Load delayed seal element, system, and method

Abstract

A seal assembly including, a deformable force transmission portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, the force transmission portion operative to transmit an applied force to a component linked to the seal assembly, and deformable in a direction transverse to a main axis of the seal assembly in response to a increased applied force greater than a threshold setting force, and a flexible outer seal portion attached to the outer surface and method.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A seal assembly comprising:
 a deformable force transmission portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, the force transmission portion operative to transmit an applied force to a component linked to the seal assembly, and deformable in response to a increased applied axial compression force greater than a threshold setting force; and   a flexible outer seal portion attached to the outer surface.   
     
     
         2 . The seal assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the assembly further comprises a flexible inner seal portion attached to the inner surface. 
     
     
         3 . The seal assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the force transmission portion has a center portion having a greater outer diameter than an outer diameter of an end portion. 
     
     
         4 . The seal assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the deformable force transmission portion has a deformable zone defined by a first circumferential line and a second circumferential line spaced along the main axis of the force transmission portion. 
     
     
         5 . The seal assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the deformable force transmission portion has a third circumferential line disposed between the first and second circumferential lines having a diameter greater than the diameter of the first and second circumferential lines. 
     
     
         6 . The seal assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the force transmission portion is metallic. 
     
     
         7 . The seal assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible outer seal portion is a rubber product. 
     
     
         8 . The seal assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the force transmission portion has at least one end having a threaded portion. 
     
     
         9 . The seal assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the applied force is an axial force. 
     
     
         10 . The seal assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the force transmission portion is tubular. 
     
     
         11 . The seal assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the force transmission portion is a plurality of ribs disposed radially about the main axis of seal assembly. 
     
     
         12 . A method for sealing a borehole comprising:
 applying a first axial force to a seal system operative to actuate a first seal assembly; and   applying a second axial force greater than the first axial force operative to actuate a second seal assembly.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the first seal assembly is disposed downhole in the borehole relative to the second seal assembly. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the first axial force is greater than a first threshold force level associated with the first seal assembly and less than a second threshold force level associated with the second seal assembly. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the method further comprises applying a third axial force to the seal system prior to applying the first axial force to actuate a tool connected to the first seal assembly. 
     
     
         16 . A seal assembly system comprising:
 a first seal assembly and a second seal assembly each having a deformable force transmission portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, the force transmission portion operative to transmit an applied force to a component linked to the seal assembly, and deformable in a direction transverse to a main axis of the seal assembly in response to a increased applied force greater than a threshold setting force, and a flexible outer seal portion attached to the outer surface.   
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the threshold setting force of the first seal assembly is greater than the threshold setting force of the second seal assembly. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the first seal assembly is disposed uphole of the second seal assembly. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the threshold setting force of the first seal assembly equals the threshold setting force of the second seal assembly.