Drilling tool with elastomer seal having graded properties

• Main Authors: SMITH REDD H, KOLTERMANN TERRY J
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 29.03.2011
• Subjects: BLASTING; CYLINDERS; EARTH DRILLING; EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVEFUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; HEATING; LIGHTING; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; MINING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR ASLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS; PISTONS; SEALINGS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL; WEAPONS

A subterranean drill tool has a seal gland formed between a rotating and a static surface. An annular elastomeric seal is located in the gland in engagement with each of the surfaces. A property gradient is formed in at least part of the elastomeric material. The property gradient defines a property that changes from a first level at the surface to a second level in the interior of the seal. The elastomeric material within the property gradient has the same chemical composition as the rest of the seal.