An oilfield swivel joint allows a high-pressure flowline to change direction while retaining limited rotational movement. It is widely used in cementing, fracturing, acidizing, testing, and manifold connection layouts.
The main structure includes a male end, female end, elbow or straight body, ball race, steel balls, seal rings, dust seals, grease passages, union connections, and retaining components. The ball race carries mechanical load while the seal system maintains pressure integrity.
Long-radius swivel joints reduce flow resistance and erosion compared with short-radius designs. Connection styles may include Fig 602, Fig 1002, Fig 1502, Fig 2002, and other union configurations according to pressure class and service condition.
Maintenance should focus on leakage, rotation torque, ball wear, seal extrusion, thread damage, impact marks, and corrosion. Repair kits should be selected by size, figure number, pressure rating, and service environment.
