Actuation system for an internal backup ring assembly

An actuation system for a clamping assembly for engaging an interior surface of a pipe for use in a pipe clamping apparatus, the system comprising:

• (a) a shaft having a longitudinal axis;
• (b) an actuator defining an actuator chamber therein having a peripheral chamber wall and wherein the actuator is movably mounted about the shaft such that the shaft extends through the actuator chamber and such that the actuator is longitudinally reciprocable thereon;
• and
• (c) a piston fixedly mounted about the shaft and positioned within the actuator chamber, wherein the piston has a first side, a second, side and an outer perimeter sealingly engaging the peripheral chamber wall to create a first chamber adjacent the first side of the piston and a second chamber adjacent the second side of the piston such that the actuator reciprocates along the shaft in response to a differential force applied within the first chamber and the second chamber;
• wherein the clamping assembly is associated with the actuator such that reciprocation of the actuator along the shaft causes the clamping assembly to move radially relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.