of large-diameter vessels more economical, as tight machining tolerances of 

 the radial seal surfaces on the follower ring and the interior of the vessel could 

 be relaxed, and (2) facilitate opening and closing the end closure, since insert- 

 ing the end closure with the elastic follower into the vessel would require less 



care. 



CONCLUSIONS 



The self-energizing radial seal from all the seals evaluated appears to 

 be the most desirable seal from technological and operational viewpoint for 

 containment of pressures in excess of 10,000 psi in vessels with diameters in 

 excess of 120 inches. 



RECOMMENDATIONS 



The proposed modification of the self-energizing radial seal should be 

 experimentally evaluated for possible incorporation into deep-ocean simulation 

 chambers currently in construction or design stages. This modification may 

 result in appreciable economies in fabrication and operation of large-diameter 

 pressure vessels for containment of high pressures. 



75 



