Connector assembly

A connector assembly for connecting to a pipe, the connector assembly comprising:

• a connector body for housing a length of the pipe to be connected;
• a mechanical seal arrangement within the connector body, the mechanical seal arrangement comprising a metal annular seal surface configured for arrangement about the pipe to be connected, the mechanical seal arrangement further comprising a metal annular seal element configured for fitting about the pipe to be connected, wherein the annular seal element is configured for providing a first metal-to-metal annular sealing contact with a metal outer surface of a pipe to be connected and a second metal-to-metal annular sealing contact with the metal annular seal surface,
• wherein the connector assembly further comprises a mechanical engagement arrangement for preventing axial movement of the connector body relative to the pipe to be connected,
• wherein the connector assembly further comprises an annular loading ring configured for fitting about the pipe to be connected,
• wherein the annular loading ring is configured to be arranged for communication between the connector body and the pipe to be connected,
• wherein the annular loading ring comprises one or more channels or bores extending from an external surface of the annular loading ring to an internal surface of the annular loading ring, for an application of energising load to the annular seal element within the connector body,
• wherein the annular loading ring defines a projection, and the connector body defines a complementary recess for receiving said projection, for keying the annular loading ring to the connector body for preventing relative axial movement therebetween, and
• wherein said projection extends in a radially outward direction.

A method of connecting a pipe to a connector assembly, the method comprising the steps of:

• locating an annular loading ring about the pipe to be connected;
• locating a metal annular seal element of a mechanical seal arrangement about the pipe;
• locating the annular loading ring and annular seal element within a connector body for housing the pipe, the connector body having a metal annular seal surface of the mechanical seal arrangement within, the annular seal surface for arrangement about the pipe and arranged for sealing contact with the annular seal element, wherein the annular loading ring is arranged for communication between the connector body and the pipe;
• wherein the annular loading ring comprises one or more channels or bores extending from an external surface of the annular loading ring to an internal surface of the annular loading ring, for an application of energising load to the annular seal element within the connector body;
• wherein the annular seal element is configured for creating a first annular sealing contact for creating a metal-to-metal seal with a metal outer surface of the pipe and a second annular sealing contact for creating a metal-to-metal seal with the annular seal surface under the application of an energising load via said one or more channels or bores;
• wherein the annular loading ring is configured to be coupled with the connector body, to prevent relative axial movement between the annular loading ring and the connector body;
• and
• wherein the connector assembly includes a mechanical engagement arrangement for preventing or limiting axial movement of the connector body relative to the pipe.