Priority Cross-Reference

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2021904224 filed 23 December 2021 the contents of which is to be considered to be incorporated into this specification by this reference.

Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a universal valve assembly.

Background of the Invention

[0003] The discussion of the background to the invention that follows is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any aspect of the discussion was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0004] The use of valves in pipelines is widespread in order to control the flow of fluids (liquids and gasses) through the pipelines. Valves are used to control flow velocity as well as to terminate flow completely. Flow termination is often employed during repair and maintenance of sections of pipeline. The present invention relates to valves known as gate valves that are used in pipelines of significant diameter, such as sewerage and storm water pipelines. The present invention is not relevant to ball valves or solenoid valves which are often valves having dimensions (“nominal diameter “) of 15, 20 or 25mm as examples. The present invention is relevant to gate valves having nominal diameter dimensions of 150, 200, 250 or 300mm dimensions as examples.

[0005] There are many different types of valves that are used depending on the type of installation. Valves include ball valves, butterfly valves, gate valves, check valves, needle valves and many more. Gate valves in pipeline installations typically have a valve body that has flow passage for flow of fluid and a valve member positioned within the flow passage to control flow of fluid through the flow passage. The valve body includes integral “end types” for connection of the valve within a pipeline, such as to a flange of another pipeline component, or to the end of a pipe of the pipeline. A valve formed in this manner is thus suitable for connection to specific pipeline components and so a consumer must identify the type of components that the valve is to connect to and then purchase the appropriately configured valve.

[0006] Alternatively, the consumer can select the desired valve and then employ pipeline components that fit the selected valve, or the consumer can fit intermediate fittings between the valve and the particular pipeline components, to make the connection where the valve and the pipeline component would not otherwise connect together. This latter solution is often undertaken where the desired valve does not fit directly to the pipeline components that are to be used or that are already in existence in a pipeline system. In this respect, in new residential and commercial developments, piping for sewerage and water supply is often laid well before valves are added. The piping is laid early so that other parts of the development can proceed, with sewerage pits, drains and water meters for example, being constructed later. Valves can also be added later. This means that piping fittings are often in place before valves are selected and so the fittings may not suit the preferred valves that are selected later. The valve selection must therefore change, or more likely, intermediate fittings are interposed between the end types of the valve and the installed pipe fittings to make the connection. By the former arrangement, a less desirable valve might be installed, whereas by the latter arrangement, the connection becomes more complicated with more parts and is more prone to failure and subsequently, more difficult to repair.

[0007] Also, any uncertainty between the need for intermediate fittings rather than direct connections, means there can be uncertainty in relation to the dimensions or geometry of a pipeline system up until each valve is to be installed. That is, the positioning of pipeline interfaces for connection to valves will be different depending on whether the interface can directly connect to the valve or whether an intermediate fitting needs to be interposed between the interface and the valve because of incompatibility between the interface and the valve end type. If an assumption is made that there will be a direct connection to a valve, then the pipeline fitting will extend to a slightly different (advanced) position than if allowance is made for intermediate fittings.

[0008] Further complications in valve selection are that there are many different pipeline fittings that might need to connect with a valve and often a fitting for connection to the end type of one side of a valve is different to a fitting for connection to the end type of the other side of the valve. Often fittings or valves are manufactured according to different standards, so that a valve having end types manufactured according to the USA standard ANSI, will not directly connect to fittings manufactured according to a different standard, such as the Australian standards. This means that to accommodate all of the different possibilities for valve installation, there is a requirement for a large number of different valves with different end types. Accordingly, in theory, valve suppliers must hold significant inventory of different valves to be able to supply their customers on demand. However, in practice, there are valves with end types that are far more popular than other valves with other end types and it is hard to justify holding stock of the less popular valves and difficult to justify the cost of production of small numbers of the less popular valves. Even if the valve supplier is prepared to manufacture and supply small numbers of the less popular valves, the cost of production is often prohibitive for the customer so that the customer will purchase less expensive valves and put up with the inconvenience and cost of installing the required intermediate fittings.

[0009] The present invention has been developed with an aim to provide a solution in relation to gate valves that reduces the inventory requirements for valve manufacturers or suppliers, or that reduces the cost of the inventory valve manufacturers and suppliers are required to maintain, or to make valves applicable to a wider range of pipeline fittings.

Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention there is provided a universal valve assembly, particularly a gate valve assembly, comprising: a valve module having a flow passage for flow of fluid through the valve module, the flow passage extending between inlet and outlet ports, a valve mechanism including a valve for controlling flow through the flow passage the inlet and outlet ports having end faces, the end faces being releasably connected to end types for attachment of the end types within a pipeline and the end faces optionally accommodating a gasket/seal, the connection between the end faces and the end types being universal so that the end faces can connect to multiple different forms of end types.

[0011] A valve assembly according to the present invention has a valve module which is separate from and connectable to end types, so that end types can be selected that connect with the pipeline fittings that the valve assembly is to be installed in. The valve module itself does not have end types that are connectible to pipeline fittings. Rather, the valve module can be connected to a range of different end types by connection of selected end types to the end faces of the valve module, so that the combined valve module and end types can connect to the particular pipeline fittings of the installation. The valve assembly of the invention thus advantageously makes the main portion of a valve, the valve module, usable in a wide variety of installations, with the end types being selected to connect to the particular pipeline fittings of the piping installation. Because the end types are relatively cheap and much less bulky than a complete valve, it will be easier for manufacturers and suppliers to maintain a full inventory of end types to fit across the full range of pipeline fittings and installers need simply to select the appropriate end types and to connect them to the end faces of the valve module.

[0012] Moreover, a valve assembly according to the present invention advantageously enables end types of different form to connect to the respective end faces of the valve module. Thus, the valve module can have one form of end type attached to one of the end faces and an end type of a different form attached to the other end face. This removes the need for intermediate fittings which are required for prior art valves where the end type of the valve does not fit the pipeline to which the valve is to be connected, as the invention enables the appropriate end type to be connected to the valve module so that the assembled valve can be connected directly to the pipeline. Likewise, end types formed according to different standards can be fitted to the valve module, so that interconnection of the valve assembly with pipeline fittings of different standards (USA versus Australian standards for example) can be made.

[0013] The valve assembly according to the present invention provides advantages for installing new valves in pipelines as explained above, but the present invention also provides advantages for repair or replacement of valves. The present invention can enable the valve module to be removed while leaving the end types attached to the pipeline and the valve module can immediately be replaced with a new or repaired valve module so that interruptions to operation of the pipeline are minimised. Because the valve module is a universal module, then the forms of the end types that connect to the pipeline are do not influence the form of valve module that is used to replace the valve module that is being removed from the pipeline. Thus, manufacturers and suppliers, or the installers, can hold a stock of valve modules, rather than holding a stock of complete valves, that have different end types. Repair personnel can attend a failed valve without knowledge of the end types that the valve has, knowing that the valve module will fit the end types because of the universal nature of the valve module. The present invention thus provides a method of repair of a valve module or a valve assembly, in which a valve module is removed from a valve assembly that is connected between a pair of opposed or facing pipeline ends while leaving end types attached to the opposed or facing pipeline ends, and connecting a new or repaired valve module to the end types attached to the opposed or facing pipeline ends.

[0014] Moreover, in repair or maintenance situations, where the pipeline fittings are not known until the repair crew arrives at the repair site, the present invention allows the repair crew to attend the repair site with a single new or repaired module and a range of end types thus enabling the crew to repair any valve assembly they find. The present invention also allows repair and maintenance crew to manage stock held on maintenance trucks more easily than in the past, as multiple valve modules along with a wide variety of end types can be stored on a truck and be replaced as used rather than having to store a smaller amount of end type specific valve assemblies.

[0015] The valve module is universal in relation to a size or capacity of a valve. Thus, valve modules can be created in different sizes or capacities. For example, valve modules for valves of different nominal diameter (DN) can be provided with a range of end types to suit each different valve module. For example, valve modules for DN150, DN200, DN250 and DN300 can be provided and a range of end types for each of those valve modules can be provided.

[0016] The end types can take any suitable form. In some forms, the end types can be an integral component that connects at one end to an end face of the valve module and that includes a connection for connection to a pipeline fitting. In other forms of the invention, the end types are composite components, for example comprising a stub and a plate that connects the stub to an end face.

[0017] The end faces can be flat or planar and can include openings for receipt of bolts for attaching end types. The openings can be threaded. The flat or planar end faces can be circular or otherwise shaped. The end faces can include a groove or slot of accommodating a gasket as later described herein. The end faces themselves are not suitable for connection to conventional pipeline fittings. Connection to conventional pipeline fittings is made by the end types that connect to the end faces. The valve module thus does not include end types, but rather, includes end faces to which the end types connect.

[0018] The end types can thus include top plates that connect stubs, such as PE or PVC stubs, to the end faces of the inlet and outlet ports of the valve module. The stubs can have a tube portion and a flange and the top plates can sandwich the flange to the end faces to secure the stubs to the valve module. The tube portion can be fitted into an end of a pipeline and a sleeve can be applied about the pipeline end to secure the stub within the pipeline.

[0019] Alternatively, the end types can include flange connectors for connection to pipeline fittings. In these forms of end types, the end types connect at one end to the valve module and at a second end to a pipeline fitting.

[0020] It is expected that the end types will bolt to the valve module and so each different end type for a particular valve module will have the same bolt pattern so that each different end type can bolt to the one valve module. It is expected that two bolts will be the minimum number for connection to the valve module. Higher capacity or higher pressure valve modules can have a greater number of bolts, such as 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8 bolts. The bolts can be equidistantly spaced apart.

[0021] The bolts can be encapsulated with a hot melt material and/or an O-ring gasket or seal can be interposed at the interface between the head of the bolts and the facing surface of the end types against which the heads bear to minimise the potential for thread corrosion. It will be appreciated that valves are very often located outdoors and sometimes within pits or trenches and thus are exposed to the weather, so that there is the potential for moisture to penetrate into the threaded area of the bolt and to corrode the thread, thereby potentially compromising the effective connection of the end type to the valve module. The bolt heads can be received partially or fully within recesses in the end types and an O-ring gasket or seal can bear against an inner end of the recess and a facing surface of the bolt head.

[0022] The optional gasket or seal (hereinafter “gasket”) can be accommodated by the end faces of the valve module in any suitable manner. In some forms of the invention, the end faces will be flat, circular faces that include a groove or slot (hereinafter “groove”) for accommodating or seating a gasket. The gasket and the groove can both be circular. The gasket can have a front face that projects out of the groove. The groove can have a depth sufficient to substantially accept the full thickness of the gasket measured between the front and rear faces of the gasket, so that only a small portion projects out of the groove to engage a facing surface of an end type.

[0023] The portion of the gasket that projects from the groove can be shaped to facilitate removal of the valve module from connection with the end types while the end types are connected to pipeline fittings, or in other words, while the valve is in situ. For this, the portion of the gasket that projects from the groove can be formed to have an inclined surface. The inclined surface facilitates movement between the valve module and the end types by forming a ramp surface that can collapse, distort or deflect to allow sliding or shifting movement of the valve module relative to the end types for removal of the valve module from an installed valve assembly. The portion of the gasket that projects from the groove can be inclined or tapered (triangular shaped in cross-section for example) in each of the removal direction and the installation direction so that a valve module can be removed from connection with the end types while the end types are connected to pipeline fittings and to be reinstalled into connection with the end types while the end types are connected to pipeline fittings. Given that the portion of the gasket that projects from the groove might have an axial dimension or extension from the groove of only about 2mm, the amount of collapse, distortion or deflection required is only very small.

[0024] The provision of an inclined or tapered surface compared to a right angle surface or a perpendicular surface allows the valve module to be slid out of engagement with the end types at the end faces of the valve module and for the repaired or replacement valve module to be slid back into engagement with the end types.

[0025] The inclined surface of the gasket can be provided in any suitable manner such as by one or more rings that can collapse, distort or deflect to allow the valve module to shift relative to the end types. The rings need not themselves be inclined in their natural or unloaded state but collapse of the rings results or causes their inclination. In some forms of the invention, a single ring is provided and the ring can have opposite sides that taper towards an apex so that the sides of the ring are inclined. The inclined sides can form a ramp for a face of an end type to slide against when the valve module is removed from connection with the end types while the end types are connected within a pipeline. The single ring can also collapse, distort or deflect radially in either direction as required as the valve module is being shifted.

[0026] In other forms of the invention, a pair of concentric rings are provided, one being of slightly greater diameter than the other. The pair of rings can be spaced apart so that there is space between the rings to collapse, distort or deflect during removal or reinstallation of a valve module between a pair of end types. Each of the pair of rings can have opposite sides that taper towards an apex so that the sides of the ring are inclined. Three or more concentric rings can be provided, each being of slightly greater diameter than the other so that each ring is spaced apart and having opposite sides that taper towards an apex.

[0027] The gasket can have a flat surface on the face that seats within the groove. Alternatively, that face can be uneven, such as by having one or more rings forming the rear surface. Where two or more rings are provided, each of the rings will be of slightly greater diameter than the other so that each ring is spaced apart from the adjacent ring. This allows for the face to compress against the groove surface by collapsing, distorting or deflecting of the one or more rings against the groove surface.

[0028] The invention can reside in a valve assembly as discussed above, as well as in a kit of parts comprising a valve module and multiple end types that can connect to the end faces of the valve module. In this respect, a kit of parts is provided which includes:

1 . a valve module having a flow passage for flow of fluid through the valve module, the flow passage extending between inlet and outlet ports, the valve module having a valve mechanism including a valve for controlling flow of fluid through the flow passage, the inlet and outlet ports having end faces which optionally are configured for accommodating a gasket/seal,

2. multiple different end types that can releasably connect to the end faces of the valve module, the end types being connectable to respective end sections of a pipeline,

3. bolts for bolt connection of the end types to the end faces, and

4. gaskets/seals for interposing between the end faces of the inlet and outlet ports and end types connected to the end faces.

[0029] The invention can also reside in a valve assembly installation in which the valve assembly is a gate valve assembly which is installed in a pipeline and in which the valve module of the valve assembly can be removed and reinstalled or replaced while the end types of the valve assembly remain in connection with end sections of the pipeline. In this respect, a valve assembly installation is provided including a pipeline having a pair of end sections for connection to a valve assembly, the valve assembly including a valve module having a flow passage for flow of fluid through the valve module, the flow passage extending between inlet and outlet ports, the valve module having a valve mechanism including a valve for controlling flow of fluid through the flow passage, the inlet and outlet ports having end faces for which optionally are configured for accommodating a gasket/seal, the end faces being releasably connected to end types which are attached to the respective pipeline end sections, the valve module being disconnectable from the end types while the end types remain connected to the pipeline end sections so that the valve module can be removed from the valve assembly installation and the valve module reinstalled, or a replacement valve module installed in the valve assembly installation by connection to the end types while the end types remain connected to the pipeline end sections.

[0030] In the discussion above, the end faces are described as being optionally configured for accommodating a gasket/seal. Applicant has produced prototypes that include a circular groove for accommodating a gasket/seal but it is to be appreciated that instead of accommodating a gasket/seal in the end faces, such a gasket/seal could be accommodated in a face of the end types that connects to the end faces of the valve module, such as in a groove formed in the face of the end types. Moreover, there may be applications in which no gasket/seal is required so that neither of the end faces of the valve module nor the end types accommodate a gasket/seal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] In order that the invention may be more fully understood, some embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures in which:

[0032] Figures 1 to 3 are perspective views of valve assemblies according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of Figure 1 .

[0034] Figure 5 is a partially exploded view of the valve assembly of Figure 1 .

[0035] Figure 6 is a fully exploded view of the valve assembly of Figure 1 .

[0036] Figures 7 and 8 are cross-sectional and plan views of a gasket for use in the valve assembly of Figure 1 .

[0037] Figure 9 is an exploded view of the valve module of Figure 1 and multiple end types for connection to the valve module.

[0038] Figure 10 shows a prior art valve assembly.

Detailed Description

[0039] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a universal valve assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The valve assembly 10 is shown without an actual valve or valve actuator installed. However, all of the figures that show a valve assembly show a cavity C into which a suitable valve and valve actuator can be installed. A person skilled in the art would be familiar with the inclusion of an actual valve or valve actuator into the valve assembly 10 as shown.

[0040] The valve assembly 10 includes a universal valve module 12 and a pair of end types 14 that are identical. The end types 14 are secured to flanges 16 that are formed integrally as part of the valve module 12. The end types 14 include polyethylene (PE) stubs 18 and top plates 19. The top plates 19 attach to end faces of the flanges 16 of the valve module 12 (which are obscured in Figure 1 ) by bolts 20.

[0041] The end types 14 are bolted to the flanges 16 of the valve module 12 to connect the PE stubs 18 to the valve module 12. The valve assembly 10 can then be connected or inserted into a pipeline. Thus, in the form shown in Figure 1 , the valve assembly 10 can be connected into a pipeline, by the stubs 18 being received within opposing end sections of a pipeline. The stubs 18 can be secured in connection with the end sections, by a clamping sleeve that fits about the outside of the end sections to clamp the end sections onto the stubs 18. A prior art form of this arrangement is shown in Figure 10, in which the valve assembly 100 is connected within a pipeline 102 which has a pair of pipeline end sections 104 and 106. The valve assembly 100 has stubs 108 (only one of which is visible in Figure 10) that extend into the respective pipeline end sections 104 and 106 and are a close fit within the end sections 104 and 106. Clamping sleeves 110 fit about each of the pipeline end sections 104 and 106 to clamp the end sections 104 and 106 onto the stubs 108.

[0042] In the valve assembly 10 of Figure 1 , three bolts 20 are used to secure the end types 14 to the flanges 16. A slightly different arrangement is illustrated in Figure 2, in which eight bolts 22 are used to secure the end types 24 to the flanges 26 of the valve module 28 to secure the PE stubs 30 to the valve module 28.

[0043] Figure 3 illustrates a further valve assembly 32 in which the stubs 34 are PVC stubs and are of a shortened axial dimension compared to the stubs 18 and 30 of Figures 1 and 2, but otherwise, the valve module 36 of Figure 3 is the same as the valve module 28 of Figure 2, and the end types 38 are substantially the same as the end types 24 of Figure 2. [0044] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly 10 and from that figure, it can be seen that the stubs 18 include both a tube portion 40 and a circular flange 42. The end types 14 further include top plates 19 that each include an end or radial section 46 through which the bolts 20 extend and a cover section 48 that overlies the flange 42 of the stubs 18. Bolting of the top plates 19 to the valve module 12 sandwiches the flange 42 of the stubs 18 against the facing end face or the sealing face 52 (see Figure 5) of the flanges 16 of the valve module 12. That sandwiching connection forces the flanges 42 into sealing engagement with gaskets 50 to seal the stubs 18 to the valve module 12. With the stubs 18 in sealing engagement with the valve module 12, the valve assembly 10 is ready for operation.

[0045] The valve assembly 10 can be installed in a pipeline in the assembled form shown in Figure 1 . That form of valve assembly can be ordered by a customer and the supplier can assemble the valve assembly prior to delivery to the customer. In that way the customer receives a valve assembly as it would if it were to purchase a prior art valve assembly that has integral end types. The exception being that the supplier is not required to have the exact form of valve assembly ordered by the customer in stock. Rather, the supplier can assemble the ordered valve assembly by selecting the form of end types that have been ordered and connect them to the universal valve module. The customer notices no difference to what would have been supplied in a prior art valve assembly, whereas the supplier has the advantage that if the ordered valve assembly is one that is not ordered frequently, the supplier has not had to stock the valve assembly while waiting for an order to be made. All the supplier has had to do is to stock the relevant end types, which presents reduced expense and reduced storage space.

[0046] Moreover, the customer has the advantage that end type combinations that are not now available in valve assemblies, can be supplied. For example, the end type 14 of Figure 1 can be supplied with the end type 24 of Figure 2, or the end type 38 of Figure 3. This beneficially means that where opposing end sections of a pipeline have different connection requirements, suitable but different end types can be provided at the respective inlet and outlet ports of the valve module. This is not possible in the Applicant’s knowledge in the prior art. Rather, in prior art valve assemblies, an intermediate fitting would be required between the integral end type of the valve assembly and the pipeline so that the connection can be made between the valve assembly and the pipeline.

[0047] A further advantage of the present invention is the ability, after the valve assembly has been installed in a pipeline, for the valve module to be removed for repair or replacement and the repaired valve module or a new valve module to be reinstalled, all without disturbing the end sections of the pipeline to which the valve assembly is connected and without having to remove the end types of the valve assembly from connection to the end sections of the pipeline. This is explained with respect to Figure 5 below.

[0048] Figure 5 shows the valve assembly 10 of Figures 1 and 4 with the stubs 18 in place against the sealing face 52 of the valve module 12, but with the top plates 19 spaced from connection with the valve module 12. For this, the top plates 19 have been unbolted from connection with the flanges 16 of the valve module 12 and shifted axially away from the valve module 12. Figure 5 thus shows the first steps in the procedure for removing the valve module 12 from an installed position. Accordingly, from the Figure 1 assembly, the top plates 19 are unbolted from the valve module 12 and are shifted away from the sealing faces 52. If the valve assembly 10 is installed within a pipeline, the stubs 18 will remain in place against the sealing face 52 by the end sections of the pipeline holding the stubs 18 in place. The end sections of the pipeline will also remain in close proximity to the valve module 12 and the top plates 19 can be shifted axially as shown over or about the outside surface of the pipeline end sections. The stubs 18 will remain pressed against the sealing face 52.

However, by unbolting and withdrawing the top plates 19 axially, the securing lip 54 (see Figure 4) of the top plate 44, which slightly overlies the outer cylindrical perimeter 56 (see Figures 4 and 5) of the valve module 12 is shifted from the overlying position, so that there is no impediment or barrier to slide the valve module upwardly relative to the stubs 18 as shown in Figure 6.

[0049] In Figure 6, the gaskets 50 are shown spaced away from the groove in the sealing face 52 within which they are housed, although it should be appreciated that in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the gaskets 50 shift with the valve module 12 as it is raised by virtue of the gaskets 50 being captured in a groove in the sealing face 52. The gaskets 50 are not removeable from the groove in the sealing face 52 of the valve module 12 until the valve module 12 is fully disconnected from the stubs 18 as shown in Figure 6.

[0050] Also shown in Figure 6 are O-rings 58 that when installed, extend about the shafts of the bolts 20 and which locate at the interface between the top plates 19 and the sealing face 52. As noted before the bolts 20 can also be encapsulated within a sealant, such as a hot melt material so that the use of O-rings 58 and hot melt encapsulation can minimise the potential for moisture access to the bolts and can thus minimise the potential for thread corrosion of the bolts.

[0051] With reference to Figure 4, with the top plates 19 and the bolts 20 removed to the position shown in Figure 5, it will be evident that the valve module 12 can be lifted, with the gaskets 50 sliding against the facing surface of the flanges 42 of the stubs 18 until the valve module 12 is clear of the stubs 18. As will be apparent from Figure 6, the vertically bottom portion of the gaskets 50 bear against the facing lower surface 60 of the flanges 42 (see also Figure 4) but as the gaskets 50 shift upwardly, bottom sections of the gaskets 50 shift out of engagement with the lower surface 60 of the flanges 42 as the gasket moves across the open or hollow section of the stubs 18, before they re-engage against the upper surface 62 of the flanges 42. In the open or hollow section of the stubs 18, the gaskets 50 will expand from the compressed condition of Figure 4 and so when they reach the upper surface 62, they will recompress in order to fit between the stubs 18 for sliding upwardly relative to the stubs 18. For this, the gaskets 50 are formed to have an inclined or tapered front or leading surface, so that edges of the stubs 18 that engage edges of the gaskets 50 ride over the inclined surface and cause the inclined surface to collapse, or distort, or deflect into compression against facing surfaces of the stubs 18. This inclined front or leading surface is shown in Figures 7 and 8, which are cross-sectional and plan views of the gaskets 50.

[0052] Figure 7 shows the gasket 50 as having a front face 64 and a rear surface 65. Figure 8 shows the front face 64 of the gasket 50. The front face 64 has a pair of concentric rings 66 and 67, with the ring 66 being of slightly smaller diameter than the ring 67 so that the rings are spaced apart radially. When the valve module 12 is lifted upwardly relative to the stubs 18 as shown in Figure 6, the bottom portions of the rings 66 and 67 will engage against the inside edge of the open or hollow section of the stubs 18 adjacent the upper surface 62 of the stubs 18. If that engagement were between square edges, the gaskets 50 may jam in contact with the upper surface 62 of the stubs 18 and preclude the valve module 12 from further upward movement. However, it can be seen from Figure 7, that the rings 64 and 66 have inclined surfaces that taper towards an apex, so that upon engagement of the edge of the upper surface 62, as the valve module 12 is being lifted relative to the stubs 18 as shown in Figure 6, the edge of the surface 62 will bear against the inclined surfaces of the rings 64 and 66 causing them to collapse, distort or deflect into a compressed condition so that while movement of the valve module 12 may be more difficult because of friction between the gasket 50 and the surface 60, the gaskets 50 to not preclude that movement,. But rather, the gaskets 50 will slide or drag over the surface 60 allowing removal of the valve module 12 from between the stubs 18.

[0053] Likewise, when the valve module 12 is to be returned to the installed position of Figure 4 within a pipeline, the top plates 19 will be in the withdrawn position as shown in Figure 5 so that the valve module 12 can be pushed into position between the stubs 18. When the bottom portion of the gaskets 50 engage the upper edge 68 (see Figure 6) of the stubs 18, the inclined surface of the outer ring 67 will allow that ring to collapse, distort or deflect into a compressed position, so that the valve module 12 can continue to be pushed into position between the stubs 18, and subsequently, the inner ring 66 will do the same. The gasket 50 and the valve module 12 can thus move downwardly relative to the stubs 18 and into the operational position of Figure 5. The rings 66 and 67 will progressively collapse, distort or deflect for their full circumference as the gasket 50 travels past the upper edge 68 and downwardly to reach the position shown in Figure 4. Some portions of the rings 66 and 67 that are initially compressed will return to an uncompressed state as the gasket travels past the open or hollow portion of the stubs 18, but the gaskets 50 will eventually fully reengage the surface 60 of the stubs 18 about their full circumference and will re-compress to distort or deflect in order to re-engage with and seal against the facing surface 60 of the stubs 18. For this, the gaskets 50 can be made of any suitable gasket such as rubber.

[0054] It will be appreciated that while Figure 6 shows upward and downward movement of the valve module 12 relative to the stubs 18, this directional movement is for illustrative purposes only and is used for convenience and should not be understood as limiting on the operation of the present invention. The valve module 12 could be shifted relative to the stubs 18 in any direction.

[0055] It will be appreciated from Figure 6, that where a valve module 12 needs to be repaired or replaced, the stubs 18 can remain in place within the pipeline and the valve module can be removed and reinstalled as required. Advantageously, this means that the pipeline ends that connect to the stubs 18 can remain connected to the stubs 18 and the difficulty of removing an integral valve assembly that has integral stubs is overcome. If the valve module 12 needs to be repaired it can be replaced temporarily with another valve module, or the replacement can be permanent and the valve module 12 repaired and re-used elsewhere as required.

[0056] Figure 9 shows a range of different end types suitable for use with the present invention. Figure 9 illustrates a single valve module 12 and in the top section, shows composite end types comprising a first stub 70 and a second stub 72, both of which can be secured in place by top plates 74, while end types 76 and 78 are integral end types, which each have a flange connector 80. The end types 76 include a pipeline flange connector 82, whereas the end types 78 include a tube connector 84. Thus, a single valve module 12 can produce a valve assembly of four different types as shown in Figure 9.

[0057] Moreover, if necessary, the valve module 12 could include the stub 70 and top plates 74 on one side, and perhaps the end types 76 or 78 on the other side. The valve module 12 can thus provide 16 different combinations of end types just with those end types shown in Figure 9. Obviously, any number of different end types can be produced to be connectable to the valve module 12, as long as the end types are configured for connection to the flanges 16 of the valve module 12.

[0058] The present invention is therefore operable to provide significant benefits by allowing valve assemblies to be produced that are otherwise uneconomical to produce. Customers that need a small number of less popular styles of valve can now order those valves, as the cost to the valve supplier to manufacture a range of end types is much less than having to manufacture a range of complete valve assemblies. The manufacturer might still manufacture integral valve assemblies for the most popular valves, but can provide the valve assembly of the present invention for the less popular valve assemblies.

[0059] Where any or all of the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or "comprising" are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.