US Patent 10151311 High pressure sealing arrangement

A seal assembly seals a gap between a pump plunger and a high pressure cylinder of a pump. The assembly includes a seal ring having a bore through which the plunger can extend, a front axial end, and a rear axial end. An O-ring is positioned on the seal ring. A packing ring has a bore through which the plunger can extend, a front axial end abutting the rear axial end of the seal ring, and a rear axial end. A non-metal packing follower has a bore through which the plunger can extend, a front axial end abutting the rear axial end of the packing ring, and a rear axial end. The non-metal packing follower can be ceramic (e.g., carbide) or similar hard, wear-resistant materials.