Abstract: A self-pressurized gasket seal arrangement comprising a first pressure part (12) having a first wall (14) surrounding a central axis (16) for confining fluid under pressure and a first shoulder (18) rigidly supported by the wall. The first shoulder defines a first support surface (20) transverse to the axis. A second pressure part (22) defines a second, substantially annular support surface (28) transverse to the axis. An annular seal ring (30) is situated for limited axial movement between the first and second support surfaces and has first and second ring surfaces (32, 34) oriented in opposite axial directions. The seal ring includes a ridge (36) for bearing on the first support surface to limit the movement of the seal ring axially away from the second pressure part and to transmit the initial preload uniformly. At least one gasket seat (40, 42) is provided on the second ring surface and annular gaskets (46, 48) are situated on each of the gasket seats.

Abstract: A pressurized fluid housing (4) has an opening (6) for receiving a movable shaft or stem (2). A hold down plate or bonnet (8) covers the opening and has an aperture (14) through which the shaft enters the housing. The hold down plate further includes a rigid, annular shoulder (34), facing downward, adjacent the shaft. A pressure plate or gland (18) is located within the opening and below the hold down plate. The pressure plate has an aperture (24) through which the shaft passes, and an upward-facing annular shoulder portion (40) adjacent the shaft and opposed to the shoulder on the hold down plate. An annular space (54) between the hold down plate and the pressure plate is maintained at ambient pressure through channels (16). The system pressure is imposed agains the lower surface (22) of the pressure plate to compress a packing ring (28) between the shoulders of the pressure plate and the hold down plate, thereby producing a radial pressure to seal the ring against the shaft.