Patent ID: 8701786

Claim:
A method of locking down an annulus seal disposed within an annulus between outer and inner wellhead members, the method comprising the steps of: providing a seal assembly including an annulus seal, an annular lockdown ring, and an energizing ring, the energizing ring including a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a medical portion extending therebetween, the proximal end portion being longitudinally spaced apart from the distal end portion; positioning the seal assembly in the annulus between outer and inner wellhead members; axially translating the distal end portion of the energizing ring into an annular channel of the annulus seal, the distal end portion of the energizing ring radially compressing substantial portions of a first annular member of the annulus seal into engagement with an outer diameter surface of the inner wellhead member and radially compressing substantial portions of a second annular member of the annulus seal into engagement with an inner diameter surface of the outer wellhead member responsive to the axial translation of the energizing ring; and outer diameter surface portions of the proximal end portion of the energizing ring radially compressing substantial portions of the lockdown ring responsive to axially translating the energizing ring, substantial portions of the outer diameter surface of the lockdown ring plastically deforming onto a plurality of annular grooves of a set of annular grooves defining a set of wickers located on portions of the inner diameter surface of the outer wellhead member, the proximal end portion of the energizing ring being spaced apart from the annular channel of the annulus seal when the distal end portion of the energizing ring is operably positioned therein.