Abstract: A valve, for example for use as a pipeline stop valve or a blow-out preventer, comprises a body with a central passage and opposed aligned guideways extending outwards from the passage. A closure member is provided in each guideway, each of which guideways is closed by a bonnet housing moving means for the respective closure member. The moving means are adapted to move each closure member through the central passage and into the opposite guideway, the closure members sealing therein to enable the opposite bonnet and associated closure member to be removed for a servicing operation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an assembly of pipes, particularly but not exclusively submarine pipes, adapted to permit disconnection of a tubular member therefrom while maintaining the interior of the remainder of the assembly isolated therefrom. The assembly comprises a first pipe provided with a first tubular connection portion for coaxial connection to a second tubular connection portion of a tubular member. The tubular member is also provided with a tubular extension which is coaxial with the second connection portion and houses a closure means. The end of the tubular extension is adapted to receive the casing of a manipulator for moving the closure means from the tubular extension into the first connection portion of the first pipe to isolate the first pipe from the tubular member and permit disconnection thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for servicing a submerged valve 4 comprises a lower vertical box 13 fixed to the valve body 3, surrounding the valve actuating rod 9 and open at its upper end, and an upper box 19 open at its lower end which contains a lifting winch 28, a screwing and unscrewing robot 32, a camera 30, 31, and pumps 27. An intermediate valve 17 is slidable in a flat body 16, and may be sealingly connected between the upper and lower boxes. In use the flat body of the intermediate valve and the upper box are lowered onto and connected to the lower box. The intermediate valve is then opened and both boxes are emptied of water and filled with nitrogen or the like. The active part of the submerged valve can then be removed and repaired or replaced in situ, or withdrawn into the upper box for inspection on the surface following closure of the intermediate valve and disconnection of the lower box from the body of the intermediate valve.