WO2014058327A1

WO2014058327A1 - Pipe connection tool and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2014058327A1
Application number: PCT/NO2013/050171
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jan Vørøs HANSEN; Hy Nguyen; Per Slettedal; Tage ANDERSEN
Original assignee: Aker Subsea As
Priority date: 2012-10-13
Filing date: 2013-10-10
Publication date: 2014-04-17
Also published as: NO334463B1; NO20121175A1

Abstract

Pipe connection tool (400) operating locking segments of a pipe connection assembly (1). The locking segments (101) are distributed about the pipe ends and have a connected (103) and a movable portion (105) with segment locking profiles (103a, 105a). When locked they engage a pipe locking profile (203) at the first pipe end (201) and a pipe locking profile (303) at the second end (301). In a non-locked position the locking segments are pivoted outwards about a pivot section. The pipe connection tool is adapted to receive the pipe connection assembly in an engagement space (405), through a receiving clearance (403). Moreover it is adapted to reduce the receiving clearance when the pipe connection assembly is in the tool engagement space. A locking segment compression assembly (450) forces the locking segments (101) from the non-locked position into the locking position.

Description

Pipe connection tool and methods

The present invention relates to a riser connector tool adapted to connect facing pipe ends by means of connectors arranged on the pipe ends. In particular the tool is arranged to connect riser pipe segments together into a riser string extending down from a surface installation on the sea surface. In other aspects of the invention it relates to methods of connecting and disconnecting a pipe connection assembly arranged on coaxially arranged pipe ends.

Background

A plurality of solutions for coaxial connection of two pipe ends exists. In particular there exist many solutions for connection of riser segments into riser strings suited to extend through the sea down to a subsea well. Such strings of riser segments need to withstand large and varying forces, and the connections need to preserve a sealed connection between each riser segment.

One pipe connection assembly is described in the non-published Norwegian patent application NO201 10730, filed 18 May 201 1 . Such a pipe connection assembly is described later herein with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. In some types of connections a plurality of locking segments is arranged about the two facing pipe ends. The locking segments have inwardly facing locking profiles which engage with outwardly facing locking profiles of the respective pipe ends. Such a connection is described in European patent application publication EP367419. In this solution upper and lower cam rings are forced towards the segments by means of bolts which are tightened by bolt nuts.

The invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a pipe connection tool which is adapted to operate a pipe connection assembly of first and second pipe ends to connect the pipe ends in a facing and coaxially arranged position. The pipe connection assembly comprises a plurality of locking segments distributed about the perimeter of the pipe ends. The locking segments have a connected portion with segment locking profiles and a movable portion with segment locking profiles. When in a locking position the locking segments extend from a pipe locking profile at the first pipe end to a pipe locking profile at the second pipe end and engage the respective pipe locking profiles with the facing segment locking profiles. Moreover, when in a non-locked position, the locking segments are pivoted radially outwards with respect to the locked position, about a pivot section. Furthermore, the pipe connection tool is adapted to receive the pipe connection assembly in a tool engagement space, through a receiving clearance. The pipe connection tool is also adapted to reduce the receiving clearance when the pipe connection assembly is in the tool

engagement space. The pipe connection tool comprises a locking segment compression assembly which is adapted to force the locking segments from the non-locked position into the locking position.

The term locking profiles should be interpreted as configurations on the locking segments and the pipe ends, respectively, that are adapted to retain the locking segment in the axial position on the pipe ends when engaged. For instance, the locking segment locking profile may on one end portion of a locking segment be shaped like a shoulder adapted to be inserted into a groove in the pipe end, or vice versa. Normally at least one of the locking profiles should exhibit at least one inclined face which results in a tensile pre-tensioning of the locking segment when forced into the locking position by the pipe connection tool.

When the clearance is reduced it may even be closed completely, as will appear from the examples of embodiment below. However, a complete closing of the clearance is not mandatory for a pipe connection tool according to the first aspect of the present invention.

It should be noted that, as also will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art, the pipe connection tool according to the first aspect of the invention is also capable of compressing the locking segments also when they are in the locking position. This will occur when the pipe connection assembly shall be disengaged. This will also be described further below.

According to a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the locking segment compression assembly is adapted to abut directly onto and force a radially and outwardly facing actuation face of each locking segment radially inwards. This results in a pipe connection assembly which does not require any additional components radially outside of the actuation faces of the locking segments. Hence a lean pipe connection assembly is provided.

The pipe connection tool may further comprise an alignment shoulder which is adapted to land on a collar of the pipe connection assembly. A collar in this sense should be understood as any shoulder on the pipe onto which the alignment shoulder may land to fully or partially support the pipe connection tool. In other words, it is any component on the pipe / pipe end which is suited to receive and support the landing alignment shoulder.

In one embodiment of the pipe connection tool according to the first aspect of the invention, the locking segment compression assembly comprises a plurality of actuation rods that move radially with respect to the pipe connection assembly. Preferably there may be arranged one actuation rod for each locking segment. As will appear from the detailed example description below, the actuation rods can be piston rods that are actuated by hydraulic cylinders. In another embodiment of the pipe connection tool according to the first aspect of the invention, the locking segment compression assembly comprises a chained member comprising a plurality of segments that are hinged together. The chained member is adapted to extend about the locking segments of the pipe connection assembly and to be pulled, thereby compressing the locking segments. The compression will occur since the circumference of the chained member is reduced by the pull.

According to yet an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the locking segment compression assembly comprises an actuator component and an actuator component actuator that moves the actuator component in an axial direction. The actuator component is adapted to slide against radially and outwardly facing actuation faces of the locking segments, thereby forcing the locking segments radially inwards. In one example of this embodiment, the actuator component can slide between the actuation face of the locking segment and an opposite face of the tool. In such an example radially directed forces will be exerted onto the actuator component on both of its radial sides. The actuator component can then be a separate actuation member, wherein each separate actuation member is adapted to slide against the segment actuation face of a separate locking segment. That is, each locking segment is forced radially inwards by a dedicated actuator component. In contrast to the embodiment where the actuator component is an actuator ring, as described below, the separate actuation members do not circumvent the pipe locking assembly in a continuous fashion.

In another example of this embodiment the actuator component is an actuator ring that extends about the locking segments and which is attached to the actuator component actuator. The actuator ring will then circumvent the locking segments.

The pipe connection tool according to the first aspect of the invention may comprise a securing sleeve actuation assembly which is adapted to move a securing sleeve of the pipe connection assembly in an axial direction. The securing sleeve is a component that can be moved into engagement with the locking segments when these are in the locking position. The securing sleeve may be threaded onto a pipe end, or be arranged on the pipe end in a sliding manner. In the latter case, components are needed to retain the securing sleeve in position on the pipe end. Moreover, the securing sleeve does not necessarily have the strict shape of a sleeve. Rather, the securing sleeve is a component that is adapted to engage or disengage with the locking segments in order to retain them in a locking position or to release them from a locking position (when the securing sleeve is not in engagement with the locking segments). According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of connecting a first pipe end and a second pipe end of a first and second pipe. The pipe ends are equipped with a pipe connection assembly exhibiting pivoting locking segments. According to the second aspect of the invention, the method comprises a) arranging the pipe ends in a position where they are coaxial and where the locking segments extend along a portion of both the first and second pipe end;

b) arranging a pipe connection tool about the pipe connection assembly, for instance by receiving the pipe connection assembly in a tool engagement space;

c) with a locking segment compression assembly of the pipe connection tool, moving the locking segments radially inwards into a locking position; and then

d) arranging a retainer sleeve in a position to retain the locking segments in the locking position; and then

e) disengage the locking segment compression assembly from its engagement with the locking segments; and then

f) remove the pipe connection tool from its position about the pipe connection assembly.

The pipe connection tool employed in the method according to the second aspect of the invention may typically be a pipe connection tool according to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of disconnecting a first pipe end and a second pipe end of a first and second pipe. The pipe ends are equipped with a pipe connection assembly with pivoting locking segments that extend along a portion of both the first and second pipe end. According to the third aspect of the invention, the method comprises the following steps

a) arranging a pipe connection tool about the pipe connection assembly;

b) with a locking segment compression assembly of the pipe connection tool, forcing the locking segments radially inwards when in a locking position; and then

c) moving a retainer sleeve away from a position in which it retains the locking segments in the locking position; and then d) disengage the locking segment compression assembly from its engagement with the locking segments, thereby letting the locking segments pivot out of their locking position;

e) remove the pipe connection tool from its position about the pipe connection assembly; and

f) moving the first and second pipe ends away from each other.

The skilled person will appreciate that when conducting the method of connecting and the method of disconnecting the two pipe ends, the pipe connection tool according to the invention is appropriate to use.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a pipe connection tool having a locking segment compression assembly adapted to move locking segments in a radial direction from a non-locked position into a locked position, in which locked position the locking segments engage both pipe ends of two coaxially arranged pipes. According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the locking segments exhibit outwardly facing actuation faces. Moreover, the locking segment compression assembly is adapted to engage directly onto the actuation faces when moving the locking segments in said radial direction.

In one embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the pipe connection tool comprises a clearance through which the locking segments can be moved into a tool engagement space. That is, the pipe connection assembly can move through the clearance.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a pipe connection assembly and a pipe connection tool adapted to operate the pipe connection assembly. The pipe connection assembly comprises a plurality of locking segments which when in a locking position engage first and second coaxially arranged pipe ends. According to the invention, the pipe connection tool is adapted to move the locking segments in a pivoting movement. The locking position is a position of the locking segments where they maintain the mutual axial position of the first and second pipe ends. In an embodiment of the fifth aspect of the invention, the pipe connection tool comprises a clearance through which the pipe connection assembly can be moved.

The pipe connection tool according to the invention as well as the methods according to the invention are particularly suited for connecting and

disconnecting riser segments of a riser string that extends through the sea. Example of embodiment

While the invention has been described in general terms above, a more detailed and non-limiting example of embodiment will be described in the following with reference to the drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a cross section view of two facing and not connected pipe ends,

provided with a connection assembly;

Fig. 2 is a cross section view corresponding to Fig. 1 , however wherein the pipe ends are in a connected mode;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a pipe connection tool in the process of receiving a pipe connection assembly;

Fig. 4 is a side view of the pipe connection tool shown in Fig. 3, showing the locking segments of the pipe connection assembly in a non-locked state; Fig. 5 is a top view of the pipe connection tool shown in Fig. 3, however without the pipe connection assembly;

Fig. 6 is a side view of the pipe connection tool in Fig. 3, shown in a closed state;

Fig. 7 is a top view of a mid part of the pipe connection tool in Fig. 6, shown without the pipe connection assembly;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged mid part top view of the pipe connection tool;

Fig. 9 is a top view corresponding to Fig. 7, however with a locking segment actuation assembly in an activated state;

Fig. 10 is a side view corresponding to Fig. 4, however with the locking

segments of the pipe connection assembly in a locking position; Fig. 1 1 is a top view of the pipe connection tool corresponding to Fig. 5, however with a top part of the tool shown;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the pipe connection tool according to the invention;

Fig. 13 is a top view of the tool shown in Fig. 12, with a clearance in an open position;

Fig. 14 is a top view corresponding to Fig. 13, however with the clearance

closed;

Fig. 15 is a top view corresponding to Fig. 13, however with the clearance closed and with a chained element in a tightened state;

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the pipe connection tool according to the invention;

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the pipe connection tool according to the invention;

Fig. 18 is a side cross section view of the pipe connection tool shown in Fig. 17 in an open position;

Fig. 19 is a side cross section view of the pipe connection tool shown in Fig. 17 in a closed position and with the locking segments in a non-locking position;

Fig. 20 is a side cross section view of the pipe connection tool shown in Fig. 19, in an angle perpendicular to the angle shown in Fig. 19 and with the locking segments in a locking position;

Fig. 21 is an enlarged principal cross section view of an alternative example of the tool shown in Fig. 17;

Fig. 22 is a cross section view corresponding to Fig. 21 , however with the locking segments in a locking position;

Fig. 23 is a side view of the tool shown in Fig. 3, however provided with a

securing sleeve actuation assembly;

Fig. 24 is a side view of the tool shown in Fig. 23; and

Fig. 25 is a side view of the tool shown in Fig. 23, however with another

embodiment of the securing sleeve actuation assembly.

In the following is described a possible pipe connection assembly with which the pipe connection tool according to the present invention may be applied. Fig. 1 shows a pipe connection assembly 1 in a non-connected state. The connection assembly 1 is associated with a first pipe end 201 of a first pipe 200 and a second pipe end 301 of a second pipe 300. On each pipe 200, 300, externally facing pipe locking profiles 203, 303 extend peripherally about the circumference of the first and second pipe ends 201 , 301 , respectively.

On the second pipe end 301 there is attached eight locking segments 101 , distributed about the circumference of the second pipe end 301 . The locking segments 101 have a connected portion 103 and a movable portion 105. A part of the connected portion 103 of the locking segments 101 is retained under an axially protruding shoulder 109 of a retainer sleeve 107. The movable portion 105 is located, in the non-connected state shown in Fig. 1 , in a radially outwardly pivoted position. The locking segments 101 are adapted to pivot inwards and outwards about a pivot section located underneath the protruding shoulder 109 of the retainer sleeve 107. The retainer sleeve 107 is threaded onto the second pipe end 301 of the second pipe 300. When the retainer sleeve 107 is in the correct retaining position, the locking segments 101 can pivot a certain angular distance in the radial direction about the pivot section located below the protruding shoulder 109, but cannot move out of engagement with the protruding shoulder 109 and the second pipe end 301. The connected portion 103 and the movable portion 105 each exhibit segment locking profiles 103a and 105a, which are adapted to be arranged in a locking engagement with the pipe locking profiles 303 and 203 of the second and first pipe ends 301 , 201 , respectively. Fig. 2 shows the locking segments 101 in the locked position, wherein the segment locking profiles 103a, 105a are in engagement with the pipe locking profiles 303, 203 of respective pipe ends 301 , 201 .

To a radially inwardly facing face of the second pipe end 301 there is arranged a sealing sleeve 305. To each locking segment 101 there is connected a spreading member 1 13. The spreading member 1 13 is a piece of rubber which is attached to the locking segment 101 by vulcanisation. Fig. 1 shows the locking segments 101 in a non- locked position. In this position the spreading member 1 13 biases and pivots the locking segments 101 towards the outwardly pivoted position. Fig. 2 shows the locking segments 101 in the locking position. In this position the locking

segments 101 have been pivoted inwardly and the spreading member 1 13 has become flexed and/or compressed, making the inwardly pivoting movement possible.

When connecting the first pipe end 201 to the second pipe end 301 , they are arranged coaxially as shown in Fig. 1 , and moved towards each other until they abut against each other. During this movement the spreading member 1 13 keeps the locking segments 101 in the outwardly pivoted position, such as shown in Fig. 1. When the pipe ends 201 , 301 have been arranged in this way, the locking segments 101 are pivoted radially inwards into the locking position by means of a pipe connection tool, which will be described below. In this position, the segment locking profiles 103a, 105a of the locking segments 101 are in engagement with the pipe locking profiles 203, 303, cf. Fig. 2.

The pipe connection tool can engage the locking segments 101 at radially facing actuation faces 1 10. As shown in Fig. 2 an end part of the movable portion 105 of the locking segments 101 is secured in the inwardly pivoted locking position by an axially protruding securing shoulder 1 17 of a securing sleeve 1 15. The securing sleeve 1 15 is threaded onto the first pipe end 201. When the locking segments 101 have been pivoted inwards, past the protruding securing shoulder 1 17, the securing sleeve 1 15 is moved to the position shown in Fig. 2. In this position the protruding shoulder 1 17 extends in an axial direction over a part of the movable portion 105 of the locking segments 101 , thereby securing them in the locking position. It should be noted that, according to the described example embodiment, the first and second pipe ends 201 , 301 can advantageously be identical. That is, the pipe threads 209 of the first pipe end 201 correspond to the pipe threads 309 of the second pipe end 301 . Also, the pipe locking profiles 203, 303 of the first and second pipe ends 201 , 301 are identical. A result of this feature is that one does not need to consider which end of the pipe which is used as a first pipe end 201 and a second pipe end 301 when assembling the connection assembly 1 , including removable components such as the locking segments 101 , the retainer sleeve 107, etc. onto the pipe ends.

It should also be noted that, with disregard to the spreading member 1 13, the locking segments 101 could be symmetric. That is, the connected portion 103 of the locking segments 101 could be identical to the movable portion 105.

Furthermore, in this embodiment the retainer sleeve 107 is identical to the securing sleeve 1 15. These features significantly facilitate the assembly of the connection assembly 1 , and reduce the risk of erroneous assembly.

In the following a detailed example description of various embodiments of the pipe connection tool according to the present invention will be presented. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art will appreciate that such pipe connection tools will function on many types of pipe connection assemblies. I.e. the above description of one possible pipe connection assembly is given merely to describe one of a plurality of possible assemblies. Fig. 3 to Fig. 1 1 describes a first embodiment of a pipe connection tool according to the present invention.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a pipe connection tool 400 according to the present invention, arranged about a pipe connection assembly 1 of a first and second pipe 200, 300. Only an upper part of the first pipe 200 and a lower part of the second pipe 300 is shown. Also visible are some of eight locking segments 101 which are connected to the second pipe end 301 of the second pipe 300 by means of the retainer sleeve 107 of the pipe connection assembly 1 described above. It should be noted that the locking segments 101 are pivoted slightly outwards so that the second pipe 300 may be lowered coaxially down onto the first pipe 200 without the locking segments 101 colliding with any parts of the lower first pipe 200. The pipe connection tool 400 shown in Fig. 3 has a locking segment compression assembly 450 comprising eight actuation cylinders 451 . The actuation cylinders 451 are each adapted to force in one of the eight locking segments 101 of the pipe connection assembly 1 . As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the number of locking segments 101 may be more or less than eight. Naturally this also applies for the number of actuation cylinders 451 .

Compared to the pipe connection assembly 1 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the pipe connection assembly shown together with the pipe connection tool 400 in Fig. 3 exhibits a securing sleeve 1 15 which has a longer axial extension. The increased axial extension facilitates engagement with a part of the tool which may rotate the securing sleeve 1 15 into and out of the securing position, in which it secures the locking segments 101 in the locking position.

The pipe connection tool 400 shown in Fig. 3 comprises two main bodies 401 . The two main bodies 401 are connected by means of a hinge 41 1 , as can be seen from Fig. 5. The tool 400 can change between an open position and a closed position, as will appear from the following.

Fig. 5 shows a top cross section view of the pipe connection tool 400 in an open position. This same position is shown in the side view of Fig. 4, wherein the tool 400 is shown in a preparation mode. In the preparation mode the tool 400 exhibits a receiving clearance 403 through which the pipe connection assembly 1 may pass. As this takes place, the pipe connection tool 400 is moved towards the pipe connection assembly 1 , and the pipe connection assembly 1 is received in a tool engagement space 405 after passing through the clearance 403.

As appears from Fig. 5 the two main bodies 401 are shaped like two semicircles which are hinged together at one end. As shown in Fig. 7 the two main bodies 401 can be closed into complete circle, thereby fully enclosing the tool engagement space 405 and closing the clearance 403. Fig. 7 is a top cross section view of the pipe connection tool 400 in the situation also shown in the side view of Fig. 6. In this situation the tool 400 encompasses the pipe

connection assembly 1 and is ready to force the locking segments 101 radially inwards from the non-locked position to the locked position.

To close the two main bodies 401 together a locking bolt 407 is passed through bolt receiving apertures 409 of the main bodies 401 when the apertures 409 are aligned.

Forcing the locking segments 101 inwards takes place by supplying hydraulic pressure to the actuation cylinders 451 of the locking segment compression assembly 450. Hydraulic lines are indicated, providing hydraulic pressure to all of the actuation cylinders 451 from the same hydraulic source (not shown). Fig. 8 is an enlarged top view of two actuation cylinders 451. Out from the actuation cylinder 451 extends an actuation rod, here in the form of a piston rod 453. The piston rod (actuation rod) is attached to a hydraulic piston (not shown) within the actuation cylinder 451 so that the piston rod 453 moves when hydraulic pressure is provided to it. On the other end of the piston rod 453 there is attached an engagement element 455, here in the form of a solid plate. The engagement element 455 is adapted to abut the actuation faces 1 10 of the locking segments 101 , in order to force the locking segments 101 into the locking position. This takes place when the two main bodies 401 are in the closed position as shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7.

In stead of actuating the actuation rods 453 with hydraulic pistons in hydraulic cylinders, one could also employ for instance an electric motor which could move the actuation. Rotational movement of the electric motor could be transformed into linear movement of the actuation rod 453 by means of a roller screw.

Fig. 9 shows the tool 400 in the closed position and the actuation cylinders 451 in the actuated position. That is, the piston rods 451 have been forced radially inwards in order to move the locking segments 101 into the locking position. When the locking segments 101 have been forced into the locking position, the tool 400 maintains them in this position while a means for retaining them in this position is actuated. With the embodiment of the pipe connection assembly 1 , described above with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, this means is the securing sleeve 1 15. The securing sleeve 1 15 may be rotated on the second pipe end 201 until a protruding securing shoulder 1 17 is arranged in such a position that the locking segments 101 are secured in the locking position.

Once the locking segments 101 of the pipe connection assembly in question are secured, the hydraulic pressure can be relieved and the two main bodies 401 may be opened in order to move the tool 400 away from the locked pipe connection assembly 1 . Fig. 10 illustrates this situation, showing the locking segments 101 in the locked position and the clearance 403 in an open position.

Fig. 1 1 is a top view of the pipe connection tool 400 of Fig. 3 to Fig. 10 in a preparation mode, i.e. with the clearance 403 in an open position. As can also be seen in the previous drawings described above, the pipe connection tool 400 is provided with an alignment shoulder 413. The alignment shoulder is,

corresponding to the two main bodies 401 , shaped like two semicircles adapted to form a complete circle. One respective part of the alignment shoulder 413 is arranged to one main body 401. When the tool 400 closes around the pipe connection assembly, the tool 400 can be lowered down until it rests on a collar of the second pipe 300. This collar may typically be the retainer sleeve 107 discussed above. By letting the tool 400 rest, completely or partially, on the retainer sleeve 107 or another collar, the locking segment compression assembly 450 will be aligned with the locking segments 101 , both with respect to the axial and the radial direction. This applies regardless of how the locking segment compression assembly 450 is designed. Also apparent in Fig. 1 1 are cylinder attachment plates 415. The cylinder attachment plates 415 extend between an upper and lower main body plate which constitute a main portion of the main body 401 . In addition, the cylinder attachment plates 415 constitute support for the actuation cylinders 451 . The actuation cylinders 451 are attached to the cylinder attachment plates 415 by means of attachment bolts.

Fig. 12 to Fig. 15 shows a second embodiment of a pipe connection tool 400' according to the present invention. This pipe connection tool 400' has another mode of operation than the tool 400 described above with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 1 1 . However, like the tool described above, this pipe connection tool 400' is also adapted to operate a pipe connection assembly having movable locking segments, such as the pipe connection assembly 1 described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Its main body 401 ' is mainly constituted by an upper and lower plate. Up from the upper plate of the main body 401 ' extends a lifting arm 461 . The lifting arm 461 is a stiff member adapted to be connected to lifting means in order to facilitate handling of the pipe connection tool 400'. Differing also from the first described tool, the locking segment compression assembly 450' of the pipe connection tool 400' shown in Fig. 12 comprises a chained member 462. Fig. 13 to Fig. 15 show this chained member 462 in various states with top views. The chained member 462 comprises a plurality of segments 463 that are hinged together into a chain. At a first end 465 of the chained member 462, it is hingedly attached to the main body 401 '. Furthermore, when the main body 401 ' is arranged in contact with the pipe connection assembly 1 , the chained member 462 can be curled about the pipe connection assembly 1 and connect to an actuation lever 469 with its second end 467. The actuation lever 469 between the upper and lower plates of the main body 401 '. It is arranged to pivot about an actuation lever pivot axis 471 . At one of its end, namely the one close to the actuation lever pivot axis 471 , the actuation lever 469 exhibits a lever

engagement groove 473. The lever engagement groove 473 is adapted to receive a chain engagement bolt 468 at the second end 467 of the chained member 462.

At the end of the lever 469 which is opposite of the lever actuation groove 473, the lever 469 is hingedly attached to the end of a hydraulic piston rod 475. The hydraulic piston rod 475 is part of a hydraulic piston assembly 477 which is attached between the upper and lower plate of the main body 401 '. When supplied with hydraulic pressure, the hydraulic piston assembly 477 is thus adapted to pivot the actuation lever 469 about the actuation lever pivot axis 471 . The hydraulic piston assembly 477 is, along with the chained member 462, a part of the locking segment compression assembly 450'.

In Fig. 13 the chained member 462 is shown in a position in which it is partially curled about the pipe connection assembly 1 . In Fig. 14 the chained member 462 is shown in a position in which its chain engagement bolt 468, at the second end 467, is placed into engagement with the lever actuation groove 473.

Fig. 15 shows the same components as in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, however with the hydraulic piston rod 475 in an extended (actuated) position. In this position the actuation lever 469 has been pivoted about the actuation lever pivot axis 471 . As a result, the lever actuation groove 473 has been moved and has thus pulled the second end 467 of the chained member 462. This movement has tightened the engagement of the chained member 462 about the locking segments 101 and has thus forced the locking segments 101 into the locking position.

In this embodiment the number of segments 463 of the chained member 462 is one less than the number of locking segments 101 of the pipe connection assembly 1 . That is, in this embodiment the number of locking segments 101 is eight while the chained member 462 has seven segments 463. In the closed state as shown in Fig. 15, the seven segments 463 and the main body 401 ' can be construed to be eight segments of a chain, i.e. one segment per locking segment 101 . It is noted, however, that another number of segments in the chained member may be chosen. As will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art, another number of locking segments in the pipe locking assembly is of course also possible.

Once the securing sleeve 1 15 has been actuated so that it secures the locking segments in the locked position, the locking segment compression assembly 450' of the tool 400' can be deactivated. That is, hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic piston assembly 477 can be removed and the chain engagement bolt 468 can be moved out of engagement with the lever actuation groove 473.

Fig. 16 shows another embodiment, which may be construed as a combination of the embodiment shown in Fig. 12 and the embodiment shown in Fig. 3. In this embodiment, the pipe connection tool 400a has a chained member 462a, resembling the chained member 462 shown in Fig. 12. Instead of tightening the chained member with a hydraulic piston assembly, such as the hydraulic piston assembly 477 shown in Fig. 13, a plurality of actuation rods, such as the piston rods 451 shown in Fig. 8, are provided. In this embodiment, the chained member 462a comprises chain segments 463a that extend over a larger portion of the pipe connection assembly 1 than the chain segments 463 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 12. The segments 463a in the embodiment shown in Fig. 16 each comprises two actuation rods (not shown in Fig. 16), which are adapted to compress one locking segment 101 each. The chained element 462a itself will then not have to be pulled in order to compress the locking segments 101 . In stead, the actuation rods, typically hydraulic piston rods extending out of an actuation cylinder (such as the actuation cylinder 451 in Fig. 3) will compress the locking segments 101 radially inwards.

Fig. 17 to Fig. 20 show yet another embodiment of a pipe connection tool 400" according to the invention. The perspective view of Fig. 17 shows the tool 400" in a position where it circumvents the pipe connection assembly 1 . As with the other described embodiments of the pipe connection tool according to the invention, the pipe connection assembly can be of various types. It has, however, a plurality of locking segments that are moved in a pivoting motion between the locking position and the non-locked position.

The pipe connection tool 400" shown in Fig. 17 has a main body 401 ". The main body 401 " has two main parts that are hingedly attached together. The two parts of the main body are suspended in a tool bracket 481 , which together with these two parts forms the hinge function. As with the pipe connection tool 400 described with reference to Fig. 3 above, the two parts of the main body 401 " can be moved to an open position where it exhibits a clearance 403". The clearance 403" is not indicated in the figures showing this particular embodiment of the tool 400". It also has a tool engagement space 405" into which the tool 400" receives the pipe connection assembly 1 when the tool shall operate it. When in the closed position, the two parts of the main body 401 " can be locked in this position by means of a locking bolt extending through bolt receiving apertures 409".

Fig. 18 shows a cross section view of the pipe connection tool 400" of Fig. 17 in an open state. In this state the two parts of the main body 401 " are rotated into an open position and are ready to receive the pipe connection assembly 1 . As appears from Fig. 18, the locking segments 101 are in the non-locked position, i.e. they are in the outwardly pivoted state.

Fig. 19 is a cross section view of the pipe connection tool 400" and the pipe connection assembly 1 . In this position the tool 400" is in the closed state and a locking segment compression assembly 450" is ready to compress the locking segments 101 into the locking position. In this embodiment, the locking segment compression assembly 450" comprises an actuator component in the form of a split actuator ring 483. When the tool 400" is in the closed state, the actuator ring 483 abuts the locking segments 101 . Moreover, the actuator ring 483 is adapted to be moved axially along the locking segments 101 so that they are forced radially inwards into their locking position.

Fig. 20 is a side cross section view of the tool 400" in a position where the actuator ring 483 has been forced down along the locking segments 101 , resulting in that the locking segments 101 have been forced into the locking position.

To provide the axial movement of the actuator ring 483, it is connected to an actuator ring actuator. In this embodiment, the actuator ring actuator comprises a plurality of hydraulic ring actuation cylinders 487 which are attached to an upper portion of the two parts of the main body 401 ". The hydraulic ring actuation cylinders 487 are provided with hydraulic piston rods 485 extending out from the cylinders. The hydraulic piston rods 485, and hence the actuator ring 483, can thus be moved axially in two directions by application of hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic ring actuation cylinders 487.

With a pipe connection tool 400" according to this embodiment, the radially facing actuation faces 1 10 of the locking segments 101 should exhibit a radial extension at a lower portion (i.e. close to the movable portion 105) which is larger than the corresponding radial extension at the upper end (i.e. close to the connected portion 103). This feature is in order to making it possible to force the movable portion 105 of the locking segments 101 inwards even when they are in the locked position. This may be necessary in order to remove the securing sleeve 1 15 when the pipe connection assembly 1 shall be disconnected. That is, in order to loosen the securing sleeve 1 15, the locking segments 101 must be compressed a small section in order to release the securing sleeve 1 15. Thus, when the pipe connection assembly 1 shall be disconnected with the pipe connection tool 400", the locking segments 101 may be forced inwards by the actuator ring 483 moving in the axial direction. The difference of radial extension of the actuation faces 1 10 is too small to be visible on the drawings.

In stead of an actuator component in the form of an actuator ring 483, as described in the embodiment above, the actuator component could also be a separate actuator member 483. Such an embodiment is illustrated in the enlarged cross section views of Fig. 21 and Fig. 22. One separate actuation member 483 is attached to each of the actuation piston rods 485. Such separate actuation members 483 can have a wedging function so that an inwardly directed force is exerted onto the locking segments 101 when the separate actuation members 483 is forced into a gap between the outwardly facing locking segment actuation face 1 10 and an opposite face 484 of the tool. There could for instance be provided one separate actuation member for each locking segment 101 . With all the three different embodiments of the pipe connection tool 400, 400', 400" described above, the locking segment compression assembly 450, 450', 450" is energized by hydraulic pressure. The person skilled in the art will however appreciate that other ways of energizing the locking segment

compression assembly 450, 450', 450" are possible. For instance the piston rods 453 (Fig. 8), 475 (Fig. 13), 485 (Fig. 20) may be actuated by using an electric motor and appropriate power transmission. For instance a rod, like the hydraulic piston rod, may have a threaded portion that extends into a roller screw that converts the rotational movement of an electric motor into linear movement of the rod.

As stated above, the various embodiments of a pipe connection tool described above may advantageously comprise a securing sleeve actuation assembly. Fig. 23 shows an embodiment of the pipe connection tool 400 shown in Fig. 3, provided with a securing sleeve actuation assembly 500. The securing sleeve actuation assembly 500 is adapted to engage the securing sleeve 1 15 of the pipe connection assembly 1 and rotate it in order to move it in an axial direction, as the securing sleeve 1 15 is threaded on the first pipe 200.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 23, the securing sleeve actuation assembly 500 is arranged on the lower side of the pipe connection tool 400. As with the parts of the main body 401 of the tool 400, the securing sleeve actuation assembly 500 has a main body 501 which is adapted to be split open so that it may receive the securing sleeve 1 15 in an engagement space, corresponding to the tool engagement space 405 shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 23 shows the securing sleeve actuation assembly 500 in the open position, while Fig. 24 shows the assembly in the closed position. The securing sleeve actuation assembly 500 comprises a plurality of friction wheels 503. When the assembly 500 is in the closed state (Fig. 24), the friction wheels 503 abut the securing sleeve 1 15 at places distributed about the perimeter of the securing sleeve 1 15. In the shown embodiment, there are arranged six friction wheels 503.

When in abutment with the securing sleeve 1 15, the friction wheels 503 are rotated in order to rotate the securing sleeve 1 15. The rotation of the securing sleeve 1 15 results in that the securing sleeve 1 15 moves axially upwards or downwards, depending on the direction of rotation. Preferably, a hydraulic engine (not shown) may be arranged in the securing sleeve actuation assembly 500 to energize the friction wheels 503. Mechanical transmission may be arranged in the main body 501 of the securing sleeve actuation assembly 500. One can also imagine a hydraulic engine connected to each friction wheel 503.

Fig. 25 shows an alternative embodiment of a pipe connection tool 400 and a securing sleeve actuation assembly 500'. This embodiment involves a driving belt 551 that extends about the securing sleeve 1 15' and a driving wheel 553. The driving wheel 553 may be driven by a hydraulic engine (not shown). Friction between the driving belt 551 and the securing sleeve 1 15' results in that the securing sleeve 1 15' is rotated and thus moves axially on the first pipe 200. As indicated in Fig. 25 the securing sleeve 1 15', as well as the driving wheel 553, are provided with belt receiving grooves in order to maintain the driving belt 551 in a correct position.

In order to mount the securing sleeve actuation assembly 500' according to this embodiment, the driving belt 551 may comprise two attachable ends (not shown) that may be connected after extending it about the driving wheel 553 and the securing sleeve 1 15'. Moreover the driving wheel 553 may be supported on a movable shaft (not shown) that may either be pivoted or moved in a radial direction (such as closer to the securing sleeve 1 15').

As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the friction wheels 503 or the driving wheel 553 of the embodiments described above may also be energized by other means than hydraulic engines. For instance they may be driven by electric motors.

The pipe connection tools 400, 400', 400" described above may also be employed for disconnection of the two pipe ends 201 , 301 of two coaxially connected pipes 200, 300. The pipe connection tool will then be mounted around the pipe connection assembly 1 and the locking segments 101 will be

compressed radially inwards by the locking segment compression assembly 450 of the tool. Then the securing sleeve 1 15 will be rotated in order to move it out of engagement with the locking segments 101 . If the pipe connection tool 400, 400', 400" is provided with a securing sleeve actuation assembly 500, 500', this will be used to rotate the securing sleeve 1 15. If not, the securing sleeve may be rotated by other means, such as by a separate tool which for instance may be manually operated.

The pipe connection assembly 1 described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 comprises a securing sleeve 1 15 which rotates on threads on a pipe end 201 in order to provide axial movement. In stead of having the securing sleeve 1 15 supported on the pipe end 201 by means of threads, it could in stead be axially movable without any threads. That is, it could for instance be connected to a spring element, such as an elastic collar that could be axially compressible. Such a spring element could also be a metal spiral spring. The spring element would bias the securing sleeve against the locked / retaining position. In such embodiments, the pipe connection tool would operate in the same manner.

However, the embodiments where the tool comprises also the securing sleeve actuation assembly, the latter would have to be designed according to the operation of the securing sleeve. For instance, the securing sleeve actuation assembly could then have an actuation arm with an interface at its end which would engage the securing sleeve. The actuation arm could then be used to force the securing sleeve in an axial direction on the pipe end, to move it away from the locking segments 101 while these were pivoted inwards into the locking position or outwards from the locking position.

The pipe connection tool according to the invention may be operated by a computer program. This will reduce manual work as well as reduce the risk of having personnel being close to heavy and moving parts. Thus there may be provided a computer program adapted to operate a pipe connection tool in the following steps:

i) moving the tool into a preparation mode, in which a pipe connection

assembly (1 ) is moved into a tool engagement space (405), through a clearance (403);

ii) when the pipe connection assembly (1 ) is in the tool engagement space (405), closing or reducing the clearance (403); iii) actuating a locking segment compression assembly (450) that

compresses locking segments (101 ) of the pipe connection assembly (1 ); iv) actuating a securing sleeve actuation assembly (500) that moves a

securing sleeve (1 15) of the pipe connection assembly (1 ) into a position where it retains the locking segments (101 ) in the locked position;

v) disengage the engagement of the locking segment compression assembly (450) with the locking segments (101 );

vi) opening the clearance (403);

vii) moving the tool, thereby moving the pipe connection assembly (1 ) out of the tool engagement space (405).

As will be appreciated by the skilled person, in order for the computer program to perform these steps, the tool must be equipped with appropriate actuators, for instance an actuator to move the tool itself and an actuator for closing or opening the clearance 403 of the tool 400. In addition the tool would preferably be provided with position sensors in order to validate the position of the pipe connection assembly as well as the tool itself, particularly with respect to the pipe connection assembly. The pipe connection tools described herein ma be provided with a lifting arm, such as the lifting arm 461 shown in Fig. 12. However the tool may also be supported by other means, particularly when used in an automated process run by a computer program. The tool could then for instance be suspended on a movable and computer-controllable robotic arm.

Claims

1. Pipe connection tool (400, 400', 400") operating a pipe connection assembly (1 ) of first and second pipe ends (201 , 301 ) that connects the first and second pipe ends (201 , 301 ) in a facing and coaxially arranged position, wherein the pipe connection assembly (1 ) comprises a plurality of locking segments (101 ) distributed about the perimeter of the pipe ends, which locking segments (101 ) have a connected portion (103) with segment locking profiles (103a) and a movable portion (105) with segment locking profiles (105a),

characterized in that

the locking segments (101 )

- when in a locking position, extend from a pipe locking profile (203) at the first pipe end (201 ) to a pipe locking profile (303) at the second pipe end (301 ) and engage the respective pipe locking profiles (203, 303) with the facing segment locking profiles (103a, 105a); and

- when in a non-locked position are pivoted radially outwards with respect to the locked position, about a pivot section;

and that the pipe connection tool (400, 400', 400")

- is adapted to receive the pipe connection assembly (1 ) in a tool engagement space (405), through a receiving clearance (403);

- is adapted to reduce the receiving clearance (403) when the pipe connection assembly (1 ) is in the tool engagement space (405);

- comprises a locking segment compression assembly (450, 450', 450"), adapted to force the locking segments (101 ) from the non-locked position into the locking position.

2. Pipe connection tool according to claim 1 , characterized in that the locking segment compression assembly (450, 450', 450") is adapted to abut directly onto and force a radially and outwardly facing actuation face (1 10) of each locking segment (101 ) radially inwards.

3. Pipe connection tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises an alignment shoulder (413) which is adapted to land on a collar of the pipe connection assembly (1 ).

4. Pipe connection tool (400) according to claim 1 , 2, or 3, characterized in that the locking segment compression assembly (450) comprises a plurality of actuation rods (453) that move radially with respect to the pipe connection assembly (1 ).

5. Pipe connection tool (400') according to claim 1 , 2, or 3, characterized in that the locking segment compression assembly (450') comprises a chained member (462) comprising a plurality of segments (463) that are hinged together, which chained member (462) is adapted to extend about the locking segments (101 ) of the pipe connection assembly (1 ) and to be pulled, thereby compressing the locking segments (101 ).

6. Pipe connection tool (400") according to claim 1 , 2, or 3, characterized in that the locking segment compression assembly (450") comprises an actuator component (483) and an actuator component actuator (487) that moves the actuator component (483) in an axial direction, wherein the actuator component (483) is adapted to slide against radially facing actuation faces (1 10) of the locking segments (101 ), thereby forcing the locking segments (101 ) radially inwards.

7. Pipe connection tool (400") according to claim 6, characterized in that the actuator component (483) is an actuator ring that extends about the locking segments (101 ) and which is attached to the actuator component actuator (487).

8. Pipe connection tool (400") according to claim 6, characterized in that the actuator component (483) is a separate actuation member, wherein each separate actuation member (483) is adapted to slide against the segment actuation face (1 10) of a separate locking segment (101 ).

9. Pipe connection tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a securing sleeve actuation assembly (500, 500') which is adapted to move a securing sleeve (1 15, 1 15') of the pipe connection assembly in an axial direction.

10. Method of connecting a first pipe end (201 ) and a second pipe end (301 ) of a first and second pipe (200, 300), the pipe ends being equipped with a pipe connection assembly (1 ) exhibiting pivoting locking segments (101 ), comprising

a) arranging the pipe ends (201 , 301 ) in a position where they are coaxial and where the locking segments (101 ) extend along a portion of both the first and second pipe end (201 , 301 );

characterized in that the method further comprises the following steps

b) arranging a pipe connection tool (400, 400', 400") about the pipe connection assembly;

c) with a locking segment compression assembly (450, 450', 450") of the pipe connection tool (400, 400', 400"), moving the locking segments (101 ) radially inwards into a locking position; and then

d) arranging a retainer sleeve (1 15, 1 15') in a position to retain the locking

segments (101 ) in the locking position; and then

e) disengage the locking segment compression assembly (450, 450', 450") from its engagement with the locking segments; and then

f) remove the pipe connection tool (400, 400', 400") from its position about the pipe connection assembly (1 ).

1 1 . Method of disconnecting a first pipe end (201 ) and a second pipe end (301 ) of a first and second pipe (200, 300), the pipe ends being equipped with a pipe

connection assembly (1 ) exhibiting pivoting locking segments (101 ) that extend along a portion of both the first and second pipe end (201 , 301 ), characterized in that the method comprises the following steps

a) arranging a pipe connection tool (400, 400', 400") about the pipe connection assembly (1 );

b) with a locking segment compression assembly (450, 450', 450") of the pipe connection tool (400, 400', 400"), forcing the locking segments (101 ) radially inwards when in a locking position; and then

c) moving a retainer sleeve (1 15, 1 15') away from a position to retain the locking segments (101 ) in the locking position; and then

d) disengage the locking segment compression assembly (450, 450', 450") from its engagement with the locking segments, thereby letting the locking segments (101 ) pivot out of their locking position; e) remove the pipe connection tool (400, 400', 400") from its position about the pipe connection assembly (1 ); and

f) moving the first and second pipe ends (201 , 301 ) away from each other.

12. A pipe connection tool (400, 400', 400") having a locking segment compression assembly (450, 450', 450") adapted to move locking segments (101 ) in a radial direction from a non-locked position into a locked position, in which locked position the locking segments (101 ) engage both pipe ends (201 , 301 ) of two coaxially arranged pipes (200, 300), characterized in that

- the locking segments (101 ) exhibit outwardly facing actuation faces (1 10); and that

- the locking segment compression assembly (450, 450', 450") is adapted to engage directly onto the actuation faces (1 10) when moving the locking segments (101 ) in said radial direction.

13. A pipe connection tool (400, 400', 400") according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a clearance (403) through which the locking segments (101 ) can be moved into a tool engagement space (405).

14. A pipe connection assembly (1 ) and a pipe connection tool (400, 400', 400") adapted to operate the pipe connection assembly (1 ), the pipe connection assembly (1 ) comprising a plurality of locking segments (101 ) which when in a locking position engage first and second coaxially arranged pipe ends (201 , 301 ), characterized in that the pipe connection tool (400, 400', 400") is adapted to move the locking segments (101 ) in a pivoting movement.

15. A pipe connection assembly (1 ) and a pipe connection tool (400, 400', 400") according to claim 14, characterized in that the pipe connection tool (400, 400', 400") comprises a clearance (403) through which the pipe connection assembly (1 ) can be moved.