Connector assemblies and processes for using same

A process for connecting a second tubular member to a first tubular member of a connector assembly, comprising:

• positioning the second tubular member at least partially within a bore defined by the first tubular member at a first position, wherein:
• the first tubular member defines a bore therethrough from a first end to a second end thereof,
• a sidewall of the first tubular member defines a plurality of apertures therethrough,
• a first end of the first tubular member is configured to be attached to an offshore structure,
• the second tubular member defines one or more first grooves about an outer surface thereof,
• a sidewall of the second tubular member defines a plurality of apertures therethrough,
• the second tubular member defines a bore therethrough from a first end to a second end thereof, and
• a second end of the second tubular member is configured to be attached to a conduit protection apparatus, and
• the connector assembly further comprises:
• a plurality of first bolts, each at least partially disposed through a corresponding one of the plurality of apertures defined by the sidewall of the first tubular member and movable between an unlocked position and a first locked position,
• a plurality of second bolts, each at least partially disposed through a corresponding one of the plurality apertures defined by the sidewall of the second tubular member and movable between an unlatched position and a latched position,
• a release ring disposed about an exterior surface of the second tubular member, comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the release ring is configured to abut against the second end of the first tubular member, and
• a plurality of release keys, each configured to engage with the release ring and with a corresponding second bolt in the plurality of second bolts;
• and
• positioning the plurality of first bolts in the first locked position such that a first end of each first bolt is disposed within a corresponding one of the one or more first grooves defined by the second tubular member.

A connector assembly, comprising:

• a first tubular member comprising a first end configured to be attached to an offshore structure and a second end that defines a frusto-conical interior surface, wherein a sidewall of the first tubular member defines a plurality of apertures therethrough;
• a second tubular member comprising a first end that defines a frusto-conical exterior surface and a second end configured to be attached to a conduit protection apparatus, wherein:
• the second tubular member defines a first circumferential groove and a second circumferential groove about an outer surface thereof,
• a sidewall of the second tubular member defines a plurality of radial apertures therethrough, and
• the second circumferential groove is located between the first circumferential groove and the first end of the second tubular member;
• a plurality of first bolts, each at least partially disposed through a corresponding one of the plurality of apertures defined by the sidewall of the first tubular member and movable between an unlocked position, a first locked position, and a second locked position;
• a plurality of second bolts, each at least partially disposed through a corresponding one of the plurality of apertures defined by the sidewall of the second tubular member and movable between an unlatched position and a latched position;
• a release ring disposed about an exterior surface of the second tubular member, comprising a first end configured to abut against the second end of the first tubular member and a second end;
• a plurality of release keys, each configured to engage with the release ring and with a corresponding second bolt;
• a plurality of first bolt actuators;
• and
• a plurality of second bolt actuators, wherein:
• the second tubular member is configured to be at least partially positioned within a bore defined by the first tubular member at a first position, at a second position, and at a third position relative to the first tubular member,
• when the second tubular member is in the first position or the second position and the plurality of first bolts is in the first locked position, a first end of each first bolt is disposed within the first circumferential groove defined by the second tubular member,
• when the second tubular member is in the second position, the plurality of second bolts is in the unlatched position,
• when the second tubular member is in the third position and the plurality of first bolts is in the second locked position, the first end of each first bolt is disposed within the second circumferential groove defined by the second tubular member,
• the second tubular member is movable between the first position and the second position while the first end of each first bolt remains disposed within the first circumferential groove defined by the second tubular member,
• when the second tubular member moves between the first position, the second position, and the third position, the plurality of first bolts moves between the first locked position and the second locked position without moving to the unlocked position,
• each first bolt actuator in the plurality of first bolt actuators is configured to exert a radially inward force on a corresponding first bolt to push the corresponding first bolt toward a central axis of the connector assembly, and
• each second bolt actuator in the plurality of second bolt actuators is configured to exert a radially inward force on a corresponding second bolt to push the corresponding second bolt toward the central axis of the connector assembly.