The deformation of a dual-elastomer seal

The use of dual-elastomeric materials for minimizing the level of extrusion in a thick-section seal is examined. A thick-walled cylindrical seal made from a combination of conventional carbon-black-reinforced elastomer and a fibre-reinforced elastomer is considered. The deformation of the seal and t he evolution of the contact pressure are determined by a combination of exp erimental test and detailed non-linear finite element analysis. The results show that the level of extrusion in the dual-elastomer seal is significant ly less than that in conventional single-elastomer seals. The implications of the results for the design of packing elements used in the oil and gas i ndustry are discussed.