A connection assembly and a method comprises first and second connector portions having a preload mechanism comprising a plurality of bores and threaded fixings circumferentially spaced around the axis, wherein the preload mechanism is arranged to apply an axial load between shoulders on the first and second connector portions when torque is applied to the threaded fixings. An annular sealing member is compressed between the first and second portions, and the axial load applied between the first and second shoulders by the preload mechanism exceeds a peak hydrodynamic load urging the first and second connector portions in a direction along the axis. The axial force applied by the preload mechanism advantageously reduces the fatigue damage experienced by the connection, for example, by cyclic pressure changes within the connector portions typically caused by pumps operating at high pressures.

A test cock is configured to connect to a test cock port. The test cock includes a body portion defining a flowpath between a distal end and a proximal end. The test cock includes an intake stem at the proximal end that has external threads to connect the test cock to the test cock port. The intake stem defines an intake opening connected to the flowpath, the intake opening having a non-circular shape, such as a hexagonal shape. The test cock also includes an extraction tool having an end forming the non-circular shape of the intake opening, the end being sized to fit within and engage the intake opening.

A test cock is configured to connect to a test cock port. The test cock includes a body portion defining a flowpath between a distal end and a proximal end. The test cock includes an intake stem at the proximal end that has external threads to connect the test cock to the test cock port. The intake stem defines an intake opening connected to the flowpath, the intake opening having a non-circular shape, such as a hexagonal shape. The test cock also includes an extraction tool having an end forming the non-circular shape of the intake opening, the end being sized to fit within and engage the intake opening.

A hydraulic fluid actuator has a housing and a seal member. The housing has a hydraulic hose port that is configured to receive a hydraulic hose. The seal member seals the hydraulic hose port. The seal member includes a frangible section configured to rupture upon attachment of the hydraulic hose into the hydraulic hose port with the seal member remaining between the hydraulic hose and the hydraulic hose port after attachment.

A hydraulic fluid actuator has a housing and a seal member. The housing has a hydraulic hose port that is configured to receive a hydraulic hose. The seal member seals the hydraulic hose port. The seal member includes a frangible section configured to rupture upon attachment of the hydraulic hose into the hydraulic hose port with the seal member remaining between the hydraulic hose and the hydraulic hose port after attachment.

A pipe connector. The connector includes a body with opposed connection portions for connecting two pipes. A protective portion extends along at least a portion of an inside surface intermediate the connection portions. The protective portion includes a protective material that is less abrasive to a rod string than the body. An inside diameter of the connector along at least a portion of the protective portion is equal to or narrower than an inside diameter at other portions of the connector for preferentially contacting the rod string with the protective material over other portions of the body. The connector may include an extended gripping portion for gripping with power tongs, and may further include a reinforced portion for increasing resistance of the pipe connector to deformation when threadedly connected with a tubing joint with the connector.

A pipe connector. The connector includes a body with opposed connection portions for connecting two pipes. A protective portion extends along at least a portion of an inside surface intermediate the connection portions. The protective portion includes a protective material that is less abrasive to a rod string than the body. An inside diameter of the connector along at least a portion of the protective portion is equal to or narrower than an inside diameter at other portions of the connector for preferentially contacting the rod string with the protective material over other portions of the body. The connector may include an extended gripping portion for gripping with power tongs, and may further include a reinforced portion for increasing resistance of the pipe connector to deformation when threadedly connected with a tubing joint with the connector.

This invention builds up on technical features and on the industry experience with the use of Merlin™ family connectors. In addition to friction, structural means utilized to transfer high torsional loads include shear pins and may also include: interlocked thread systems, dog-clutch teeth, keys and splines, all used in isolation or in arbitrary combinations. Static and fatigue bending load capacities of the connectors remain high, while the axial load capacities may or may not be high, depending on the design requirements. Connectors according to this invention can be built as new, carefully optimized designs. In some cases upgrading existing Merlin™ family connector designs to increase they torque transfer capacities may be also feasible.

This invention builds up on technical features and on the industry experience with the use of Merlin™ family connectors. In addition to friction, structural means utilized to transfer high torsional loads include shear pins and may also include: interlocked thread systems, dog-clutch teeth, keys and splines, all used in isolation or in arbitrary combinations. Static and fatigue bending load capacities of the connectors remain high, while the axial load capacities may or may not be high, depending on the design requirements. Connectors according to this invention can be built as new, carefully optimized designs. In some cases upgrading existing Merlin™ family connector designs to increase they torque transfer capacities may be also feasible.

A test cock is configured to connect to a test cock port. The test cock includes a body portion defining a flowpath between a distal end and a proximal end. The test cock includes an intake stem at the proximal end that has external threads to connect the test cock to the test cock port. The intake stem defines an intake opening connected to the flowpath, the intake opening having a non-circular shape, such as a hexagonal shape. The test cock also includes an extraction tool having an end forming the non-circular shape of the intake opening, the end being sized to fit within and engage the intake opening.