Patent attributes
A high-pressure bi-directional sealing system having outer support rings (30, 32), annular, axial seals (100, 300) between the outer support rings (30, 32), inner support rings (150, 160) located between the annular, axial seals (100, 300) and a redundant seal (200) that is located between the inner support rings (150, 160). The outer support rings (30, 32), the seals (100, 300), the inner support rings (150, 160) and the redundant seal (200) are located within a space between an outer tube (12) and an inner tube (14) that is telescopically disposed within the outer tube (12). The seals (100, 300) are oriented in opposite directions. Specifically, the opening of the seal (100) is facing in a first direction and the opening of the seal (300) is facing in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. This configuration enables the high-pressure bi-directional sealing system to handle pressure in both directions.