ADAPTER

Abstract

An adapter (4) for connecting a rotary actuator (2) to a valve opening mechanism (16) is provided. The adapter includes a rotary driver (30) having a longitudinal axis (X-X), an input end (32) and an output end (34). The adapter is configured to connect the rotary actuator to the input end to drive rotation of the rotary driver. The output end is configured to connect to the valve opening mechanism so as to drive rotation of the valve opening mechanism to move the valve from one of an open or closed position to the other of the open or closed position. The adapter also includes one or both of: a brake (38), wherein, when the brake is in a first non-braking state the output end of the rotary driver is free to rotate and, when the brake is in a second braking state the output end of the rotary driver cannot rotate; and a clutch (28) configured to disengage the input end from the output end.

Description

1 / 16 ADAPTER TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an adapter, an apparatus and a method for use in opening and closing valves. BACKGROUND

[0002] In several subsea applications, including the subsea oil and gas production field and the subsea sCO2 reinjection field, valves in subsea installations can be opened and / or closed by an actuator that can be operated remotely. It is desirable to be able to remove the actuator from a valve, for example, so that the actuator can be recovered to the surface by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for maintenance.

[0003] The present disclosure provides an adapter for use with an actuator that seeks, among other things, to allow the actuator to be recovered to the surface without the need to interrupt sCO2 injection or oil and gas production. SUMMARY

[0004] From a first aspect, the disclosure provides an adapter for connecting a rotary actuator to a valve opening mechanism for a valve, the adapter comprising: A rotary actuator having a longitudinal shaft, an input end and an output end axially spaced relative to the input end, wherein the adapter is configured to receive a rotary actuator so as to connect the rotary actuator to the input end to drive the rotation of the rotary actuator, wherein the output end is configured to connect to a valve opening mechanism so as to drive the rotation of the Petition 870250080940, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 13 / 110 2 / 16 valve opening mechanism for moving the valve from one open or closed position to the other open or closed position, the adapter comprising one or both of: a brake, wherein, when the brake is in a first non-braking state, the output end of the rotary actuator is free to rotate and, when the brake is in a second braking state, the output end of the rotary actuator cannot rotate; and a clutch configured to disengage the input end of the rotary actuator from the output end of the rotary actuator.

[0005] In any embodiment of the disclosure, the adapter may comprise a gear mechanism for multiplying the drive torque output of the rotary actuator.

[0006] In any instance of the disclosure, the adapter may be for use in an underwater environment.

[0007] In any instance of the disclosure, the adapter may comprise a receptacle for receiving the rotary actuator.

[0008] In any instance of the revelation, the adapter may comprise means of pairing to pair with the valve opening mechanism.

[0009] From a further aspect, the disclosure provides a valve operating assembly comprising: an adapter according to any example of the disclosure; and a rotary actuator removablely connected to the inlet end of the rotary actuator.

[0010] From another point of view, disclosure provides a set that includes: an adapter according to any example of the disclosure or a valve operating assembly according to any example of the disclosure; and apparatus comprising a valve opening mechanism for opening and / or closing a valve, wherein the outlet end of the Petition 870250080940, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 14 / 110 The 3 / 16 rotary actuator is removablely connected to the valve opening mechanism.

[0011] In any instance of the revelation, the apparatus may comprise a valve that can be opened and / or closed by the valve-opening mechanism.

[0012] In any example of the disclosure, the valve opening mechanism may comprise a rotary-to-linear motion converter.

[0013] In any instance of the disclosure, the valve opening mechanism may comprise a return spring mechanism that is configured to divert the valve opening mechanism to a closed position.

[0014] In any instance of an assembly including the return spring mechanism, when the adapter comprises a clutch, the clutch may be configured to automatically disengage the input end of the rotary actuator from the output end of the rotary actuator when the signal or power supply is lost.

[0015] In any instance of an assembly including the return spring mechanism, the return spring mechanism may be configured to close the valve when the clutch disengages the input end of the rotary actuator from the output end of the rotary actuator.

[0016] In any instance of the revelation, the assembly may be a submarine assembly and / or the apparatus may be a submarine installation.

[0017] From a further aspect, the disclosure provides a method of operating a valve, the method comprising: to pair an adapter with a rotary actuator; Before or after pairing the adapter with the rotary actuator, pair the adapter with a valve opening mechanism to open and / or close the valve; and activate a brake on the adapter to hold the valve in a desired position; and / or Petition 870250080940, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 15 / 110 4 / 16 activate a clutch on the adapter so that a rotary actuator drive output is isolated from the valve opening mechanism.

[0018] In any example of the disclosure, the method may comprise activating the rotary actuator to actuate the valve opening mechanism via the adapter to open or close the valve before activating the brake and / or engaging the clutch.

[0019] In any example of the disclosure, the method may comprise: disabling the rotary actuator; and / or removing the rotary actuator from the adapter after activating the brake and / or engaging the clutch.

[0020] In any embodiment of the disclosure, the method may comprise retrieving the rotary actuator to a surface or land location; and / or pairing an additional adapter with the rotary actuator; and / or using the rotary actuator to open and / or close other valves.

[0021] In any example from the disclosure, the valve may be a submarine valve.

[0022] In any example of the disclosure, the adapter may be an adapter according to any example of the disclosure and / or the adapter, the rotary actuator and the valve opening mechanism may form an assembly according to any example of the disclosure.

[0023] Although certain advantages are discussed below in relation to the features detailed above, other advantages of these features may become apparent to those skilled in the art after the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] One or more non-limiting examples will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a set according to an example of the revelation; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter according to an example from the disclosure; Petition 870250080940, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 16 / 110 5 / 16 Figure 3 is a side view of a submarine assembly according to an example of the revelation, shown in partial cross-section; Figure 4A is a detailed cross-sectional view of a part of the submarine assembly in Figure 3; Figure 4B is a detailed cross-sectional view of another part of the submarine assembly in Figure 3; and Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a method of operation of a valve in a subsea installation according to an example of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] According to several examples of the disclosure, an adapter is provided for use with a rotary actuator to open and / or close a valve. Although the adapter and rotary actuator may be used to open valves in several different environments, at least in some examples, the adapter and rotary actuator may be used to open and / or close one or more valves in a subsea installation, such as, for example, a valve arrangement like a Christmas tree (XT) or a manifold. It will be understood that such a subsea installation could be used in a variety of subsea applications, including but not limited to subsea oil and gas production and subsea sCO2 reinjection.

[0026] With reference to Figure 1, a schematic representation of a subsea assembly is shown including a rotary actuator 2, adapter 4 and subsea installation 6 according to an example of the disclosure. The subsea installation 6 can be any installation including a valve that must be opened and / or closed in the subsea environment, such as, for example, a Christmas tree (XT) or a manifold for CO2 injection at a subsea storage location or for oil and gas production.

[0027] Rotary actuator 2 can be any suitable type of rotary actuator, in other words, any type of actuator that produces a rotary output or rotational drive force or torque. Rotary actuator 2 is Petition 870250080940, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 17 / 110 6 / 16 a separate component that can be paired with adapter 4. In any embodiment of the disclosure, the rotary actuator can be attached to the adapter by any suitable fastening means, such as, for example, a clip mechanism or one or more fasteners, such as nuts and bolts. The rotary actuator 2 can be paired with the adapter and removed from it manually or by other means, for example, by an ROV in a subsea environment. Suitable actuators include hydraulic actuators and electric actuators. In the example in Figure 1, the rotary actuator 2 is a rotary electric actuator (REA).

[0028] In any example of the disclosure, the rotary actuator can be remotely controlled, for example, via a wired or wireless connection. The rotary actuator can be remotely controlled from a location removed from the subsea installation, such as, for example, from a surface location or from a land-based location. In other examples, the rotary actuator can be manually controlled, for example, by a diver or by an ROV. In some examples, and as shown in Figure 1, the rotary actuator is controlled by a subsea control module 8. The subsea control module 8 can be connected to the surface (not shown) by service lines 10 including electrical, optical and / or hydraulic cables, as required. The subsea control module 8 can be an electronic control module.Service lines 12 (including electrical, optical and / or hydraulic cables, as required) can be provided between the subsea control module 8 and the rotary actuator 2 to control the operation of the rotary actuator 2.

[0029] Subsea installation 6 includes a valve 14 to control the flow of a fluid through it, such that when valve 14 is open, fluid can flow through the valve and when valve 14 is closed, no fluid can flow through it. The valve can take various forms and includes a valve opening mechanism 16. In some examples, valve 14 may be a rotary valve (not shown) in which the valve opening mechanism may be a rotary mechanism that rotates between a closed position in which it extends through a Petition 870250080940, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 18 / 110 7 / 16 flow passage so that the valve is closed and an open position in which it extends through only part of the flow passage so that the valve 14 is open. In such rotary valves, the rotary output produced by the rotary actuator can be used to rotate the valve opening mechanism between the open and closed positions.

[0030] In other examples, including but not limited to the example shown in Figure 1, valve 14 is a linear valve, for example, a gate valve. The valve may have a valve stem (not shown) configured to move in an axial direction shown by arrows A in Figure 1. The valve stem (not shown) is configured to move between a first position (not shown) in which it is engaged with a valve bonnet (not shown) so that the valve is closed and a second position (not shown) in which it is axially spaced from the valve bonnet so that the valve is open. In some examples, including those in which the valve is a linear valve, valve 14 includes a valve opening mechanism 16 including a rotary-to-linear motion converter 18 configured to convert rotary motion into linear motion.In any example, the rotary-to-linear motion converter 18 may include any suitable mechanism including, for example, a spherical screw having a threaded shaft 20 along which a screw 22 may move axially.

[0031] As seen in Figure 1, the valve opening mechanism 16 may also include a return spring mechanism 24 which is configured to deflect the valve opening mechanism 16 to the closed position so that, in the event of a loss of rotary input to the rotary-to-linear motion converter 18, the valve is automatically closed by the return spring mechanism 24. Although the return spring mechanism 24 may take various forms, in the example shown, the return spring mechanism 24 comprises a compression spring 26 which is mounted around the shaft 20. The compression spring 26 extends between the valve 14 and the screw 22 so as to deflect the screw 22 away from the valve 14. The rotary-to-linear motion converter 18 may act against the deflecting action of the spring. Petition 870250080940, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 19 / 110 8 / 16 in normal operation, so that the valve position is determined by the action of the rotary-to-linear motion converter 18. However, when no force is applied to the rotary-to-linear motion converter 18, so that no axial force acts on the screw 22, the spring 26 acts to cause the threaded shaft 20 to move away from the valve stem to close the valve 14. At least in some examples of the disclosure, the rotary input to the rotary-to-linear motion converter 18 can be disconnected by the action of a clutch 28, as will be described in more detail below. The activation of the clutch 28 can therefore cause the return spring mechanism 20 to close the valve, thus providing fail-safe protection.

[0032] The adapter 4 according to any example of the disclosure is configured to be positioned between the rotary actuator 2 and the valve opening mechanism 16.In any instance of the disclosure, adapter 4 includes one or more electrical connectors to provide an electrical connection between rotary actuator 2 and adapter 4, adapter 4 and valve opening mechanism 16 and / or subsea control module 8 or other controller. In any instance of the disclosure, adapter 4 includes a rotary actuator 30 having a longitudinal axis XX, an input end 32 and an output end 34 axially spaced from the input end 32. Adapter 4 is configured to receive rotary actuator 2 so as to connect rotary actuator 2 to the input end 32 to actuate the rotation of rotary actuator 30. The output end 34 of rotary actuator 30 is configured to connect to valve opening mechanism 16 so as to actuate the rotation of valve opening mechanism to move valve 14 from one open or closed position to the other of the open or closed positions.

[0033] In any instance of the disclosure and as shown in Figure 1, the adapter 4 may include a housing 36 that may be sealed against the external environment and may be pressurized internally for use in a submarine environment. Petition 870250080940, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 20 / 110 9 / 16

[0034] Adapter 4 may also include a brake 38 as will be described in more detail below. In any example of the disclosure, the brake 38 may be located inside the enclosure.

[0035] The brake 38 can be electrically operated or mechanically operated as required. In any example of the disclosure, the brake 38 can be an electromagnetic brake. When the brake 38 is in a first non-braking state, at least the output end of the rotary actuator 30, in some examples the rotary actuator 30, is free to rotate, and when the brake 38 is in a second braking state, at least the output end 34 of the rotary actuator 30, in some examples the rotary actuator 30, cannot rotate so that when the adapter 4 is engaged with both the rotary actuator 2 and the valve opening mechanism 16, the valve 14 is held in an open or closed position. It will be understood that when brake 38 is activated (in other words, when the brake is in the braking position), valve 14 can be held or locked in an open or closed position by adapter 4 and brake 38.Thus, valve 14 can be held in a desired open or closed position while rotary actuator 2 is removed from adapter 4, for example, to be retrieved to the surface for maintenance. At least in some instances, brake 38, when activated, can act to hold valve 14 in a desired open or closed position and thus save energy. This is because, when the brake is not activated, energy may be required to provide an output from rotary actuator 2 to hold valve 14 in the desired open or closed position. In contrast, when the brake is activated, the energy powering the rotary actuator can be switched off, since such an output is not required.Furthermore, the brake can provide a safety mechanism to maintain the valve in a desired position as a result of a system failure when the brake is configured to be activated automatically when a signal is received or the power or torque output of the rotary actuator is lost. In any example of the development, the brake 38 can be provided and can be coaxial with the rotary actuator 38. Petition 870250080940, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 21 / 110 10 / 16

[0036] In any instance of the disclosure, adapter 4 may include a clutch 28 as described above. In any instance of the disclosure, clutch 28 may be located within housing 36.

[0037] The clutch 28 can be operated electrically or mechanically, as required. In any instance of the disclosure, the clutch 28 can be an electromagnetic clutch. In any instance of the disclosure, the clutch 28 can be provided and can be coaxial with the rotary actuator 30. The clutch 28 is configured to engage the input end 32 of the rotary actuator 30 with the output end 34 of the rotary actuator 30 so that the drive input of the rotary actuator 2 drives the valve opening mechanism 16 when the clutch 28 is in a first disabled state. In any instance of the disclosure, the adapter can be configured so that the clutch is in the first disabled state when the clutch receives a signal, for example, an electrical signal through the adapter.Clutch 28 is also configured to disengage the input end 32 of rotary actuator 30 from the output end 34 of rotary actuator 30 so that the drive input of rotary actuator 2 is disengaged from the valve opening mechanism 16 when clutch 28 is in a second activated state. Thus, clutch 28 can be configured so that rotary actuator 2 can act to open or close valve 14 via adapter 4 only when clutch 28 is in the second state. In any instance of the development, the clutch can be moved to the second activated state upon receiving a signal. In other instances, loss of power to the adapter may cause the clutch to move from the first state to the second activated state.

[0038] In some instances where the valve opening mechanism 16 includes a return spring mechanism 20 as described above, the clutch 28 may be activated to allow the return spring mechanism 20 to act to close the valve 14, thus providing a fail-safe mechanism. In instances where the clutch 28 is activated by a loss of Petition 870250080940, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 22 / 110 11 / 16 power or signal, the return spring mechanism 20 and the clutch 28 can act as a failsafe mechanism to close the valve when power to adapter 4 is lost.

[0039] It will be understood that, as adapter 4 may include one or both of a brake and a clutch, the adapter may be used with any standard rotary actuator, so that no specialized actuator including components such as a brake and / or a clutch need to be provided. It will be understood, however, that in instances where the adapter includes only a brake, a clutch may be provided in the rotary actuator or valve opening mechanism, if desired. Furthermore, in instances where the adapter includes only a clutch, a brake may be provided in the rotary actuator or valve opening mechanism, if desired.

[0040] In any instance of the disclosure, adapter 4 may include a gear mechanism 40. In any instance of the disclosure, the gear mechanism 40 may be located within the housing 36. The gear mechanism 40 is configured to multiply the drive torque output of the output end 34 of the rotary actuator 30 to drive the opening of the valve 14. It will be understood that the gear mechanism 40 may be configured to multiply the drive torque output to reduce or increase the drive torque output by any desired amount. In any instance of the disclosure, the gear mechanism 40 may be a planetary gear mechanism. In any instance of the disclosure, the gear mechanism 40 may be provided and may be coaxial with the rotary actuator 30.

[0041] In any instance of the disclosure, the brake 38 and the clutch 28 and / or the gear mechanism 40 may be arranged in any order, for example, in any axial position on the rotary actuator 30.

[0042] Adapter 4 may include a receptacle 42 for receiving rotary actuator 2. Receptacle 42 has an open end 44 into which rotary actuator 2 may be inserted. Receptacle 42 may extend axially away from the inlet end 24 of rotary actuator 30. In some Petition 870250080940, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 23 / 110 In examples 12 / 16, the receptacle 42 extends axially away from an end 46 of the enclosure 36 located adjacent to the input end 32 of the rotary actuator 30. The receptacle 42 may have one or more side walls 48 configured to guide the rotary actuator 2 into axial alignment with the rotary actuator 30. In any example of the disclosure, the receptacle 42 may be annular. In any example of the disclosure, the receptacle 42 may be concentric to the longitudinal axis XX.

[0043] Adapter 4 will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 2. These features shown and described in relation to Figure 1 are given the same reference numbers and are not described again here. As seen in Figure 2, receptacle 42 can be a bucket-type receptacle that can be connected to the enclosure 36 by any suitable fastening means 50, such as, for example, screws, rivets or nuts and bolts.

[0044] The input end 32 of the rotary actuator 30 extends axially outward from the base 52 of the receptacle 42. Inside the housing 36, the brake 38 extends around the rotary actuator 30. In this example, the brake 38 is an electromagnetic brake.

[0045] A clutch 28 is also provided within the housing 36 and axially spaced from the brake 38. The clutch 28 comprises a first part 54 and a second part 56 configured such that when the first part 54 is in a first axial position when the clutch is in the first disengaged state, it is in drive engagement with the second part 56. The rotary actuator 30 includes a first drive shaft 58 extending from the input end 32 of the rotary actuator 30 to the clutch 28. The first part 54 of the clutch 28 is provided on the first drive shaft 58. The second part 56 of the clutch 28 is provided on a second drive shaft 60 which is driven by the first drive shaft 58 when the clutch is in the first disengaged state.

[0046] A gear mechanism 40, in this example, a planetary gear mechanism mounted on the second transmission shaft 60 Petition 870250080940, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 24 / 110 13 / 16 is also provided within the axially spaced housing 36 of the clutch 28. An output shaft 62 is configured to provide a rotary drive output from the gear mechanism 40.

[0047] Matching means, such as a socket 64, are provided extending axially out of the housing 36 adjacent to the output shaft 62 at the output end of the rotary actuator 30. The socket 64 is configured to mate with and be fixed to a valve opening mechanism 16 (e.g., by screws), such as, for example, a rotary-to-linear motion converter of the type shown in Figure 1.

[0048] Figure 3 is a side view of a submarine assembly 70 according to another example of the disclosure and in which many of the parts shown correspond to those of the submarine assembly described above and therefore receive the same reference numbers. The submarine assembly comprises an XT 72 including at least one valve (not shown) to which a valve opening mechanism including a rotary-to-linear motion converter 18 is connected, a rotary actuator 2 and an adapter 4.

[0049] Figure 4A is a detailed cross-sectional view taken at A in Figure 3 and shows the output end 34 of the rotary drive 30 of the adapter 4 engaged with the rotary-to-linear motion converter 18. As seen, the socket 64 comprises an opening 74 for receiving and axially guiding a rotary shaft 76 of the rotary-to-linear motion converter 18. Although it may assume various forms, in any embodiment of the disclosure, the socket 64 may be a square socket, as is known from the industry standard API 17H. The shaft 74 has an end portion with a smaller diameter so as to form a radially extending shoulder 78 which is removed axially from the shaft end 76 that engages with the output end 34 of the rotary drive 30. An axially external wall 80 of the socket 64 is positioned to abut against the radially extending shoulder 78 when the shaft 74 is inserted into the Petition 870250080940, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 25 / 110 14 / 16 tubular opening 74 and is actuated with the output end 34 of the rotary actuator 30 via the socket 64.

[0050] Figure 4B is a detailed cross-sectional view taken at B in Figure 3 and shows the input end 32 of the rotary actuator 30 of the adapter 4 engaged with the rotary actuator 2. As seen, the input end 32 of the rotary actuator 30 engages and is actuated by a rotary drive output 80 of the rotary actuator 2. The rotary drive output 80 being configured with an opening to receive the input end 32 of the rotary actuator 30. Although it may take various forms, in any instance of the disclosure, the opening may be a square socket, as is known from the industry standard API 17H. In any instance, it may further include an annular gripper 82 that tapers outward from the rotary drive output 80 to engage against the inside of the receptacle 42 and hold the rotary actuator 2 in position within the receptacle 42.

[0051] A method of operating a valve of a subsea installation using an adapter according to the disclosure will now be described with reference to Figure 5. In a first step 200, an adapter 4 according to the disclosure is paired with a rotary actuator 2. In some examples and as described above with reference to Figure 4B, this is achieved by the inlet end 32 of the rotary actuator 30 being inserted into a tubular opening in the rotary actuator outlet 80 of the rotary actuator 2.

[0052] In a second stage 202, the adapter 4 is then also paired to a valve opening mechanism 16 associated with the valve to be operated. In some examples and as described above with reference to Figure 4A, this is achieved by a socket 64 of the adapter 4 receiving a rotary shaft 76 from a rotary-to-linear motion converter 18 of the valve opening mechanism 16.

[0053] It will be understood that suitable connections (such as, for example, electrical or hydraulic cables) to supply power and / or control signals to the adapter and / or actuator and / or valve opening mechanism Petition 870250080940, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 26 / 110 15 / 16 can be supplied and these can be connected to the desired components before or after being connected to each other.

[0054] In any instance of the disclosure, step 200 can be performed at a remote location from the subsea installation, including, for example, on land or at a surface location. The paired adapter 4 and rotary actuator 2 can then be transported to the subsea installation, for example, by an ROV, and step 202 can then be performed, for example, by the same or another ROV. It will be understood, however, that, if preferred, step 202 can be performed before the coupling of adapter 4 and rotary actuator 2 (step 200). In this case, the pairing step of adapter 4 and rotary actuator 2 can be performed subsea, for example, using an ROV.

[0055] Once the valve opening mechanism 16, the adapter 4, and the rotary actuator 2 are paired, the rotary actuator 2 is activated via appropriate controls, such as those described above, to actuate the valve opening mechanism 16 to open or close the valve 14 as needed (step 204). While the rotary actuator 2 is activated, in adapters that have a brake, the brake 38 of the adapter 4 is in a non-braking state or, in other words, is disengaged. In adapters that have a clutch 28, the clutch is engaged, in other words, the clutch is in the first disengaged state, so that the input end of the rotary actuator drives the rotation of the output end of the rotary actuator. In adapters that also have a gear mechanism 40, this will act to multiply the drive output of the rotary actuator 30 of the adapter 4, as described above.

[0056] In step 206, optionally after the valve has been opened or closed as desired, the brake 38 can be switched to the braking state or activated so that at least the output end 34 of the rotary actuator 30 cannot rotate. The rotary actuator 2 can then be deactivated or switched off, if desired. Petition 870250080940, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 27 / 110 16 / 16

[0057] The rotary actuator 2 can then be removed from the adapter 4 (step 208) which can be left in situ paired with the valve opening mechanism 16. At least in some examples, the rotary actuator 2 can be removed by an ROV and retrieved to a surface or land location, for example, for maintenance. In other examples, the rotary actuator 2 can subsequently be used to open and / or close other valves and can be coupled with another adapter if necessary.

[0058] In other examples, the valve may have been closed by rotary actuator 2 and it may be preferable to remove both adapter 4 and rotary actuator 2 from the subsea installation rather than leave the adapter in situ as described above.

[0059] Furthermore, or as an alternative to the above, at any stage after the valve opening mechanism 16, the adapter 4 and the rotary actuator 2 have been paired, the clutch 28 can be activated as shown in step 210. At least in some instances, the clutch 28 is configured so that a loss of power to the adapter 4 causes the clutch to be activated automatically (in other words, to switch to the second activated state). This, in turn, causes the spring return mechanism 24 to act to close the valve 14 without the need for the rotary actuator 2 to drive the adapter 4 to close the valve via the valve opening mechanism 16.

[0060] Although the disclosure has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of examples, it should be readily understood that the disclosure is not limited to such disclosed examples. Instead, the disclosure may be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements not described hereafter, but which are proportionate to the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, although several examples of the disclosure have been described, it should be understood that aspects of the disclosure may include only some of the examples described. Consequently, the disclosure should not be viewed as limited by the above description, but is limited only by the scope of the appended claims. Petition 870250080940, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 28 / 110

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. An adapter for connecting a rotary actuator to a valve opening mechanism for a valve, the adapter being characterized by comprising: a rotary actuator having a longitudinal shaft, an inlet end and an outlet end axially spaced relative to the inlet end, wherein the adapter is configured to receive a rotary actuator so as to connect the rotary actuator to the inlet end to actuate the rotation of the rotary actuator, wherein the outlet end is configured to connect to a valve opening mechanism so as to actuate the rotation of the valve opening mechanism to move the valve from one open or closed position to the other open or closed position, the adapter comprising one or both of: a brake, wherein, when the brake is in a first non-braking state, the outlet end of the rotary actuator is free to rotate and,When the brake is in a second braking state, the output end of the rotary actuator cannot rotate; and a clutch is configured to disengage the input end of the rotary actuator from the output end of the rotary actuator.

2. Adapter, according to claim 1, characterized in that the adapter comprises a gear mechanism for multiplying the drive torque output of the rotary actuator.

3. Adapter, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by comprising a receptacle for receiving the rotary actuator.

4. Adapter, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising means of pairing to pair with the valve opening mechanism.

5. Valve operating assembly, characterized by comprising: Petition 870250080940, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 29 / 110 2 / 3 an adapter as defined in any previous claim; and a rotary actuator removablely connected to the inlet end of the rotary actuator.

6. Assembly, characterized by comprising: an adapter, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, or a valve operating assembly, according to claim 5; and apparatus comprising a valve opening mechanism for opening and / or closing a valve, wherein the output end of the rotary actuator is removablely connected to the valve opening mechanism.

7. Assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a valve that can be opened and / or closed by the valve opening mechanism.

8. Assembly according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the valve opening mechanism comprises a rotary-to-linear motion converter.

9. An assembly according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that the valve opening mechanism comprises a return spring mechanism that is configured to divert the valve opening mechanism to a closed position.

10. Assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, where the adapter comprises a clutch, the clutch being configured to automatically disengage the input end of the rotary actuator from the output end of the rotary actuator when the signal or power supply is lost.

11. Assembly according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the return spring mechanism is configured to close the valve when the clutch disengages the input end of the rotary actuator from the output end of the rotary actuator. Petition 870250080940, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 30 / 110 3 / 3 12. A method of operating a valve, characterized by comprising: pairing an adapter with a rotary actuator; before or after pairing the adapter with the rotary actuator, pairing the adapter with a valve opening mechanism to open and / or close the valve; and activating a brake on the adapter to maintain the valve in a desired position; and / or activating a clutch on the adapter so that a drive output of the rotary actuator is isolated from the valve opening mechanism.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized by comprising activating the rotary actuator to drive the valve opening mechanism via the adapter to open or close the valve before activating the brake and / or engaging the clutch.

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized by comprising: disabling the rotary actuator; and / or removing the rotary actuator from the adapter after activating the brake and / or engaging the clutch; and / or retrieving the rotary actuator to a surface or location on land; and / or pairing an additional adapter with the rotary actuator; and / or using the rotary actuator to open and / or close other valves.

15. Method, according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the adapter is an adapter, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and / or the adapter, the rotary actuator and the valve opening mechanism form an assembly, according to any one of claims 6 to 11. Petition 870250080940, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 31 / 110

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