Abstract:
A pipe end connector assembly and a method of mounting a pipe end connector assembly. The connector assembly may include a first connector configured to selectively mount to an outer surface of a pipe; and a second connector connected to the first connector and configured to selectively mount to the outer surface of the pipe, the first connector and the second connector being operable to apply opposing and negating axial forces to mount the connector assembly to the pipe.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/312,306, filed Mar. 23, 2016, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to pipe end seal assemblies and, more particularly, to a pipe end seal assembly with a sealing arrangement that inhibits degradation of a pipe end face. 
       SUMMARY 
       [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 duplex, and can have various diameters. Furthermore, pressures within the pipeline can approach and exceed approximately 9000 psi. 
         [0004]    MORGRIP® connectors, manufactured by Hydratight Limited, have proven to be a viable solution to repairing leaks in non-CRA clad/lined subsea pipelines. When a leak in the pipeline is detected, the damaged section is cut and removed from the pipeline. The appropriate MORGRIP® connectors are then installed onto the cut ends of the pipe. Finally, a splice or spool piece is positioned between and secured to the MORGRIP® connectors to reestablish a leak-free pipeline. 
         [0005]    Typical mechanical connectors, however, require an end of a pipe to abut an inner shoulder within the connector to provide a reaction force that opposes a gripping force applied by the gripping mechanism, allowing the gripping mechanism to activate in order to grip the pipe. This requires that the pipe be cut precisely to length in order for the pipe to abut the inner shoulder to allow for gripping of the pipe to occur. Allowing for direct gripping of the pipe without an end of the pipe to abut an inner shoulder may reduce the precision required and thus may reduce labor, cost, etc. of pipe preparation. 
         [0006]    In one independent aspect, a pipe end connector assembly may be configured to mount to an outer surface of a pipe near an axial end face of the pipe. The pipe end connector assembly may generally include a first connector configured to selectively mount to the outer surface of the pipe; and a second connector connected to the first connector and configured to selectively mount to the outer surface of the pipe, the first connector and the second connector being operable to apply opposing and negating axial forces to mount the connector assembly to the pipe. 
         [0007]    In some constructions, the first connector may include a cylindrical first connector body having a first gripping segment configured to selectively mount to the outer surface of the pipe, wherein the second connector includes a cylindrical second connector body having a second gripping segment configured to selectively mount to the outer surface of the pipe. The connector assembly may further include a first end plate and a second end plate positioned at opposite ends of the first connector body; a third end plate and a fourth end plate positioned at opposite ends of the second connector body; a first tension member coupled to the first end plate and the second end plate and being manipulatable to draw the first end plate and the second end plate toward each other such that the first gripping segment engages the outer surface of the pipe; and a second tension member coupled to the third end plate and the fourth end plate, the second tension member being manipulatable to draw the third end plate and the fourth end plate toward each other such that the second gripping segment engages the outer surface of the pipe. 
         [0008]    In another independent aspect, a pipe end connector assembly may generally include a cylindrical first connector body having a first gripping segment configured to selectively mount to the outer surface of the pipe; a cylindrical second connector body having a second gripping segment configured to selectively mount to the outer surface of the pipe; a first end plate and a second end plate positioned at opposite ends of the first connector body; a third end plate and a fourth end plate positioned at opposite ends of the second connector body; a first tension member coupled to the first end plate and the second end plate and being manipulatable to draw the first end plate and the second end plate toward each other such that the first gripping segment engages the outer surface of the pipe; and a second tension member coupled to the third end plate and the fourth end plate, the second tension member being manipulatable to draw the third end plate and the fourth end plate toward each other such that the second gripping segment engages the outer surface of the pipe. The first tension member and the second tension member may be substantially simultaneously manipulated to provide negating axial forces to mount the connector assembly to the pipe. 
         [0009]    In yet another independent aspect, a method of mounting a pipe end connector assembly to an outer surface of a pipe near an axial end face of the pipe may be provided. The method may generally include positioning the pipe in a first connector configured to selectively mount to the outer surface of the pipe and in a second connector connected to the first connector and configured to selectively mount to the outer surface of the pipe; and operating the first connector and the second connector to apply opposing and negating axial forces to mount the connector assembly to the pipe. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, positioning may include positioning the pipe within a first connector body including a first gripping segment configured to selectively mount to the outer surface of the pipe and in a second connector body including a second gripping segment configured to selectively mount to the outer surface of the pipe. Operating may include moving a first end plate and a second end plate positioned at opposite ends of the first connector body toward each other such that the first gripping segment applies to the pipe a first axial force in a first direction, and moving a third end plate and a fourth end plate positioned at opposite ends of the second connector body toward each other such that the second gripping segment applies to the pipe a second axial force in a second direction opposite the first direction. 
         [0011]    Other independent features and independent aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary pipe end connector assembly. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1  taken generally along line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1  taken generally along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a primary seal assembly and a secondary seal assembly of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIGS. 4 a -4 b    are enlarged cross-sectional schematic views of the seal assemblies of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 5A  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a gripping element of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1 , shown disengaged from the example pipe 
           [0018]      FIG. 5B  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the gripping element of  FIG. 5A , shown engaged with the pipe. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 6A-6C  are enlarged views illustrating tear drop indents formed in the pipe by gripping elements. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional side view of another construction of a pipe end connector assembly. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 7 , illustrating the connector assembly coupled to a pipe. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is another cross-sectional perspective view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 7 , illustrating the connector assembly coupled to the pipe. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another alternative construction of a pipe end connector assembly. 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 11  taken generally along line  12 - 12  in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional side view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 11  taken generally along line  13 - 13  in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 14A  is an enlarged view of a primary seal of the connector assembly of  FIG. 11 , illustrating the seal prior to activation. 
           [0028]      FIG. 14B  is an enlarged view of the primary seal of  FIG. 14A , illustrating the seal after activation. 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of yet another alternative construction of a pipe end connector assembly. 
           [0030]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 15  taken generally along line  16 - 16  in  FIG. 15 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    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. 
         [0032]    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. 
         [0033]    A pipe end connector assembly is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . The connector assembly  10  is used for repairing a damaged section of a pipe and axially receives a cut end of a pipe (similar to the pipe  400 , shown in  FIGS. 4 and 9-10 , having an outer surface  404  and a cut end  408 ). The illustrated connector assembly  10  does not require pipe end abutment with an abutment shoulder within the connector assembly  10  in order to grip the pipe. 
         [0034]    The connector assembly  10  includes a first connector portion  14  (e.g., a tension connector portion) and a second connector portion  18  (e.g., a compression connector portion). The first connector portion  14  includes disc-shaped end plates  22 ,  26  positioned on opposite ends of a first cylindrical connector body  30 . The second connector portion  18  includes a second cylindrical connector body  34  with disc-shaped end plates  38 ,  42  positioned on its opposite ends. 
         [0035]    The first end plate  22  defines an opening  46  with a diameter D slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pipe being repaired to accommodate the pipe. The connector portions  14 ,  18  also have an interior diameter approximately equal to the diameter D of the opening  46  to accommodate the pipe. In the illustrated construction, the diameter D is approximately 44 inches. In other constructions (see  FIGS. 11-13 and 15-16 ), the diameter D may be various sizes (e.g., approximately 34 inches, 42 inches, etc.) to accommodate pipes of various diameters. 
         [0036]    A flange adaptor  50  is secured (e.g., welded) to the first end plate  22 . The flange adaptor  50  includes a collar  54  welded at one end to an axial end face  58  of the first end plate  22  and, at the opposite end, a pipe flange  62 . The collar  54  has a cylindrical portion  66  adjacent the first end plate  22  and a tapered portion  70  extending from the cylindrical portion  66  to the pipe flange  62 . The cylindrical portion  66  has a diameter equal to the diameter D of the opening  46  of the first end plate  22 . The cylindrical portion  66  of the collar  54  and the first end plate  22  define a passage  68  having an axial length L, in which a cut end of the pipe may be positioned before activating the connector assembly  10 . The cut end of the pipe may be positioned anywhere along the axial length L of the passage  68 . In the illustrated embodiment, the axial length L is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the pipe (i.e., the diameter D of the opening  46 ) but may be of any desired length. 
         [0037]    As part of a repair procedure, the pipe flange  62  may be coupled (e.g., bolted) to a spool segment (not shown), which is a tube with pipe flanges on each end. The opposite end of the spool segment in turn may be coupled to another connector assembly (e.g., another connector assembly  10 ) secured to another cut end of a pipe of the original pipeline. While the connector assembly  10  is illustrated as a pipe-to-flange adaptor, it may alternatively be constructed as, for example, a pipe-to-pipe coupling, a pipe-to-weld adaptor, a pipe-to-blind end cap, or any other configuration required by a particular application. 
         [0038]    With reference to  FIGS. 2-3 , the first connector body  30  has a series of gripping segments  86 , an annular primary ring  78  adjacent the first end plate  22 , and an annular secondary ring  82  between the annular primary ring  78  and the series of gripping segments  86 . The second connector body  34  has a series of gripping segments  90 , equal to the number of the first connector body  30 . In the illustrated embodiment, each of the connector bodies  30 ,  34  has ten gripping segments. 
         [0039]    Each of the gripping segments  86 ,  90  of the connector bodies  30 ,  34  is generally ring-shaped and has a series of circumferentially spaced passageways  94 ,  98  skewed relative to the central axis A and extending from the inner surface of the gripping segments  86 ,  90 . The passageways  94 ,  98  of the connector bodies  30 ,  34  are angled to face in opposite directions. Specifically, the passageways  94  of the first connector body  30  are angled to face away from the first end plate  22 , and the passageways  98  of the second connector body  34  are angled to face toward the first end plate  22 . 
         [0040]    A ball  102  is positioned in each passageway  94 ,  98 . Each connector body  30 ,  34  includes an annular cage  106  operable to restrain the balls  102  within the passageways  94 ,  98 . Each annular cage  106  defines a series of circumferential openings  110 , each of which corresponds to one of the balls  102  and into which each corresponding ball  102  is seated. A biasing member  114  (e.g., a spring) is seated in each passageway  94 ,  98  to urge the associated ball  102  toward its opening  110  in the cage  106  and toward an outer surface  404  of the pipe  400  ( FIGS. 5A-5B ). 
         [0041]    Each cage  106  is movable between an initial position and an activated position. In the initial position, the cage  106  retains the balls  102  within the corresponding passageways  94 ,  98  of the connector bodies  30 ,  34  and against the bias of the biasing members  114 . In the initial position, the balls  102  cannot extend out of the circumferential openings  110  to engage a pipe, so that the pipe can be inserted into the connector assembly  10 . 
         [0042]    In the activated position, the circumferential openings  110  are aligned with the passageways  94 ,  98 , and the balls  102  are biased by the biasing members  114  down the passageways  94 ,  98  to extend out of the corresponding circumferential openings  110 . In the activated position, the balls  102  are biased into contact with the outer surface of the pipe. In the illustrated construction, each cage  106  is moved to the activated position via a hydraulic ram. 
         [0043]    The connector assembly  10  includes a plurality of first tension members  126  and a plurality of second tension members  130 . Each of the end plates  22 ,  26 ,  38 ,  42  and each of the rings  78 ,  82  define circumferentially-spaced and axially-aligned first holes  138 . The first holes  138  are adapted to receive one of the first tension members  126 . Each of the third and fourth end plates  26 ,  42  also includes circumferentially-spaced and axially-aligned second holes  142 . The second holes  142  are adapted to receive one of the second tension members  130 . 
         [0044]    For each of the first tension members  126 , a bearing member  146  is positioned between the first hole  138  of the third end plate  38  and the first tension member  126  and extends between the second and fourth end plates  26 ,  42  such that the third end plate  38  can slide relative to the first tension members  126 . The bearing member  146  connects the second and fourth end plates  26 ,  42  for concurrent axial movement. 
         [0045]    In the illustrated embodiment, the connector assembly  10  includes a plurality of third tension members  134 . Each of the first end plate  22  and the primary and secondary rings  78 ,  82  defines circumferentially-spaced and axially-aligned third holes (not shown). The third holes are adapted to receive one of the third tension members  134 . 
         [0046]    A first retaining nut  158  and a first tensioner  162  are engaged on opposite ends of each first tension member  126 . The first tensioners  162  are actuatable (e.g., in a substantially synchronized and/or simultaneous manner) to create tension in the first tension members  126  to draw the second end plate  26  and the fourth end plate  42  toward the first end plate  22 . 
         [0047]    Similarly, a second retaining nut  166  and a second tensioner  170  are engaged on opposite ends of each second tension member  130 . The second tensioners  170  are actuatable (e.g., in a substantially synchronized and/or simultaneous manner) to create tension in the second tension members  130  to draw the third end plate  38  toward the fourth end plate  42 . 
         [0048]    In operation, the first tensioners  162  and second tensioners  170  are actuated (e.g., in a substantially synchronized and/or simultaneous manner) so that the connector portions  14 ,  18  are axially compressed in opposing directions. As the first and second end plates  22 ,  26  are drawn toward each other and the third and fourth end plates  38 ,  42  are drawn toward each other, the corresponding gripping segments  86 ,  90  are axially compressed to cause the balls  102  to be wedged into the exterior surface of the pipe via the angled passageways  94 ,  98 , providing a radially-inward gripping force to couple the connector assembly  10  to the pipe  400 . 
         [0049]    Due to the connector portions  14 ,  18  being compressed in opposite directions and the passageways  94 ,  98  facing in opposite directions, opposing outward axially forces F 1 , F 2  are applied by the balls  102  on the pipe. The opposing axially forces, applied in a substantially synchronized and/or simultaneous manner, counteract and negate one another preventing the connector assembly  10  from sliding off or down the pipe. 
         [0050]    In other constructions (not shown), the passageways  94 ,  98  may be angled away from each other in opposite directions to that described above, and the first and second connector portion  14 ,  18  may be compressed in opposite directions to that described above. In such constructions, opposing and negating inward axial forces would be applied by the balls  102  of the connector portions  14 ,  18  to the outer surface of the pipe, thereby allowing the balls  102  to be wedged into the outer surface of the pipe to mount the connector assembly  10  to the pipe  400 . 
         [0051]    In the illustrated construction, the connector assembly  10  further includes a third retaining nut  174  and a third tensioner  178  engaged on opposite ends of each third tension member  134 . The third tensioners  178  are actuated (e.g., in a substantially synchronized and/or simultaneous manner) to draw the secondary ring  82  toward the primary ring  78 , and the primary ring  78  toward the first end plate  22 . The third tensioners  178  may be actuated separately from or in a substantially synchronized and/or simultaneous manner with the tensioners  162 ,  170 . 
         [0052]    The illustrated tensioners  162 ,  170 ,  178  are motorized but may be actuated in other ways, such as hydraulically. The illustrated tensioners  162 ,  170 ,  178  include connector points  180  into which an arm of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) may stab to remotely control and actuate the tensioners  162 ,  170 ,  178 . In other constructions (see  FIGS. 11-13 ), the tensioners  162 ,  170 ,  178  may be replaced with threaded nuts, as described below. 
         [0053]    Synchronized or simultaneous operation of each set tensioners  162 ,  170  or  178  and/or of multiple sets of tensioners (e.g., the tensioners  162  and  170 ) may be performed in any manner. For example, each tensioner  162 ,  170  or  178  may be operated independently while being controlled substantially synchronized or simultaneous by the operator(s). In another example, the structure used to operate the tensioners  162 ,  170 ,  178  (e.g., the ROV, a number of ROVs) may include a controller or control system operable to cause the tensioners  162 ,  170 ,  178  to be operated in a substantially synchronized and/or simultaneous manner. 
         [0054]    In other constructions (not shown), structure to synchronize or cause simultaneous operation of the tensioners  162 ,  170 ,  178  may be provided. For example, a gear arrangement may be provided between a set of tensioners  162 ,  170  or  178  so that operation of one tensioner causes corresponding operation of the remaining tensioners. 
         [0055]    In other constructions (not shown), structure may be provided to synchronize or cause simultaneous operation multiple sets of tensioners (e.g., the tensioners  162  and  170 ). For example, rather than sliding on the bearing  146 , the third end plate  38  may be threaded to a supporting member replacing the bearing  146  having a thread pitch in a direction opposite to the first tension member  126 . In such a construction, while the second end plate  26  and the fourth end plate  42  are drawn toward the first end plate  22 , the third end plate  38  moves in the opposite direction toward the fourth end plate. 
         [0056]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , a primary seal assembly  190  and a secondary seal assembly  194  are positioned, engaged, and energized to seal internal media from the external environment. The primary seal assembly  190  is positioned radially adjacent to the exterior surface of the pipe and axially between the primary ring  78  and the first end plate  22 . The secondary seal assembly  194  is positioned radially adjacent to the exterior surface of the pipe and axially between the primary ring  78  and the secondary ring  82 . As the first and second end plates  22 ,  26 , are drawn together, the primary ring  78  and the secondary ring  82  translate axially toward each other such that both seal assemblies  190 ,  194  are compressed and activated. Spacer rings (not shown) may be positioned adjacent one or more of the primary ring  78  and the secondary ring  82  to reduce the occurrence of excessive ring translation and over-compression of any of the seals. 
         [0057]    In the illustrated embodiment, the primary ring  78  has a generally inverted T-shaped cross section with a disk body  202 , a radially inward primary finger  206  extending axially away from the disk body  202  toward the first end plate  22 , and a secondary finger  210  extending axially away from the disk body  202  toward the secondary ring  82 . Each finger  206 ,  210  has a beveled face  214 ,  218  at its distal end. 
         [0058]    The first end plate  22  defines a primary annular undercut  226  formed by a radially inward face  230  and a beveled face  234  to house the primary seal assembly  190 . The primary seal assembly  190  is configured to be compressed by the primary finger  206  within the primary annular undercut  226  in the first end plate  22  as the first and second end plates  22 ,  26  are drawn together. 
         [0059]    Similarly, the secondary ring  82  defines a secondary annular undercut  238  formed by a radially inward face  242  and a beveled face  246  to house the secondary seal assembly  194 . The secondary seal assembly  194  is configured to be compressed by the secondary finger  210  within the secondary annular undercut  238  in the secondary ring  82  as the first and second end plates  22 ,  26  are drawn together. 
         [0060]    In alternate constructions (see  FIGS. 11-14B ), the primary finger  206  may extend axially from the first end plate  22  and the primary annular undercut  226  may be formed in the primary ring  78 , as described below. In further alternate constructions (see  FIGS. 15-16 ), the secondary finger  210  may extend axially from the secondary ring  82  and the secondary annular undercut  238  may be formed in the primary ring  78 , as described below. 
         [0061]    The primary seal assembly  190  includes a pair of anti-extrusion rings  254 ,  258  sandwiching a central primary seal member  262 . Each anti-extrusion ring  254 ,  258  is preferably metallic and includes a split (not shown) to allow radial compression. The split may have opposing circumferential ends skewed relative to the central axis. Each anti-extrusion ring  254 ,  258  has a triangular cross-section with an interior surface  266  adjacent to the outer surface  404  of the pipe  400 , a radial surface  270  generally slightly less than perpendicular (e.g., about 85 degrees) to the interior surface  266  and axially engaged with an axial face  278  of the primary seal member  262 , and a hypotenuse surface  274  connecting the interior surface  266  and the radial surface  270 . 
         [0062]    With reference to  FIG. 4 a   , with regard to the primary seal assembly  190 , the hypotenuse surface  274  of the leftmost anti-extrusion ring  254  is contoured to engage and wedge against the beveled face  214  of the primary finger  206 . The rightmost anti-extrusion ring  258  is engaged with the beveled face  234  of the primary annular undercut  226  in the first end plate  22 . Therefore, the anti-extrusion rings  254 ,  258  compress the primary seal member  262  such that the primary seal member  262  flows radially between the outer surface  404  of the pipe  400  and the inward face  230  of the annular undercut  226  in the first end plate  22  to form a seal between the pipe  400  and the first end plate  22 . The anti-extrusion rings  254 ,  258  keep the material of the primary seal member  262  where it can be compressed and hardened to establish the desired seal. 
         [0063]    With reference to  FIG. 4 b   , the secondary seal assembly  194  is constructed substantially identical to the primary seal assembly  190  as described above. The secondary seal assembly  194  includes a pair of split anti-extrusion rings  286 ,  290  sandwiching a central secondary seal member  294 . Each anti-extrusion ring  286 ,  290  has a triangular cross section with an interior surface  298  adjacent to the exterior surface  404  of the pipe  400 , a radial surface  302  generally slightly less than perpendicular to the interior surface  298  and axially engaged with an axial face  310  of the secondary seal member  294 , and a hypotenuse surface  306  connecting the interior surface  298  and the radial surface  302 . 
         [0064]    In contrast to the primary seal assembly  190 , with regard to the secondary seal assembly  194 , the hypotenuse surface  306  of the rightmost anti-extrusion ring  290  is contoured to engage and wedge against the beveled face  218  of the secondary finger  210 . The leftmost anti-extrusion ring  286  is engaged with the beveled face  246  of the annular undercut  238  in the secondary ring  82 . Therefore, the anti-extrusion rings  286 ,  290  compress the secondary seal member  294  such that the secondary seal member  294  flows radially between the outer surface  404  of the pipe  400  and the inward face  242  of the secondary annular undercut  238  in the secondary ring  82 . 
         [0065]    The seal members  262 ,  294  are made of a malleable and compressible material, such as exfoliated graphite. In one form, the seal members  262 ,  294  is made of approximately 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 installed form factor. 
         [0066]    The connector assembly  10  may include a series of ports at various locations to pressure test the various seal boundaries established by the seal assemblies  190 ,  194 . A first port can be pressurized to confirm the integrity of the primary seal assembly  190  and the secondary seal assembly  194 . A second port can be pressurized to confirm the integrity of the primary seal assembly  190 . 
         [0067]    The first and third tension members  126 ,  134  extend through the primary ring  78 , the secondary ring  82 , and the first end plate  22  to ensure the appropriate relative rotational position between adjacent components such that, for example, the port passageways are properly aligned. In alternate embodiments (see  FIGS. 7 and 9-10 ), one or more dowel pins  334  can be used to ensure the appropriate relative rotational position between the adjacent components. 
         [0068]    In operation, after the pipe  400  has been cut, the connector assembly  10  is slid over the cut end  408  and positioned adjacent to an axial end face of the cut end  408  of the pipe  400 . The cut end  408  of the pipe  400  is positioned along the length L within the collar  54  of the pipe flange adaptor  50 . The connector assembly  10  is then coupled to the pipe  14  in a somewhat similar manner to that used by a typical MORGRIP® device. 
         [0069]    Specifically, once the connector assembly  10  is positioned such that the pipe  400  is within the collar  54 , the cages  106  are moved to the activated position (e.g., via the hydraulic rams). When the cages  106  are in the activated position, the balls  102  are biased by the biasing members  114  down the angled passageways  94 ,  98  out the circumferential openings  110  and into contact with the exterior surface of the pipe ( FIG. 5A ). 
         [0070]    Actuating the first tensioners  162  causes the first tension members  126  to draw the second end plate  26  and the fourth end plate  42  axially toward the first end plate  22  along the first tension members  126 . Actuating the second tensioners  170  causes the second tension members  130  to draw the third end plate  38  axially toward the fourth end plate  42  along the second tension members  130 . As the first and second end plates  22 ,  26  are brought together and the third and fourth end plates  38 ,  42  are brought together, the first connector body  30  applies a first axial force F 1  on the outer surface of the pipe, and the second connector body  34  applies a second axial force F 2  on the outer surface of the pipe. 
         [0071]    As the balls  102  are wedged into contact with the outer surface  404  of the pipe  400 , the balls  102  swage the outer surface  404  of the pipe  400  to form tear drop shaped depressions  318  in the outer surface  404  (see  FIGS. 6A-6C ). The balls  102  apply a radially inward force F 3  to the pipe  400 . The balls  102  engage the tear drop shaped depressions  318  to, for example, provide a positive lock so that the connection cannot work loose, to increase gripping strength, etc. The tear drop shaped depressions  318  may also prevent torsional movement of the connector assembly  10 , minimize the amount of stress applied to the pipe  400  by the balls  102  (i.e., the depressions  318  are non-stress raisers), etc. Adjusting the number of gripping segments  86 ,  90  and/or balls  102  per gripping segment  86 ,  90  will adjust the gripping capacity. 
         [0072]    In the illustrated construction, the second axial force F 2  is equal and opposite to the first axial force F 1  (see  FIG. 2 ). Actuating the first and second tensioners  162 ,  170  simultaneously causes the axial forces F 1 , F 2  to negate. Due to the negation of the axial forces F 1 , F 2 , the connector assembly  10  does not move axially along the pipe  400  as the connector portions  14 ,  18  are activated. 
         [0073]    By providing the connector bodies  30 ,  34  that provide opposing reaction forces F 1 , F 2 , the connector assembly  10  is able to be coupled anywhere along the length of the pipe  400 . Accordingly, the cut end  408  may be positioned anywhere along the length L within the passage  68 , thus reducing the precision necessary when cutting the pipe  400 . In contrast, in some existing connector assemblies (not shown), increased precision is required when cutting the pipe in order to precisely align the cut end  404  with an abutment shoulder of the existing connector assembly. 
         [0074]    As the first and second plates  22 ,  26  are brought together, the primary ring  78  and the secondary ring  82  move axially and are compressed together between the first connector body  30  and the first end plate  22  to drive activation of the primary seal assembly  190  and the secondary seal assembly  194 , which engage the exterior surface the pipe  400  and form a fluid seal between the interior of the pipe  400  and the interior of the flange adaptor  50 . 
         [0075]    If the seal assemblies  190 ,  194  are fully activated through activation of the tensioners  162 , it may not be necessary to activate the third tensioners  178 . However, if necessary, the third tensioners  178  are activated to manipulate the third tension members  134  to draw the secondary ring  82  toward the primary ring  78 , and the primary ring  78  toward the first end plate  22  in order to provide additional force to ensure full activation of the primary and secondary seal assemblies  190 ,  194 . The dynamic installation and engagement of the primary and secondary seal assemblies  190 ,  194  is similar to that used by a typical MORGRIP® device and is described in more detail below. The third tensioners  178  may be activated after the first and second tensioners  162 ,  170  if additional force is necessary to fully activate the seal assemblies  190 ,  194 . Alternatively, the third tensioners  178  may be activated simultaneously with the first and second tensioners  162 ,  170  to provide additional force to ensure full activation of the seal assemblies  190 ,  194 . 
         [0076]    Specifically, the primary ring  78  and the secondary ring  82  are moved axially (e.g., rightwardly in  FIG. 3 ) by the first connector body  30  causing the primary seal assembly  190  and the secondary seal assembly  194  to be partially compressed. In particular, with regard to the primary seal assembly  190 , the left anti-extrusion ring  254  is wedged against the primary finger  206  of the primary ring  78 , and the right anti-extrusion ring  258  is wedged against the beveled face  234  of the first end plate  22 . The anti-extrusion rings  254 ,  258  are urged radially inward and radially compressed as the primary seal member  190  is axially compressed. 
         [0077]    Similarly, with regard to the secondary seal assembly  194 , the right anti-extrusion ring  290  is wedged against the secondary finger  210  of the primary ring  78 , and the left anti-extrusion ring  286  is wedged against the beveled face  246  of the secondary ring  82 . The anti-extrusion rings  286 ,  290  are urged radially inward and radially compressed as the secondary seal member  294  is axially compressed. Each of the primary seal member  262  and the secondary seal member  294  is allowed to expand radially outward and inward to fill voids and engage the outer surface  404  of the pipe  400 . 
         [0078]    The secondary ring  82  is moved further axially (e.g., rightwardly in  FIG. 3 ) to abut the primary ring  78 . Similarly, the primary ring  78  is moved further axially (e.g., rightwardly in  FIG. 3 ) to abut the first end plate  22 . The movement results in the primary seal assembly  190  and the secondary seal assembly  194  each being fully compressed. The malleable, exfoliated graphite primary and secondary seal members  262 ,  294  are compressed to increase the effective density of the primary and secondary seal members  262 ,  294  to form a seal that inhibits the passage of medium from the pipe to the external environment. 
         [0079]    Once the seal assemblies  190 ,  194  are activated, the integrity of the seal assemblies  190 ,  194  is tested. If further activation is required, the tensioners (e.g., the third tensioners  178 ) may be activated to provide additional force to ensure full activation of the primary and secondary seal assemblies  190 ,  194 . 
         [0080]      FIGS. 7-10  illustrate an alternative construction of a pipe end connector assembly  10   a.  The connector assembly  10   a  and its components are similar to the connector assembly  10  and components shown in  FIGS. 1-6  and described above. Common components have the same reference number “a”. The connector assembly  10   a  is assembled and operated in a similar fashion as the connector assembly  10 . 
         [0081]    The connector assembly  10   a  includes one or more dowel pins  334  extending through the primary ring  78   a,  the secondary ring  82   a,  and into the first end plate  22   a  to ensure the relative rotational position between the primary ring  78   a,  the secondary ring  82   a,  and the first end plate, for example, so that the port passageways are properly aligned. The dowel pins  334  are included in lieu of third tension members (similar to the third tension members  134 ) extending through the primary ring  78   a,  the secondary ring  82   a,  and the first end plate  22   a.  In the illustrated construction, the seal assemblies  190   a,    194   a  are fully activated by activation of the first tensioners  162   a.    
         [0082]      FIGS. 11-14B  illustrate another alternative construction of a pipe end connector assembly  10   b.  The connector assembly  10   b  and its components are similar to the connector assembly  10 ,  10   a  and components shown in  FIGS. 1-10  and described above. Common components have the same reference number “b”. The connector assembly  10   a  is assembled and operated in a similar fashion as the connector assembly  10 ,  10   a.  The illustrated connector assembly  10   b  has an interior diameter D configured to accommodate pipes with diameters of approximately 16 inches. 
         [0083]    With reference to  FIG. 11 , the connector assembly  10   b  includes first tensioner nuts  346  and second tensioner nuts  350  threadingly engaged onto the first tension members  126   b  and the second tension members  130   b,  respectively, in place of the tensioners  162 ,  170 . The first tensioner nuts  346  are rotated to draw the second and fourth end plates  26   b,    42   b  axially toward the first end plate  22 . The second tensioner nuts  170  are rotated so as to draw the third end plate  38   b  axially toward the fourth end plate  42   b.  Similar to the connector assembly  10 , as the first and second tensioner nuts  346 ,  350  are rotated simultaneously, the balls  102   b  engage the pipe so as to provide opposing and offsetting axial forces to mount the connector assembly  10   b  to the pipe. 
         [0084]    With reference to  FIGS. 12-13 , the first end plate  22   b  has an abutment shoulder  354  extending inward from the opening  46   b  in the first end plate  22   b  that a pipe end may abut when fully inserted into the connector assembly  10   b.  The abutment shoulder  354  may be eliminated from the opening  46   b,  such that the opening  46   b  in the first end plate  22   b  may have a diameter D that extends through the first end plate  22   b  and the flange adaptor  50   b.  Accordingly, a cut end of a pipe may be positioned anywhere along the axial length L. In the illustrated construction, each of the connector bodies  30   b,    34   b  includes three griping segments  86   b,    90   b.    
         [0085]    The primary finger  206   b  extends from the first end plate  22   b  and the primary annular undercut  226   b  is formed in the primary ring  78   b.  The secondary finger  210   b  extends from the primary ring  78   b  and the secondary annular undercut  238   b  is formed in the secondary ring  82   b .  FIG. 14A  illustrates the secondary seal assembly  194   b  prior to activation.  FIG. 14B  illustrates the secondary seal assembly  194   b  after activation. Once the secondary seal assembly  194   b  is activated, the seal member  194   b  is compressed by the anti-extrusion rings  286   b,    290   b.    
         [0086]      FIGS. 15-16  illustrate yet another alternative construction of a pipe end connector assembly  10   c.  The connector assembly  10   c  and its components are similar to the connector assembly  10 ,  10   a,    10   b  and components shown in  FIGS. 1-14B  and described above. Common components have the same reference number “c”. The connector assembly  10   c  is assembled and operated in a similar fashion as the connector assembly  10 ,  10   a,    10   b.  The illustrated connector assembly  10   c  has an interior diameter D configured to accommodate pipes with diameters of approximately 34 inches. 
         [0087]    With reference to  FIG. 15 , each of the connector bodies  30   c,    34   c  includes six gripping segments  86   c,    90   c.  Accordingly, each of the connector bodies  30   c,    34   c  are shorter in length than the connector bodies  30 ,  34  of the pipe end connector assembly  10 . 
         [0088]    With reference to  FIG. 16 , the primary finger  206   c  extends from the primary ring  78   c  and the primary annular undercut  226   c  is formed in the first end plate  22   c.  The secondary finger  210   c  extends from the secondary ring  82   c  and the secondary undercut  238   c  is formed in the primary ring  78   c.  The primary and secondary seal assemblies are not shown. 
         [0089]    In general, a pipe end connector assembly may include a connector bodies activated (e.g., compressed) to apply to a pipe opposing axially forces that negate to prevent axial movement of the connector assembly on the pipe, such that a radially force applied by the connector bodies can grip the pipe without requiring a pipe end abutment surface. 
         [0090]    One or more independent features and/or independent advantages of the invention may be set forth in the following claims.