Distribution assembly for the selective connection of fluid lines of a first group of lines with fluid lines of a second group of lines

A distribution assembly for the selective connection of fluid lines of a first group of lines with fluid lines of a second group of lines, characterized by the following features:

• first stationary ducts (12) connected to said lines of said first group of lines;
• second stationary ducts (14) connected to said lines of said second group of lines, said second ducts having a constant cross section along their length and configured to be cleaned by a line scraper, said second ducts intersecting said first ducts, with an intersecting portion leaving a passage within each of said first ducts for the flow of a fluid in to and from said second ducts;
• a shutoff valve for each said intersecting portion of said second ducts (14) located within a respective one of said first ducts (12), said valve having a valve member which selectively shuts off and opens a fluid connection between each said intersecting portion and a selected one of said first ducts (12), said valve member being connected to an actuating member (56) which extends outwardly of said first ducts;
• actuation means (72) for said actuating member (56);
• wherein said first ducts (12) are defined by first tubes having opposing wall portions facing said second ducts (14) and
• wherein said valve member has a cross section substantially identical to the cross section of the second ducts to form a passage aligned with said second ducts (14), said valve member being radially displaceable relative to said second ducts (14) to form a lateral outlet with respect thereto and projecting into said first ducts in an open position thereof to open said lateral outlet;
• wherein said intersecting portion is formed by two tube pieces (44, 46) which are inserted into said first ducts (12), said tube pieces forming a gap therebetween, and said valve member (48) being sealingly displaceable within said gap;
• and
• wherein each said intersecting portion (44, 46) projects a small extent beyond said first ducts, and said first ducts (12) are pressed against each other transverse to a longitudinal direction thereof, so that said intersecting portions (44, 46) sealingly abut each other.