Abstract: A ball valve assembly is provided. The ball valve assembly comprises a pipe section having an axial bore for enabling fluid flow therethrough in use; a valve ball having an internal conduit, the valve ball being mounted within the pipe section and being for rotation with respect to the pipe section between an open position in which fluid within the axial bore may flow through the internal conduit and a closed position in which the internal conduit is inaccessible to fluid within the axial bore; a device configured to rotate the valve ball, the device being located radially outside the axial bore; and an encapsulation positioned to receive the valve ball and having portions located radially between the pipe bore and the device configured to rotate the valve ball, such that the encapsulation prevents fluid within the axial bore from accessing the device configured to rotate the valve ball.

Abstract: A ball valve assembly is provided. The ball valve assembly comprises a pipe section having an axial bore for enabling fluid flow therethrough in use a valve ball having an internal conduit, the valve ball being mounted within the pipe section and being for rotation with respect to the pipe section between an open position in which fluid within the axial bore may flow through the internal, conduit and a closed position in which the internal conduit is inaccessible to fluid within the axial bore; a device configured to rotate the valve ball, the device being located radially outside the axial bore; and an encapsulation positioned to receive the valve ball and having portions located radially between the pipe bore and the device configured to rotate the valve ball, such that the encapsulation prevents fluid within the axial bore from accessing the device configured to rotate the valve ball.

Abstract: A device automatically makes up a riser string from riser spools, each having an ancillary line and dog-type connectors. A support member supports a second riser spool for connection. A torque arm above the support member hinges open to accept a first riser spool and hinges close to engage the first spool and rotate the first spool to align its ancillary line with the ancillary line of the second spool. A guide arm above the support member hinges open to accept the first spool and hinges closed to engage and radially position the first spool while allowing vertical movement of the first spool. Connector actuators are positioned around the support member to actuate the connectors when the first spool is lowered onto the second spool.