Patent ID: 7243713
Filing Date: 2007-07-17
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A ram-type blowout preventer for use in oil and gas drilling and workover operations, the blowout preventer comprising: a valve body having a vertical bore running therethrough; a pair of opposing actuator assemblies connected to the valve body, each actuator assembly comprising an actuator body, a piston, and a ram body, wherein the ram bodies of the pair of actuator assemblies are laterally movable within the actuator bodies, the ram bodies each having a shear blade connected thereto; a seal groove formed in one of the shear blades; and a sealing system for sealing between the shear blades, the sealing system comprising a seal assembly positioned substantially within the seal groove, one or more rail seal actuators, and one or more rail guide grooves, wherein the seal assembly comprises an actuator plate, a seal member, and an integral solid retainer for retaining the seal member in the seal groove when the seal member is compressed.