Abstract: An apparatus for connecting two flanged pipes comprises at least one piston arrangement having a pair of opposed pistons slidable within a hydraulic cylinder. Each pair of pistons has a rod extending therefrom and is adapted to receive a threaded fastener at its end remote from the piston. Each rod extends through an aperture at the respective cylinder end and is adapted to pass through a respective aperture in the flange of a flanged pipe. Each piston has an associated biasing means in the form of a spring or similar which urges the piston away from its respective cylinder end. Pressurization of the hydraulic fluid in the cylinder causes the piston to move towards its respective cylinder end against the urging action of the biasing means, to allow the hand tightening of the threaded fastener. When the pressure is removed the action of the spring biases the flanges of the flanged pipes together to energize the ring seal between each flange and the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for connecting two flanged pipes (10, 12) comprises at least one piston arrangement having a pair of opposed pistons (54, 56) slidable within a hydraulic cylinder (52). Each pair of pistons has a rod (64, 66) extending therefrom and is adapted to receive a threaded fastener (70) at its end remote from the piston. Each rod (64, 66) extends through an aperture at the respective cylinder end and is adapted to pass through a respective aperture (32, 34) in the flange (20, 22) of a flanged pipe Each piston (54, 56) has an associated biasing means (60) in the form of a spring or similar which urges the piston away from its respective cylinder end. Pressurisation of the hydraulic fluid in the cylinder (52) causes the piston to move towards its respective cylinder end against the urging action of the biasing means, to allow the hand tightening of the threaded fastener (70).