Patent ID: 8794638

Claim:
A sealing array for positioning in an annular space between first and second tubular members each having a cylindrical sealing surface, the sealing array operable to provide a seal therebetween, the sealing array comprising: first and second backup rings, each having a concave surface and each defining a primary outer seal member of the sealing array; first and second rigid cap rings positioned between the first and second backup rings, each having a convex surface and an oppositely disposed substantially planar surface that is substantially perpendicular to the sealing surfaces of the tubular members, the convex surface of the first cap ring engaging the concave surface of the first backup ring and the convex surface of the second cap ring engaging the concave surface of the second backup ring, the cap rings sized to form a first annular extrusion gap with the sealing surface of the first tubular member and a second annular extrusion gap with the sealing surface of the second tubular member; and an energizing element disposed between the planar surfaces of the cap rings, wherein, in a first energized configuration upon application of sufficient pressure in a first direction, the energizing element contacts the planar surface of the first cap ring, the first cap ring compresses the first backup ring into a sealing configuration against the first and second tubular members and the energizing element extrudes into the first and second annular extrusion gaps associated with the first cap ring; and wherein, in a second energized configuration upon application of sufficient pressure in a second direction, the energizing element contacts the planar surface of the second cap ring, the second cap ring compresses the second backup ring into a sealing configuration against the first and second tubular members and the energizing element extrudes into the first and second annular extrusion gaps associated with the second cap ring.