Patent ID: 8540017
Filing Date: 2013-09-24
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A seal assembly for sealing a wellbore, the wellbore having a pipe therein for passage of fluid therethrough and a blowout preventer (BOP) receiving the pipe therethrough, the seal assembly comprising: a plurality of blocks positionable within the BOP, each of the plurality of blocks having an opening extending into a cavity therein; at least one actuator for selectively moving the plurality of blocks to a contact position surrounding the pipe of the wellbore; and a plurality of pipe seals carried by the plurality of blocks for creating a seal about the pipe of the wellbore, the plurality of pipe seals being positionable in the cavity of the plurality of blocks and flowable through the opening thereof whereby at least a portion of a pressure applied to the plurality of pipe seals is released from the plurality of blocks.