Externally pressure-testable connector assembly

A method of pressure testing a primary sealing member of a connector assembly for securing a first component to a second component connected to a wellbore, the connector assembly comprising a tubular connector body having a first end connectable to the first component, a second end connectable to the second component, a connector bore extending axially between the first and second ends, and a cylindrical recess extending through the second end coaxially with the connector bore, the recess being configured to receive an upper end portion of the second component and the primary sealing member being positioned between the connector body and the upper end portion, the method comprising:

• providing the connector assembly with at least one test port which extends through the connector body from an outer surface of the connector body to a space between the connector body and the second component which is in fluid communication with an exterior side of the primary sealing member;
• and
• communicating a test pressure through the at least one test port to the exterior side of the primary sealing member;
• wherein the primary sealing member comprises an API ring type joint (RTJ) gasket.

A connector assembly for securing a first hydrocarbon production system component to a second hydrocarbon production system component connected to a wellbore, the connector assembly comprising:

• a tubular connector body having a first end which is connectable to the first component, a second end which is connectable to the second component, a connector bore which extends axially between the first and second ends, and a cylindrical recess which extends through the second end coaxially with the connector bore and is configured to receive an upper end portion of the second component;
• an annular primary sealing member which is positioned between the connector body and the upper end portion of the second component;
• and
• at least one test port which extends through the connector body from an outer surface of the connector body to a space between the connector body and the second component which is in fluid communication with an exterior side of the primary sealing member;
• wherein the primary sealing member is positioned in a first circular seal groove formed in an annular shoulder which extends laterally between the connector bore and the recess, and wherein the at least one test port extends through the connector body to the recess;
• whereby the primary sealing member may be pressure tested by communicating a test pressure through the at least one test port to the exterior side of the primary sealing member.