Importance

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Abstract

A pack-off (10) comprising of two metallic rings (12, 14) with a serpentine or undulating band (16) integral therewith embedded in elastomeric material (32). The lower metallic ring (14) is narrower than the upper metallic ring (12) and the serpentine band (16) and elastomeric material taper such that the narrow portion is at the lower end of the pack-off to engage and seal a tapered annulus (40) in a wellhead system. In one embodiment, the apices (20-26) of the serpentine band are curved and engage the side walls of a tapered annulus (40) to provide a combined metal-to-metal and elastomeric seal. In another embodiment, the apices (20a-26a) of the serpentine band (16) are flat to provide more metal contact with the side walls of the tapered annulus (10). The lower ring engages an abutment (52) and continued movement of the pack-off (10) deforms the band (16) and expands the elastomeric material (34) to seal the annulus (40). The abutment (52), the taper of the pack-off (10), and taper of the annulus (40) facilitates sealing and retrieval of the pack-off (10) if the latter becomes necessary.

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First Claim