Seal assembly for a rotating control device

Abstract

An insert assembly for a rotating control device (RCD) includes a seal element configured to form an annular seal about a tubular as the tubular rotates, moves axially, or both. The insert assembly also includes a support member positioned within the seal element, wherein the support member includes a shape memory alloy.

1 . An insert assembly for a rotating control device (RCD), the insert assembly comprising:
 a seal element configured to form an annular seal about a tubular as the tubular rotates, moves axially, or both; and   a support member positioned within the seal element, wherein the support member comprises a shape memory alloy.   
     
     
         2 . The insert assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the seal element comprises an elastomer. 
     
     
         3 . The insert assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the support member is molded into the seal element. 
     
     
         4 . The insert assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the support member comprises a wire mesh. 
     
     
         5 . The insert assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the shape memory alloy comprises nitinol. 
     
     
         6 . The insert assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the seal element and the support member are annular. 
     
     
         7 . The insert assembly of  claim 1 , comprising a rigid insert that circumferentially surrounds the seal element. 
     
     
         8 . The insert assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the seal element comprises a radially inner surface with a wavy cross-sectional profile. 
     
     
         9 . The insert assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the support member comprises a wavy cross-sectional profile. 
     
     
         10 . The insert assembly of  claim 1 , wherein a radially inner surface of the seal element comprises tapered portions that taper relative to an axial axis and axially extending portions that extend along the axial axis. 
     
     
         11 . The insert assembly of  claim 1 , wherein an upper surface of the seal element tapers relative to an axial axis, and a lower surface of the seal element faces the axial axis. 
     
     
         12 . The insert assembly of  claim 1 , comprising bearings configured to facilitate rotation of the insert assembly relative to a housing of the RCD. 
     
     
         13 . A rotating control device (RCD) for a drilling system, the RCD comprising:
 a housing that defines a center bore;   an insert positioned in the housing; and   a seal assembly supported by the insert and configured to form an annular seal about a tubular in the center bore, wherein the seal assembly comprises a seal element and a support member, and the support member comprises a shape memory alloy.   
     
     
         14 . The RCD of  claim 13 , wherein the seal element comprises an elastomer. 
     
     
         15 . The RCD of  claim 13 , wherein the support member comprises a wire mesh. 
     
     
         16 . The RCD of  claim 13 , wherein the shape memory alloy comprises nitinol. 
     
     
         17 . The RCD of  claim 13 , wherein the support member comprises a wavy cross-sectional profile. 
     
     
         18 . The RCD of  claim 13 , comprising bearings configured to facilitate rotation of the insert and the seal assembly relative to the housing. 
     
     
         19 . A drilling system, comprising:
 a tubular configured to move axially and to rotate to drill a wellbore; and   a rotating control device (RCD), comprising:
 a housing that defines a central bore; 
 an insert positioned in the housing; 
 a seal element supported by the insert and configured to form an annular seal about the tubular to block a fluid flow from the wellbore to a platform; and 
 a support member embedded in the seal element, wherein the support member comprises a shape memory alloy. 
   
     
     
         20 . The drilling system of  claim 19 , wherein the support member comprises a wire mesh.