Patent ID: 6378630
Filing Date: 2002-04-30
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A locking swivel device for connection with a proximal end of a drill string and for conducting a drilling fluid to the drill string, the device comprising:(a) a housing having an inlet for conducting the drilling fluid therein; (b) a mandrel rotatably supported within the housing such that an annular space is defined between the housing and the mandrel, wherein a pressure exerted by the drilling fluid is communicated to the annular space and wherein one of the housing and the mandrel is connectable with the drill string such that the drill string rotates therewith and such that the drilling fluid is conducted to the drill string; and (c) a clutch assembly within the annular space and actuatable between an engaged condition in which the clutch assembly engages the housing and the mandrel in order to inhibit the rotation of the mandrel relative to the housing and a disengaged condition in which the clutch assembly disengages the housing and the mandrel in order to permit the rotation of the mandrel relative to the housing, wherein the communication of an actuation pressure exerted by the drilling fluid to the annular space actuates the clutch assembly to the engaged condition.