Valve assembly

Abstract

A valve assembly is disclosed. The valve assembly is suitable for use in subsea applications and particularly in a pipeline flooding process. The valve assembly comprises a housing with a fluid passageway and a valve member. The valve member comprises a first orifice and a second orifice. The valve member is positioned to intersect the fluid passageway. The valve member is movable between a first position in which the first orifice fluid connects the fluid passageway and a second position in which the second orifice fluidly connects the fluid passageway. In use, the valve assembly advantageously protects subsea pipelines from initially high fluid flow rates during a pipeline flooding process whilst being able to maximise the fluid flow rate in the latter stages of the process.

Description

[0001] Valve

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of connection devices, and in particular, valves for use in subsea applications.

[0003] Background to the Invention

[0004] Pipelines are a form of tubular component that are employed throughout the oil and gas industry in order to allow the safe transport of fluids under high pressure. Deposits of hydrocarbons, such as oil and gas, can often be found in rock formations located beneath the seabed. As such, there is a requirement for pipelines to be deployed subsea.

[0005] Pipeline flooding is a process typically required to commission subsea pipelines and to ensure sufficient operation. Pipeline flooding comprises flooding a subsea pipeline with water to remove any solid debris. During free flooding of subsea pipelines, it is often a requirement to initially reduce and or restrict the flow rate of the water. This is due to the high differential pressures involved with subsea pipelines where the initial flowrate could be significantly higher than what the subsea pipelines and associated systems are rated to handle.

[0006] It is known in the art that an orifice plate, a plate comprising an orifice, can be used to reduce the initial flow rate of water during free flooding of subsea pipelines. However, disadvantageously an orifice plate cannot be interchanged during operation and so the pipeline flooding process is restricted by the dimensions of the chosen orifice plate. As the pipeline flooding process progresses and the system approaches equilibrium, the differential pressure driving the fluid flow reduces and consequently the fluid flow rate decreases. This reduced fluid flow rate can significantly extend the pipeline flooding process ultimately resulting in increased expense. Furthermore, utilising an orifice plate results in limited control of the pipeline flooding process.

[0007] There is generally a need for apparatus and method to address the problems identified above. of Invention

[0008] It is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide an apparatus that obviates or mitigates one or more drawbacks or disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] Further aims and objects of the invention will become apparent from reading the following description.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a valve assembly comprising: a housing with a fluid passageway; and a valve member comprising a first orifice and a second orifice, the valve member positioned to intersect the fluid passageway, wherein the valve member is moveable relative to the housing between: a first position, wherein the first orifice fluidly connects the fluid passageway; and a second position, wherein the second orifice fluidly connects the fluid passageway.

[0011] Preferably, the fluid passageway extends between a first port and a second port. The fluid passageway extends along a central axis.

[0012] Optionally, the fluid passageway is linear.

[0013] Most preferably, the first orifice is perpendicular to the second orifice.

[0014] Preferably, the diameter of the first and second orifices (di , d2) is constant across the extent of the first and second orifices. The diameter of the first orifice (di) is smaller than the diameter of the second orifice (d2).

[0015] Alternatively, the diameter of the second orifice comprises a central section with a constant diameter (d2b) and tapered end sections either side of the central section, the tapered end sections both decreasing in diameter from d2ato da> towards the central section. The diameter of the first orifice is constant across the extent of the first orifice (di) and the diameter of the first orifice (di) is smaller than the diameter of the central section of the second orifice (d2t>). Alternatively, the first orifice comprises a first side with a constant diameter (dia) and a second side with a constant diameter (dit>), the diameter of the first side (dia) being larger than the diameter of the second side (dit>). The diameter of the second orifice is constant across the extent of the second orifice (d2) and the diameter of the second orifice (d2) is substantially the same of the as the diameter of the first side of the first orifice (dia).

[0016] Most preferably, the valve member may comprise a ball.

[0017] Preferably, the ball is located within a cavity of the housing. The fluid passageway intersects the cavity.

[0018] Preferably, the ball is positioned within the cavity by one or more seats. The one or more seats act as a seal between the ball and the housing.

[0019] Most preferably, the first and second orifices extend linearly through the ball.

[0020] Preferably, the ball is rotatable relative to the housing about a rotational axis. The rotational axis being perpendicular to the central axis orientated along which is the fluid passageway.

[0021] Preferably, the valve assembly further comprises a stem and a handle. The stem is configured to mechanically connect the handle to the ball. The stem and handle are centred about the rotational axis. The handle provides a means to actuate the valve assembly.

[0022] Preferably, in the first position, the first orifice is aligned with the fluid passageway. In the first position, the first orifice fluidly connects the first and second portions of the fluid passageway located either side of the ball.

[0023] Preferably, in the second position, the second orifice is aligned with the fluid passageway. In the second position, the second orifice fluidly connects first and second portions of the fluid passageway located either side of the ball. Preferably, in the first position, in operation fluid flows through the fluid passageway at a first fluid flow rate. In the second position, in operation fluid flows through the fluid passageway at a second fluid flow rate.

[0024] Optionally, the first fluid flow rate may be different to the second fluid flow rate. The first fluid flow rate may be smaller than the second fluid flow rate.

[0025] Preferably, the valve assembly is a subsea valve assembly.

[0026] Alternatively, the valve assembly may comprise three or more orifices. The three or more orifices may comprise any diameter and or variation in diameter size and or cross- sectional shape.

[0027] Preferably, the first and second orifices have a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0028] Alternatively, the valve member may comprise a block. The block is moveable relative to the housing along a slide axis. This slide axis is perpendicular to the central axis orientated along which is the fluid passageway.

[0029] Preferably, the valve member may comprise a further position wherein the fluid passageway is blocked. The fluid passageway is not fluidly connected by any orifices.

[0030] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a use of the valve assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention for a pipeline flooding process.

[0031] Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention may comprise features to implement the preferred or optional features of the first aspect of the invention or vice versa.

[0032] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a valve assembly comprising: providing a housing with a fluid passageway; and providing a valve member comprising a first orifice and a second orifice, positioning the valve member to intersect the fluid passageway, wherein the valve member is moveable relative to the housing between: a first position, wherein the first orifice fluidly connects the fluid passageway; and a second position, wherein the second orifice fluidly connects the fluid passageway.

[0033] Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention may comprise features to implement the preferred or optional features of the first and or second aspects of the invention or vice versa.

[0034] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a valve assembly comprising: a housing with a fluid passageway; and a valve member, wherein the valve member is moveable relative to the housing between: a first position, wherein in operation fluid flows through the fluid passageway at a first fluid flow rate; and a second position, wherein in operation fluid flows through the fluid passageway at a second fluid flow rate.

[0035] Preferably, the first fluid flow rate is different to the first fluid flow rate.

[0036] Embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention may comprise features to implement the preferred or optional features of the first, second and or third aspects of the invention or vice versa.

[0037] Brief Description of Drawings

[0038] There will now be described, by way of example only, various embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, of which:

[0039] Figure 1 presents (A) a perspective view, (B) a schematic cross-sectional view perpendicular to a central axis, and (C) a schematic cross-sectional view along the central axis of a valve assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with a ball of the valve assembly in a first position;

[0040] Figure 2 presents (A) a perspective view, (B) a schematic cross-sectional view perpendicular to a central axis, and (C) a schematic cross-sectional view along the central axis of the valve assembly of Figure 1 with the ball of the valve assembly in a second position;

[0041] Figure 3 presents (A) a perspective view, (B) a schematic cross-sectional view in the xz plane, and (C) a schematic cross-sectional view in the yz plane of the ball of the valve assembly of Figure 1 ;

[0042] Figure 4 presents a schematic cross-sectional view along the central axis of a valve assembly in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, with the ball of the valve assembly in a first position;

[0043] Figure 5 presents a schematic cross-sectional view along the central axis of a valve assembly of Figure 4, with the ball of the valve assembly in a second position;

[0044] Figure 6 presents (A) a perspective view, (B) a schematic cross-sectional view in the xz plane, and (C) a schematic cross-sectional view in the yz plane of the ball of the valve assembly of Figure 4;

[0045] Figure 7 presents a schematic cross-sectional view along the central axis of a valve assembly in accordance with a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, with the ball of the valve assembly in a first position;

[0046] Figure 8 presents (A) a perspective view, (B) a schematic cross-sectional view in the xz plane, and (C) a schematic cross-sectional view in the yz plane of the ball of the valve assembly of Figure 7; and

[0047] Figure 9 presents a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] In the description which follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certain parts have been exaggerated to better illustrate details and features of embodiments of the invention. Detailed of the Preferred Embodiments

[0049] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9.

[0050] Figures 1 to 3 depict a valve assembly 1 a in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The valve assembly 1a comprises a housing 2. As can be seen in Figure 1 A the housing 2 is substantially cylindrical and centred about a central axis 3. It will be appreciated that the housing 2 may take any alternative shape.

[0051] The housing 2 comprises a fluid passageway 4 between a first port 5 and a second port 6. As can clearly be seen in Figure 1C the fluid passageway 4 linearly extends through the housing 2, along the central axis 3. It will be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment the fluid passageway 4 may not be linear. In operation, fluid flows through the fluid passageway 4.

[0052] With reference to Figure 1 C, the valve assembly 1 further comprises a first flange 7 and a second flange 8. Each flange 7, 8 is mechanically secured to the housing 2 by bolts 9 and each flange 7, 8 is fluidly sealed to the housing 2 by an O-ring seal 10. The first flange 7 connects the first port 7 of the housing 2 to a pipeline 11a. The second flange 8 connects the second port 6 of the housing 2 to a pipeline 11 b. The diameter of the fluid passageway 4 through the housing 2 is commensurate with bore diameters of the first flange 7, second flange 8 and pipeline 11 . In operation, the direction of fluid flow through the valve assembly 1 is reversable. In other words, the first port 7 may take the form of an inlet port or an outlet port depending on the direction of fluid flow.

[0053] The valve assembly 1 further comprises a valve member which takes the form of a ball 12. The ball 12 is positioned to intersect the fluid passageway 4. Specifically, the ball 12 is located within a cavity 13 of the housing 2. The fluid passageway 4 passes through the cavity 13. The cavity 13 is accessible by a removable wall portion 14 of the housing 2 to facilitate manufacture. The ball 12 is positioned to intersect the fluid passageway 4 and centred about the central axis 3. The ball 12 is held in position by four seats 15. The seats 15 also act as a seal between the ball 12 and the housing 2 of the valve assembly 1 . The ball 12 is depicted in Figures 3A, 3B and 3C, in which are defined an x, y and z axis to aid the description. As can be seen the ball 12 is substantially spherically shaped. The ball 12 comprises a first orifice 16 and a second orifice 17. The first and second orifices 16, 17 take the form of channels, alternatively termed passageways, linearly extending through the ball 15. The first orifice 16 extends along the x-axis and the second orifice 17 extends along the y-axis. In other words, the first orifice 16 is perpendicular to the second orifice 17. Also, as can clearly be seen with reference to Figures 3A, 3B and 3C, the diameter of the first orifice 16 (di) is smaller than the diameter of the second orifice 17 (d2). As can also be seen, the first and second orifices 16, 17 have a constant cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape is circular. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that the first and second orifices 16, 17 may comprise any alternative cross-sectional shape.

[0054] The ball 12 is moveable relative to the housing 2 between a first position as depicted by Figures 1A, 1 B, 1 C and a second position as depicted by Figures 2A, 2B, 2C. Specifically, the ball 12 is rotatable relative to the housing 2. The ball 12 is configured to be rotatable about a rotational axis 18. As can be seen in Figures 1A, 1 B, 1C and 2A, 2B, 2C, the rotational axis 18 is perpendicular to the central axis 3. Furthermore, with reference to Figure 3A, the rotational axis 18 is perpendicular to the first orifices 16 (which extends along the x-axis) and the second orifice 17 (which extends along the y-axis).

[0055] The valve assembly 1 further comprises a stem 19 and a handle 20, both centred about the rotational axis 18. The stem 19 and the handle 20 are configured to rotate about the rotational axis 18. The stem 19 extends through the housing 2 mechanically connecting the ball 12 and the handle 20. Specifically, a first end 21 of the stem 19 engages with an indentation 22 on the ball 12. A second end 23 of the stem 19 engages with the handle 20 located externally to the housing 2. The stem 19 and the handle 20 are fluidly sealed to the housing by O-ring seals 24. The motion of the handle 20 is limited by bolts 25 acting as rotational stops which define the first and second positions of the ball 12. In operation, the handle 20 provides a means to actuate valve assembly 1 . Specifically, in operation, motion of the handle 20 is transferred to the ball 12 through the stem 19 facilitating rotating the ball by + and - 90 degrees and thereby switching the ball 12 between the first and second positions. Furthermore, the handle 20 is shaped so that it can be readily actuated by a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) in a subsea application. A first portion 26 of the fluid passageway 4 is located between the first port 5 and the ball 12. A second portion 27 of the fluid passageway 4 is located between the second port 6 and the ball 12. The seats 15 prevent fluid from traversing between the first portion 26 of the fluid passageway 4 and the second portion 27 of the fluid passageway 4 without passing through the ball 12, as now explained.

[0056] When the ball 12 is in the first position, as depicted by Figures 1A, 1 B and 1 C, the ball 12 is positioned such that the first orifice 16 is aligned with the fluid passageway 4 (in other words the central axis 3) and so the first orifice fluidly connects the first and second portions 26, 27 of the fluid passageway 4. In this first position, no fluid can flow through the second orifice 17.

[0057] Whereas, when the ball 12 is in the second position, as depicted by Figures 2A, 2B and 2C, the ball 12 is positioned such that the second orifice 16 is aligned with fluid passageway 4 (in other words the central axis 3) and so that the second orifice 17 fluidly connects the first and second portions 26, 27 of the fluid passageway 4. In this second position, no fluid can flow through the first orifice 16.

[0058] In operation, and assuming a constant differential pressure across the valve assembly 1 , when the ball 12 is in the first position, fluid flows through the fluid passageway 4 at a first fluid flow rate. Similarly, when the ball 12 is in the second position, fluid flows through the fluid passageway 4 at a second fluid flow rate. The first fluid flow rate is different to the second fluid flow rate due to the different diameter size of the first and second orifices 16, 17. Specifically, the diameter of the first orifice 16 is smaller than the diameter of the second orifice 17, and so the first fluid flow rate is smaller than the second fluid flow rate.

[0059] During a pipeline flooding process, the ball 12 of the valve assembly 1 is initially positioned in the first position. Advantageously, the relatively small first orifice 16 limits the initial flow rate of water and thereby protects the subsea pipelines and associated systems from high flow rates. As the pipeline flooding process progresses and the system approaches equilibrium, the ball 12 of the valve assembly 1 is rotated to the second position. Notably, the differential pressure driving the fluid flow decreases as the process progresses. As such, the second fluid flow rate may not necessarily be greater than the first fluid flow rate. Nevertheless, the second position advantageously maximises the fluid flow rate of water in the later stages of the pipeline flooding process and thereby minimising the time taken (and expense) to complete the pipeline flooding process.

[0060] Figures 4 to 6 depict a valve assembly 1b in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention which may comprise the same preferably and optional features of the valve assembly 1a depicted in Figures 1 to 3. Figure 4 depicts the valve assembly 1 b when the ball 12 is positioned in the first position and Figure 5 depicts the valve assembly 1 b when the ball 12 is positioned in the second position. Figures 6A, 6B and 6C depict the ball 12 of the valve assembly 1 b. As can be seen from Figure 4, similar to the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 to 3, the diameter of the first orifice 16 (di) is constant across the extent of the first orifice 16.

[0061] In contrast to the embodiment of Figure 1 to 3, the second orifice 17 of the ball 12 as depicted in Figures 5, 6A and 6C the diameter of the second orifice 17 changes across the extent of the second orifice 17. The second orifice 17 comprises central section 28 with a constant diameter of d2b and tapered end sections 29 either side of the central section 28. The diameter of both the tapered end sections 29 decreases towards the central section 28. The diameter of the tapered end sections 29 decreases from d2aat the outer surface of the ball to da> towards the central section 28 of the second orifice 17. It is noted that the smallest diameter of the second orifice 17, namely the diameter of the central section d2t>, is larger than the diameter of the first orifice 16 (di). The variation in diameter of the second orifice 17, and specifically the tapered end sections 29, advantageously modifies the flow of fluid through the second orifice 17.

[0062] Figures 7 and 8 depict a valve assembly 1c in accordance with a further alternative embodiment of the present invention which may comprise the same preferably and optional features of the valve assemblies 1a, 1 b depicted in Figures 1 to 6. Figure 7 depicts the valve assembly 1c when the ball 12 is positioned in the first position. Figures 8A, 8B and 8C depict the ball 12 of the valve assembly 1c. In this embodiment of the valve assembly 1c, the diameter of the second orifice 17 (d2) is constant across the extent of the second orifice 17.

[0063] As can be seen from Figures 7, 8A and 8B, the first orifice 16 of the ball 12 the diameter of the first orifice 16 changes across the extent of the second orifice 17. The first orifice 17 comprises a first side 30 with a constant diameter of diaand a second side 31 with a constant diameter of dit>. The diameter of the first side 30 is different, specifically larger, than the diameter of the second side 31 . The diameter transitions between diaand d in accordance with the curvature of the intersecting perpendicular second orifice 17 as can clearly be seen from Figure 8B. The largest diameter of the first orifice 16, namely the diameter of the first side 30 (dia) is the same as the diameter of the second orifice 17.

[0064] Figure 9 depicts a valve assembly 1d in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the present invention which may comprise the same preferably and optional features of the valve assemblies 1a, 1 b, 1c depicted in Figures 1 to 8. Similar to the previous embodiments, the valve assembly 1d of Figure 9 comprises a housing 2. The housing 2 is substantially cylindrical and centred about a central axis 3. A fluid passageway 4 extends through the housing 2 along the central axis 3.

[0065] In contrast to the previous embodiments, the valve member depicted in Figure 9 takes the form of a block 32 (as opposed to a ball 12). The block 32 is configured to pass through the housing 2 and positioned to intersect the fluid passageway 4. The block 32 is movable relative to the housing 2. Specifically, the block 32 is slidable along a slide axis 33, the slide axis 33 being substantially perpendicular to the central axis 3. The block 32 comprises a first orifice 16, a second orifice 17 and a third orifice 34, each with a constant diameter (di , d2, d3) across the extent of the orifices 16, 17, 34. The diameter of the orifices 16, 17, 34 is different. Specifically, the diameter of the first orifice 16 is smaller than the diameter of the second orifice 17 and the diameter of the second orifice 17 is smaller than the diameter of the third orifice 34 (di < d2< d3).

[0066] In operation, the block 32 can move back and forth long the slide axis 33 such that one of the orifices 16, 17, 34 can be selectively aligned with the fluid passageway 4. Specifically, in a first position, the first orifice 16 is aligned along the central axis 3, fluidly connecting the fluid passageway 4. In a second position, the second orifice 17 is aligned along the central axis 3, fluidly connecting the fluid passageway 4. In a third position, the third orifice 34 is aligned along the central axis 3, fluidly connecting the fluid passageway 4. The block 32 comprises a fourth position where none of the orifices 16, 17, 34 are aligned along the central axis 3 and so the fluid passageway 4 is fluidly blocked (as depicted in Figure 9). It will be appreciated that the valve member, such as the ball or block, may comprise any number of orifices. The plurality of orifices may comprise any diameter, variation in diameter and or any cross-sectional shape.

[0067] The various embodiments of the valve assembly comprise numerous advantages. A key advantage is that when the ball of the valve assembly is in a first position, the fluid flow rate can be limited. During a pipeline flooding process this protects the subsea pipelines and associated systems from damagingly high fluid flow rates. When the ball of the valve assembly is in the second position, the fluid flow rate is maximised. During a pipeline flooding process, this minimises the time and expense, particularly as the system approaches equilibrium. Another advantage of the valve assemble is that it can be readily actuated by a ROV in a subsea application. Furthermore, the actuation mechanism (the mechanical handle) as well as the valve assembly more generally is reliable and simple.

[0068] A valve assembly is disclosed. The valve assembly is suitable for use in subsea applications and particularly in a pipeline flooding process. The valve assembly comprises a housing with a fluid passageway and a valve member. The valve member comprises a first orifice and a second orifice. The valve member is positioned to intersect the fluid passageway. The valve member is movable between a first position in which the first orifice fluid connects the fluid passageway and a second position in which the second orifice fluidly connects the fluid passageway. In use, the valve assembly advantageously protects subsea pipelines from initially high fluid flow rates during a pipeline flooding process whilst being able to maximise the fluid flow rate in the latter stages of the process.

[0069] Throughout the specification, unless the context demands otherwise, the terms “comprise” or “include”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, “includes” or “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Furthermore, unless the context clearly demands otherwise, the term “or” will be interpreted as being inclusive not exclusive.

[0070] The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilise the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore, further modifications or improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims1 . A valve assembly comprising: a housing with a fluid passageway; and a valve member comprising a first orifice and a second orifice, the valve member positioned to intersect the fluid passageway, wherein the valve member is moveable relative to the housing between: a first position, wherein the first orifice fluidly connects the fluid passageway; and a second position, wherein the second orifice fluidly connects the fluid passageway.

2. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the fluid passageway extends between a first port and a second port.

3. The valve assembly as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the fluid passageway is linear.

4. The valve assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first orifice is perpendicular to the second orifice.

5. The valve assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the diameter of the first and second orifices (di , d2) is constant across the extent of the first and second orifices.

6. The valve assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the diameter of the first orifice (di) is smaller than the diameter of the second orifice (d2).

7. The valve assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the diameter of the second orifice comprises a central section with a constant diameter (d2t>) and tapered end sections either side of the central section, the tapered end sections both decreasing in diameter from d2ato da> towards the central section.

8. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the diameter of the first orifice is constant across the extent of the first orifice (di) and the diameter of the first orifice (di) is smaller than the diameter of the central section of the second orifice (d2t>).

9. The valve assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first orifice comprises a first side with a constant diameter (dia) and a second side with a constant diameter (dit>), the diameter of the first side (dia) being larger than the diameter of the second side (d ).

10. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the diameter of the second orifice is constant across the extent of the second orifice (d2) and the diameter of the second orifice (d2) is substantially the same of the as the diameter of the first side of the first orifice (dia).11 . The valve assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the valve member comprises a ball.

12. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the ball is located within a cavity of housing and the fluid passageway intersects the cavity.

13. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the ball is positioned within the cavity by one or more seats.

14. The valve assembly as claimed in any claims 11 to 13, wherein the first and second orifices extend linearly through the ball.

15. The valve assembly as claimed in any claims 11 to 14, wherein the ball is rotatable relative to the housing about a rotational axis, the rotational axis being perpendicular to a central axis orientated along which is the fluid passageway.

16. The valve assembly as claimed in any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the valve assembly further comprises a handle and a stem, the stem is configured to mechanically connect the handle to the ball.

17. The valve assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein in the first position, in operation fluid flows through the fluid passageway at a first fluid flow rate.

18. The valve assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein in the second position, in operation fluid flows through the fluid passageway at a second fluid flow rate.

19. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 18 wherein the first fluid flow rate is different to the second fluid flow rate.

20. The valve assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the valve assembly is a subsea valve.21 . The valve assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the valve assembly comprises three or more orifices.

22. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the valve member comprises a block.

23. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 22, wherein the block is moveable relative to the housing along a slide axis, the slide axis perpendicular to a central axis orientated along which is the fluid passageway.

24. Use of the valve assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 23 for a pipeline flooding process.

25. A method of manufacturing a valve assembly, the method comprising, providing a housing with a fluid passageway; and providing a valve member comprising a first orifice and a second orifice, positioning the valve member to intersect the fluid passageway, wherein the valve member is moveable relative to the housing between: a first position, wherein the first orifice fluidly connects the fluid passageway; and a second position, wherein the second orifice fluidly connects the fluid passageway.

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