Importance

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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 The active part of the submerged valve can then be removed and repaired or replaced in situ, or withdrawn into the upper box for inspection on the surface following closure of the intermediate valve and disconnection of the lower box from the body of the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.

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First Claim