SELF-CENTERING SEAL AND METHOD OF USING SAME

A seal (100) includes a seal body (102) disposed about a seal axis (104) and configured to be mounted to a first component (60) at a second axial end (110) of the seal body (102). The seal body (102) includes an interior surface defining a seal gland (116) circumferentially extending about the seal axis (104). A packing (120) is disposed within the seal gland (116). A retaining ring (132) is in communication with a second radial side of the packing (120) and is disposed within the seal gland (116). A plurality of exciter springs (140) are mounted to a second radial side of the retaining ring (132). The plurality of exciter springs (140) are biased against the interior surface of the seal body (102) and are configured to center the packing (120) within the seal body (102). The packing (120) is configured to receive a second component (52) and form a seal interface between the packing (120) and the second component (52). The seal body (102) is configured to form a portion of a passage (106).