WO2015017544A1

WO2015017544A1 - Pipe connector assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2015017544A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/048903
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Barker
Original assignee: Actuant Corporation
Priority date: 2013-07-30
Filing date: 2014-07-30
Publication date: 2015-02-05

Abstract

A connector assembly and methods of mounting the assembly. The assembly may include an activator defining a bore for passage of the pipe therethrough, the activator being activated to cause at least a portion of a gripping segment to grip the outer surface of the pipe and to cause a compression seal to be compressed and form a seal with the pipe; and a locking mechanism operable to hold an activated condition of the activator relative to the pipe. The activator may include a hydraulic activator including a housing defining a channel, and a ram supported in the channel for axial movement, hydraulic fluid being introduced into the channel to axially move the ram to cause the portion of a gripping segment to grip an outer surface of the pipe and to cause the compression seal to be compressed and form a seal with the pipe.

Description

PIPE CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/859,982, filed July 30, 2013, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to pipe connector assemblies and, more particularly, to an assembly employing an external sleeve and hydraulic load cells for activating the assembly.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Pipelines are employed in varied environments to carry many different types of media. For instance, pipelines can be located in both topside and subsea environments and may carry media ranging from portable water to petroleum-based gases and liquids. The pipes used in the pipeline are typically made of carbon steel, stainless steel, or a composite, and can have diameters on the order of 1/2 inch to greater than 42 inches. Pressures within the pipeline can approach and exceed approximately 9000 psi.

[0004] One particularly harsh application is subsea pipelines. These pipelines are subjected to extreme environmental and operational conditions. Problems occur when a subsea pipeline develops a leak. Practicality often dictates that the pipeline be repaired in the subsea

environment, which may require use of a costly and complex hyperbaric welding process.

Depending on the subsea depth of the pipeline, repair by a human diver may not be possible, which may require a remote operated vehicle (ROV) to repair the leaking pipeline.

[0005] Engineered mechanical connectors, manufactured by Hydratight Limited, have proven to be a viable solution to repairing leaks in such pipelines. When a leak in the pipeline is detected, the damaged section is cut and removed from the pipeline. Two engineered mechanical connectors are then installed onto the cut ends of the pipe to connect them to opposite ends of a splice pipe that runs between the two connectors to reestablish a leak- free pipeline, with each cut end of the pipe meeting with an end of the splice pipe in the center section of the connector. Each engineered mechanical connector clamps onto the cut ends of the pipe and the splice pipe with ball and taper gripping races on opposite sides of a compressive seal that seals against the outside of the pipe and splice pipe to rigidly connect the cut ends of the pipe with the opposite ends of the splice pipe and maintain pressure on the seals to repair the pipeline and keep it sealed.

[0006] The engineered mechanical connector has bolts or tie rods each with a retaining nut and each with a hydraulic bolt tensioner fitted to them. The individual hydraulic bolt tensioners are operated to tension the bolts and close preset gaps of the connector that are necessary to be closed to clamp the pipes and compress and activate the compressible seal against the pipe at the adjacent end of the connector, following which the retaining nuts are run down to hold the tension on the tie bolts and retain the closure of the gap. This is done simultaneously at both ends of the connector to connect the two pipes.

[0007] In light of at least the above design considerations and the challenges presented by them, a need exists for an improved pipe connector assembly that is easier to apply, can be applied with an ROV, provides balanced strain via an external sleeve, gives repeatable results, and has fewer hydraulic connections

SUMMARY

[0008] In some aspects, the invention may generally provide a pipe connector assembly configured to mount to an outer surface of a pipe near an axial end face of the pipe. The assembly may include at least one compression seal to form a seal with the pipe and at least one annular gripping segment to grip the exterior surface of the pipe and hold axial compression on the seal. The assembly may include a center section for enclosing the end face of the pipe and a sleeve having an inner end connected to the center section and extending axially therefrom. An end cap may be connected to an outer end of the sleeve and may have an axial hole therethrough allowing passage of the pipe through the hole. An annular activator cell between the end cap and the gripping segment may have a hole to allow passage of the pipe therethrough. The cell may be capable of being activated to move at least a portion of the gripping segment axially relative to the pipe and to axially compress the seal. In some aspects, a locking mechanism may hold the axial position of the activator cell after the cell has been activated.

[0009] In one independent aspect, a connector assembly is configured to mount to a pipe. The assembly may generally include an activator defining a bore for passage of the pipe therethrough. The activator may include a housing defining a channel, and a ram supported in the channel for axial movement, hydraulic fluid being introduced into the channel to axially move the ram to at least one of cause at least a portion of a gripping segment to grip an outer surface of the pipe and cause a compression seal to be compressed and form a seal with the pipe.

[0010] In another independent aspect, a connector assembly may generally include an activator defining a bore for passage of the pipe therethrough, the activator being activated to at least one of cause at least a portion of a gripping segment to grip the outer surface of the pipe and cause a compression seal to be compressed and form a seal with the pipe; and a locking mechanism operable to hold an activated condition of the activator relative to the pipe.

[0011] In yet another independent aspect, a method for mounting a connector assembly to a pipe is provided. The assembly may include an activator defining a bore for passage of the pipe therethrough, the activator including a housing defining a channel, and a ram supported in the channel. The method may generally include positioning the pipe through the bore in the activator; and introducing hydraulic fluid into the channel to axially move the ram to at least one of cause at least a portion of a gripping segment to grip an outer surface of the pipe and cause a compression seal to be compressed and form a seal with the pipe.

[0012] In a further independent aspect, a method for mounting a connector assembly to a pipe is provided. The assembly may include an activator defining a bore for passage of the pipe therethrough. The method may generally include positioning the pipe through the bore in the activator; applying hydraulic pressure to the activator to at least one of cause at least a portion of a gripping segment to grip an outer surface of the pipe and cause a compression seal to be compressed and form a seal with the pipe; and operating a locking mechanism to hold an activated condition of the activator. [0013] Independent features and independent advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a pipe connector assembly;

[0015] Fig. 2 is a front plan view of the connector assembly with the panel fascia removed for clarity;

[0016] Fig. 3 is a front plan view of the panel fascia;

[0017] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view as viewed from the plane of the line 4— 4 of Fig. 2 with the panel fascia also shown;

[0018] Fig. 5 is a view like Fig. 4 but without the panel fascia;

[0019] Fig. 6 is a view like Fig. 5 but with parts such as the bucket drive pinions removed and with the ball cage release cylinders removed;

[0020] Fig. 7 is a view like Fig. 6 with parts such as the end caps removed and with activator cells shown at outer ends of the remaining assembly;

[0021] Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the activator cell and a locking ring therefor;

[0022] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an end cap bucket drive pinion ring gear and locking ring in perspective view;

[0023] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the bucket drive pinion and ring gear for driving the locking ring shown alone;

[0024] Fig. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view looking down into the bucket drive of Fig. 10; [0025] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of just one end of the connector assembly illustrating a deactivated state of the connector assembly in which ball cage release cylinders lock the axial positions of the annual gripping segments and the load cell is deactivated;

[0026] Fig. 13 is a detail view of the ball cage release cylinder in Fig. 12 shown in the locked position;

[0027] Fig. 14 is a view like Fig. 12 but showing the ball cage release cylinder retracted and in an unlocked position and in which the ball cage has moved under the spring force of the compression springs acting on the balls from the locked position shown in Fig. 13;

[0028] Fig 15 is a detail view showing the position of the ball cage release cylinder in Fig. 14 with it retracted into an unlocked position to allow the ball cage to move axially;

[0029] Fig. 16 is a view like Fig. 12 highlighting the preset annular gap that exists between an inner load collar of the assembly and the center section of the assembly;

[0030] Fig. 17 is a view illustrating the application of hydraulic pressure to the activator cell;

[0031] Fig. 18 is a view like Fig. 14 but with the preset gap closed, following the application of hydraulic pressure to the activator cell;

[0032] Fig. 19 is a detail view of Fig. 18 illustrating the locking ring gap to be closed in the next operation;

[0033] Fig. 20 is a view like Fig. 18 illustrating the locking pinion being turned so as to turn the ring gear that turns the locking ring so as to lock the axial position of the activator cell;

[0034] Fig. 21 is a detail view of Fig. 20 showing the locking ring gap and that hydraulic pressure remains on the activator cell during actuation of the locking ring;

[0035] Fig. 22 is like Fig. 20 but with the locking ring in the locked position in which it abuts the end of the housing of the activator cell; and

[0036] Fig. 23 is a detail view of Fig. 22 showing the closed locking ring gap. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Before any independent embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other independent embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the

phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Use of "consisting of and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass only the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof.

[0038] An example pipe connector assembly 10 is illustrated in Figs. 1-2. The assembly 10 is identical on each side of its centerline (i.e., symmetrical with identical ends) and so at times only one end is described, with such description applicable to both ends.

[0039] Fig. 1 shows the assembly 10 with a panel fascia 12 for making hydraulic connections to the assembly 10, and Fig. 2 shows the assembly 10 without the panel fascia 12. The panel fascia 12 shown in Fig. 3 has an actuator 14 for an isolation valve to open or close hydraulic pressure to the system, an actuator for energizing ball cage release cylinders 16, and an actuator 18 for hydraulically pressurizing activator load cells 26 at opposite ends of the assembly 10. The panel 12 also has a connector 13 for connecting a source of hydraulic pressure and a seal test actuator 15 for supplying pressure via ports 17 to the interior of the assembly 10 between the two seals 48 at each end of the assembly 10, to assure that the seals 48 do not leak.

[0040] Referring to Figs. 4-6, the assembly 10 also includes center section 20 enclosing the end faces of the pipe and the splice pipe to be mechanically connected and sealed by the assembly 10. A sleeve 22 is connected to (e.g., by a threaded connection) and extends from each opposite end of the center section 20. An end cap 24 is connected to the outer end of each sleeve 22 (e.g., by a threaded connection), and each end cap 24 has an axial hole or bore therethrough allowing passage of one of the two pipes to be connected to one another and sealed by the assembly 10. [0041] Inside of each end cap 24 resides an annular activator cell 26 between a flange of the end cap 24 and a number of (e.g., four) annular gripping segments 28. The illustrated gripping segments 28 are of the type used in the commercially available line of engineered mechanical subsea connectors manufactured by Hydratight Limited. As shown in Fig. 13, these segments employ an annular taper ring 30 with a number of radially spaced ball bearing tracks, each track guiding a ball 34 and providing torsional rigidity when activated. Each bearing track has a ramped surface 32 on which bears balls 34 in rolling engagement. The balls 34 are spring biased by individual compression springs 36 along the ramped surface 32 toward the outer end of the assembly 10. The balls 34 are held inside the assembly 10 by a ball cage 40 with slots 42 in which the balls 34 can move axially. The spring-bias on the balls 34 from the springs 36 also biases the cage 40 toward the outer end of the assembly 10.

[0042] When the taper rings 30 are moved axially inwardly, toward the center section 20, the balls 34 are forced radially inwardly against the outer surface of the pipe being clamped as the balls 34 roll on the ramps 32, fixing the axial position of the gripping segments relative to the pipe as long as the taper rings 30 are not permitted to move toward the open end of the assembly 10. Such ball and taper gripping technology is described and illustrated, for example, in

European Patent Application Publication No. 0241 195 B l , the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0043] Located inwardly of the gripping segments 28 is an annular load ring 44 which is pushed toward the center section 20 by the gripping segments 28 when the load cell 26 is activated. Prior to activation of the load cells 26, a preset gap 46 exists between the load ring 44 and the center section 20. Closing of the gap 46 indicates that compression seals 48 that seal against the exterior of the pipe sections being connected are done being compressed and have formed a seal between the pipe and the center section 20.

[0044] The illustrated seals 48 are of the type used in the commercially available line of engineered mechanical subsea connectors manufactured by Hydratight Limited. These seals 48 typically include a pair of anti-extrusion rings that sandwich a seal member. When compressed axially, the seal member extrudes radially inwardly and outwardly to provide a seal between the exterior surface of the pipe the seal member is being compressed against and the bore of the center section 20. The seal member may be, for example, 98% pure exfoliated graphite that is a laminate graphite sheet or ribbon spun or spiral-wound around a mandrel into a mold that can be subsequently manipulated into the size and shape for the assembly 10, or any of a variety of other seal packing materials.

[0045] As shown in Figs. 4-6, on each end of the assembly 10, the axially innermost seal 48 is sandwiched between a bevel surface of the center section 20 and a bevel surface of an inner end of a first ring segment 80, and the axially outermost seal 48 is sandwiched between a bevel surface of the outer end of the first ring segment 80 and a bevel surface of an inner end of a second ring segment 82. The outer end of the second ring segment 82 abuts an internal flange of the load ring 44 to be pushed axially thereby so as to compress the seals 48 when the load cell 26 is activated.

[0046] The illustrated assembly 10, as noted, has a single annular preset gap 46 on each side of its axial centerline. The assembly 10 is activated by closing these two preset gaps 46 to zero, which compresses the seals 48 onto the pipe and allows the gripping balls 34 to indent and grip the pipe.

[0047] In the illustrated construction, the gripping segment 28 at each outer end of the multiple gripping segments 28 is somewhat enlarged to provide an enlarged interface surface with the ram 52 of the activator cell 26. In addition, a plastic sliding ring 54 may be provided around the outside of the ring 28, and a similar plastic sliding ring or block may be provided around the outside of the annular load element 44 to offer guidance and support to components (e.g., to the rings 28 and 44) relative to the sleeve 22.

[0048] Each illustrated sleeve 22 is rigid and gives a balanced strain when the activation cell 26 is activated and the preset gap 46 is closed, the sleeve 22 being subjected to axial tension at such times. Because the illustrated sleeve 22 is continuous for 360°, the strain is balanced, and the elongation at any angular position of the sleeve 22 is balanced. Also, the wall thickness of the sleeve 22 can be machined to provide greater or less elongation when the sleeve 22 is stretched and give repeatable results when tested a number of times. [0049] The illustrated load cells 26 are hydraulically activated to provide the force to close the preset gaps 46. Referring to Figs. 7-8, each load cell 26 includes an annular piston or ram 52 and an annular body or housing 58 with an annular channel 60 that receives the ram 52. Sliding seals are provided between the channel 60 and the inside and outside diameters of the ram 52. The illustrated load cells 26 are hydraulically activated by introducing hydraulic pressure to the pressure chamber defined between the housing 58 and ram 52 to provide the force necessary to close the preset gaps 46 of the assembly 10. There is a single hydraulic connection at each end of the assembly 10 for providing the force for closing the gap 46 at each end of the assembly 10. The end caps 24 encapsulate the load cells 26 to support and provide a reaction surface when the load cells 26 are operated. The illustrated end caps 24 are screwed onto the outer ends of the sleeves 22.

[0050] Referring to Figs. 9-11, a bevel pinion 66 is assembled to, extends outside of and is joumaled relative to each end cap 24. The pinion 66 extends through a hole in the side of end cap 24 and meshes with a bevel ring gear 68 joumaled inside of the end cap 24 coaxial therewith. The pinion 66 is also joumaled relative to a bucket 70 attachment that is a standard interface with a subsea ROV. The ROV has a torque wrench arm that stabs into this "bucket" 70 and turns the bevel pinion 66 which, as shown in Fig. 11, is provided with a square drive input shaft 72.

[0051] The bevel ring gear 68 has flats 74 machined on its bore to locate onto and drive an internally-threaded locking collar or ring 76 with complementary flats. The locking ring 76 is threaded onto an externally-threaded extension of the ram 52. As the locking ring 76 is turned by the ring gear 68, the locking ring 76 moves axially relative to the ring gear 68 to tighten against the inward end of the housing 58 to resist axially-outward movement of the ram 52, and, thereby, to resist axially-outward movement of the gripping segments 28 and the load ring 44 and decompression of the seals 48.

[0052] Referring to Figs. 12-15, hydraulic piping 84 is provided to hydraulically actuate the activator cell 26, and hydraulic piping 86 is provided to hydraulically actuate the ball cage cylinder 88 at each end of the assembly 10. Fig. 13 shows the ball cage cylinder 88 in a locked position with its plunger engaged in a hole of the ball cage 40, and Fig. 15 shows the cylinder 88 in an unlocked position in which the plunger has been retracted from the hole in the ball cage 40. [0053] These illustrated arrangements replace diver-operated pins that are simply pulled out by the diver, or complicated hydraulic mechanisms and circuits that are currently employed. These arrangements are simplistic in operation and can provide visual aid of closure of the gripping segments 28 which can be seen through slots (see Figs. 1-2) machined into the outer sleeves 22.

[0054] To mount and activate the hybrid connector, the assembly 10 is first positioned over the pipe joint, with one pipe extending through one end of the assembly 10 and the other pipe extending through the other end and with the end faces of the two pipes meeting in the center section 20 between the two innermost seals 48. Once in place, hydraulic pressure is applied to the ball cage cylinders 88 to retract the plungers from the locked position (shown in Fig. 13), in which they lock the ball cages 40, to the unlocked position (shown in Fig. 15) in which the ball cages 40 are free to move axially. The ball cages 40 are released to move under the bias of the springs 36.

[0055] Next, referring to Figs. 16-19, hydraulic pressure is applied to the load cells 26 at the same time. Each ram 52 moves inwardly away from the housing body 58, carrying with it the locking ring 76. The inward end of the ram 52 pushes on the horizontally stacked gripping segments 28 which push against the load ring 44. Axial movement of the taper rings 30 of the gripping segments 28 pushes the balls 34 radially inwardly to grip the pipe. The load ring 44 pushes the rings 82 and 80 to compress the seals 48.

[0056] Application of hydraulic pressure and axial movement of the components continues until the preset gaps 46 are closed to a zero clearance. At this point, the seals 48 are fully compressed and activated, while at substantially the same time, the ball bearings 34 are indented into the pipe sufficiently so as to fix the ends of the assembly 10 relative to the pipe sections. In order to test that the assembly 10 is fully activated and the seals 48 are sealed between the sleeve 22 and the pipe, pressure is supplied via ports 17 to the interior of the assembly 10 between the two seals 48 at each end of the assembly 10, to ensure that the seals 48 do not leak.

[0057] Hydraulic pressure is maintained on the activator cells 26 until the locking ring 76 is securely seated against the end of the housing 58 (e.g., the gap between the locking ring 76 and the end of the housing 58 is closed). This operation of the locking ring 76 is accomplished, referring to Figs. 20-23, by turning the bevel pinion 66, with an ROV or by other means, which turns the ring gear 74 and turns the locking ring 76 in a direction so as to thread the locking ring 76 up tight against the inward end of the housing 58. The torque applied to the bevel pinion 66 can be measured (e.g. , by counting rotations) to ensure satisfactory seating of the ring 76 against the end of the housing 58, and the ROV (or other tightening mechanism) can be removed.

Thereafter, hydraulic pressure on the load cell 26 can also be terminated. If necessary, the assembly 10 can be removed from the pipes by generally reversing these steps.

[0058] Various modifications and alterations within the scope of the fundamental concepts set forth above are possible without departing from the scope of the claims (e.g. , relative proportions, dimensions, numbers of components can be altered, and, where applicable, various components can be integrally formed or single components can be separated into multiple pieces).

[0059] One or more independent features and independent advantages of the invention may be set forth in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A connector assembly configured to mount to a pipe, the assembly comprising:

an activator defining a bore for passage of the pipe therethrough, the activator including a housing defining a channel, and

a ram supported in the channel for axial movement, hydraulic fluid being introduced into the channel to axially move the ram to at least one of cause at least a portion of a gripping segment to grip an outer surface of the pipe and cause a compression seal to be compressed and form a seal with the pipe.

2. The assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism operable to hold an activated condition of the activator relative to the pipe.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism includes a locking ring threadedly engaging the ram, the locking ring being threadedly movable along the ram and into engagement with the housing to hold the ram in a position relative to the housing.

4. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a center section for enclosing an end face of the pipe;

a sleeve having an inner end connected to the center section and extending axially therefrom; and

an end cap connected to an outer end of the sleeve, the end cap having an axial bore allowing passage of the pipe therethrough.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the locking mechanism includes a locking ring threadedly engaging the ram, the locking ring being threadedly movable along the ram and into engagement with the housing to hold the ram in a position relative to the housing, and wherein the locking ring is turned externally through an opening in an end cap.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism includes a bucket engageable by a remote operated vehicle to turn the locking ring.

7. The assembly of claim 4, further comprising at least one bearing block between the sleeve and a component of the assembly that moves axially when the activator is activated.

8. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the activator is located between the end cap and the gripping segment.

9. The assembly of claim 1 , further comprising the gripping segment, wherein the ram is axially moved to cause at least a portion of the gripping segment to grip an outer surface of the pipe, and wherein the gripping segment includes a taper ring and balls bearing against a ramp surface of the taper ring when the taper ring is moved axially to force the balls against the outer surface of the pipe.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the activator is moved until a preset gap between components of the assembly is closed.

11. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the assembly is operable to connect two pipes, and wherein, for each pipe, the assembly comprises:

a hydraulic activator defining a bore for passage of the pipe therethrough, the activator including

a housing defining a channel, and

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein, for each pipe, the assembly comprises a locking mechanism operable to hold an activated condition of the activator relative to the pipe.

13. The assembly of claim 11, wherein each activator is moved until an associated preset gap between components of the assembly is closed.

14. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a hydraulically-operated ball cage release operable to axially secure a ball race in a locked position of the ball cage release.

15. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising the compression seal, and wherein the ram is axially moved to cause the compression seal to be compressed and form a seal with the pipe.

16. A connector assembly configured to mount to a pipe, the assembly comprising:

an activator defining a bore for passage of the pipe therethrough, the activator being activated to at least one of cause at least a portion of a gripping segment to grip the outer surface of the pipe and cause a compression seal to be compressed and form a seal with the pipe; and a locking mechanism operable to hold an activated condition of the activator relative to the pipe.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the activator is hydraulically activated.

18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the activator includes

a housing defining a channel, and

a ram supported in the channel for axial movement, hydraulic fluid being introduced into the channel to axially move the ram to at least one of cause the at least a portion of a gripping segment to grip an outer surface of the pipe and cause the compression seal to be compressed and form a seal with the pipe.

19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the locking mechanism includes a locking ring threadedly engaging the ram, the locking ring being threadedly movable along the ram and into engagement with the housing to hold the ram in a position relative to the housing.

20. The assembly of claim 18, further comprising:

a center section for enclosing an end face of the pipe;

21. The assembly of claim 20, wherein the locking mechanism includes a locking ring threadedly engaging the ram, the locking ring being threadedly movable along the ram and into engagement with the housing to hold the ram in a position relative to the housing, and wherein the locking ring is turned externally through an opening in an end cap.

22. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the locking mechanism includes a bucket engageable by a remote operated vehicle to turn the locking ring.

23. The assembly of claim 20, wherein the activator is located between the end cap and the gripping segment.

24. The assembly of claim 16, further comprising the gripping segment, wherein the activator is activated to cause at least a portion of the gripping segment to grip the outer surface of the pipe, and wherein the gripping segment includes a taper ring and balls bearing against a ramp surface of the taper ring when the taper ring is moved axially to force the balls against the outer surface of the pipe.

25. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the activator is moved until a preset gap between components of the assembly is closed.

26. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the assembly is operable to connect two pipes, and wherein, for each pipe, the assembly comprises:

27. The assembly of claim 26, wherein each activator is moved until an associated preset gap between components of the assembly is closed.

28. The assembly of claim 16, further comprising a hydraulically-operated ball cage release operable to axially secure a ball race in a locked position of the ball cage release.

29. The assembly of claim 16, further comprising the compression seal, and wherein the activator is activated to cause the compression seal to be compressed and form a seal with the pipe.

30. A method for mounting a connector assembly to a pipe, the assembly including an activator defining a bore for passage of the pipe therethrough, the activator including a housing defining a channel, and a ram supported in the channel, the method comprising:

positioning the pipe through the bore in the activator; and

introducing hydraulic fluid into the channel to axially move the ram to at least one of cause at least a portion of a gripping segment to grip an outer surface of the pipe and cause a compression seal to be compressed and form a seal with the pipe.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising, after introducing hydraulic fluid, operating a locking mechanism to hold an activated condition of the activator relative to the pipe.

32. The method of claim 31 , wherein operating the locking mechanism includes threadedly moving a locking ring along the ram and into engagement with the housing to hold the ram in a position relative to the housing.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the assembly further includes an end cap, the activator being located between the end cap and the gripping segment, and wherein operating the locking mechanism includes turning the locking ring externally through an opening in an end cap.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein operating the locking mechanism includes engaging a bucket with a remote operated vehicle to turn the locking ring.

35. The method of claim 31, further comprising, after operating a locking mechanism, reducing hydraulic pressure in the channel.

36. The method of claim 30, wherein introducing hydraulic fluid includes axially moving the ram to cause a taper ring to move axially to force balls against the outer surface of the pipe.

37. The method of claim 30, wherein introducing hydraulic fluid includes moving the ram until a preset gap between components of the assembly is closed.

38. The method of claim 30, wherein the assembly is operable to connect two pipes, wherein, for each pipe, the assembly includes an activator defining a bore for passage of the pipe therethrough, the activator including a housing defining a channel, and a ram supported in the channel for axial movement, and wherein the method comprises, for each pipe:

positioning the pipe through the bore in an associated activator; and

introducing hydraulic fluid into an associated channel to axially move an associated ram to at least one of cause at least a portion of a gripping segment to grip an outer surface of the pipe and cause a compression seal to be compressed and form a seal with the pipe.

39. The method of claim 38, further comprising, for each pipe, after introducing hydraulic fluid, operating a locking mechanism to hold an activated condition of the associated activator relative to the pipe.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein, for each pipe, introducing hydraulic fluid includes moving the associated ram until a preset gap between components of the assembly is closed.

41. The method of claim 30, wherein the assembly further includes a hydraulically-operated ball cage release operable to axially secure a ball race in a locked position, and wherein the method further comprises, before introducing hydraulic fluid, releasing the ball cage release.

42. A method for mounting a connector assembly to a pipe, the assembly including an activator defining a bore for passage of the pipe therethrough, the method comprising:

positioning the pipe through the bore in the activator;

applying hydraulic pressure to the activator to at least one of cause at least a portion of a gripping segment to grip an outer surface of the pipe and cause a compression seal to be compressed and form a seal with the pipe; and

operating a locking mechanism to hold an activated condition of the activator.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the assembly further includes an end cap, the activator being located between the end cap and the gripping segment, and wherein operating the locking mechanism includes turning a locking ring externally through an opening in an end cap.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein operating the locking mechanism includes engaging a bucket with a remote operated vehicle to turn the locking ring.

45. The method of claim 42, further comprising, after operating a locking mechanism, reducing hydraulic pressure in the channel.

46. The method of claim 42, wherein the activator includes a housing defining a channel, and a ram supported in the channel, and wherein applying hydraulic pressure includes introducing hydraulic fluid into the channel to axially move the ram to at least one of cause the at least a portion of the gripping segment to grip an outer surface of the pipe and cause the compression seal to be compressed and form a seal with the pipe.

47. The method of claim 42, wherein applying hydraulic pressure includes applying hydraulic pressure until a preset gap between components of the assembly is closed.

48. The method of claim 42, wherein the assembly further includes a hydraulically-operated ball cage release operable to axially secure a ball race in a locked position, and wherein the method further comprises, before introducing hydraulic fluid, releasing the ball cage release.