Split valve

A split valve apparatus, comprising:

• two valve portions complementarily shaped such that the first valve portion is configured to sealingly engage with and co-operate with the second valve portion to allow movement of material through the engaged valve portions, wherein
• each of the two valve portions comprises
• a valve housing,
• a valve seat, and
• a valve closure member moveable between a first position in which the valve closure member is displaced from the valve seat and the valve portion is open, and a second position in which the valve closure member co-operates with the valve seat and the valve portion is closed,
• the apparatus is configured to assume a first configuration in which the first and second valve portions engage with one another with the valve closure members being closed, and a second configuration in which the two valve portions are disengaged from one another,
• the apparatus comprises a locking pair, with the first valve portion comprising a first locking member that is moveable relative to a second locking member on the second valve portion, the first and second locking members being engageable to selectively lock and unlock the two valve portions together,
• the first locking member comprising a male member configured for translational movement, and
• the second locking member in the locking pair is a female member that is complementarily shaped to receive the male member.