Multi-Piece Pressure Operated Rings for a Downhole Pump Plunger

Abstract

A pressure responsive seal ring assembly includes a first and second arcuate-shaped ring segment configured for non-interlocking assembly onto a plunger body. A tab extends beyond a first end of each ring segment and is received by a recessed portion in the first end of the opposing ring segment. The tabs and recessed portions provide a gap in the outer peripheral surface of the assembled ring. A second tab extends beyond a second end of the second ring segment and is received by a recessed portion in the second end of the first ring segment. Pads provide an inter-space effective for allowing fluid flow between the interior peripheral surface and the plunger body. The ring segments expand radially outward with an increase in pressure to provide a seal and retract radially inward with a decrease in pressure. The ring segments, however, remain connected and resist fluid flow therebetween.

1 . A pressure responsive seal ring assembly for use in a downhole submerged pump assembly, the pump assembly including a plunger with a metallic cylinder and at least one seal ring groove in the cylinder for receiving a seal ring, the seal ring comprising:
 a first and second arcuate-shaped ring segment, said first and second ring segments having a first and second end, said first and second ends having an angular distance therebetween of less than  180 °;   a first tab that extends beyond said first end of each of said ring segments, said first tab and said second end of each of said ring segments having an angular distance therebetween of greater than  180 °;   a first recessed portion in said first end of each of said ring segments, said first recessed portion in each of said ring segments being substantially co-planer with said first tab of an opposing said ring segment, said recessed portion capable of receiving said opposing first tab;   a second tab that extends beyond said second end of said second ring segment, said second tab and said first end having an angular distance therebetween of greater than   180 °; and   a second recessed portion in said second end of said first ring segment, said second recessed portion being substantially co-planar with said second tab and capable of receiving said second tab.   wherein said ring segments connect to one another in a non-locking manner so that under pressure said ring segments expand radially outward and resist fluid flow therebetween.   
     
     
         2 . A seal ring assembly according to  claim 1  further comprising at least one raised pad located on a portion of an inner peripheral surface of each of said first and second ring segments, said pad providing an effective inter-space for a fluid flow between said inner peripheral surface and the metallic cylinder. 
     
     
         3 . A seal ring assembly according to  claim 2  further comprising at least one second raised pad located on an inner peripheral surface of said first tab. 
     
     
         4 . A seal ring assembly according to  claim 1  further comprising a gap in an outer periphery of said seal ring when said seal ring is in a retracted position, said gap formed by said first tab being received by opposing said recessed portion. 
     
     
         5 . A seal ring assembly according to  claim 1  wherein an outside diameter of said seal ring in a retracted position is slightly less than an inside diameter of a working barrel in communication with the plunger. 
     
     
         6 . A seal ring assembly according to  claim 1  further comprising said seal ring having an annular groove in an upper surface of each of said ring segments. 
     
     
         7 . A pressure responsive seal ring assembly for use in a downhole submerged pump assembly, the pump assembly including a plunger with a metallic cylinder and at least one seal ring groove in the cylinder for receiving a seal ring, the seal ring comprising:
 a plurality of arcuate-shaped ring segments, each of said ring segments having a first and second end;   at least one tab located on each of said ring segments and extending beyond one of said first and second ends; and   at least one recessed portion in one of said first and second ends, said recessed portion being substantially co-planar with said tab of an opposing said ring segment and capable of receiving said opposing tab;   wherein said ring segments connect to one another in a non-locking manner so that under pressure said ring segments expand radially outward and resist fluid flow therebetween.   
     
     
         8 . A seal ring assembly according to  claim 7  further comprising at least one pad located on a portion of an inner peripheral surface of at least one of said plurality of ring segments, said pad providing an effective inter-space for a fluid flow between said inner peripheral surface and the metallic cylinder. 
     
     
         9 . A seal ring assembly according to  claim 8  further comprising at least one second raised pad located on an inner peripheral surface of said at least one tab. 
     
     
         10 . A seal ring assembly according to  claim 7  further comprising a gap in an outer periphery of said seal ring when said seal ring is in a retracted position, said gap formed by two of said tabs being received by opposing said recessed portions. 
     
     
         11 . A seal ring assembly according to  claim 7  wherein said accurate-shaped ring segments are two in number. 
     
     
         12 . A seal ring assembly according to  claim 13  further comprising said first and second ends having an angular distance therebetween of less than  180 °. 
     
     
         13 . A seal ring assembly according to  claim 7  wherein said arcuate-shaped ring segments are three in number. 
     
     
         14 . A seal ring assembly according to  claim 14  further comprising said first and second ends of at least two rings having an angular distance therebetween of less than  120 °. 
     
     
         15 . A seal ring assembly according to  claim 7  wherein an outside diameter of said seal ring in a retracted position is slightly less than an inside diameter of a working barrel in communication with the plunger. 
     
     
         16 . A seal ring assembly according to  claim 7  further comprising said seal ring having an annular groove in an upper surface of each of said ring segments.