A variable flow control device

An adjustable flow control device adapted for incorporation into a pipeline for transportation of an abrasive slurry, the device including a conduit adapted to convey the slurry along a flow path between an inlet and an outlet of the device, and a flow control 5 body supported for movement by an actuator generally transversely into the flow path so as to regulate flow of the slurry through the conduit, the flow control body having a flow control surface extending at least partially in a direction generally axial to the conduit and generally parallel to the flow path. There is also provided an adjustable flow control device adapted for 10 incorporation into a pipeline for transportation of a flowable material, the device including: a conduit adapted to convey the material along a flow path between an inlet and an outlet of the device; flow control means to regulate flow of the material through the conduit; 15 a removable cartridge incorporating the conduit; and a cradle incorporating the inlet and the outlet to the device, the cradle being adapted for integration into the pipeline by respective inlet and outlet end connection means; wherein the removable cartridge is mountable in the cradle and replaceable 20 without the need to remove the cradle from the pipeline. Associated methods of adjustably controlling the flow in a pipeline are also provided. Figure 2 to accompany abstract.