GB2639589A

GB2639589A - Swivel apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2639589A
Application number: GB2403836.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Barnes Moyes Peter
Original assignee: Rotojar Innovations Ltd
Current assignee: Rotojar Innovations Ltd
Priority date: 2024-03-18
Filing date: 2024-03-18
Publication date: 2025-10-01
Also published as: GB202403836D0; WO2025195949A1

Abstract

A swivel apparatus (10, Fig 1) for use in a wellbore comprises a housing 12, a mandrel 14 extending within the housing and a rotary lock arrangement 36. The rotary lock arrangement comprises a first rotary connector portion 32 and a second rotary connector portion 43. The rotary lock arrangement is configurable between: an active configuration, wherein the first rotary connector portion and the second rotary connector portion are engaged to rotatably connect the housing and the mandrel; and an inactive configuration, wherein the first rotary connector portion and the second rotary connector portion are disengaged to permit relative rotation between the housing 12 and the mandrel 14. The swivel apparatus comprises an actuator assembly (35, Fig 1) for configuring the rotary lock arrangement between the active configuration and the inactive configuration. A second aspect relates to a downhole apparatus comprising a tubular member and an internal member. The internal member is axially moveable between a first and second axial position. The tubular member and the internal member comprises a latch mechanism configured to axially lock the tubular member and internal member relative to one another when the internal member is in the second axial position. The latch mechanism is resettable.

Description

SWIVEL APPARATUS

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a swivel apparatus for use in a wellbore.

BACKGROUND

In the oil and gas exploration and production industry, wellbores are drilled from surface to intercept a desired subterranean region, for example a hydrocarbon bearing reservoir. Wellbores are typically drilled in stages, with each stage requiring the newly drilled section to be lined with casing or liner, which are often cemented in place. Also, wellbore equipment will typically need to be deployed in the production zone, such as sand control equipment, for example sand screens, to minimise sand production. Many different kinds of wellbore tools, apparatus or equipment may need to be deployed.

Wellbore infrastructure (e.g., casing, liner, sand screens, tools etc.) may be deployed via a running string (such as a drill string formed of jointed tubulars). In some cases, particularly in deviated and/or extended reach horizontal wellbores, frictional forces between the running string and the wall of the wellbore may be significant, perhaps exceeding the available running force (e.g., string weight) and preventing desired deployment and/or risking damage to equipment, such as via buckling. Similar issues may exist during retrieval operations, which could result in tensile limits, winch capacities etc. being exceeded. In such cases it may be desirable to rotate the running/retrieval string to relieve static friction and thus improve deployment/retrieval capabilities. However, in some cases it might not be desirable to rotate the infrastructure being deployed or retrieved, for example if risk of damage through such rotation is high.

It is known to utilise swivels (swivel tools, subs, apparatus, joints etc.) which are arranged between a running/retrieval string and infrastructure. Such swivels rotatably decouple the running/retrieval string from the infrastructure.

Swivels may also be used to facilitate downhole tool operations, for example where rotation of a string relative to a connected tool is necessary for tool operation or actuation, such as to set packer elements, set slips, drive a jarring apparatus and/or the like.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a swivel apparatus for use in a wellbore, the swivel apparatus comprising: a housing; a mandrel extending within the housing; a rotary lock arrangement comprising a first rotary connector portion and a second rotary connector portion, the rotary lock arrangement configurable between: an active configuration, wherein the first rotary connector portion and the second rotary connector portion are engaged to rotatably conned the housing and the mandrel; and an inactive configuration, wherein the first rotary connector portion and the second rotary connector portion are disengaged to permit relative rotation between the housing and the mandrel; and an actuator assembly for configuring the rotary lock arrangement between the active configuration and the inactive configuration.

The swivel apparatus may be reconfigurable between a swivel mode and a rotary locked mode. Such a rotary locked mode may be defined as a torque transmission mode. As such, the swivel apparatus may accommodate or provide a dual functionality. In other words, the swivel apparatus may be selectively operated (i.e., the swivel functionality may be switched on and off) in accordance with the configuration of the rotary lock arrangement.

In use, one of the mandrel and housing may be connected to a rotary string (e.g., a work string, drill string, deployment string, retrieval string, etc.), and the other of the mandrel and housing may be connected to wellbore apparatus (e.g., casing, liner, sand screen, downhole tool etc.). The apparatus may comprise appropriate connectors for this purpose, such as threaded connectors, etc. Depending on the configuration of the rotary lock arrangement, the rotary string and wellbore apparatus may be rotatably coupled or de-coupled.

In this case, when rotation of a connected rotary string is desirable without also causing rotation of the wellbore apparatus, the rotary lock arrangement may be configured such that the mandrel and housing are permitted to rotate relative to one another. When it is desirable for rotation of the string to be transmitted to the wellbore apparatus, the rotary lock arrangement may be configured such that the mandrel and housing are rotatably connected to one another. This might be required for multiple purposes, for example for operation of the wellbore apparatus, to disconnect from the wellbore apparatus and/or the like.

In one example the mandrel may be connectable to a rotary string, and the housing may be connectable to a wellbore apparatus, such as a separate tool, for example a pump, jarring tool, packer, anchor tool and/or the like. However, in other examples the reverse may be the case.

By virtue of the swivel apparatus being for use in a wellbore the apparatus may be defined as a downhole swivel apparatus.

The first rotary connector portion may comprise a locking member provided on one of the mandrel and the housing. The second rotary connector portion may comprise a locking profile on the other of the mandrel and the housing. The locking profile may receive the locking member when the rotary lock arrangement is in the active configuration to rotatably connect the housing and the mandrel. When the locking member is in the inactive position, the locking member may be removed or removable from the locking profile. The locking member may comprise one or more circumferentially arranged dogs, keys, splines, etc. The locking profile may comprise one or more circumferentially arranged grooves or recesses for receiving the locking member.

The actuator assembly may be configured to move the locking member between an inactive (e.g. a retracted position) and an active position (e.g. an extended position). The locking member may be radially moveable between the inactive position and the active position.

The actuator assembly may comprise an actuator piston. The actuator piston may be axially moveable. The actuator piston may be moveable between an inactive position and an active position. Movement of the actuator piston between the inactive position and the active position may configure the rotary lock arrangement between the inactive configuration and the active configuration.

The actuator assembly may be pressure operated. In one example, the actuator assembly may be exposed on a first side to an internal pressure of the apparatus, e.g., a pressure within a bore of the mandrel. The actuator assembly may be exposed on an opposing, second side to an external pressure of the apparatus, e.g., a pressure in an annulus between the apparatus and a wellbore. A pressure differential between the internal and external locations of the apparatus may be utilised to move the actuator piston between the active position and the inactive position. In other examples, the actuator assembly may be operated via a dropped object, such as a dart, ball and/or the like. The actuator assembly may be wireline operated or the like.

The actuator assembly may comprise a priming member. The priming member may be interposed between the actuator piston and the rotary lock arrangement. The priming member may be configured to prime the rotary lock arrangement to move to the active configuration when the first and second rotary connector portions are rotationally misaligned and the actuator piston is moved to the active position. The priming member may be configured to regulate (e.g., limit) a force applied by the actuator piston to the rotary lock arrangement. The priming member may comprise a biasing member, such as a spring or the like (which may be referred to as a spline lock spring).

When the housing and the mandrel are positioned relative to one another such that the first and second rotary connector portions are rotationally misaligned, operating the actuator assembly and applying a force to the rotary lock arrangement may damage the rotary lock arrangement and prevent a proper rotational connection between the first and second rotary connector portions being made. Therefore, the priming member may protect the rotary lock arrangement from damage when the first and second rotary connector portions are rotationally misaligned and the actuator assembly is operated. That is, the force applied to the rotary lock arrangement by the actuator piston may be transmitted through the priming member. Where the priming member comprises a spring, the force applied to the rotary lock arrangement by the actuator piston may be a function of a spring force of the priming member. However, in other examples, the priming member may comprise another form of compressible member. The provision of the priming member may protect the rotary lock arrangement from excessive forces when an elevated pressure differential acts across the actuator piston. This may be particularly beneficial if an operator is unable to accurately control the pressure differential across the actuator piston, e.g., the pressure differential between the internal and external locations of the apparatus.

Accordingly, the actuator assembly may be configured such that, in a first phase of movement, the actuator assembly configures the rotary lock arrangement from the inactive configuration into a primed configuration; and in a subsequent, second phase of movement, the actuator assembly may reconfigure the rotary lock arrangement from the primed configuration into the active configuration. When the rotary lock arrangement is in the primed configuration, the second phase of movement may occur upon relative rotation of the housing and the mandrel rotationally aligning the first and second rotary connector portions.

However, in other examples, the priming member may be omitted and the actuator piston may be configured to deliver a force directly to the rotary lock arrangement.

The rotary lock arrangement may comprise a holder mechanism for resisting movement of the locking member from the inactive position to the active position. The holder mechanism may function to prevent the locking member from undesirably moving to the active position when acted on by a force, such as gravity in a horizontal wellbore. The holder mechanism may comprise one or more of detents, latch pins, interference or friction fitting, etc. The rotary lock arrangement may be releasable from the active configuration to permit subsequent relative rotation between the housing and the mandrel. The rotary lock arrangement may provide a temporary rotational connection between the housing and the mandrel. That is, the rotary lock arrangement may be resettable.

The actuator assembly may comprise a temporary lock reset member for returning the actuator piston to the inactive position, for example upon a pressure differential across the actuator piston being relieved. When the actuator piston is returned to the inactive position, the rotary lock arrangement may be allowed to return to the inactive configuration. The temporary lock reset member may comprise a biasing member, such as a spring or the like (which may be referred to as a temporary lock spring). The temporary lock reset member may bias the actuator piston towards the inactive position. The temporary lock reset member may be interposed between the actuator piston and the mandrel or the housing, for example a union mounted to the mandrel or the housing. The temporary lock reset member may permit multiple cycles of the rotary lock arrangement between the inactive and active configurations, thus permitting the mandrel and housing to be repeatedly rotationally coupled and decoupled. However, in other examples, the temporary lock reset member may be omitted and the actuator piston may be movable from the active position to the inactive position by controlling the pressure differential acting across the actuator piston.

In some examples, the actuator piston may comprise or be secured to a piston sleeve.

The piston sleeve may comprise a piston shoulder (e.g. a stop). The priming member may be axially interposed between the piston shoulder and the rotary lock arrangement. The priming member may be configured to be compressed between the piston shoulder and the rotary lock arrangement when the actuator piston moves from the inactive position to the active position.

The rotary lock arrangement may comprise a retainer arrangement. The retainer arrangement may comprise a retainer sleeve or the like. The retainer arrangement may be configured to drive the locking member into the locking profile (e.g., overcoming the force of the detent, where provided) and retain the locking member therein. The retainer arrangement may be configured to drive the locking member from a radially retraced position to a radially extended position when an axial force is applied to the retainer arrangement by the actuator piston. The retainer arrangement and the locking member may comprise cooperating kick-down profiles (e.g. including a ramp profile) for moving the locking member from the inactive position to the active position.

The actuator assembly may comprise a catch member configured to return the rotary lock arrangement to the inactive configuration as the actuator piston moves from the active position to the inactive position. The catch member may be configured to engage the retainer arrangement as the actuator piston moves from the active position to the inactive position. The catch member may comprise an upset region at an end portion of the piston sleeve. The upset region may be configured to provide a hook profile or functionality.

In some examples, the rotary lock arrangement may be configured to provide a permanent connection between the housing and the mandrel. Such a permanent connection may be provided in accordance with user preference. That is, after a desired period of operation, which may include one or more cycles of rotationally coupling and decoupling the mandrel and the housing, the rotary lock arrangement may be used to provide a permanent rotational connection, thus permanently locking the mandrel and housing in a rotary connection configuration.

The swivel apparatus may comprise a permanent lock mechanism. The permanent lock mechanism may be incorporated into one or both of the rotary lock arrangement and the actuator assembly. The permanent lock mechanism may comprise a latch mechanism. The permanent lock mechanism may comprise a locking member, for example a lock ring, snap ring, circlip, ratchet mechanism and/or the like. The permanent lock mechanism may comprise a locking recess for receiving the locking member. The locking recess may be formed in one of the housing and the mandrel. The permanent lock mechanism may be activated when a permanent lock activation force (e.g., a pressure differential across the actuator piston) is exceeded. The permanent lock mechanism may be activated upon the actuator piston moving from the active position to a permanent lock position.

The permanent lock mechanism may be field resettable. This may be particularly beneficial in remote locations, such as offshore locations, where transporting the swivel apparatus to another location (e.g., to a manufacturing site) for resetting the apparatus can be time consuming and costly. The permanent lock mechanism may be resettable (e.g. manually resettable) to permit multiple uses of the apparatus following activation of the permanent lock mechanism. The permanent locking member may be resettable by applying a radially inward force to the permanent locking member, which will be discussed in more detail below. The apparatus may comprise one or more access ports for permitting access to the permanent locking member.

The swivel apparatus may comprise a first releasable fastener, such as a shearable member, to retain the rotary lock arrangement in the inactive configuration, for example during deployment of the swivel apparatus. The first fastener may be configured to retain the actuator piston in the inactive position until a temporary lock force threshold (e.g., a temporary lock pressure differential across the actuator piston) is exceeded. The swivel apparatus may comprise a second releasable fastener configured to prevent the permanent lock mechanism from being activated until a permanent lock force threshold (e.g., a permanent lock pressure differential across the actuator piston) is exceeded. However, in other examples, the first and/or second releasable fasteners may be omitted. Where both the first and second releasable fasteners are omitted, the rotary lock arrangement may be retained in the inactive configuration (e.g., during deployment of the apparatus) by a biasing member (such as the temporary lock reset member) biasing the actuator piston towards the inactive position, until a force threshold is exceeded. In some examples, where only the second releasable fastener is omitted, the first releasable fastener may retain the actuator piston in the inactive position until a permanent lock force threshold (e.g., a permanent lock pressure differential across the actuator piston) is exceeded, thereby releasing the first fastener and activating the permanent lock mechanism. In this respect the apparatus may provide a one-shot permanent lock function.

The swivel apparatus may comprise a contingency locking mechanism configured to provide rotational locking of the housing and the mandrel. The contingency locking mechanism may be operated via a dropped object, wireline, pressure and/or the like. In some examples, the mandrel may comprise a number of contingency keys. The housing may include an inner key recess. The mandrel may comprise a seat sleeve configured to receive a dropped object, such as a dart or ball. When the contingency keys and inner key recess are rotationally aligned, the dropped object may drive the seat sleeve causing the contingency keys to be pushed radially outward and received in the inner key recess, thereby axially locking the housing and the mandrel together. In alternative examples, the contingency locking mechanism may be operated by any other suitable means, such as via wireline, coiled tubing, and/or the like.

In some examples, the contingency lock mechanism may comprise or be operated via a dropped object configured to selectively obturate a central bore of the swivel apparatus to generate an elevated pressure for use by the actuator assembly. The dropped object may comprise a valve member, such as a flapper or ball valve. The dropped object may comprise a flapper dart. The dropped object may comprise a releasable fastener, for example a shearable member, configured to retain the valve member in a closed position until an internal pressure within the swivel apparatus exceeds a pressure threshold. In some examples, the pressure threshold may be greater than the pressure threshold for activating the permanent lock mechanism, such that bore access can be restored through the apparatus with the swivel apparatus in a permanently locked configuration.

The swivel apparatus may comprise at least one thrust bearing assembly. The at least one thrust bearing assembly may be configured to accommodate axial load to be transmitted between the housing and the mandrel. Such axial load transmission may be accommodated during relative rotation between the mandrel and the housing. The at least one thrust bearing assembly may be configured to accommodate axial load to be transmitted between the housing and the mandrel.

The swivel apparatus may be configured to permit the rotary lock arrangement to be configured in the active configuration in multiple relative axial positions of the housing and the mandrel. For example, the locking profile may comprise an axial length greater than an axial length of the locking member. This may accommodate for wear and dimensional changes of the at least one thrust bearing assembly over time.

In one example the swivel apparatus may comprise a single thrust bearing assembly. In this example the single thrust bearing assembly may be bi-directional, in that axial load may be transmitted, via the thrust bearing assembly, between the housing and mandrel. In such an example the single thrust bearing assembly may define axially opposed load faces which are engaged.

The swivel apparatus may comprise multiple thrust bearing assemblies. In one example the swivel apparatus may comprise first and second axially spaced thrust bearing assemblies. The first thrust bearing assembly may be configured to accommodate axial loading between the mandrel and the housing in a first axial direction. The second thrust bearing assembly may be configured to accommodate axial loading between the mandrel and the housing in a second axial direction, wherein the second axial direction is opposite the first axial direction.

The first and second thrust bearing assemblies may be defined as uni-directional thrust bearings.

The at least one thrust bearing assembly may be of any suitable form. The at least one thrust bearing assembly may comprise one or more bearing elements. In some examples the at least one thrust bearing assembly may comprise one or more rolling-based bearings comprising rolling bodies, such as balls, rollers and/or the like. The at least one thrust bearing assembly may comprise a bearing material, such as a low friction material, such as PTFE. The at least one thrust bearing assembly may comprise a hydraulic bearing assembly. The at least one thrust bearing assembly may comprise a series of axially stacked thrust bearings.

The at least one thrust bearing assembly may be defined, at least partially, by the mandrel. The at least one thrust bearing may be defined, at least partially, by the housing. Where first and second thrust bearing assemblies are provided at least one of the first and second thrust bearing assemblies may be defined, at least partially, by the mandrel. Similarly, at least one of the first and second thrust bearing assemblies may be defined, at least partially, by the housing.

The mandrel may comprise a first mandrel load shoulder and the housing may comprise a first housing load shoulder. In one example at least one thrust bearing assembly (such as a single thrust bearing assembly or a first thrust bearing assembly) may be interposed between the first mandrel and housing load shoulders. One or both of the first mandrel and housing load shoulders may form part of a thrust bearing assembly.

The mandrel may comprise a second mandrel load shoulder and the housing may comprise a second housing load shoulder. In one example at least one thrust bearing assembly (such as a single thrust bearing assembly or a second thrust bearing assembly) may be interposed between the second mandrel and housing load shoulders. One or both of the second mandrel and housing load shoulders may form part of a thrust bearing assembly.

At least one of the first and second load shoulders may comprise a terminating end of the mandrel and/or housing. At least one of the first and second load shoulders may comprise one or more annular faces formed on a stepped profile.

The swivel apparatus may comprise a rotary drive mechanism to permit a rotary drive to be transmitted to a separate apparatus, such as a separate tool, for example a pump, jarring tool, packer, anchor tool and/or the like. The mandrel may comprise the rotary drive mechanism. In this example rotation of the mandrel, for example via a rotating work string, may be translated to a separate apparatus, irrespective of whether the swivel apparatus is in a swivelling configuration or a rotary locked configuration.

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a downhole method, comprising: running a swivel apparatus into a wellbore, wherein one of a mandrel and a housing of the swivel apparatus is connected to a rotating string and the other of the mandrel and the housing is connected to wellbore apparatus; and reconfiguring a rotary lock arrangement of the swivel apparatus between: an inactive configuration, wherein a first rotary connector portion and a second rotary connector portion of the swivel apparatus are disengaged to permit relative rotation between the housing and the mandrel; and an active configuration, wherein the first rotary connector portion and the second rotary connector portion are engaged to rotatably conned the housing and the mandrel.

The method may comprise reconfiguring the rotary lock arrangement using an actuator assembly.

The method may comprise receiving a locking member of the first rotary connector in a locking profile of the second rotary connector portion. The method may comprise radially moving the locking member between an active position, in which the locking member is received in the locking profile, and an inactive position, in which the locking member is removed from the locking profile.

The method may comprise utilising a pressure differential between internal and external locations of the apparatus to move an actuator piston of the actuator assembly between an inactive position and an active position. The method may comprise moving the actuator piston between the inactive position and the active position to configure the rotary lock arrangement between the inactive configuration and the active configuration.

The method may comprise releasing a first fastener, such as a shearable member, to permit the rotary lock arrangement to move from the inactive configuration to the active configuration.

The method may comprise regulating (e.g., limiting) a force applied by the actuator piston to the rotary lock arrangement. The method may comprise applying a force to the rotary lock arrangement through a priming member interposed between the actuator piston and the rotary lock arrangement.

The method may comprise releasing the rotary lock arrangement from the active configuration to permit subsequent relative rotation between the housing and the mandrel. The method may comprise returning the actuator piston to the inactive position from the active position.

The method may comprise releasing a second fastener to permit a permanent lock mechanism to be activated, wherein the permanent lock mechanism permanently rotationally locks the mandrel and the housing.

The method may comprise resetting (e.g., manually resetting) the permanent lock mechanism to permit multiple uses of the apparatus following activation of the permanent lock mechanism.

The method may comprise operating a contingency lock mechanism of the swivel apparatus.

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for running wellbore apparatus into a wellbore, comprising: connecting one of a mandrel and a housing of a swivel apparatus to a rotating string; connecting the other of the mandrel and the housing to the wellbore apparatus; deploying the swivel apparatus and connected wellbore apparatus into the wellbore on the rotating string; reconfiguring a rotary lock arrangement of the swivel apparatus between: an inactive configuration, wherein a first rotary connector portion and a second rotary connector portion of the swivel apparatus are disengaged to permit relative rotation between the housing and the mandrel; and an active configuration, wherein the first rotary connector portion and the second rotary connector portion are engaged to rotatably conned the housing and the mandrel.

The wellbore apparatus may comprise any apparatus, equipment, tool, etc. In some examples the wellbore apparatus may comprise casing, liner, sand screen, a downhole tool, a jarring apparatus and/or the like.

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a swivel apparatus, comprising: a housing; a mandrel extending within the housing; a rotary lock arrangement comprising a first rotary connector portion and a second rotary connector portion, the rotary lock arrangement configurable between: an active configuration, wherein the first rotary connector portion and the second rotary connector portion are engaged to rotatably conned the housing and the mandrel; and an inactive configuration, wherein the first rotary connector portion and the second rotary connector portion are disengaged to permit relative rotation between the housing and the mandrel; and a retainer arrangement for retaining the rotary lock arrangement in the active configuration.

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a releasable swivel apparatus, comprising: a housing; a mandrel extending within the housing; a rotary lock arrangement comprising a first rotary connector portion and a second rotary connector portion, the rotary lock arrangement configurable between: an active configuration, wherein the first rotary connector portion and the second rotary connector portion are engaged to rotatably conned the housing and the mandrel; and an inactive configuration, wherein the first rotary connector portion and the second rotary connector portion are disengaged to permit relative rotation between the housing and the mandrel; and an actuator assembly for configuring the rotary lock arrangement between the active configuration and the inactive configuration.

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a downhole apparatus, comprising: a tubular member; and an internal member axially moveable within the tubular member between a first axial position and a second axial position; wherein at least one of the tubular member and the internal member comprises a latch mechanism configured to axially lock the tubular member and the internal member relative to one another when the internal member is in the second axial position; wherein the latch mechanism is resettable.

The internal member may be slidable within the tubular member. The internal member may comprise a tubular member. Alternatively, the internal member may comprise a rod or shaft. The tubular member may circumscribe the internal member. The tubular member and/or the internal member may form part of a setting tool, a retrieval tool, a drilling tool, etc. In the specific examples described herein, the tubular member is a housing of a swivel apparatus and the internal member is an actuator piston located within the housing of the swivel apparatus.

The latch mechanism may comprise a latch member, such as a lock ring, snap ring, circlip, ratchet mechanism and/or the like. The latch mechanism may comprise a latch recess for receiving the latch member. The latch member may be provided on one of the tubular member and internal member. The latch recess may be provided on the other of the tubular member and internal member.

The tubular member may define one or more access ports for permitting access to the latch mechanism. The latch mechanism may be resettable by applying a radially inward force to the latch mechanism (e.g., the latch member). The latch member may be collapsible to reset the latch mechanism.

The downhole apparatus may comprise one or more releasable fasteners, such as shearable members, configured to axially lock the tubular member and internal member relative to one another when the internal member is in the first axial position.

The one or more fasteners may be released when a force threshold (e.g., a pressure differential across the internal member) is exceeded. The one or more fasteners may comprise a plurality of circumferentially arranged fasteners.

The tubular member may comprise one or more fastener removal holes for removing the one or more fasteners after the one or more fasteners have been released.

The downhole apparatus may comprise a biasing arrangement configured to bias the internal member towards the first axial position.

The downhole apparatus may comprise an anti-rotation mechanism configured to prevent relative rotation of the tubular member and internal member. The anti-rotation mechanism may be deactivatable to permit relative rotation of the tubular member and internal member, e.g., to permit one or more new fasteners to be installed. The anti-rotation mechanism may comprise an alignment slot formed in the internal member and an alignment key provided on the tubular member. The alignment slot may receive the alignment key to prevent relative rotation of the tubular member and internal member. The alignment key may be removable from the tubular member to permit relative rotation of the tubular member and internal member, for example to permit a reset operation to be performed.

The internal member may comprise one or more rotation holes for receiving a rotation rod to rotate the internal member within the tubular member. The internal member may be rotated within the tubular member to move the released fasteners into alignment with the fastener removal holes, e.g., to allow the released fasteners to be removed from the internal member.

The internal member may be rotatable within the tubular member to permit one or more new releasable fasteners to be installed. The internal member may be rotatable within the tubular member to permit the anti-rotation mechanism to be re-installed. Once completed, the downhole tool may be in a condition ready for a subsequent (e.g., a repeated) operation.

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for operating a downhole apparatus, the method comprising: providing a downhole apparatus comprising a tubular member and an internal member, the internal member axially moveable within the tubular member between a first axial position and a second axial position; axially moving the internal member from the first axial position to the second axial position to activate a latch mechanism, thereby axially locking the tubular member and internal member relative to one another; resetting the latch mechanism to permit axial movement of the internal member within the tubular member; and axially moving the internal member from the second axial position to the first axial position.

It will be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect may be equally combined with any other aspect described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is cross-sectional view of a swivel apparatus; Figure 2 is an enlarged view of region A of Figure 1, showing a rotary lock arrangement of the swivel apparatus; Figure 3 illustrates the rotary lock arrangement of Figure 2 in a primed position for being temporarily locked; Figure 4 illustrates the rotary lock arrangement of Figure 2 in a temporary locked state; Figure 5 is a sectional view of AA-AA shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 illustrates the rotary lock arrangement of Figure 2 in a primed position for being permanently locked; Figure 7 illustrates the rotary lock arrangement of Figure 2 in a permanently locked state; Figures 8 to 10 are enlarged views of region B of Figure 1, showing a sequential operation of a contingency locking mechanism of the swivel apparatus; Figure 11 is a sectional view of BB-BB shown in Figure 10; Figures 12 illustrates a swivel apparatus comprising an alternative contingency locking mechanism; Figures 13 and 14 are enlarged views of region C of Figure 12, showing a sequential operation of the alternative contingency locking mechanism; and Figures 15 to 23 show a sequential operation of a permanent lock reset arrangement of the swivel apparatus.

DETAILED DECRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A swivel apparatus, generally identified by reference numeral 10, is shown in cross-section in Figure 1. The apparatus 10 comprises a housing 12, a mandrel 14 which extends into the housing 12, and a rotary lock arrangement 36 capable of moving or being reconfigured between an inactive configuration, in which relative rotation between the housing 12 and mandrel 14 is permitted, and an active configuration, in which relative rotation between the housing 12 and mandrel 14 is prevented, as will be described in detail below. The apparatus 10 comprises an actuator assembly 35 for configuring the rotary lock arrangement 36 between the active and inactive configurations.

The housing 12 includes a first (e.g., lower) connector 16 (a pin connector in this example) for connecting to wellbore apparatus (not shown), such as casing liner, downhole tools, sand screen, etc. The mandrel 14 includes a second (e.g., upper) connector 18 (a box connector in this example) for connecting to a rotary string (not shown), for example a work string, drill string, etc. In this case the swivel apparatus 10 may be operated to selectively prevent and permit torque to be transmitted between the rotary string and wellbore apparatus. In other examples, the swivel apparatus may be used in a downhole tool requiring relative rotation to perform a particular function, such as a reciprocating drive apparatus, for example as described in WO 2022/129429 Al, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

The housing 12 includes first and second axially spaced (e.g., upper and lower) housing load shoulders 20, 22, and the mandrel 14 defines corresponding first and second axially spaced (e.g., upper and lower) mandrel load shoulders 24, 26. A first thrust bearing assembly 28 is mounted on the housing 12 adjacent the first housing load shoulder 20, and a second thrust bearing assembly 30 is mounted on the housing 12 adjacent the second housing load shoulder 22. In an alternative example one or both of the first and second thrust bearing assemblies 28, 30, or one or more components thereof, may be mounted on the mandrel 14. Further, one or both of the first and second housing and mandrel load shoulders 20, 22, 24, 26 may be considered to form part of an associated thrust bearing assembly 28, 30.

The thrust bearing assemblies 28, 30 each include a series of axially stacked thrust bearings, or axially stacked bearing stages. The series of axially stacked thrust bearings may provide for load balancing between each bearing stage. However, in other examples, the thrust bearing assemblies 28, 30 may be of any form suitable to accommodate both axial load and rotation. For example, roller bearings, low friction bearing material, etc., may be utilised.

The swivel apparatus 10 further comprises a contingency locking mechanism 37, which will also be described in more detail below.

The swivel apparatus 10 is illustrated in Figure 1 with the first mandrel load shoulder 24 in engagement with the first thrust bearing assembly 28 and the second mandrel load shoulder 26 in engagement with the second thrust bearing assembly 30, such that axial load may be transmitted between the housing 12 and mandrel 14 in an upward direction (e.g. uphole) and a downward direction (e.g. downhole). Such axial load may be applied by pulling tension within the connected rotary string and/or by virtue of the weight of the housing 12 and connected wellbore apparatus, or by setting weight down on the connected wellbore apparatus, which may thus create a compressive load between the housing 12 and mandrel 14.

The rotary lock arrangement 36 will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 2, which is an enlarged view of region A of Figure 1 illustrating the rotary lock arrangement 36 in the inactive configuration. The rotary lock arrangement 36 comprises a first rotary connector portion including a plurality of circumferentially arranged spline keys 32, and a second rotary connector portion including a plurality of circumferentially arranged locking recesses 43. As will be described in detail below, when the spline keys 32 are in an active position (e.g., a radially extended position), the housing 12 and mandrel 14 are rotatably connected, and when the spline keys 32 are in an inactive position (e.g., a radially retracted position), the housing 12 and mandrel 14 are rotatably disconnected.

The spline keys 32 are held in respective radial slots or pockets 40 formed in a key carrier sleeve 42 secured to or forming part of the housing 12 or mandrel 14. A key recess 50 defined between the key carrier sleeve 42 and the housing 12 receives the spline keys 32 when the spline keys 32 are in the inactive position. That is, the key recess 50 provides sufficient clearance to allow the spline keys 32 to retract from the locking recesses 43. The locking recesses 43 are formed in an outer surface of the mandrel 14 and receive the spline keys 32 when the spline keys 32 are in the active position. The locking recesses 43 comprise an axial length such that the spline keys 32 may be received in the locking recesses 43 when the housing 12 and mandrel 14 are in different relative axial positions, for example to accommodate wear or adjustment of the bearing assembles 28, 30 over time.

The key carrier sleeve 42 includes a holder mechanism, which in this example are key detents 38, for holding the spline keys 32 in the inactive position. The key detent 38 prevents the spline keys 32 from inadvertently moving to the active position when acted on by a force, such as gravity when the apparatus is used in a horizontal wellbore. While detents 38 are provided in the illustrated example, other mechanisms or structures may alternatively or additionally be provided, such as latch pins, interference or friction fitting, etc. The actuator assembly 35 comprises an actuator piston 52 including first and second sealing areas 54, 56. A first side of the actuator piston 52 is in pressure communication with an annular space 58 defined between the housing 12 and mandrel 14, which is exposed to pressure internally of the swivel apparatus 10 via first ports 62.

A second side of the actuator piston 52 is in pressure communication with a temporary lock spring chamber 55, which is exposed to pressure in an annulus 59 between the swivel apparatus 10 and a surrounding wellbore via second ports 60, 61. As will be described in more detail below, the actuator piston 52 is initially secured to the housing 12 via a temporary lock mechanism, e.g., including shear screws 66; however, alternative lock mechanisms may be utilised. A stroke length of the actuator piston 52 is limited by a second lock mechanism, e.g., including shear screws 65, which will be discussed further below.

The rotary lock arrangement 36 comprises a retainer sleeve 44 configured to, when operated, drive the spline keys 32 into the locking recesses 43 and retain the spline keys 32 therein. The retainer sleeve 44 and the spline keys 32 comprise cooperating kick-down profiles 67 for driving the spline keys 32 into the locking recesses 43. The actuator piston 52 is secured to a piston sleeve 70 comprising a spline spring shoulder or stop 72. A spline lock spring 48 is axially interposed between the spline spring stop 72 and the retainer sleeve 44. As will be discussed in more detail below, the spline lock spring 48 functions as a priming member.

The actuator piston 52 is biased in the direction of arrow 68 by a temporary lock spring 53 located in the temporary lock spring chamber 55 axially interposed between the actuator piston 52 and a union 51 fixed to the housing 12. The union 51 is a separate component in the present example, but may alternatively be an integral part of the housing 12. The piston sleeve 70 includes a catch member 73 for engaging the retainer sleeve 44 on a return stroke of the actuator piston 52, in the direction of arrow 68. The catch member 73 may be provided as an upset region at an end portion of the piston sleeve 70 which provides a hook profile or functionality. The actuator piston 52 defines a piston alignment slot 90 which receives a piston alignment key 89 for rotationally locking the actuator piston 52 relative to the housing 12.

With reference to Figure 3, when an operator requires the housing 12 and mandrel 14 to become rotatably connected, the rotary lock arrangement 36 is activated in the following manner. A pressure differential is applied between internal and external locations of the swivel apparatus 10, applying a net force on the actuator piston 52 in the direction of arrow 46, thus moving the actuator piston 52, piston sleeve 70 and spline spring stop 72 in the direction of arrow 46. When the pressure differential across the actuator piston 52 exceeds a pressure threshold, the shear screws 66 shear and the spline lock spring 48 is compressed between the spline spring stop 72 and the retainer sleeve 44. The stroke of the actuator piston 52 is limited by engagement with the shear screws 65.

If the housing 12 and mandrel 14 are positioned relative to one another such that the spline keys 38 and the locking recesses 43 are rotationally aligned, the spline keys 43 are at this point driven into the locking recesses 43 to provide the rotary lock arrangement 36 in the active configuration. However, the housing 12 and mandrel 14 may be positioned relative to one another such that the spline keys 38 and the locking recesses 43 are rotationally misaligned. In this situation, if the actuator assembly 35 is operated and a force is applied to the spine keys 38, the rotary lock arrangement 36 may become damaged preventing a proper rotational connection between the spline keys 32 and locking recesses 43 being made. To mitigate the risk of this occurring, the spline lock spring 48 functions to regulate a force applied by the actuator piston 52 to the rotary lock arrangement 36. That is, the force applied to the rotary lock arrangement 36 by the actuator piston 52 is transmitted through the spline lock spring 48, and is therefore a function of a spring force of the spline lock spring 48. This arrangement may protect the rotary lock arrangement 36 from excessive forces when an elevated pressure differential acts across the actuator piston 52. This may be particularly beneficial if an operator is unable to accurately control the pressure differential across the actuator piston 52, e.g., the pressure differential between the internal and external locations of the apparatus 10. The spline lock spring 48 functions to prime the rotary lock arrangement 36 to move to the active configuration when the spline keys 38 and the locking recesses 43 are rotationally misaligned, and in this respect the spline lock spring 48 may be defined as a priming member.

Figure 3 illustrates the rotary lock arrangement 36 in a primed configuration, where the spline keys 32 and the locking recesses 43 are rotationally misaligned, such that the spline keys 32 are prevented from moving to the active position. When in the primed configuration, the rotary lock arrangement 36 will move into the active configuration upon relative rotation of the mandrel 14 and the housing 12 rotationally aligning the locking recesses 43 and the locking keys 38, as illustrated in Figure 4. At this point, the spline keys 38 are driven into the locking recess 43 by the retainer sleeve 44, which is still being acted on by the actuator piston 52 under the differential pressure, thus moving the rotary lock arrangement 36 to the active configuration.

In the active configuration, the locking keys 32 are radially constrained by the retainer sleeve 44 such that the locking keys 32 are held in the locking recesses 43, thereby rotationally locking the housing 12 and mandrel 14 together. As such, in this configuration, torque may be transmitted though the swivel apparatus 10. Figure 5 is a sectional view of AA-AA shown in Figure 4, illustrating the spline keys 32 received in the locking recesses 43.

The housing 12 and mandrel 14 may be rotationally unlocked by relieving the pressure differential allowing the actuator piston 52, piston sleeve 70 and spline spring stop 72 to move to their inactive position as the temporary lock spring 53 decompresses. As the piston sleeve 70 returns to the inactive position, the catch member 73 of the piston sleeve 70 engages the retainer sleeve 44 and pulls the retainer sleeve 44 in the direction of arrow 68 to an inactive position, thereby allowing the spline keys 38 to disengage from the locking recesses 43 and be received in the key recess 50.

The swivel apparatus 10 may therefore be selectively operated (i.e., the swivel functionality may be switched on and off) in accordance with the configuration of the rotary lock arrangement 36. In some applications, one of the mandrel 14 and housing 12 may be connected to a rotary string (e.g., a work string, drill string, deployment string, retrieval string, etc.), and the other of the mandrel 14 and housing 12 may be connected to wellbore apparatus (e.g., casing, liner, sand screen, downhole tool etc.). Depending on the configuration of the rotary lock arrangement 36, the rotary string and wellbore apparatus may be rotatably coupled or de-coupled.

In this case, when rotation of a connected rotary string is desirable without also causing rotation of the wellbore apparatus, the rotary lock arrangement 36 may be configured such that the mandrel 14 and housing 12 are permitted to rotate relative to one another. When it is desirable for rotation of the string to be transmitted to the wellbore apparatus, the rotary lock arrangement 36 may be configured such that the mandrel 14 and housing 12 are rotatably connected to one another. This might be required for multiple purposes, for example for operation of the wellbore apparatus, to disconnect from the wellbore apparatus and/or the like. In some applications, the mandrel 14 may be connectable to a rotary string, and the housing 12 may be connectable to a wellbore apparatus, such as a separate tool, for example a pump, jarring tool, packer, anchor tool and/or the like. However, in other examples the reverse may be the case.

If an operator requires the rotary connection between the housing 12 and mandrel 14 to be made permanent, the pressure differential may be increased such that the shear screws 65 are sheared. Figure 6 illustrates the rotary lock arrangement 36 in a primed configuration after the shear screws 65 have been sheared. In the illustrated configuration, the spline keys 32 and the locking recesses 43 are rotationally misaligned such that the spline keys 32 are prevented from moving to the active position. The mandrel 14 may then be rotated relative to the housing 12 until the spline keys 38 and the locking recesses 43 are rotationally aligned, as illustrated in Figure 7, at which point the spline keys 38 are driven into the locking recesses 43 by the retainer sleeve 44, which is still acted on by the actuator piston 52 under the differential pressure. Since the shear screws 65 have been sheared, the actuator piston 52 moves further in the direction of arrow 46, as illustrated in Figure 7, into a permanent lock position where a lock ring 76 is received within a lock ring groove 78 of the housing 12, thereby preventing the actuator piston 52 and retainer sleeve 44 from returning to their inactive positions.

In other examples, the shear screws 66 and/or shear screws 65 may be omitted and the rotary lock arrangement 36 may be retained in the inactive configuration (e.g., during deployment of the apparatus) by the temporary lock spring 53 biasing the actuator piston 52 towards the inactive position, until a force threshold is exceeded. In some examples, where the shear screws 65 are omitted, the shear screws 66 may retain the actuator piston 52 in the inactive position until a permanent lock force threshold (e.g., a permanent lock pressure differential across the actuator piston 52) is exceeded, thereby shearing the shear screws 66 and transitioning the apparatus 10 into a permanently locked state. In this respect the apparatus 10 may proivde a one-shot permanent lock function.

If the rotary lock arrangement 36 is compromised for any reason, an operator may use the contingency locking mechanism 37, which will now be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11, which are enlarged views of region B of Figure 1. The mandrel 14 includes a number of contingency keys 80 extending through respective radial slots 82 in the mandrel 14. The housing 12 includes an inner key recess 84. The contingency locking mechanism 37 further comprises a seat sleeve 86 configured to receive a dropped object 88, such as a dart; however, any dropped object, such as a ball, may be used. When the contingency keys 80 and inner key recess 84 are rotationally aligned, the dropped object 88 will drive the seat sleeve 86 in the direction of arrow 68 causing the keys 80 to be pushed radially outward and received in the recess 84, thereby axially locking the housing 12 and mandrel 14 together, as illustrated in Figure 10. In alternative examples, the contingency locking mechanism 37 may be operated by any other suitable means, such as via wireline, coiled tubing, and/or the like.

Figure 12 illustrates a swivel apparatus 110 comprising an alternative contingency locking mechanism 137. The swivel apparatus 10 is similar to the swivel apparatus described above, and comprises first and second bearing assemblies, 28, 36, an actuator assembly 35 and a rotary lock mechanism 36, which include corresponding features to those described above that have been assigned the same reference signs.

The alternative contingency locking mechanism 137 is illustrated in more detail in Figures 13 and 14, which are enlarged views of region C of Figure 12. The contingency locking mechanism 137 comprises a flapper dart 139 including a flapper member 141. The housing 12 defines an internal landing seat 145 for receiving the flapper dart 139. The flapper dart 149 comprises seal elements 147 for sealing against the internal surface of the housing 12 when received by the landing seat 145. The flapper dart 139 comprises a flapper shear member 143 configured to retain the flapper member 141 in a closed position until an internal pressure within the swivel apparatus 110 exceeds a flapper dart pressure threshold.

The flapper dart 139 may be utilised to assist in establishing a sufficient pressure differential across the actuator piston 52 to configure the rotary lock arrangement 36 from the inactive configuration to the active configuration. This may be particularly useful when, for example, there is low fluid pressure within the swivel apparatus or there is a leakage downhole of the swivel apparatus. The flapper dart 139, when received by the landing seat 145, can therefore be utilised to build up pressure internally within the swivel apparatus 110 with the flapper 141 in a closed position.

In some examples, an operator may increase an internal pressure within the apparatus 110 to exceed a permanent lock pressure threshold, thereby shearing the shear screws 65 and activating the permanent lock mechanism by allowing the lock ring 76 to be received in the lock ring groove 78, thereby providing the rotary lock arrangement 36 in a permanently locked state. Thereafter, pressure internally within the apparatus 110 may be increased further to shear the flapper shear member 143 and allow the flapper member 141 to pivot open, thereby restoring bore access through the swivel apparatus 110 with the housing 12 and mandrel 14 in a permanent rotationally locked state.

The permanent lock mechanism may be field resettable permitting multiple uses of the apparatus following activation of the permanent lock mechanism. This may be particularly beneficial in remote locations, such as offshore locations, where transporting the swivel apparatus to another location (e.g., to a manufacturing site) for resetting the apparatus can be time consuming and costly. A permanent lock reset arrangement of the swivel apparatus 110 will now be described with reference to Figures 15 to 23. It will be appreciated that the swivel apparatus 10 described above also comprises a corresponding permanent lock reset arrangement; however, for brevity, features of the permanent lock reset arrangement are described only in relation to the swivel apparatus 110.

Figure 15 is an enlarged view of region D of Figure 12 with the rotary lock arrangement 36 in a permanently locked state. Figure 16 is a top view of region D, illustrating section line B-B along which Figure 15 is taken, also with the rotary lock arrangement 36 in a permanently locked state.

As illustrated in Figure 15, the shear screws 66 and the shear screws 65 have been sheared and the actuator piston 52 has moved to the right to activate the permanent lock mechanism by allowing the lock ring 76 to be received in the lock ring groove 78.

When it is desired to reset the permanent lock mechanism, for example by an operator at surface prior to redeploying the tool for a subsequent operation, the sheared parts of the shear screws 65a, 66a are removed from the housing 12 via shear screw holes 81, leaving the shear stubs 65b, 66b in the actuator piston 52.

Figures 17 to 19 illustrate a second stage of the reset operation. Figure 17 is an enlarged view of region D of Figure 12 taken along section line D-D illustrated in Figure 18, which is a side view of region D (i.e., rotated 90 degrees with respect to Figures 15 and 16). Figure 19 is an isometric view of region D of Figure 12. At this stage in the operation, the rotary lock arrangement 36 is still in a permanently locked state. The lock ring 76 is collapsed by inserting cap screw bolts 83 into lock ring access ports 85 to reduce a diameter of the lock ring 76 to less than an internal diameter of the housing 12. At this point, the temporary lock spring 53 is able to return the actuator piston 52 back to its inactive position, thereby returning the rotary lock arrangement 36 to its inactive configuration.

Figures 20 and 21 illustrate a third stage of the reset operation. Figure 20 is an enlarged view of region D of Figure 12 taken along section line B-B illustrated in Figure 21, which is a top view of region D. As illustrated in Figures 20 and 21, the actuator piston 52 has shifted to the left and is back in its inactive position. To remove the shear stubs 65b, 66b retained in the actuator piston 52, a piston alignment key 89 is removed via a piston alignment port 91, such that the piston alignment key 89 disengages from a piston alignment slot 90 formed in the actuator piston 52, allowing the actuator piston 52 to be rotated within the housing 12. The actuator piston 52 comprises a number of circumferentially arranged rotation holes 92 for receiving a rotation rod (not shown) to rotate the actuator piston 52 within the housing 12. The housing 12 defines a piston access window 93 permitting the rotation rod to be inserted into the rotation holes 92 and rotate the actuator piston 52.

Figures 22 and 23 illustrate a fourth stage of the reset operation. At this stage, the actuator piston 52 may be rotated to allow the remaining shear stubs 65b, 66b to be moved into alignment with shear stub removal holes 94, at which point the shear stubs 65b, 66b may be removed from the actuator piston 52. The piston alignment key 89 is then reinstalled via the piston alignment port 91, and new shear screws 65, 66 are installed via the shear screw holes 81. At this point, the swivel apparatus 110 is ready for its next operation with the rotary lock arrangement 36 provided in its inactive configuration.

It should be understood that the examples provided herein are indeed exemplary of the present disclosure, and that various modifications may be possible.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A swivel apparatus for use in a wellbore, the swivel apparatus comprising: a housing; a mandrel extending within the housing; a rotary lock arrangement comprising a first rotary connector portion and a second rotary connector portion, the rotary lock arrangement configurable between: an active configuration, wherein the first rotary connector portion and the second rotary connector portion are engaged to rotatably conned the housing and the mandrel; and an inactive configuration, wherein the first rotary connector portion and the second rotary connector portion are disengaged to permit relative rotation between the housing and the mandrel; and an actuator assembly for configuring the rotary lock arrangement between the active configuration and the inactive configuration.
2. The swivel apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first rotary connector portion comprises a locking member provided on one of the mandrel and the housing, and the second rotary connector portion comprises a locking profile on the other of the mandrel and the housing.
3. The swivel apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking member comprises one or more circumferentially arranged spline keys, and the locking profile comprises one or more circumferentially arranged grooves for receiving the locking member.
4. The swivel apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the locking member is moveable between an inactive position and an active position, wherein in the inactive position the locking member is removed from the locking profile, and in the active position the locking member is received in the locking member.
5. The swivel apparatus of claim 4, wherein the locking member is radially moveable between the inactive position and the active position.
6. The swivel apparatus of claim 4 or 5, wherein the rotary lock arrangement comprises a holder mechanism for resisting movement of the locking member from the inactive position to the active position until a threshold force is exceeded.
7. The swivel apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the actuator assembly is pressure operated.
8. The swivel apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the actuator assembly comprises an actuator piston moveable between an active position and an inactive position, wherein movement of the actuator piston between the inactive position and the active position configures the rotary lock arrangement between the inactive configuration and the active configuration.
9. The swivel apparatus of claim 8, wherein the actuator piston is axially moveable between the active position and the inactive position.
10. The swivel apparatus of claim 8 or 9, wherein the actuator piston is exposed on a first side to an internal pressure of the apparatus and on an opposing, second side to an external pressure of the apparatus.
11. The swivel apparatus of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the actuator assembly comprises a priming member interposed between the actuator piston and the rotary lock arrangement.
12. The swivel apparatus of claim 11, wherein the priming member is configured to prime the rotary lock arrangement to move to the active configuration when the first and second rotary connector portions are rotationally misaligned and the actuator piston is moved to the active position.
13. The swivel apparatus of claim 11 or 12, wherein the priming member is configured to regulate a force applied by the actuator piston to the rotary lock arrangement.
14. The swivel apparatus of any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the priming member comprises a biasing member.
15. The swivel apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the rotary lock arrangement is releasable from the active configuration to permit subsequent relative rotational movement between the housing and the mandrel.
16. The swivel apparatus of any preceding claim, comprising a permanent lock mechanism configured to provide a permanent connection between the housing and the mandrel.
17. The swivel apparatus of claim 16, wherein the permanent lock mechanism comprises a lock ring.
18. The swivel apparatus of claim 16 or 17, wherein the permanent lock mechanismis resettable.
19. The swivel apparatus of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the housing defines an access port for permitting access to the permanent lock mechanism.
20. The swivel apparatus of any one of claims 16 to 19, comprising a releasable fastener configured to prevent the permanent lock mechanism from being activated until a permanent lock force threshold is exceeded.
21. The swivel apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising a contingency locking mechanism configured to provide rotational locking of the housing and the mandrel.
22. The swivel apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the contingency locking mechanism is operable by a dropped object.
23. The swivel apparatus of claim 21 or 22, wherein the contingency lock mechanism comprises a dropped object configured to selectively obturate a central bore of the swivel apparatus to generate an elevated pressure for use by the actuator assembly.
24. The swivel apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one thrust bearing assembly.
25. The swivel apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the mandrel comprises a rotary drive mechanism to permit rotation of the mandrel to drive a secondary component irrespective of whether the swivel apparatus is in a swivelling configuration or a rotary locked configuration.
26. A downhole apparatus, comprising: a tubular member; and an internal member axially moveable within the tubular member between a first axial position and a second axial position; wherein at least one of the tubular member and the internal member comprises a latch mechanism configured to axially lock the tubular member and the internal member relative to one another when the internal member is in the second axial position; wherein the latch mechanism is resettable.
27. The downhole apparatus of claim 26, wherein the tubular member defines one or more access ports for permitting access to the latch mechanism.
28. The downhole apparatus of claim 26 or 27, wherein the latch mechanism is resettable by applying a radially inward force to the latch mechanism.
29. The downhole apparatus of any one of claims 26 to 28, comprising one or more releasable fasteners configured to axially lock the tubular member and the internal member relative to one another when the internal member is in the first axial position, wherein the one or more fasteners are released when a force threshold is exceeded.
30. The downhole apparatus of any one of claims 26 to 29, comprising an anti-rotation mechanism configured to prevent relative rotation of the tubular member and the internal member, wherein the anti-rotation mechanism is deactivatable to permit relative rotation of the tubular member and the internal member.