Importance

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Abstract

A seal assembly includes a first plate or member having a recess with a bottom mating surface which receives sealing ring therein and a second plate or member having a sealing surface for contacting a metallic sealing ring. First and second plates or members are coupled together by a plurality of fasteners or bolts. By tightening the fasteners the sealing ring is loaded, and thus, compressed to plastically deform and create an annular seal between the first and second members. Metallic sealing ring has a first annular sealing surface, a second annular sealing surface, an annular inner surface and an annular outer surface. The first annular sealing surface faces in a first axial direction to contact sealing surface of first member for creating a first annular sealing dam therebetween. The second annular sealing surface faces in a second axial direction, which is opposite to the first axial direction of the annular sealing surface, to contact sealing surface of second member for creating a second annular sealing dam therebetween. Preferably, the first and second annular sealing surfaces are substantially flat surfaces which are parallel to one another. An annular column section is formed between the first and second annular surfaces. The minimum radial width of the annular column determines the force necessary to deform the sealing ring to its sealing position. A pair of beam sections extend substantially perpendicular to the column section to create the sealing surfaces. At least one brace extends diagonally between the column section and one of the between sections to obtain proper sealing during compression of the sealing ring.

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First Claim