FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a downhole valve apparatus for use in a wellbore, in particular a one-shot valve apparatus for initially restricting fluid flow and then permitting fluid flow after actuation of the valve apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Wellbore infrastructure and operations often require the use of valves to provide flow and/or pressure control. For example, valves may be used to control production and/or injection flow rates and pressures, to isolate sections of the wellbore, to contain wellbore pressure and fluids while topside or in-well operations are performed, to facilitate pressure testing, to facilitate tool actuation and the like.

In some examples valves may be used within completions to provide initial containment of pressure to facilitate downhole operations. In many cases when the necessary wellbore operations are completed, the barrier established by the valve should be removed, for example to permit bore access along the completion. One-shot valves are often used for such purposes. There is a clear interest for all operators to utilise wellbore equipment which is reliable, and the ability to reliably operate a valve at the appropriate stage in operations is of critical importance.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect there is provided a downhole valve apparatus. The downhole valve apparatus may comprise a housing. The downhole valve apparatus may comprise a valve cartridge. The valve cartridge may be axially moveable within the housing. The valve cartridge may comprise a first cartridge portion and a second cartridge portion. The valve cartridge may have a first configuration in which the first cartridge portion and the second cartridge portion are moveable together. The valve cartridge may have a second configuration in which the first cartridge portion and the second cartridge portion are relatively moveable. The downhole valve apparatus may comprise an internal force element. The internal force element may have an initial condition and an activated condition. The downhole valve apparatus may comprise a valve member. The valve member may be mounted within the valve cartridge. The valve member may have a closed position in which fluid flow through the apparatus is restricted. The valve member may have an open position in which fluid flow through the apparatus is permitted. The valve member may be rotatable from the closed position to the open position in response to relative axial movement between the first and second cartridge portions. The downhole valve apparatus may comprise an operation arrangement. The operation arrangement may be co-operable with the valve cartridge, the housing and the internal force element to energise the internal force element from the initial condition to the activated condition and reconfigure the valve cartridge from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to a trigger event acting on the valve cartridge. The operation arrangement may be actuable by the internal force element in the activated condition to cause relative movement between the first and second cartridge portions of the valve cartridge in the second configuration and rotation of the valve member from the closed position to the open position. The operation and actuation of the operation arrangement caused by the trigger event provides assurance that the valve member of the valve apparatus will not be opened inadvertently or prematurely.

According to an aspect there is provided a downhole valve apparatus comprising: a housing; a valve cartridge axially moveable within the housing, the valve cartridge comprising a first cartridge portion and a second cartridge portion, the valve cartridge having a first configuration in which the first cartridge portion and the second cartridge portion are moveable together and a second configuration in which the first cartridge portion and the second cartridge portion are relatively moveable; an internal force element having an initial condition and an activated condition; a valve member mounted within the valve cartridge and having a closed position in which fluid flow through the apparatus is restricted and an open position in which fluid flow through the apparatus is permitted, wherein the valve member is rotatable from the closed position to the open position in response to relative movement between the first and second cartridge portions; and an operation arrangement co-operable with the valve cartridge, the housing and the internal force element to energise the internal force element from the initial condition to the activated condition and reconfigure the valve cartridge from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to a trigger event acting on the valve cartridge, the operation arrangement actuable by the internal force element in the activated condition to cause relative movement between the first and second cartridge portions of the valve cartridge in the second configuration and rotation of the valve member from the closed position to the open position.

The first cartridge portion may be an inner cartridge portion. The second cartridge portion may be an outer cartridge portion. The inner cartridge portion may be at least partially located within the outer cartridge portion. The valve member may be located within the second cartridge portion.

The first cartridge portion may comprise a first valve seat. The valve member may be engagable with the first valve seat. The first valve seat may comprise a seal. The valve member may be sealingly engagable with the first valve seat. The second cartridge portion may comprise a second valve seat. The valve member may be engagable with the second valve seat. The valve member in the closed position may be engaged with the first and second valve seats. The valve member in the open position may be engaged with the first valve seat and spaced from the second valve seat.

The valve apparatus may further comprise a follower assembly. The follower assembly may be mounted within the second cartridge portion. The valve member may be axially delimited by the first cartridge portion and the follower assembly. The follower assembly may comprise a sleeve and a biasing element. The biasing element may be a spring. The biasing element may be delimited by the sleeve and the second cartridge portion. The biasing element may apply an axial biasing force on the sleeve towards the valve member to maintain contact between the sleeve and the valve member. The follower assembly may prevent ingress of debris within the sleeve around the valve member that may interfere with the operation of the valve apparatus.

The internal force element in the initial condition may be partially energised. The internal force element may be further energised from the initial condition to the activated condition.

The internal force element in the initial condition may bias the first cartridge portion of the valve cartridge in the first configuration into engagement with the valve member. The internal force element in the initial condition may maintain sealing engagement between the seal of the first valve seat and the valve member. This seal may be bi-directional.

The second cartridge portion may comprise an interface member. The interface member may extend between first and second axial sides of the valve member. The interface member may be engageable with the valve member to cause rotation of the valve member in response to axial movement of the interface member relative to the valve member.

The trigger event may be an axial force applied to the first cartridge portion. The trigger event may be a pressure differential across the valve member. The trigger event may be a pressure increase on a first axial side of the valve member in the closed position. The valve cartridge in the first configuration may be moveable within the housing in a first axial direction in response to the trigger event.

The valve member may be rotatable from the closed position to the open position in response to axial movement of the second cartridge portion relative to the first cartridge portion in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction.

The downhole valve apparatus may comprise a cartridge ratchet mechanism. The cartridge ratchet mechanism may comprise interlocking teeth configured to permit movement of the first cartridge portion relative to the housing in the first axial direction and prevent movement of the first cartridge portion relative to the housing in the second axial direction. The cartridge ratchet mechanism may comprise a first toothed side on the housing. The cartridge ratchet mechanism may comprise a second toothed side on the first cartridge portion. The cartridge ratchet mechanism may have a disengaged configuration wherein movement of the first cartridge portion relative to the housing is permitted in both the first and second axial directions. In the disengaged configuration the first and second toothed portions may be spaced apart. The cartridge ratchet mechanism may have an engaged configuration wherein movement of the first cartridge portion relative to the housing is permitted in the first axial direction and prevented in the second axial direction. In the engaged configuration the first and second toothed portions may be interlocked. The cartridge ratchet mechanism may be reconfigured from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration in response to the trigger event.

The operation arrangement may provide a connection between the first and second cartridge portions of the valve cartridge in the first configuration. The operation arrangement may cause the first and second cartridge portions to be disconnected and the valve cartridge to be reconfigured from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to the trigger event.

The operation arrangement may comprise an operation sleeve assembly.

The internal force element may be axially delimited by the operation sleeve assembly and the housing. The internal force element may be a spring. The operation sleeve assembly may have a first bounded configuration in which the operation sleeve assembly is axially delimited by the first cartridge portion and the internal force element. In the first bounded configuration the operation sleeve assembly may be moveable in the first axial direction with the first cartridge portion. The operation sleeve assembly may have a second bounded configuration. In the second bounded configuration the operation sleeve assembly may be disengaged from the first cartridge portion. In the second bounded configuration the operation sleeve assembly may be axially delimited by the housing and the internal force element. In the second bounded configuration the operation sleeve assembly may be stationary and fixed with the housing. The first cartridge portion may be moveable relative to the operation sleeve assembly in the second bounded configuration. The operation sleeve assembly may have an unbounded configuration. In the unbounded configuration the operation sleeve assembly may be moveable by the internal force element in the activated condition.

The operation sleeve assembly in the first bounded configuration may be movable with the first cartridge portion in the first axial direction to a predetermined axial location in response to the trigger event. Movement of the operation sleeve assembly in the first axial direction to the predetermined location may energise the internal force element from the initial condition to the activated condition. The operation sleeve assembly may be reconfigurable from the first bounded configuration to the second bounded configuration at the predetermined location.

The operation sleeve assembly may comprise an operation sleeve. The operation sleeve assembly may comprise a key. The key may be mounted on the operation sleeve. The key may be radially slidable relative to the operation sleeve. The operation sleeve assembly may be concentrically located between the first cartridge portion and the housing.

The first cartridge portion may comprise a protrusion on its radially outer surface. The protrusion may be annular. When the operation sleeve assembly is in the first bounded configuration the key may abut a first axial side of the protrusion. The operation sleeve assembly may move in the first axial direction in response to movement of the first cartridge portion in the first axial direction due to the engagement between the key and the protrusion.

The housing may comprise an increased internal diameter portion. At the predetermined location the key may be axially aligned with the increased internal diameter portion of the housing. The key may slide radially outwards to reconfigure the operation sleeve assembly from the first bounded configuration to the second bounded configuration. When the operation sleeve assembly is in the second bounded configuration the key may be located in the increased internal diameter portion of the housing. When the operation sleeve assembly is in the second bounded configuration the trigger event may cause the first cartridge portion to move in the first axial direction relative to the operation sleeve assembly. When the operation sleeve assembly is in the second bounded configuration the protrusion may move in the first axial direction relative to the key. The protrusion moving relative to the key may locate the key in the increased internal diameter portion of the housing. When the protrusion has moved relative to the key a distance such that the key is on a second axial side of the protrusion, the key may slide radially inward out of the increased diameter portion of the housing. The key may move radially inward to reconfigure the operation sleeve assembly from the second bounded configuration to the unbounded configuration. When the operation sleeve assembly is in the unbounded configuration the key may be located on the second axial side of the protrusion.

The operation sleeve assembly may be an equalisation sleeve assembly. The first cartridge portion may comprise at least one equalisation port. The equalisation sleeve assembly may be concentrically located between the first cartridge portion and the housing. The operation sleeve may be an equalisation sleeve. A pair of seals may be provided on the equalisation sleeve.

The equalisation sleeve assembly may comprise a sealing configuration in which the equalisation sleeve assembly cooperates with the first cartridge portion to seal the at least one equalisation port. In the sealing configuration the seals may be located to either axial side of the at least one equalisation port. The equalisation sleeve assembly may be in the sealing configuration when it is in the first bounded configuration

The equalisation sleeve assembly may comprise an equalising configuration in which the equalisation sleeve assembly permits fluid flow through the at least one equalisation port. In the equalising configuration the pair of seals may be located on the same axial side of the at least one equalisation port.

The equalisation sleeve assembly may be reconfigured from the sealing configuration to the equalising configuration at the predetermined location. When the equalisation sleeve assembly is in the second bounded configuration the trigger event may cause the equalisation ports to move in the first axial direction relative to the seals on the equalisation sleeve. When the equalisation sleeve assembly is in the unbounded configuration the internal force element in the activated condition may cause the seals on the equalisation sleeve to move in the second axial direction relative to the equalisation ports. The equalisation sleeve assembly may be in the equalising configuration when it is in the unbounded configuration.

The internal force element in the activated condition may generate a drive force in the second axial direction. The drive force acting on the valve cartridge in the second configuration may cause the second cartridge portion to move relative to the first cartridge portion and rotate the valve member from the closed position to the open position.

When the operation sleeve assembly is in the unbounded configuration it may move in the second axial direction in response to the drive force. The operation arrangement may move in the second axial direction in response to the operation sleeve assembly moving in the second axial direction. The second cartridge portion may move relative to the first cartridge portion and rotate the valve member from the closed position to the open position in response to the operation arrangement moving in the second axial direction.

The operation arrangement may comprise a release mechanism. The operation sleeve assembly may be axially located between the release mechanism and the internal force generator. The release mechanism may have a run in hole configuration and a released configuration. The operation sleeve assembly in the unbounded configuration may be moved by the drive force in the second axial direction to abut the release mechanism and translate the drive force to the release mechanism. The drive force may reconfigure the release mechanism to the released configuration. In the released configuration, the release mechanism may transfer the drive force to the second cartridge portion.

The operation arrangement may comprise a telescopic sleeve assembly. The telescopic sleeve assembly may form the release mechanism. The telescopic sleeve assembly may have an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration. The extended configuration of the telescopic sleeve assembly may be the run in hole configuration of the release mechanism. The collapsed configuration of the telescopic sleeve assembly may be the released configuration of the release mechanism. The telescopic sleeve assembly may comprise a first sleeve. The first sleeve of the telescopic sleeve assembly may be fixed with the operation sleeve assembly. The first sleeve may comprise a first flange distal the operation sleeve assembly. The telescopic sleeve assembly may comprise a second sleeve. The second sleeve of the telescopic sleeve assembly may be fixed with the second cartridge portion. The second sleeve may comprise a second flange distal the second cartridge portion. In the extended configuration the first and second flanges may engage each other. In the collapsed configuration the first and second flanges may be spaced apart. In the collapsed configuration the first flange may be located proximal the second cartridge portion and the second flange may be located proximal the operation sleeve assembly. The first and second sleeves of the telescopic sleeve assembly may be axially relatively moveable from the extended configuration to the collapsed configuration.

The telescopic sleeve assembly in the extended configuration may move in the first axial direction in response to the trigger event when the operation sleeve assembly is in the first bounded configuration due to the engagement between the first and second flanges.

The first sleeve of the telescopic sleeve assembly may remain stationary when the operation sleeve assembly is in the second bounded configuration.

The second sleeve of the telescopic sleeve assembly may move in the first axial direction with the first cartridge portion when the operation sleeve assembly is in the second bounded configuration due to momentum. The telescopic sleeve assembly may begin to reconfigure from the extended configuration to the collapsed configuration when the operation sleeve assembly is in the second bounded configuration.

The second cartridge portion may comprise an external shoulder. The housing may comprise an internal shoulder. The internal and external shoulders may be engaged when the operation sleeve assembly is at the predetermined location. Engagement of the internal and external shoulders may prevent movement of the second cartridge portion in the first axial direction. Engagement of the internal and external shoulders may cause the valve member to begin rotating from the closed position to the open position as the first cartridge portion moves in the first axial direction in response to the trigger event. This early rotation of the valve member may allow any debris build-up around the valve member to be cleared by the flow of fluid through the valve apparatus. Clearing debris around the valve member ensures that the valve member can be freely fully rotated to the open position.

The operation sleeve assembly in the unbounded configuration may be moved by the drive force of the internal force element in the second axial direction. The telescopic sleeve assembly may be reconfigured from the extended configuration to the collapsed configuration in response to movement of the operation sleeve assembly in the second axial direction. When the operation sleeve assembly is in the unbounded configuration and the telescopic sleeve assembly is in the collapsed configuration, the operation arrangement may move in the second axial direction in response to the drive force. The second cartridge portion may move relative to the first cartridge portion and rotate the valve member from the closed position to the open position in response to the operation arrangement moving in the second axial direction.

The release mechanism may comprise a release element. The release element may have an engaged configuration wherein the release element may be engaged with the first cartridge portion and the second cartridge portion. The run in hole configuration of the release mechanism may comprise the engaged configuration of the release element. The release element may have a released configuration wherein the release element may be disengaged from the first cartridge portion. The released configuration of the release mechanism may comprise the released configuration of the release element. The release element may be biased toward the engaged configuration. The release mechanism may comprise a release sleeve assembly to reconfigure the release element from the engaged configuration to the released configuration in response to the drive force acting on the release sleeve assembly. The release sleeve assembly may cooperate with the release element to disengage the release element from the first cartridge portion.

The operation sleeve assembly may be axially located between the release sleeve assembly and the internal force generator. The operation sleeve assembly in the unbounded configuration may be moved by the drive force in the second axial direction to abut the release sleeve assembly and translate the drive force to the release sleeve assembly.

The release element may be a compression member. The compression member may be encapsulated by the second cartridge portion. The compression member may be biased into engagement with the first cartridge portion. The compression member may be biased radially inward. In the released configuration the release sleeve assembly may cooperate with the compression member to resist the bias of the compression member and disengage the compression member from the first cartridge portion. The release sleeve assembly may comprise a first angled surface. The compression member may comprise a second angled surface complimentary to the first angled surface. In the released configuration the compression member may be disengaged from the first cartridge portion in response to the complimentary first and second angled surfaces translating at least a portion of the drive force into a radial release force. The valve apparatus may comprise a valve lock ratchet mechanism. The valve lock ratchet mechanism may be configured to permit the second cartridge portion to rotate the valve member from the closed position to the open position and prevent the second cartridge portion from rotating the valve member from the open position to the closed position. The valve lock ratchet mechanism may comprise a first toothed side on the first cartridge portion. The valve lock ratchet mechanism may comprise a second toothed side on the second cartridge portion. The first and second toothed sides may be interlocked. The interlocked first and second toothed sides may permit movement of the second cartridge portion relative to the first cartridge portion in the second axial direction, and prevent return movement of the second cartridge portion relative to the first cartridge portion in the first axial direction.

The downhole valve apparatus may comprise a contingency mode of operation in which the operation arrangement may be actuable by a tool to reconfigure the valve cartridge from the first configuration to the second configuration, cause relative axial movement between the first and second cartridge portions and rotate the valve cartridge from the closed position to the open position. The tool may be a shifting tool, a jarring tool or the like.

The operation arrangement may comprise a contingency shearable element. The contingency shearable element may be shearable in response to an impulse applied to the second cartridge portion by the tool. The valve cartridge may be reconfigured from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to the contingency shearable element being sheared.

The contingency shearable element may be the release element of the release mechanism. The release element may comprise a shearable protrusion. In the engaged configuration the shearable protrusion may engage the first cartridge portion. Alternatively the contingency shearable element may be the second flange of the telescopic sleeve assembly

The valve apparatus may comprise a circulation sleeve assembly. The circulation sleeve assembly may be concentrically located between the first cartridge portion and the release mechanism. The first cartridge portion may comprise at least one circulation port. Seals may be provided to either axial side of the at least one circulation port. The circulation sleeve assembly may comprise a circulation position wherein the circulation sleeve assembly permits fluid flow through the circulation port. The circulation sleeve assembly may comprise a sealing position wherein the circulation sleeve assembly seals the circulation port. The circulation sleeve assembly may cooperate with the seals to seal the circulation port. The first cartridge portion may comprise a protrusion. The circulation sleeve assembly may abut the protrusion in the sealing position.

In response to a predetermined threshold flow rate of fluid through the equalisation port the equalisation sleeve assembly may be movable from the circulation position to the sealing position. The circulation sleeve assembly may comprise a first axial end and a second axial end. The first axial end may have a surface area larger than that of the second axial end. The first axial end may be distal the at least one circulation port and the second axial end may be proximal the at least one circulation port. An isolation seal may be provided between the first cartridge portion and the circulation sleeve assembly, axially intermediate the first and second ends of the circulation sleeve assembly. One of the seals provided to either axial side of the at least one circulation port may be the isolation seal. A shear pin may be provided between the circulation sleeve assembly and the first cartridge portion. The predetermined threshold flow rate may generate a predetermined threshold back pressure to act on the circulation sleeve assembly. The back pressure may generate a resultant axial force on the circulation sleeve assembly due to the difference in surface area of the axial ends of the circulation sleeve assembly. The shear pin may be shearable in response to the resultant axial force generated by the predetermined threshold back pressure to permit the circulation sleeve assembly to move relative to the first cartridge portion. The circulation sleeve assembly may be movable from the circulation position in response to the resultant axial force. The protrusion may limit movement of the circulation sleeve assembly and prevent the circulation sleeve assembly from moving beyond the sealing position.

The first cartridge portion may comprise at least one auxiliary port for preventing hydraulic lock during movement of the circulation sleeve assembly.

The trigger event may occur when the circulation sleeve assembly is in the sealing position.

The downhole valve apparatus may comprise a circulation ratchet mechanism configured to permit movement of the circulation sleeve assembly from the circulation position towards the sealing position and prevent return movement of the circulation sleeve assembly from the sealing position towards the circulation position. The circulation ratchet mechanism may comprise a first toothed side on the circulation sleeve assembly. The circulation ratchet mechanism may comprise a second toothed side on the first cartridge portion. The first and second toothed sides may be interlocked. The interlocked first and second toothed sides may permit movement of the circulation sleeve assembly in the first axial direction and prevent movement of the circulation sleeve assembly in the second axial direction.

The release mechanism may further comprise a shear pin between the release sleeve assembly and the first cartridge portion. The shear pin may be shearable in response to the drive force. The shear pin may not be shearable in response to the predetermined back pressure. The shear pin may prevent movement of the release sleeve assembly during operation of the circulation sleeve assembly. The shear pin may prevent premature release of the release mechanism and unintended reconfiguration of the valve cartridge from the first configuration to the second configuration.

The valve apparatus may comprise an initiation module. The initiation module may comprise a shear member. The shear member may limit movement of the first cartridge portion relative to the housing. The shear member may shear in response to the trigger event. Shearing of the shear member may permit reconfiguration of the valve cartridge.

The shear member may be an initiation shear pin between the housing and the first cartridge portion. The initiation shear pin my prevent movement of the first cartridge portion until it is sheared. The initiation shear pin may shear in response to the trigger event. The initiation shear pin may shear in response to an initiation axial force. The initiation axial force may be generated by a predetermined pressure differential across the valve member. The predetermined pressure differential across the valve member may be generated by an increase in pressure on the first axial side of the valve member.

Alternatively, the initiation module may be in the form of a counter module. The counter module may be cooperable with the first cartridge portion to prevent reconfiguration of the valve cartridge from the first configuration to the second configuration prior to a predetermined number of pressure cycles acting on the valve cartridge. The counter module may comprise a piston. The shear member may be a shear sleeve. The piston may be operable to shear the shear sleeve in response to the trigger event following a predetermined number of pressure cycles.

The counter module may further comprise a chamber. Movement of the piston may vary the volume of the chamber. The counter module may further comprise a pocket. The pocket may be in the housing. A counter may be situated in the pocket. The pocket may comprise an inlet from the chamber. The pocket may comprise an outlet to an exterior of the housing. The counter may vent the chamber to the exterior of the housing after a predetermined number of pressure cycles. The piston may shear the shear sleeve after the chamber has been vented. Shearing of the shear sleeve may permit the equalisation sleeve assembly to be reconfigured from the sealing configuration to the equalisation configuration.

In an aspect there is provided a method for controlling flow downhole. The method includes the step of positioning downhole a valve apparatus, wherein the valve member is in the closed position and the valve cartridge is in the first configuration. The method includes the step of initiating a trigger event, the trigger event causing the operation assembly to energise the internal force element from the initial condition to the activated condition and reconfigure the valve cartridge from the first configuration to the second configuration. The internal force element in the activated condition actuates the operation arrangement to cause relative axial movement between the first and second cartridge portions of the valve cartridge in the second configuration and rotation of the valve member from the closed position to the open position.

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 a section view of a downhole valve apparatus in a run in hole configuration;

Figure 2 is a detail section view of the downhole valve apparatus of Figure 1 in the run in hole configuration; Figure 3a is a detail section view of a circulation sleeve assembly of the downhole valve apparatus of Figure 1 , the circulation sleeve assembly in a circulation position;

Figure 3b is a detail section view of the circulation sleeve assembly of Figure 3a in a sealing position;

Figure 4a is a detail section view of a counter module of the downhole valve apparatus of Figure 1 in a run in hole configuration,

Figure 4b is a detail section view of the counter module following a predetermined number of pressure cycles;

Figure 5a is a detail section view of an operation sleeve assembly of the downhole valve apparatus of Figure 1, the operation sleeve assembly in a first bounded configuration; Figure 5b is a detail section view of the operation sleeve assembly of Figure 5a in a second bounded configuration;

Figure 5c is a detail section view of the operation sleeve assembly of Figure 5a in an unbounded configuration;

Figure 6 is a detail section view of the downhole valve apparatus of Figure 1 wherein the operation sleeve assembly is in the unbounded configuration and a release mechanism is in an engaged configuration;

Figure 7a is a detail section view of the release mechanism of Figure 6 in the engaged configuration;

Figure 7b is a detail section view of the release mechanism of Figure 6 in a released configuration;

Figure 8 is a detail section view of the downhole valve apparatus of Figure 1 wherein the valve cartridge is in the second configuration and the valve member is in an open position;

Figure 9a is a detail section view of the downhole valve apparatus of Figure 1 in the run in hole configuration;

Figure 9b is a detail section view of the downhole valve apparatus of Figure 1 wherein a contingency module of the downhole valve apparatus is in a primed configuration;

Figure 9c is a detail section view of the downhole valve apparatus of Figure 1 wherein the valve member is in an open position, having been opened via the contingency module;

Figure 10 is a section view of an alternative downhole valve apparatus;

Figure 11 is a detail section view of an operation arrangement of the downhole valve apparatus of Figure 10 in a run in hole configuration;

Figure 12 is a detail section view of an initiation module of the downhole valve apparatus of Figure 10 in a run in hole configuration;

Figure 13 is a section view of another alternative downhole valve apparatus in a run in hole configuration;

Figure 14 is a section view of another alternative downhole valve apparatus in a run in hole configuration;

Figure 15 is a section view of another alternative downhole valve apparatus in a run in hole configuration;

Figure 16a is a detailed section view of the downhole valve apparatus of Figure 15 wherein an operation sleeve assembly is in a second bounded configuration; Figure 16b is a detailed section view of the downhole valve apparatus of Figure 15 wherein the operation sleeve assembly is in an unbounded configuration;

Figure 17a is a detail section view of the downhole valve apparatus of Figure 15 wherein a telescopic sleeve assembly is in a collapsed configuration;

Figure 17b is a detail section view of the downhole valve apparatus of Figure 15 wherein a valve member is in an open position;

Figure 18a is a detail section view of the downhole valve apparatus of Figure 15 in the run in hole configuration;

Figure 18b is a detail section view of the downhole valve apparatus of Figure 15 wherein the valve member is in the open position, having been opened via a contingency module;

Figure 19 is a section view of another alternative downhole valve apparatus in a run in hole configuration;

Figure 20a is a detail section view of the downhole valve apparatus of Figure 19 wherein an operation sleeve assembly is in a second bounded configuration, and internal and external shoulders are in engagement;

Figure 20b is a detail section view of the downhole valve apparatus of Figure 19 wherein the operation sleeve assembly is in an unbounded configuration and a valve member is partially rotated from a closed position to an open position;

Figure 20c is a detail section view of the downhole valve apparatus of Figure 19 wherein a telescopic sleeve assembly is in a collapsed configuration and the valve member is further rotated from the closed position to the open position; and

Figure 20d is a detail section view of the downhole valve apparatus of Figure 19 wherein the valve member is in the open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In reference to Figure 1 , a valve apparatus 10 for use downhole in a wellbore has a housing 11 , a valve cartridge 12 defining a throughbore 13, and a valve member 14. The throughbore 13 has an upstream portion 64 on an upstream side of the valve member 14, and a downstream portion 66 on a downstream side of the valve member 14. The valve member 14 is mounted within the valve cartridge 12. The valve member 14 can be rotated by the valve cartridge 12 from a closed position as shown in Figure 1 to an open position, as will be described below. When the valve member 14 is in the closed position, fluid flow along the throughbore 13 is restricted. When the valve member is in the open position, fluid flow along the throughbore 13 is permitted. The apparatus 10 also includes an initiation module in the form of a counter module 16, and a contingency module 18.

In reference to Figure 2, the valve cartridge 12 includes a first cartridge portion 20 and a second cartridge portion 22. The valve apparatus 10 also includes a follower assembly 26. The valve member 14 is axially located between the first cartridge portion 20 and the follower assembly 26. The valve member 14, the follower assembly 26 and a portion of the first cartridge portion 20 are mounted within the second cartridge portion 22. The first cartridge portion 20 and the second cartridge portion 22 respectively include first and second valve seats 28, 30. When the valve member 14 is in the closed position, the valve member 14 engages both the first and second valve seats 28, 30. As will become apparent from the description of the operation of the valve apparatus 10, when the valve member 14 is in the open position, the valve member 14 is engaged with the first valve seat 28 and spaced apart from the second valve seat 30. The first valve seat 28 includes a seat seal 32, providing a seal between the first valve seat 28 and the valve member 14. The follower assembly 26 includes a sleeve 34 and a biasing element 36. The biasing element 36 in the present example is a spring; however, in other examples the biasing element 36 may include any element suitable to provide a biasing force for axially locating the sleeve 34 against the valve member. The spring 36 is axially delimited by the second cartridge portion 22 and the sleeve 34. The spring 36 provides an axial locating force, biasing the sleeve 34 towards the valve member 14to maintain contact between the valve member 14 and the sleeve 34. The sleeve 34 prevents debris within the sleeve from moving around the valve member 14 and disrupting or impeding the operation of the valve apparatus 10.

The second cartridge portion 22 includes an interface member 38. The interface member 38 extends between the upstream and downstream sides of the valve member 14, and engages the valve member 14 such that relative movement between the second cartridge portion 22 and the first cartridge portion 20 results in rotation of the valve member 14.

The valve cartridge 12 is moveable within the housing 11. The valve cartridge 12 has a first configuration, shown in Figure 2, wherein the first cartridge portion 20 and the second cartridge portion 22 are coupled together such that they are moveable in the housing 11 together. The valve cartridge 12 also has a second configuration wherein the first cartridge portion 20 and the second cartridge portion 22 are decoupled and moveable relative to each other within the housing 11 , as will become apparent from the description of the operation of the valve apparatus 10. In the second configuration the second cartridge portion 22 can move relative to the stationary first cartridge portion 20. In other embodiments the first cartridge portion may move relative to the stationary second cartridge portion or the first and second cartridge portions may move relative to each other. The valve cartridge 12 must be in the second configuration for the valve member 14 to be rotated from the closed position to the open position. The first and second configurations of the valve cartridge 12 provide an assurance feature in the form of a series of events that must occur to allow reconfiguration of the valve cartridge from the first configuration to the second configuration, and thereafter opening of the valve member 14. This assurance feature prevents accidental opening of the valve member 14.

With continued reference to Figure 2, the apparatus 10 further includes an operation arrangement 39 and an internal force element 44. The internal force element 44 in the present example is a spring, however in other examples the internal force element 44 may be any other device suitable for being energised to generate a drive force for manipulating the valve cartridge 12 to open the valve member 14. The spring 44 is axially located between the housing 11 and the operation arrangement 39. The spring 44 has an initial condition shown in Figure 2. In the run in hole configuration the spring 44 is in the initial condition. In the initial condition the spring 44 is partially energised to bias the first cartridge portion 20, via the operation arrangement 39, towards the valve member 14. The bias of the spring 44 ensures that the valve member 14 and the first valve seat 28 are in sealing engagement to provide a bidirectional seal between the valve member 14 and the first cartridge portion 20 when the apparatus 10 is in the run in hole configuration. As will become apparent from the description of the operation of the apparatus 10, the spring 44 can be further energised by the operation arrangement 39 to an activated condition in response to a trigger event. The spring 44 is biased towards the initial condition; therefore the spring 44 in the activated condition generates a drive force towards the initial condition. The drive force of the spring 44 acting on the operation arrangement 39 reconfigures the valve cartridge 12 from the first configuration to the second configuration. The drive force of the spring 44 acting on the operation arrangement 39 when the valve cartridge 12 is in the second configuration moves the second cartridge portion 22 relative to the first cartridge portion 20 to rotate the valve member 14 from the closed position to the open position. In other examples the internal force element providing a drive force to the valve cartridge in the second configuration may result in movement of the first cartridge portion relative to the second cartridge portion, or of the first and second cartridge portions relative to each other.

The operation arrangement 39 includes an operation sleeve assembly 48. The operation sleeve assembly 48 is movable in the housing 11 from its run in hole position shown in Figure 2, to a predetermined location and a final position, as will be described in greater detail below. The spring 44 is in the activated condition when the operation sleeve assembly 48 is at the predetermined location. The operation sleeve assembly 48 also operates as an equalisation sleeve assembly to provide equalisation of pressure across the valve member 14. The drive force of the spring 44 acts on the operation arrangement 39 after the operation sleeve assembly 48 has moved to the predetermined location.

The operation arrangement 39 further includes a release mechanism 40 for reconfiguring the valve cartridge 12 from the first configuration to the second configuration. The operation sleeve assembly 48 is axially located between the release mechanism 40 and the spring 44. The release mechanism 40 interfaces both the first and second cartridge portions 20, 22. The release mechanism 40 includes a release element 42 which has an engaged configuration wherein the valve cartridge 12 is maintained in its first configuration, and a released configuration wherein the valve cartridge 12 is free to move in its second configuration. The drive force of the spring 44 acting on the operation arrangement 39 releases the release element 42 from the engaged configuration to the released configuration and thereby reconfigures the valve cartridge 12 from the first configuration to the second configuration. The structure and operation of the release mechanism 40 will be described in greater detail below, with reference to the operation of the apparatus 10.

The apparatus 10 further includes a circulation sleeve assembly 46. This and other components of the apparatus 10 will be described below in reference to the operation of the apparatus 10 to open the valve member.

Figures 3a and 3b show the circulation sleeve assembly 46 in detail. The circulation sleeve assembly 46 is located concentrically around the first cartridge portion 20. The first cartridge portion 20 includes a plurality of circulation ports 50, and a plurality of auxiliary ports 51. The plurality of circulation ports 50 and the plurality of auxiliary ports 51 are both distributed circumferentially around the first cartridge portion 20. The plurality of circulation ports 50 are axially spaced from the plurality of auxiliary ports 51. In other examples only a single circulation port may be provided. In other examples only a single auxiliary port may be provided. Seals 52a, 52b and 52c are provided. In the present example the seals 52a, 52b and 52c are o-rings, however in other examples the seals may be any appropriate seal. Seals 52a and 52c are provided to each axial side of the circulation ports 50 and the auxiliary ports 51. Seal 52b is provided axially between the circulation ports 50 and the auxiliary ports 51.

As shown in Figure 3a the circulation sleeve assembly 46 is initially in a circulation position when the valve apparatus 10 is in the run in hole configuration. In the circulation position the circulation sleeve assembly 46 is axially spaced from the circulation ports 50, thereby allowing fluid flow through the circulation ports 50. Fluid from the upper portion 64 of the throughbore 13 can flow between the second cartridge portion 22 and the valve member 14, and between the first cartridge portion 20 and the housing 11. The circulation ports 50 provide a flow path from the space between the first cartridge portion 20 and the housing 11 to the downstream portion 66 of the throughbore 13, therefore allowing circulation of fluid between the upper and lower portions 64, 66 of the throughbore 13. The direction of flow through the circulation ports is shown by the arrow A. As the rate of flow through the circulation ports 50 is increased e.g. by increasing the pump flow rate at surface, a back pressure at the circulation ports 50 will increase. The auxiliary ports 51 are provided to prevent hydraulic lock from occurring as the flow rate and back pressure increase. The auxiliary ports 51 feed a chamber 53 provided between the adjacent seals 52b, 52c. The axial end 56 of the circulation sleeve assembly 46 proximal the circulation ports 50 has a surface area smaller than the surface area of the opposite axial end 58 of the circulation sleeve assembly 46 distal from the circulation ports 50. The seal 52b additionally provides isolation between the axial ends 56, 58 of the circulation sleeve assembly 46. Therefore, the back pressure acting on the circulation sleeve assembly 46 will generate a resultant force that tends to move the circulation sleeve assembly 46 towards the circulation ports 50 because the force acting on the distal end 58 will be greater than the force acting on the proximal end 56. Shear pins 60 are provided between the circulation sleeve assembly 46 and the first cartridge portion 20. When the rate of flow through the circulation ports 50 is sufficiently high to generate a predetermined back pressure, the difference in the resultant forces acting on the distal and proximal ends 58, 56 of the circulation sleeve assembly 46 will be sufficient to shear the shear pins 60 and allow the circulation sleeve assembly 46 to move axially from its initial circulation position (Figure 3a) to a sealing position (Figure 3b) wherein the circulation sleeve assembly 46 covers the previously uncovered circulation ports 50 and seal 52a. In the sealing position the circulation ports 51 are sealed by interaction between the circulation sleeve assembly 46 and the adjacent seals 52a, 52b. The first sleeve assembly 24 includes a protrusion 62 on its external surface 54. The proximal end 56 of the circulation sleeve assembly 46 in the sealing position abuts the protrusion 62 to prevent further axial movement of the circulation sleeve assembly 46 beyond the sealing position.

With continued reference to Figures 3a and 3b, a circulation ratchet mechanism 63 is provided between first cartridge portion 20 and the circulation sleeve assembly 46. A first toothed side 65 of the circulation ratchet mechanism 63 is provided on the circulation sleeve assembly 46. A second toothed side 67 of the circulation ratchet mechanism 63 is provided on the first cartridge portion 20. The first and second toothed sides 65, 67 of the circulation ratchet mechanism 63 are spaced apart when the circulation sleeve assembly 46 is in the circulation position (Figure 3a). As the circulation sleeve assembly 46 moves relative to the valve cartridge 12 from the circulation position to the sealing position, the first and second toothed sides 65, 67 of the ratchet mechanism 63 become interlocked (Figure 3b). When the circulation sleeve assembly 46 is in the sealing position return movement of the circulation sleeve assembly 46 from the sealing position to the circulation position is prevented by the circulation ratchet mechanism 63.

When the circulation sleeve assembly 46 is in the sealing position, a seal is provided between the upstream portion 64 of the throughbore 13 and the downstream portion 66 of the throughbore 13, thereby allowing the aforementioned trigger event to occur. The trigger event is an increase of pressure in the upstream portion 64 of the throughbore 13 resulting from continued fluid flow from surface. This pressure acts on the valve member 14 in the closed position to move the valve cartridge 12 in the first configuration axially downstream. As a consequence of the location of the valve member 14 within the valve cartridge 12, the valve member 14 is also moved axially downstream with the valve cartridge 12 in the first configuration. In other examples the trigger event may be some other event that results in movement of the valve cartridge to energise the internal force element.

With reference to Figures 4a and 4b, the downstream movement of the valve cartridge 12 initially results in operation of the counter module 16. The downstream direction is indicated by arrow B. As the valve cartridge 12 moves downstream it abuts a piston 68 of the counter module 16. Continued downstream movement of the valve cartridge 12 will apply a force on the piston 68 to move the piston 68 and therefore increase the pressure of a hydraulic fluid within chamber 67. A pocket 69 includes an inlet 65 from the chamber 67 and an outlet 71 to a space external to the housing 11. The increase of pressure within chamber 67 will result in an increase of pressure within the pocket 69. A pressure operated counter mechanism (not shown), for example a j- slot counter mechanism (which is known in the art), is located in the pocket 69. Following a predetermined number of pressure cycles causing the valve cartridge 12 to repeatedly move axially up and downstream, a valve of the pressure operated counter mechanism will be opened, venting the hydraulic fluid from chamber 67 through the outlet 71 and thereby permitting further movement of the piston 68 downstream. This further movement of the piston 68 permits continued downstream movement of the valve cartridge 12. Once permitted, continued downstream movement of the valve cartridge 12 will move the piston 68 into contact with a shear sleeve 70, as shown in Figure 4b. The shear sleeve 70 will prevent further movement of the piston 68 and therefore the valve cartridge 12 until the upstream pressure is increased sufficiently to generate a predetermined threshold force that will shear the shear sleeve 70. After the shear sleeve 70 has been sheared the upstream pressure will result in continued downstream movement of the valve cartridge 12 and a continuation of the trigger event after a predetermined number of pressure cycles.

With continued reference to Figures 4a and 4b, a cartridge ratchet mechanism

72 is provided between the valve cartridge 12 and the housing 11. A first toothed side

73 of the cartridge ratchet mechanism 72 is provided on the housing 11. A second toothed side 75 of the cartridge ratchet mechanism 72 is provided on the first cartridge portion 20. The first and second toothed sides 73, 75 of the cartridge ratchet mechanism 72 are spaced apart when the valve apparatus 10 is in its run in hole configuration. As the valve cartridge 12 moves relative to the housing 11 during the trigger event the first and second toothed sides 73, 75 of the cartridge ratchet mechanism 72 will become interlocked and thereby prevent movement of the first cartridge portion 20 upstream relative to the housing 11 , whilst continued movement of the valve cartridge 12 downstream relative to the housing 11 is permitted by the interlocked first and second toothed sides 73, 75 of the cartridge ratchet mechanism 72.

Figures 5a, 5b and 5c show the movement of the operation sleeve assembly 48. The first cartridge portion 20 includes a plurality of equalisation ports 74. In other examples the first cartridge portion may include a single equalisation port. The operation sleeve assembly 48 includes a plurality of keys 78. The operation sleeve assembly 48 further includes an operation sleeve 80, and two axially spaced seals 76 (e.g. O-rings) provided on the operation sleeve 80. The keys 78 have a radial thickness greater than that of the operation sleeve 80 and are radially slidable relative to the operation sleeve 80. The spring 44 abuts the operation sleeve assembly 48.

When the apparatus 10 is in the run in hole configuration, the operation sleeve assembly 48 is in a first bounded configuration, shown in Figure 5a. In the first bounded configuration the seals 76 are axially located to either side of the equalisation ports 74, thereby providing a seal to prevent fluid flow through the equalisation ports 74. Further, in its first bounded configuration, the operation sleeve assembly 48 is engaged with the first cartridge portion 20 by the keys 78 abutting an axial end of a protrusion 82 on the external surface 54 of the first cartridge portion 20. Action of the spring 44 on the operation sleeve 80 is thus directed into the first cartridge portion 20. In this respect, the spring 44 may function to bias the valve member 14 towards its closed position. As such.

During the trigger event, as the valve cartridge 12 moves downstream (arrow B), the operation sleeve assembly 48 will initially move with the valve cartridge 12 due to the engagement between the keys 78 and the protrusion 82. As the operation sleeve assembly 48 moves downstream with the valve cartridge 12, the spring 44 is compressed between the operation sleeve assembly 48 and the housing 11 , thereby energising the spring 44 from its initial condition to its activated condition. After the shear sleeve 70 of the counter module 16 has sheared (as described above in reference to Figures 4a and 4b), the operation sleeve assembly 48 reaches a predetermined extent of downstream movement, such that the keys 78 are adjacent a recess 84 in the housing 11. The recess 84 is a region of the housing 11 with a larger inner diameter such that the keys 78 lose radial support from the housing 11. At this predetermined location the keys 78 move radially into the recess 84 in the housing 11, as shown in Figure 5b, thereby disengaging the operation sleeve assembly 48 from the valve cartridge 12 and reconfiguring the operation sleeve assembly from a first bounded configuration to a second bounded configuration. In the second bounded configuration the operation sleeve assembly 46 is axially delimited by the housing 11 and the spring 44. The spring 44 in the activated condition applies the drive force to the operation sleeve assembly 46 which is opposed by the engagement of the keys 78 with an axial end of the recess 84 to prevent axial movement of the operation sleeve assembly 48. Therefore, as the trigger event continues, the valve cartridge 12 continues to move axially downstream whilst the operation sleeve assembly 48 remains stationary, constrained between the axial end of the recess 84 and the spring 44. As the valve cartridge 12 moves relative to the operation sleeve assembly 48, the equalisation ports 74 move relative to the seals 76. The protrusion 82 moves past the keys 78. As can be seen in Figure 5b, the external surface 86 of the protrusion 82 contacts the internal surface 88 of the keys 78 to maintain the keys 78 in the recess 84 as the protrusion 82 passes the keys 78.

Figure 5c shows the operation sleeve assembly in an unbounded configuration. The equalisation ports 74 are completely uncovered and a flow path is provided between the upstream portion 64 and the downstream portion 66 of the throughbore 13. As fluid flows from the pressurised upstream portion 64 of the throughbore 13 to the downstream portion 66 of the throughbore, the pressure differential across the valve member 14 is reduced or eliminated, therefore preventing damage to the apparatus 10 and reducing the resistance to movement of the valve member 14 from the closed position to the open position. Additionally, as shown in Figure 5c, in the unbounded configuration the valve cartridge 12 has moved by such an axial extent that the protrusion 82 has passed the keys 78. The keys 78 move out of the recess 84, thereby allowing the drive force of the fully spring 44 in the activated condition to act on the operation sleeve assembly 48 to move the operation sleeve assembly 48.

Referring to Figure 6, the release mechanism 40 includes a release sleeve assembly 90. The drive force of the energised spring 44 in the activated condition moves the operation sleeve assembly 48 axially upstream to abut the release sleeve assembly 90. The upstream direction is indicated by the arrow C. The drive force will then be translated through the operation sleeve assembly 48 to also act on the release sleeve assembly 90. The release element 42 is retained within an end of the second cartridge portion 22.

Figure 7a shows the release element 42 in its engaged configuration. The release element 42 is a compression ring biased into engagement with the first cartridge portion 20. The release element 42 includes a protrusion 94 that is biased into location in a recess 96 in the first cartridge portion 20. Also shown in Figure 7a, a shear pin 92 initially engages the release sleeve assembly 90 and the first cartridge portion 20. The back pressure generated by the circulation ports 50 during operation of the circulation sleeve assembly 46 (as described above in reference to Figures 3a and 3b) may also act on the release sleeve assembly 90. The shear pin 92 prevents the release sleeve assembly 90 from moving relative to the valve cartridge 12 during operation of the circulation sleeve assembly 46, therefore preventing premature release of the release mechanism 40 and failure in operation of the valve apparatus 10. The drive force acting on the release sleeve assembly 90 is sufficient to shear the shear pin 92 to disengage the release sleeve assembly 90 and the valve cartridge 12. The release element 42 includes an inwardly angled end surface 98 proximal the release sleeve assembly 90. The release sleeve assembly 90 includes an outwardly angled end surface 100 proximal the release element 42, the outwardly angled end surface 100 being complimentary to the inwardly angled end surface 98. After shearing of the shear pin 92 the drive force will move the operation sleeve assembly 48 and release sleeve assembly 90 upstream together to bring the outwardly angled surface 100 of the release sleeve assembly 90 into engagement with the inwardly angled surface 98 of the release element 42, as shown in Figure 7b. The cooperation of the angled surfaces 100, 98 will result in the axial drive force being translated into a radial release force resisting the radial bias of the release element 42 to expand the release element 242 thereby removing the protrusion 94 from the recess 96 in the first cartridge portion 20 such that the release element 42 is in a released configuration and no longer engaged with the first cartridge portion 20. Releasing the release element 42 from engagement with the first cartridge portion 20 reconfigures the valve cartridge 12 from the first configuration to the second configuration wherein the first cartridge portion 20 and the second cartridge portion 22 are free to move relative to each other.

Referring to Figure 8, following release of the release mechanism 40, the drive force is translated through the operation sleeve assembly 48 and the release sleeve assembly 90 to act on the second cartridge portion 22. The drive force moves the second cartridge portion 22 upstream (arrow C) relative to the first cartridge portion 20. The first cartridge portion 20 is prevented from upstream movement by the cartridge ratchet mechanism 72. Movement of the second cartridge portion 22 moves the interface member 38 axially relative to the valve member 14 to cooperate with the valve member 14 and cause the valve member 14 to rotate from the closed position to the open position. As described above, the follower assembly 26 will maintain contact with the valve member 14 as the valve member 14 rotates.

With continued reference to Figure 8, the apparatus 10 includes a valve lock ratchet mechanism 102. The valve lock ratchet mechanism 102 is provided between the first cartridge portion 20 and the second cartridge portion 22. A first toothed side 101 of the valve lock ratchet mechanism 102 is provided on the first cartridge portion 20. A second toothed side 103 of the valve lock ratchet mechanism 102 is provided on the second cartridge portion 22. The first and second toothed sides 101 , 103 of the valve lock ratchet mechanism 102 are initially spaced apart. As the second cartridge portion 22 moves upstream relative to the first cartridge portion 20 the first and second toothed sides 101 , 103 of the valve lock ratchet mechanism 102 will become interlocked and thereby prevent return movement of the second cartridge portion 22 relative to the first cartridge portion 20. The valve lock ratchet mechanism 102 prevents the valve member 14 from returning to the closed position once opened. Accordingly the valve apparatus 10 is a one-shot valve apparatus.

Referring to Figures 9a-c, the valve apparatus 10 has a contingency mode of actuation for rotating the valve member 14 from the closed position to the open position. The contingency mode of actuation does not rely on a trigger event. The contingency mode of actuation of the valve member 14 relies on operation of the contingency module 18. The contingency module 18 is connected with the second cartridge portion 22. The contingency module 18 includes an outer sleeve assembly 108 that is rigidly fixed with the second cartridge portion 22, and an inner sleeve 106 having an internal surface 104 shaped to receive a tool such as a shifting tool, a jarring tool or the like (not shown).

Figure 9a shows the contingency module 18 in the run in hole configuration. In the run in hole configuration the outer sleeve assembly 108 and the inner sleeve 106 are connected via a shear pin 112. The outer sleeve assembly 108 comprises an outer sleeve 107 and a plurality of keys 109. In other examples the outer sleeve assembly may comprise a single key. The keys 109 have a radial thickness greater than that of the outer sleeve 107 and are radially slidable relative to the outer sleeve 107. In the run in hole configuration the contingency module 18 is prevented from movement in the upstream direction C by the keys 109 abutting an axial end 111 of a recess 110 in the housing 11. The recess 110 is a region of the housing 11 with a larger inner diameter. The keys 109 are supported in the recess 110 by the inner sleeve 106.

As shown in Figure 9b, the contingency module 18 is reconfigurable from the run in hole configuration to a primed configuration in response to a first predetermined impulse applied to the contingency module 18 by the tool (not shown) in the upstream direction C. The first predetermined impulse is sufficient to shear the shear pin 112. Upon shearing the shear pin 112 the tool moves the inner sleeve 106 in the upstream direction relative to the outer sleeve assembly 108. The outer sleeve assembly 108 is held stationary by the keys 109 abutting the axial end 111 of the recess 110 in the housing 11 , the keys 109 being located in the recess 110 by the inner sleeve 106. When the inner sleeve 106 reaches a predetermined axial position relative to the outer sleeve assembly 108, the keys 109 are aligned with a recess 113 in the outer surface of the inner sleeve 106. The recess 113 is a portion of the inner sleeve 106 having a reduced outer diameter. The keys 109 axially aligned with the recess 113 lose radial support from the inner sleeve 106 and therefore slide radially inward into the recess 113 in the inner sleeve 106 and out of the recess 110 in the housing 11. The inner sleeve will continue to move under the influence of the tool until an upstream end 114 of the inner sleeve 106 abuts an end portion 115 of the outer sleeve assembly 108. In this primed configuration the whole contingency module 18 (the outer sleeve assembly 108 and the inner sleeve 106) is then movable relative to the housing 11.

The protrusion 94 of the release element 42 is shearable. On application of a second predetermined impulse to the contingency module 18 in the primed configuration by the tool (not shown), the protrusion 94 of the release element 42 will be sheared and the valve cartridge 12 will be reconfigured from the first configuration to the second configuration. Movement of the tool in the upstream direction C will move the second cartridge portion 22 (disengaged from the first cartridge portion 20 by the shearing of the release element protrusion 94) upstream relative to the first cartridge portion 20, thereby rotating the valve member 14 from the closed position to the open position by the same manner of cooperation between the interface member 38 and the valve member 14 as in the normal mode of actuation of the valve apparatus 10. Figure 9c shows the valve member 14 having been opened via the contingency module 18. Requiring that the contingency module 18 is reconfigured to the primed configuration prior to opening the valve member 14 provides an assurance feature in the form of a multi-stage actuation process for opening the valve member 14 to ensure that the valve member 14 is not opened inadvertently which would cause the apparatus 10 to fail in its purpose.

Another example of a downhole valve apparatus 210 is shown in Figures 10 to 12. The apparatus 210 substantially corresponds to the apparatus 10, with the exceptions highlighted below, therefore like features are provided with like reference numerals augmented by 200.

In reference to Figure 10, the apparatus 210 has a housing 211 , a valve cartridge 212 defining a throughbore 213, and a valve member 214. The throughbore 213 has an upstream portion 264 on an upstream side of the valve member 214, and a downstream portion 266 on a downstream side of the valve member 214. The valve member 214 is mounted within the valve cartridge 212. The valve member 214 can be rotated by the valve cartridge 212 from a closed position as shown in Figure 10 to an open position in response to a trigger event. When the valve member 214 is in the closed position, fluid flow along the throughbore 213 is prevented. When the valve member is in the open position, fluid flow along the throughbore 213 is permitted. The apparatus 210 also includes a contingency module 218.

The valve cartridge 212 includes a first cartridge portion 220 and a second cartridge portion 222. The valve apparatus 210 also includes a follower assembly 226. The valve member 214 is axially located between the first cartridge portion 220 and the follower assembly 226. The valve member 214, the follower assembly 226 and a portion of the first cartridge portion 220 are mounted within the second cartridge portion 222. The first cartridge portion 220 and the second cartridge portion 222 respectively include first and second valve seats 228, 230. The first valve seat 228 includes a seat seal 232, providing a seal between the first valve seat 228 and the valve member 214. The follower assembly 226 includes a sleeve 234 and a biasing element 236. The biasing element 236 is axially delimited by the second cartridge portion 222 and the sleeve 234. The biasing element 236 provides an axial force, biasing the sleeve 234 towards the valve member 214, to maintain contact between the valve member 214 and the sleeve 234.

The second cartridge portion 222 includes an interface member 238. The interface member 238 extends between the upstream and downstream sides of the valve member 214, and engages the valve member 214 such that relative movement between the second cartridge portion 222 and the first cartridge portion 220 results in rotation of the valve member 214.

The valve cartridge 212 is moveable within the housing 211. The valve cartridge 212 has a first configuration, shown in Figure 10, wherein the first cartridge portion 220 and the second cartridge portion 222 are coupled together such that they are moveable in the housing 211 together. The valve cartridge 212 also has a second configuration wherein the first cartridge portion 220 and the second cartridge portion 222 are decoupled and moveable relative to each other within the housing 211. The valve member 214 can be rotated from its closed position to its open position when the valve cartridge 212 is in the second configuration.

The apparatus 210 further includes an operation arrangement 239 and an internal force element 244. The internal force element 244 is a spring. The spring 244 is axially delimited by the housing 211 and the operation arrangement 239. The spring 244 has an initial condition, and can be energised (or further energised) to an activated condition in response to the trigger event acting on the valve cartridge 212. The spring 244 is energised (or further energised) by the operation arrangement 239. The spring 244 is biased towards the initial condition; therefore, the spring 244 in the activated condition generates a drive force towards the initial condition.

With reference to Figure 11, the operation arrangement 239 includes an operation sleeve assembly 248 and a release mechanism 240. The operation sleeve assembly 248 is axially located between the release mechanism 240 and the spring 244. The operation sleeve assembly 248 is movable in the housing 211 from its run in hole position shown in Figure 11 , to a predetermined location and to a final position. The drive force of the spring 244 acts on the operation arrangement 239 after the operation sleeve assembly 248 has moved to the predetermined location in response to the trigger event. The operation sleeve assembly 248 provides equalisation of pressure across the valve member 214 after moving to the predetermined location.

The release mechanism 240 can reconfigure the valve cartridge 212 from the first configuration to the second configuration. The release mechanism 240 interfaces both the first and second cartridge portions 220, 222. The release mechanism 240 includes a release element 242 which has an engaged configuration wherein the valve cartridge 212 is maintained in its first configuration, and a released configuration wherein the valve cartridge 212 is free to move in its second configuration.

The drive force of the spring 244 acting on the operation arrangement 239 releases the release element 242 from the engaged configuration to the released configuration and thereby reconfigures the valve cartridge 212 from the first configuration to the second configuration. The drive force of the spring 244 acting on the operation arrangement 239 when the valve cartridge 212 is in the second configuration moves the second cartridge portion 222 relative to the first cartridge portion 220 to rotate the valve member 214 from the closed position to the open position.

The apparatus 210 does not include a circulation sleeve assembly, therefore in the run in hole configuration a seal is provided between the upstream portion 264 of the throughbore 213 and the downstream portion 266 of the throughbore 213 by the spring 244 in the initial condition biasing the first cartridge portion 220 towards the valve member 214 so that it is sealingly engaged with the seat seal 232 of the first valve seat 228. The trigger event can occur with the apparatus 210 in the run in hole configuration. The apparatus 210 also does not include a counter module. Instead, the apparatus 210 comprises an initiation module 216, as shown in Figure 12. The trigger event is an increase in upstream pressure which acts on the valve member 214 and therefore the valve cartridge 212. The initiation module 216 comprises a plurality of initiation shear pins 270. The initiation shear pins 270 prevent movement of the valve cartridge 212 until the upstream pressure is increased sufficiently to generate a predetermined threshold force sufficient to shear the initiation shear pins 270. After the initiation shear pins 270 have sheared, the upstream pressure will result in movement of the valve cartridge 212 in the downstream direction.

With continued reference to Figure 12, a cartridge ratchet mechanism 272 is provided between the valve cartridge 212 and the housing 211. A first toothed side 273 of the cartridge ratchet mechanism 272 is provided on the housing 211. A second toothed side 275 of the cartridge ratchet mechanism 272 is provided on the first cartridge portion 220. The first and second toothed sides 273, 275 of the cartridge ratchet mechanism 272 are spaced apart when the valve apparatus 210 is in its run in hole configuration. As the valve cartridge 212 moves relative to the housing 211 during the trigger event the first and second toothed sides 273, 275 of the cartridge ratchet mechanism 272 will become interlocked and thereby prevent movement of the first cartridge portion 220 upstream relative to the housing 211

The operation sleeve assembly 248 moves in response to the trigger event, in a corresponding manner to the operation sleeve assembly 48 of apparatus 20 described above in reference to Figures 5a, 5b and 5c.

Due to the omission of the circulation sleeve assembly, there is no requirement for a shear pin between the release sleeve assembly 290 and the valve cartridge 212. With reference again to Figure 11, the drive force of the spring 244 moves the operation sleeve assembly 248 and release sleeve assembly 290 upstream together to bring the outwardly angled surface 300 of the release sleeve assembly 290 into engagement with the inwardly angled surface 298 of the release element 242. The cooperation of the angled surfaces 300, 298 will result in the axial drive force being translated into a radial release force resisting the radially inward bias of the release element 242 to expand the release element 242 thereby removing the protrusion 294 from the recess 296 in the first cartridge portion 220 such that the release element 242 is in a released configuration and no longer engaged with the first cartridge portion 220. Releasing the release element 242 from engagement with the first cartridge portion 220 reconfigures the valve cartridge 212 from the first configuration to the second configuration wherein the first cartridge portion 220 and the second cartridge portion 220 are free to move relative to each other.

Following release of the release mechanism 240, the drive force is translated through the operation arrangement 239 to act on the second cartridge portion 222. With the valve cartridge 212 in the second configuration the drive force moves the second cartridge portion 222 upstream relative to the first cartridge portion 220. The first cartridge portion 220 is prevented from upstream movement by the cartridge ratchet mechanism 272. Movement of the second cartridge portion 222 moves the interface member 238 axially relative to the valve member 214 to cooperate with the valve member 214 and cause the valve member 214 to rotate from the closed position to the open position.

The apparatus 210 has a contingency mode of actuation for rotating the valve member 214 from the closed position to the open position via the contingency module 218 rather than a trigger event. The contingency mode of actuation for apparatus 210 corresponds to that described for apparatus 10 described above in reference to Figures 9a-c.

Another example of a downhole valve apparatus 410 is shown in Figure 13. The counter module is omitted from the apparatus 410 as compared to the apparatus 10. The apparatus 410 comprises a circulation sleeve assembly 446 which operates in a corresponding manner to the circulation sleeve assembly 46 described in reference to apparatus 10. The apparatus 410 further comprises an initiation module 416 which operates in a corresponding manner to that described above in respect of apparatus 210, in response to a trigger event once the circulation sleeve assembly 446 has been reconfigured from the circulation position to the sealing position. The apparatus 410 further comprises an operation arrangement 439 which operates in a corresponding manner to the operation arrangement 39 described above in respect of apparatus 10 to reconfigure the valve cartridge 412 from the first configuration to the second configuration and to open the valve member 414 in response to the trigger event energising the internal force element 444. The apparatus 410 further comprises a contingency module 418 that can actuate the valve member 414 in a contingency mode of operation corresponding to that described above in reference to apparatus 10.

Another example of a downhole valve apparatus 610 is shown in Figure 14. The circulation sleeve assembly is omitted from the apparatus 610 as compared to the apparatus 10. The trigger event occurs with the apparatus 610 in the run in hole configuration. The apparatus 610 comprises an initiation module in the form of a counter module 616 which operates in response to the trigger event in a corresponding manner to the counter module 16 described above in respect of apparatus 10. The apparatus 610 further comprises an operation arrangement 639 which operates in a corresponding manner to the operation arrangement 239 described above in respect of apparatus 210 to reconfigure the valve cartridge 612 from the first configuration to the second configuration and to open the valve member 614 in response to the trigger event energising the internal force element 644. The apparatus 610 further comprises a contingency module 618 that can actuate the valve member 614 in a contingency mode of operation corresponding to that described above in reference to apparatus 10.

Another example of a downhole valve apparatus 810 is shown in Figures 15 to 18. The apparatus 810 is similar to apparatus 10 therefore like features are provided with like reference numerals augmented by 800.

In reference to Figure 15, the apparatus 810 has a housing 811, a valve cartridge 812 defining a throughbore 813, and a valve member 814. The throughbore 813 has an upstream portion 864 on an upstream side of the valve member 814, and a downstream portion 866 on a downstream side of the valve member 814. The valve member 814 is mounted within the valve cartridge 812. The valve member 814 is rotatable from a closed position as shown in Figure 15 to an open position shown in Figure 17b. When the valve member 814 is in the closed position, fluid flow along the throughbore 813 is prevented. When the valve member is in the open position, fluid flow along the throughbore 813 is permitted. Figure 15 shows the apparatus 810 in the run in hole configuration, the apparatus 810 remains in this configuration until a trigger event occurs.

With continued reference to Figure 15, the valve cartridge 812 includes a first cartridge portion 820 and a second cartridge portion 822. The valve apparatus 810 also includes a follower assembly 826. The valve member 814 is axially located between the first cartridge portion 820 and the follower assembly 826. The valve member 814, the follower assembly 826 and a portion of the first cartridge portion 820 are mounted within the second cartridge portion 822. The first cartridge portion 820 and the second cartridge portion 822 respectively include first and second valve seats 828, 830. In the closed position the valve member 814 engages both the first and second valve seats 828, 830. When the valve member 814 is in the open position, the valve member 814 is engaged with the first valve seat 828 and spaced apart from the second valve seat 830. The first valve seat 828 includes a seat seal 832, providing a seal between the first valve seat 828 and the valve member 814. The follower assembly 826 includes a sleeve 834 and a biasing element 836. The biasing element 836 is a spring. The spring 836 is axially delimited by the second cartridge portion 822 and the sleeve 834. The spring 836 provides an axial force, biasing the sleeve 834 towards the valve member 814 to maintain contact between the valve member 814 and the first valve seat 828.

The second cartridge portion 822 includes an interface member 838. The interface member 838 extends between the upstream and downstream sides of the valve member 814, and engages the valve member 814 such that relative movement between the second cartridge portion 822 and the first cartridge portion 820 results in rotation of the valve member 814.

The valve cartridge 812 is moveable within the housing 811. The valve cartridge 812 has a first configuration wherein the first cartridge portion 820 and the second cartridge portion 822 are moveable in the housing 811 together. The valve cartridge 812 also has a second configuration wherein the second cartridge portion 822 is moveable in the housing 811 relative to the first cartridge portion 820. The valve cartridge 812 must be reconfigured from the first configuration to the second configuration before the valve member 814 can be rotated from the closed position to the open position.

The apparatus 810 further includes an operation arrangement 839 and an internal force element 844. The internal force element 844 is a spring. The spring 844 is axially delimited by the housing 811 and the operation arrangement 839. The spring 844 has an initial condition shown in Figure 15. In the run in hole configuration the spring 844 is in the initial condition and is partially energised to bias the first cartridge portion 820, via the operation arrangement 839, towards the valve member 814. The bias of the spring 844 ensures that the valve member 812 and the first valve seat 828 are in sealing engagement to provide a bi-directional seal between the valve member 814 and the first cartridge portion 820 when the apparatus 810 is in the run in hole configuration. The spring 844 can be further energised by the operation arrangement 839 to an activated condition in response to a trigger event. The spring 844 is biased towards its initial condition, therefore the spring 844 in the activated condition generates a drive force towards the initial condition. The drive force of the spring 844 acting on the operation arrangement 839 reconfigures the valve cartridge 812 from the first configuration to the second configuration. The drive force of the spring 844 acting on the operation arrangement 839 when the valve cartridge 812 is in the second configuration moves the second cartridge portion 822 relative to the first cartridge portion 820 to rotate the valve member 814 from the closed position to the open position. The operation arrangement 839 includes an operation sleeve assembly 848. The first cartridge portion 820 includes a plurality of equalisation ports 874. The operation sleeve assembly 848 includes a plurality of keys 878. The operation assembly 848 further includes an operation sleeve 880, and two axially spaced seals 876 provided on the operation sleeve 880. The keys 878 have a radial thickness greater than that of the operation sleeve 880 and are radially slidable relative to the operation sleeve 880. When the apparatus 810 is in the run in hole configuration, shown in Figure 15, the operation sleeve assembly is in a first bounded configuration. In the first bounded configuration seals 876 are axially located to either side of the equalisation ports 874, thereby providing a seal to prevent fluid flow through the equalisation ports 874. In the first bounded configuration, the operation sleeve assembly 848 is engaged with the first cartridge portion 820 by the keys 878 abutting a downstream axial end of a protrusion 882 on the external surface 854 of the first cartridge portion 820. The keys 878 are maintained in engagement with the protrusion 882 by the radial support of the housing 811. The operation sleeve assembly 848 is movable in the housing 811 from its run in hole position, to a predetermined location (Figures 16a-b) and to a final position (Figure 17b). The spring 844 is in the activated condition when the operation sleeve assembly 848 is at the predetermined location. At the predetermined location the operation sleeve assembly is reconfigured from the first bounded configuration to a second bounded configuration (Figure 16a) and to an unbounded configuration (Figure 16b). The drive force of the spring 844 in the activated condition causes the operation arrangement 839 to reconfigure the valve cartridge 812 and open the valve member 814 once the operation sleeve assembly 848 is in the unbounded configuration.

With continued reference to Figure 15, the operation arrangement 839 further includes a release mechanism in the form of a telescopic sleeve assembly 840 for reconfiguring the valve cartridge 812 from the first configuration to the second configuration. The telescopic sleeve assembly 840 comprises a first sleeve 920 fixed with the operation sleeve assembly 848 and a second sleeve 922 fixed with the second cartridge portion 822. The first and second sleeves 920, 922 are movable relative to each other. The end of the first sleeve 920 distal the operation sleeve assembly 848 comprises a first flange 924. The end of the second sleeve 922 distal the second cartridge portion 822 comprises a second flange 926. The telescopic sleeve assembly 840 has an extended configuration (Figure 15) and a collapsed configuration (Figures 17a and 17b). When the apparatus 810 is in the run in hole configuration the telescopic sleeve assembly 848 is in the extended configuration. In the extended configuration the first and second flanges 924, 926 are in contact and cooperate (in a hook arrangement) to prevent axial separation of the first and second sleeves 920, 922. The telescopic sleeve assembly 840 is reconfigurable from the extended configuration to the collapsed configuration in response to the trigger event, as will be explained in greater detail below with reference to the operation of the apparatus 810. In the collapsed configuration the first flange 924 abuts the second cartridge portion 822 and the second flange 926 abuts the operation sleeve assembly 848. The telescopic sleeve assembly 840 provides a simple and robust mechanism for reconfiguring the valve cartridge 812 and opening the valve member 814 in response to the drive force of the spring 844 in the activated condition.

With continued reference to Figure 15, when the apparatus 810 is in the run in hole configuration the upstream portion 864 of the throughbore 813 is sealed from the downstream portion 866 of the throughbore 813. The trigger event can occur with the apparatus 810 in the run in hole configuration. The apparatus 810 comprises an initiation module 816. The trigger event is an increase in upstream pressure which acts on the valve member 814 and therefore the first cartridge portion 820. The initiation module 816 comprises a plurality of initiation shear pins 870. The initiation shear pins 870 prevent movement of the valve cartridge 812 until the upstream pressure is increased to generate a predetermined threshold force sufficient to shear the initiation shear pins 870. After the initiation shear pins 870 have sheared, the upstream pressure results in movement of the valve member 814 and first cartridge portion 820 in the downstream direction, indicated by arrow B.

During the trigger event, as the first cartridge portion 820 is moved downstream, the operation sleeve assembly 848 moves with the first cartridge portion 820 due to the engagement between the keys 878 and the protrusion 882. Movement of the operation sleeve assembly 848 downstream results in the second cartridge portion 822 also moving downstream due to the engagement between the first and second flanges 924, 926 of the telescopic sleeve assembly 840 in the extended configuration. Thus, when the operation sleeve assembly 848 is in the first bounded configuration and the telescopic sleeve assembly 840 is in the extended configuration, the valve cartridge 812 is in the first configuration. Also as the operation sleeve assembly 848 moves downstream, the spring 844 is compressed between the operation sleeve assembly 848 and the housing 811 , thereby energising the spring 844 from its initial condition to its activated condition. With reference to Figures 16a and 16b, the operation sleeve assembly 848 will move downstream with the first cartridge portion 820 until it reaches the predetermined location, the downstream direction indicated by arrow B. Once the operation sleeve assembly 848 reaches the predetermined location, it will no longer move downstream with the first cartridge portion 820. At the predetermined location the keys 878 are adjacent a recess 884 in the housing 811. The recess 884 is a region of the housing 811 with an enlarged inner diameter such that the keys 878 lose the radial support of the housing 811. The keys 878 slide radially into the recess 884 in the housing 811 thereby disengaging the operation sleeve assembly 848 from the first cartridge portion 820. The operation sleeve assembly 848 is now in the second bounded configuration, shown in Figure 16a, axially delimited by the housing 811 and the spring 844. As the trigger event continues the first cartridge portion 820 continues to move axially downstream whilst the operation sleeve assembly 848 remains stationary at the predetermined location. As the first cartridge portion 820 moves relative to the operation sleeve assembly 848, the equalisation ports 874 move relative to the seals 876. The protrusion 882 moves past the keys 878. As shown in Figure 16a, the external surface of the protrusion 882 contacts the internal surface of the keys 878 to maintain the keys 878 in the recess 884 as the protrusion 882 passes the keys 878.

With continued reference to Figures 16a and 16b, the change at the predetermined location from the operation sleeve assembly 848 moving with the first cartridge portion 820 to becoming stationary, captured between the axial end of the recess 884 and the spring 844, will be abrupt. This will cause an abrupt stop in the motion of the first sleeve 920 of the telescopic sleeve assembly 840. As shown in Figure 16a, the second sleeve 922 of the telescopic sleeve assembly 840 will have sufficient momentum to continue moving with the first cartridge portion 820. The first and second flanges 924, 926 will separate and the telescopic sleeve assembly 840 will become partially collapsed. The collapsing of the telescopic sleeve assembly 840 allows the second cartridge portion 822 to continue to move with the first cartridge portion 820 therefore the valve cartridge 812 remains in the first configuration.

With continued reference to Figures 16a and 16b, a cartridge ratchet mechanism 872 is provided between the valve cartridge 812 and the housing 811. A first toothed side 873 of the cartridge ratchet mechanism 872 is provided on the housing 811. A second toothed side 875 of the cartridge ratchet mechanism 872 is provided on the first cartridge portion 820. The cartridge ratchet mechanism 872 is a uni-directional locking mechanism. The first and second toothed sides 873, 875 of the cartridge ratchet mechanism 872 are interlocked to permit movement of the first cartridge portion 820 downstream relative to the housing 811 and prevent movement of the first cartridge portion 820 upstream relative to the housing 811.

Figure 16b shows the operation sleeve assembly 848 in the unbounded configuration. The first cartridge portion 820 has moved such an axial extent that the protrusion 882 has passed the keys 878 and no longer provide them with radial support in the recess 884. The keys 878 move radially inward out of the recess 884. The operation sleeve assembly 848 is no longer bounded between the housing 811 and the spring 844, therefore is in the unbounded configuration. In the unbounded configuration, the drive force of the spring 844 in the activated condition acting on the operation sleeve assembly 848 can move the operation sleeve assembly 848 in the upstream direction indicated by arrow C. Once the first cartridge portion 820 has moved sufficiently that the operation sleeve assembly 848 is in the unbounded configuration, the equalisation ports 874 are no longer located axially between the seals 876. When the equalisation ports 874 are not sealed by the seals 876, a flow path is provided between the upstream portion 864 and the downstream portion 866 of the throughbore 813.

Figures 17a and 17b show the operation arrangement 839 actuating the valve member 814 in response to the drive force acting on the operation sleeve assembly 848 in the unbounded configuration. The drive force of the spring 844 in the activated condition moves the operation sleeve assembly 848 upstream relative to the first cartridge portion 820 which is held stationary by the cartridge ratchet mechanism 872 (not shown in Figures 17a and 17b). The first and second sleeves 920, 922 of the telescopic sleeve assembly 840 continue to move relative to each other, by momentum of the second sleeve 922 and/or the drive force acting on the first sleeve 920 through the operation sleeve assembly 848, to come to the fully collapsed configuration. Movement of the operation sleeve assembly 848 causes the telescopic sleeve assembly 840 in the collapsed configuration to move upstream relative to the first cartridge portion 820. Upstream movement of the telescopic sleeve assembly 840 in the collapsed configuration causes the second cartridge portion 822 to move upstream relative to fist cartridge portion 820. Thus the drive force acting on the operation arrangement 839 causes the valve cartridge 812 to be reconfigured to the second configuration. Movement of the second cartridge portion 822 upstream relative to the first cartridge portion 820 moves the interface member 838 axially relative to the valve member 814 to cooperate with the valve member 814 and cause the valve member 814 to rotate from the closed position (Figure 17a) to the open position (Figure 17b). The follower assembly 826 maintains contact with the valve member 814 as the valve member 814 rotates.

With continued reference to Figures 17a and 17b, the apparatus 810 includes a valve lock ratchet mechanism 902. The valve lock ratchet mechanism 902 is provided between the first cartridge portion 820 and the second cartridge portion 822. A first toothed side 901 of the valve lock ratchet mechanism 902 is provided on the first cartridge portion 820. A second toothed side 903 of the valve lock ratchet mechanism 902 is provided on the second cartridge portion 822. The first and second toothed sides 901 , 903 of the valve lock ratchet mechanism 902 are interlocked to provide unidirectional locking and thereby prevent return movement of the second cartridge portion 822 relative to the first cartridge portion 820. The valve lock ratchet mechanism 902 therefore prevents the valve member 814 from returning to the closed position once opened.

Referring to Figures 18a and 18b, the apparatus 810 further includes a contingency module 818. The valve apparatus 810 can be operated in a contingency mode of actuation for rotating the valve member 814 from the closed position to the open position without relying on a trigger event. The contingency mode of actuation of the valve member 814 relies on operation of the contingency module 818. The contingency module 818 is connected with the second cartridge portion 822. The contingency module 818 includes an outer sleeve assembly 908 that is rigidly fixed with the second cartridge portion 822, and an inner sleeve 906 having an internal surface 904 shaped to receive a tool such as a shifting tool, a jarring tool or the like.

Figure 18a shows the contingency module 818 in the run in hole configuration. In the run in hole configuration the outer sleeve assembly 908 and the inner sleeve assembly 906 are connected via a shear pin 912. The outer sleeve assembly 908 comprises an outer sleeve 907 and a plurality of keys 909. The keys 909 have a radial thickness greater than that of the outer sleeve 907 and are radially slidable relative to the outer sleeve 907. In the run in hole configuration the contingency module 818 is prevented from movement in the upstream direction, indicated by arrow C, by the keys

909 abutting the upstream axial end of a recess 910 in the housing 811. The recess

910 is a region of the housing 811 with an enlarged inner diameter. The keys 909 are supported in the recess 910 by the inner sleeve 906.

The contingency module 818 is reconfigurable from the run in hole configuration to a primed configuration in response to a first predetermined impulse applied to the contingency module 818 by the tool (not shown) in the upstream direction. The first predetermined impulse is sufficient to shear the shear pin 912. Upon shearing the shear pin 912 the tool moves the inner sleeve 906 in the upstream direction relative to the outer sleeve assembly 908. The outer sleeve assembly 908 is held stationary by the keys 909 abutting the axial end of the recess 910 in the housing 811, the keys 909 being located in the recess 910 by the inner sleeve 906. When the inner sleeve 906 reaches a predetermined axial position relative to the outer sleeve assembly 908, the keys 909 are aligned with a recess 913 in the outer surface of the inner sleeve 906. The recess 913 is a portion of the inner sleeve 906 having a reduced outer diameter. The keys 909 axially aligned with the recess 913 lose radial support from the inner sleeve 906 and therefore slide radially inward into the recess 913 in the inner sleeve 906 and out of the recess 910 in the housing 811. The inner sleeve will continue to move under the influence of the tool until an upstream end 914 of the inner sleeve 906 abuts an end cap portion 915 of the outer sleeve assembly 908. In this primed configuration the whole contingency module 818 (the outer sleeve assembly 908 and the inner sleeve 906) is then movable relative to the housing 811.

The first flange 924 of the telescopic sleeve assembly 840 is shearable. On application of a second predetermined impulse to the contingency module 818 in the primed configuration by the tool, the first flange 924 of the telescopic sleeve assembly 840 will be sheared by the force of the second flange 926 pulling against it in the upstream direction. The valve cartridge 812 will be reconfigured from the first configuration to the second configuration due to the separation of the first and second sleeves 920, 922 of the telescopic sleeve assembly 840. Movement of the tool in the upstream direction C will move the second cartridge portion 822 upstream relative to the first cartridge portion 820, thereby rotating the valve member 814 from the closed position to the open position by the same manner of cooperation between the interface member 838 and the valve member 814 as in the normal mode of actuation of the valve apparatus 810. Figure 18b shows the valve member 814 having been opened via the contingency module 818.

Another example of a downstream valve apparatus 1010 is shown in Figures 19 to 20. The apparatus 1010 is similar to apparatus 10 therefore like features are provided with like reference numerals augmented by 1000. The apparatus 1010 is the same as apparatus 810, except for the addition of external shoulder 1130 on the second cartridge portion 1022. During operation of the apparatus 1010 to rotate the valve member 1014 from the closed position to the open position, the external shoulder 1130 cooperates with an internal shoulder 1132 on the housing 1011 to allow debris build-up around the valve member 1014 to be removed before the valve member 1014 is opened, as will be described in greater detail below in reference to the operation of apparatus 1010.

With reference to Figure 19, when the apparatus 1010 is in the run in hole configuration the upstream portion 1064 of the throughbore 1013 is sealed from the downstream portion 1066 of the throughbore 1013. The valve member 1014 is sealingly engaged with the seat seal 1032 of the first valve seat 1028 on the first cartridge portion 1020 due to the axial bias of the spring 1044 in the initial condition. The seals 1076 on the operation sleeve assembly 1048 seal the equalisation ports 1074 in the first cartridge portion 1020. In the run in hole configuration the external shoulder 1132 is spaced apart from the internal shoulder 1132. The trigger event occurs with the apparatus 1010 in the run in hole configuration. The trigger event is an increase in upstream pressure which produces a downstream force acting on the valve member 1014 and therefore the first cartridge portion 1020. The initiation shear pins 1070 of the initiation module 1016 prevent movement of the valve cartridge 1012 until the upstream pressure is increased to generate a predetermined threshold force sufficient to shear the initiation shear pins 1070. After the initiation shear pins 1070 have sheared, the upstream pressure results in movement of the valve member 1014 and first cartridge portion 1020 in the downstream direction, indicated by arrow B.

During the trigger event, as the first cartridge portion 1020 is moved downstream, the operation sleeve assembly 1048 moves with the first cartridge portion 1020 due to engagement between the keys 1078 of the operation sleeve assembly 1048 and the protrusion 1082 on the external surface of the first cartridge portion. Movement of the operation sleeve assembly 1048 downstream results in the second cartridge portion 1022 also moving downstream due to the engagement between the first and second flanges 1024, 1026 of the telescopic sleeve assembly 1040 in the extended configuration. Movement of the second cartridge portion 1022 downstream moves the external shoulder 1130 of the second cartridge portion 1022 towards the internal shoulder 1132 of the housing 1011. As the operation sleeve assembly 1048 moves downstream, the spring 1044 is compressed between the operation sleeve assembly 1048 and the housing 1011, thereby energising the spring 1044 from its initial condition to its activated condition.

With reference to Figure 20a, the operation sleeve assembly 1048 in the first bounded configuration will move downstream with the first cartridge portion 1020 until it reaches the predetermined location. The downstream direction is indicated by arrow B. At the predetermined location the keys 1078 slide radially into the recess 1084 in the housing 1011 thereby disengaging the operation sleeve assembly 1048 from the first cartridge portion 1020. The operation sleeve assembly 1048 is now in the second bounded configuration, shown in Figure 20a, axially delimited by the housing 1011 and the spring 1044 and will no longer move downstream with the first cartridge portion 1020. At the predetermined location the external shoulder 1130 of the second cartridge portion 1022 abuts the internal shoulder 1132 of the housing 1011 , thereby preventing further downstream movement of the second cartridge portion 1022 and reconfiguring the valve cartridge 1012 from the first configuration to the second configuration.

With reference to Figures 20a and 20b, as the trigger event continues the first cartridge portion 1020 continues to move axially downstream whilst the operation sleeve assembly 1048 remains stationary at the predetermined location. As the first cartridge portion 1020 moves relative to the operation sleeve assembly 1048, the equalisation ports 1074 move relative to the seals 1076. The protrusion 1082 moves past the keys 1078. The second cartridge portion 1022 remains stationary due to the engagement between the internal and external shoulders, 1130, 1132, therefore the first cartridge portion 1020 and valve member 1014 move relative to the second cartridge portion 1022. The valve member 1014 becomes partially rotated, as shown in Figure 20b, due to the relative movement between the interface member 1038 of the second cartridge portion 1022 and the valve member 1014. The partial rotation of the valve member 1014 allows a small amount of fluid to flow from the upstream portion 1064 of the throughbore 1013 to the downstream portion 1066 of the throughbore 1013. This fluid flow causes any debris built up around the valve member 1014 to be flushed downstream. Although the partial rotation of the valve member 1014 will cause a reduction in the pressure difference across the valve member 1014, the valve member 1014 and first cartridge portion 1020 will retain momentum and continue to move downstream.

Figure 20b shows the operation sleeve assembly 1048 in the unbounded configuration. The first cartridge portion 1020 has moved such an axial extent that the protrusion 1082 has passed the keys 1078 and no longer provides them with radial support in the recess 1084. The keys 1078 move radially inward out of the recess 1084. The operation sleeve assembly 1048 is no longer bounded between the housing 1011 and the spring 1044 and therefore is in the unbounded configuration. In the unbounded configuration, the drive force of the spring 1044 in the activated condition acting on the operation sleeve assembly 1048 can move the operation sleeve assembly 1048 in the upstream direction indicated by arrow C. Once the first cartridge portion 1020 has moved sufficiently that the operation sleeve assembly 1048 is in the unbounded configuration, the equalisation ports 1074 are no longer located axially between the seals 1076. When the equalisation ports 1074 are not sealed by the seals 1076, an equalisation flow path is provided between the upstream portion 1064 and the downstream portion 1066 of the throughbore 1013.

With continued reference to Figure 20b, a cartridge ratchet mechanism 1072 is provided between the valve cartridge 1012 and the housing 1011. A first toothed side 1073 of the cartridge ratchet mechanism 1072 is provided on the housing 1011. A second toothed side 1075 of the cartridge ratchet mechanism 1072 is provided on the first cartridge portion 1020. The cartridge ratchet mechanism 1072 is a uni-directional locking mechanism. The first and second toothed sides 1073, 1075 of the cartridge ratchet mechanism 1072 are interlocked to permit movement of the first cartridge portion 1020 downstream relative to the housing 1011 and prevent movement of the first cartridge portion 1020 upstream relative to the housing 1011.

Figures 20c and 20d show the operation arrangement 1039 completing the actuation of the valve member 1014 in response to the drive force of the spring 1044 in the activated condition acting on the operation sleeve assembly 1048 in the unbounded configuration. The momentum of the valve member 1014 and the first cartridge portion 1020 will cause them to continue moving downstream. At the same time, the drive force of the spring 1044 in the activated condition moves the operation sleeve assembly 1048 upstream. Thereby the first and second sleeves 1120, 1122 of the telescopic sleeve assembly 1040 continue to move relative to each other until they reach the collapsed configuration, as shown in Figure 20c. The drive force moving the operation sleeve assembly 1048 will move the telescopic sleeve assembly 1040 in the collapsed configuration upstream relative to the first cartridge portion 1020. Upstream movement of the telescopic sleeve assembly 1040 in the collapsed configuration causes the second cartridge portion 1022 to move upstream relative to the first cartridge portion 1020. Movement of the second cartridge portion 1022 upstream relative to the first cartridge portion 1020 moves the interface member 1038 axially relative to the valve member 1014 to cooperate with the valve member 1014 and complete the rotation of the valve member 1014 to the open position. The follower assembly 1026 maintains contact with the valve member 1014 throughout the rotation of the valve member 1014.

With continued reference to Figures 20a to 20c, the apparatus 1010 includes a valve lock ratchet mechanism 1102. The valve lock ratchet mechanism 1102 is provided between the first cartridge portion 1020 and the second cartridge portion 1022. A first toothed side 1101 of the valve lock ratchet mechanism 1102 is provided on the first cartridge portion 1020. A second toothed side 1103 of the valve lock ratchet mechanism 1102 is provided on the second cartridge portion 1022. The first and second toothed sides 1101 , 1103 of the valve lock ratchet mechanism 1102 are interlocked to provide uni-directional locking and thereby prevent return movement of the second cartridge portion 1022 relative to the first cartridge portion 1020. The valve lock ratchet mechanism 1102 therefore prevents the valve member 1014 from returning to the closed position once opened.

The apparatus 1010 further includes a contingency module 1018 that corresponds to the contingency module 818 of apparatus 810 described above.