In-situ observation of particles invasion behavior into the sealing interface under vibration

The invasion behavior of particles in the drilling fluid under vibration conditions may lead to sealing failure more easily. A test rig was designed to simulate the operating condition of FKM O-rings under vibration and particles environment. In-situ observations of particles invasion behavior were also performed. The results showed that two behavior of sealing boundaries movement and particles displacement would lead jointly to particles invasion into the sealing interface. It was also shown that both behaviors were induced by vibration and that their salience was influenced by the effect frequency of vibration. A new method to study this problem was proposed.