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Swivel Joint

A swivel joint is a mechanical device designed to allow rotational movement between two connected components while maintaining a sealed pathway for fluid or gas transfer. 
In loading arms, swivel joints act as articulations that connect rigid pipes or hoses, enabling 360-degree rotation in one or more planes. 
This flexibility prevents stress on pipelines, reduces wear on hoses, and accommodates the movement of tankers, railcars, or ships during loading and unloading operations.
Swivel joint is the main component of loading arm. Each loading arm has four or five swivel joints for rotating smoothly. Swivel joint makes loading arm moving like a hose and convenient to be connected with any truck/train within working envelope.

PERFECT Swivel joint is designed as “two ball tracks” structure for large bearing loads and rotates without any lagging and oil leakage. It is the ideal swivel joint for nearly all applications in the oil & chemical industry.
  • 2”~8”

  • PERFECT LOADING

  • Carbon steel, SS304, SS316L

Availability:
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Key Features of Swivel Joints:

1. Full Range of Motion

Swivel joints can rotate up to 360 degrees in one or more planes, depending on the design. This lets loading arms bend, twist, and extend like a dancer hitting every move in a routine. Whether you need to reach a tanker’s far corner or adjust for a misaligned railcar, swivel joints make it happen.


2. Leak-Proof Sealing

Nobody wants a leaky pipe, especially when dealing with hazardous chemicals. Swivel joints use high-quality seals (O-rings & lip PTFE seals) to keep fluids contained, even under high pressure or constant rotation. The ball track is encapsulated by two O-rings, neither dirt from the outside nor product from within (in case of leakage) can reach the ball track. Should the main seal fail, leakage is indicated through the leak detection ports.

3. Durability Under Pressure

Built to handle pressures from 1 to 40 bar (or more), swivel joints are tough enough 

for heavy-duty applications.


4. Corrosion Resistance


For handling corrosive substances like acids or saltwater, many swivel joints are lined with materials like PTFE (Teflon) or made from stainless steel. The sealing surfaces are plated with stainless steel and precision-finished to prevent corrosion, ensuring that the seal that slides along these sealing surfaces is not damaged and will seal perfectly.

5. Low Maintenance

Thanks to hardened components and self-lubricating designs, swivel joints require minimal upkeep. Some even have grease fittings for easy maintenance, keeping them spinning smoothly for years. The PERFECT LOADING swivel joint can be relubricated via grease nipples. If required, the balls can be removed and replaced by first removing the ball track plugs.


旋转接头坯料(1)(1)

The rough parts of swivel joints, which need further machining and polishing.


Drilling

Drilling holes in a swivel joint


flanges

Flanges of swivel joints


Inner and outer body

Inner & Outer bodies of swivel joints


Specifications of Swivel Joints:

1. Size:

  • 1” to 12” (DN25 to DN300), or customized for clients

  • Smaller sizes (1” to 4”) are common for chemicals or food-grade liquids, while larger ones (6” to 12”) handle bulk fuels or crude oil.

2. Design Pressure:

0.1 MPa to 4.0 MPa (1 to 40 bar, or roughly 15 to 600 psi)

3. Temperature Range:

-196°C to +250°C (-321°F to +482°F)

4. Rotation:

Up to 360 degrees per plane

Typically 2 to 6 planes of rotation, depending on the loading arm’s complexity (e.g., 3 planes for top loading arms, 6 for marine applications).

5. Flow Rate:

  • Large joints: up to 5,000 GPM (gallons per minute)

  • Smaller joints:  50 to 500 GPM, perfect for precise transfers.

6. Connection Types:

Flanged (ANSI 150#, 300#) , Butt Weld

7. Sealing Systems:

  • Structure:  O-rings, Main seals (lip seals)

  • Materials:  Buna-N, Viton, or PTFE, chosen based on the fluid.


Materials of Swivel Joints:

Swivel joints are only as good as the materials they’re made from, and PERFECT LOADING selects carefully to ensure durability and compatibility.

1. Body Materials

  • Carbon Steel: The go-to for most applications due to its strength and affordability.

  • Stainless Steel (304 or 316): Used for corrosive environments or hygienic applications, like food processing.

  • Specialty Alloys (e.g., Hastelloy): For extreme conditions, like highly corrosive acids or marine environments.

2. Internal Linings

For handling aggressive chemicals like hydrochloric acid, swivel joints are often lined with PTFE. These non-stick, chemically inert linings act like a bulletproof vest, protecting the joint from corrosion.

PTFE Lined SJ

3. Seals

Seals are the gatekeepers, preventing leaks during rotation. Common materials include:

  • Buna-N: Great for oils and fuels, but not for acids.

  • Viton: Handles high temperatures and chemicals like benzene.

  • PTFE: The gold standard for corrosive fluids, offering unmatched chemical resistance.

  • FFKM Kalrez: For extreme conditions, like high-pressure steam or solvents.

Main seal

Regular Main seal (LEFT)   &   PTFE-lined Main Seal (RIGHT)


4. Bearings and Raceways

Swivel joints use hardened steel or stainless steel ball bearings for smooth rotation and long life. Some high-end models feature self-lubricating bearings or composite materials to reduce friction. These are the joint’s “muscles,” keeping it moving without grinding to a halt.

The right material mix ensures swivel joints can handle your specific fluid, whether it’s as gentle as water or as harsh as sulfuric acid.


Sizes of Swivel Joints:

Swivel joints come in a range of sizes to match the loading arm and application. Common sizes include:

  • 1” to 2” (DN25 to DN50): Perfect for low-flow applications, like transferring solvents or food-grade liquids.

  • 3” to 4” (DN80 to DN100): The sweet spot for most industrial uses, like fuel or chemical loading.

  • 6” to 8” (DN150 to DN200): For high-volume transfers, like crude oil or asphalt.

  • 10” to 12” (DN250 to DN300): Heavy-duty joints for marine or bulk fuel applications.

Your choice depends on the flow rate, pressure, and arm design. We often offer custom sizes to fit unique setups, ensuring a perfect match.


Applications of Swivel Joints:

Swivel joints are the backbone of loading arms across countless industries. Here’s where they make a difference:

1. Petrochemicals

From gasoline to crude oil, swivel joints keep loading arms flexible and leak-free during tanker or railcar loading.

2. Chemicals

Handling corrosive substances like hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide. PTFE-lined swivel joints perform perfectly in the face of corrosion, ensuring safe transfers in chemical plants.

3. Food and Beverage

In food processing, stainless steel swivel joints transfer syrups, oils, or juices without contamination.

4. Marine and Offshore

Swivel joints in marine loading arms handle everything from LNG to bunker fuel, enduring salty air and high pressures.

5. Cryogenic Applications

For super-cold fluids like liquid nitrogen, low-temperature steel joints keep things flowing without cracking.

6. Aviation

Swivel joints in aviation fueling systems ensure precise, high-pressure transfers of jet fuel.

No matter the industry, swivel joints are the key to keeping loading arms agile and reliable.


Cautions and Considerations for Swivel Joints:

Swivel joints are tough, but they’re not invincible. Here are a few challenges to keep in mind:

1. Wear and Tear:

Constant rotation can wear out seals or bearings, especially in high-cycle applications. Regular maintenance, like greasing or seal replacement, keeps them spinning smoothly.

2. Material Compatibility:

Choosing the wrong seal or lining for a chemical can lead to leaks or corrosion. It’s like wearing cotton socks in a rainstorm—bad idea.

3. Installation Precision:

Misaligned swivel joints can bind or leak, so proper installation is critical. Think of it like assembling IKEA furniture—follow the instructions, or you’re in trouble.

To avoid these pitfalls, work with reputable manufacturers and follow maintenance schedules.


Delivery Cycle of Swivel Joints:

In Stock


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