If you are new to the complex world of industrial machinery, one of the first components you should know about are swivels. A swivel joint is a device that connects two parts so that one or both can pivot freely (in the form of a pin or bolt).
You Will Find Them Everywhere
Swivel joints make such an essential component for every kind of application and machinery that if you look close enough, you will see them everywhere. Whether it’s a steel mill or a fire truck, they ensure the seamless connection between rotating machinery, hoses, and stationary pipes.
They are fairly common among maintenance, plant, and design engineers because the nature of their work demands it. They need to make their piping systems flexible, for hose reels, for loading arms, for rodding sewers, for wastage treatment machinery, and all other kinds of processing machinery.
Swivel joints are also imperative for the smooth functioning of tool coolant transferring, for applications that require drum-filling, and various applications of dry bulk transfers and in-plant fluids.
Let’s see how you can make an informed decision before purchasing them.
How to Select Appropriate Swivel Joints
Swivel joints are the kind of investments that are lucrative and beneficial. Your machines can be heavily advanced but they will malfunction if the elements of the machine are unable to move. Not only do swivel joints elongate machinery life span, but they also minimize downtime and maintenance costs.
Don’t take the manufacturer’s instructions lightly, even if swivel joints seem like something insignificant in front of all the machinery. Follow their specifications when choosing swivel joints because if the exact requirements do not meet, then there will be leakage and ultimately the machine will fail.
There are a handful of factors that play a role in determining the right swivels. Pressure, weight, and temperature are key factors that have a crucial role to play. What must also be kept in mind is the extent of the corrosive nature of the fluid. As you can understand, the design parameters play a major part in making the right choice.
The environment where the swivel joint has its application is critical for making the right decision. Therefore, take into account the chemical composition of the fluid, the fluid’s temperature, and it’s the external environment for selecting the most suitable swivel joint.
What to Choose From
The range of options you have with swivel joints is endless. Even with factors such as the combination of seals, connections, sizes, and metals – you will find one to suit your requirements. The common metals used in making swivel joints are ductile iron, stainless steel, bronze, aluminum, carbon steel, and brass.
Swivel joints work hand in hand with versatility. A good swivel joint relies on the function it is required for.
You can get them in three different planes of rotation to deliver virtually unlimited flexibility. You won’t need to go out of your way to get a customized swivel. The standard combination of seal materials and metals covers resistance to corrosion, temperatures, pressures, and heavyweights within the parameters of most applications.
The options of end connections to choose from are extensive. The most common are Threaded (NPT), flanged (150/300 ANSI) and butt-weld ends. You can see the market report for their growth as well.
Customized Swivel Joints
You will find specialty joints are manufactured and designed for your desired application. With the help of engineers, you can determine the suitable design and have it tailor-made for the needs of the application.
The Most Popular Swivel Joints (and their impact)
- Loading Arm Swivel Joints
Loading arm systems are the machinery that transfers liquefied gas and other fluids into a railcar or tank-carrying truck with the help of a piping system. You will find that the applications sometimes require a loading arm to fill through an overhead connection, whereas there are somewhere the connection points you will find present underneath.
Loading swivel joints have evolved to mold themselves into solving fluid handling issues. Swivels play a major role in the process of whether they are required for railcars, drums, transport of petroleum goods, solvents, hazardous chemicals, and the list goes on.
- Hose Reel Swivels
They play an integral part in numerous applications of hose reels. There are tons of swivels designed particularly for hose reels.
- Dual-Split Flange Swivels
Dual-split flange swivels are designed specifically for transferring hazardous fluids, acids, and petrochemicals. They demand a very heavy-duty manufacturing, coupled with very unique components that contribute in making it the most durable and sturdy swivel technology in the market.
Swivel joints are efficient, flexible, durable, and cost-effective. You need them for all kinds of machinery and their applications. We hope this guide helps you in selecting the right type of swivel joint!