Fire resistant sealing ring combination

Abstract

Abstract There is disclosed a fail-safe fire resistant sealing ring combination which provides a tight seal in a joint, such as in a fuel line. The primary sealing means for providing a tight seal under normal conditions is achieved by the use of an elastomeric sealing ring. A backup metallic sealing ring having radial leg portions which at least partially surround the elastomeric sealing ring is also provided. Another metallic confining means, e.g., a metallic ring which may be separate from or integral with one of the flanges forming the cavity in which the sealing rings are located, is situated contiguous to the sealing portion of the elastomeric sealing ring on the side opposite of the metallic sealing ring, i.e., in contact with the fluid which is being confined. Under conditions of extremely high temperatures such as generated by fire, the elastomeric seal will initially expand providing a driving force for the metallic sealing ring causing it to be driven with greater force into zero leakage sealing engagement with the sides of the line which is being sealed. When the elastomeric seal subsequently disintegrates due to the high temperature, the metallic seal provides a no-leak fuel seal. In the event of a fire, when fuel is flowing through the pipe, the inner metallic confining means prevents the disintegrating elastomeric compound from entering the fuel stream. It also prevents erosion of the elastomeric seal by the fuel flow during normal operation of the system.

Inventors

• 👤 Dudley D Taylor
• 👤 Jr Bernard J Sadoff
• 👤 Horace P Halling

Bibliographic Details