
containment therefore, contributing to the
mechanical integrity of the completion
• Seal’s failure in a completion string can be a
catastrophic event that might require cessation of
production
• Elastomers and seals are use in components such
packers, seal assemblies etc.

© The Robert Gordon University 2006 2

 General classification
• Temperature and fluid type have a big impact on
elastomer and seal performance

• General types are (ASTM codes):

• Non-oil resistant for general purpose and low temperature use (NR,
EPDM)

• Oil resistance for general purpose (CR, NBR,CM, ECO

• Oil resistance for low temperature (TR, AU, EU)

• Oil and heat resistant (ACM, FCM, FKM)

• Silicone rubber (SI)

© The Robert Gordon University 2006 3

 Seal geometry selection
• Specific type selection is application dependant
• O-ring, T-seal & V-stack types

© The Robert Gordon University 2006 4

 “O” Rings
• Used for radial & axial sealing and can have back-
up rings depending on pressure and temperature

© The Robert Gordon University 2006 5

 T-Seals

• Designed for reciprocating dynamic service

• Might incorporate back-up rings to avoid damage

due to extrusion

• Available in most elastomer compounds

© The Robert Gordon University 2006 6

 V-Stacks
• Used in semi-dynamic seals, consist of a combination
of elastomers and plastic elements

• “Chevron” type is common and can be found in

nitrile, Viton and Chemraz elastomers

© The Robert Gordon University 2006 7

 General selection guidelines

• For production duties the standard choice is nitrile up

to 100 °C
• For sour conditions and above 100 °C viton and
fluoro-elastomeres are the preferred choice
• High temperature conditions and amine based
inhibitors will required something like TFEP (Aflas)
• Chemically aggressive environments require Chemarz
and Kalrez type of elastomers

© The Robert Gordon University 2006 8

 Summary

• Temperature and chemical compatibility are primary

considerations for elastomers and seal selection
• Adequate seal selection is critical to ensuring well
completion performance and its mechanical integrity
• A large number of options are available depending on
the production environment, nitrile, viton, aflas…
• “O” Ring, T-Seals or V-Stack are the most commonly
type of seals used in completion strings

© The Robert Gordon University 2006 9