Method and connector assembly for connecting tubular members

摘要

The invention provides a method of joining tubular members. A first tubular member has a first end connection part and a second tubular member has a second end connection part configured to make-up with the first end connection part. An amount of filler material is arranged on at least a portion of mating surface of at least one of the first end connection part and the second end connection part. The first and second tubular member are made-up while applying a first torque, wherein the filler material is compressed. The joined first and second end connections are heated to a first temperature below the melting temperature of the filler material. A second torque, exceeding the first torque, is applied. Then, the temperature is raised to a second temperature at or above the melting temperature of the filler material to cause diffusion bonding among the filler material and the first and second end connection. Thereafter, the applied second torque is removed and the first and second end connections are cooled.