FMC swivel Joint/CHIKSAN UNION SWIVEL JOINT in piping online with drawing

Description

Goldenman High-Pressure Swivel Joints are designed to provide flexible directional changes in temporary and permanent high-pressure oilfield flowlines.

Available configurations cover nominal sizes from 1 to 4 inches and working-pressure ratings from 2,000 to 20,000 psi. Long-radius and short-radius designs can be supplied in multiple piping styles with threaded, tubing-thread or hammer-union-compatible end connections.

The integral ball-bearing structure allows the joint to rotate while maintaining pressure containment, helping accommodate piping alignment, equipment movement, vibration and changing flowline geometry.

Goldenman supplies dimensional configurations compatible with specified FMC/Chiksan-style flowline systems, subject to verification of size, pressure class, style, end connection and sealing system.

Product Highlights

• High-pressure oilfield flowline swivel joint
• Nominal sizes from 1 to 4 inches
• Working pressures from 2,000 to 20,000 psi
• Long-radius and short-radius configurations
• Style 10, 20, 30, 50, 60, 80 and 100 layouts
• Integral three-ball-race bearing design
• Alloy-steel pressure-containing components
• LP, TBG and hammer-union-compatible ends
• Male × female, male × male and female × female options
• Standard, low-temperature and H₂S-service configurations
• Replaceable seals, bearings and repair kits
• Pressure-test and inspection documentation available
• Dimensional drawings supplied for interface confirmation

What Is a High-Pressure Swivel Joint?

A high-pressure swivel joint is a rotating flowline component used to change piping direction while allowing relative movement between connected high-pressure equipment.

The joint contains an articulated elbow body, bearing races and a pressure-sealing system. The bearing structure supports mechanical loading while permitting rotation, and the internal sealing elements contain the transported fluid.

Swivel joints are commonly installed where rigid piping alone cannot safely accommodate:

• Equipment misalignment
• Pump vibration
• Thermal movement
• Flowline positioning
• Skid movement
• Repeated assembly and disassembly
• Directional changes in temporary iron

The product should not be confused with a drilling swivel, rotary swivel or low-pressure plumbing swivel. It is designed specifically for high-pressure oilfield flowline service.

Main Applications

Goldenman high-pressure swivel joints can be configured for:

• Hydraulic fracturing lines
• Cementing manifolds
• Acidizing equipment
• Well-testing lines
• Pressure-pumping systems
• Kill and circulation lines
• Temporary high-pressure flowlines
• Frac pump discharge piping
• Cement unit discharge piping
• High-pressure manifold connections
• Truck-mounted pumping equipment
• Well-service equipment
• Replacement of worn FMC/Chiksan-style swivel joints

The final configuration must be selected according to pressure, size, fluid, temperature, expected movement and connected flowline equipment.

General Technical Specifications

Parameter	Available Specification
Product name	High-Pressure Flowline Swivel Joint
Product type	Rotating high-pressure piping joint
Nominal size	1–4 in
Working pressure	2,000–20,000 psi / 14–140 MPa
Body material	High-strength alloy steel
Radius options	Long radius and short radius
Available styles	10, 20, 30, 50, 60, 80 and 100
Bearing structure	Integral three-ball-race design
End connections	LP, TBG, threaded or hammer-union-compatible
End orientation	Male × female, male × male or female × female
Temperature service	Standard or low-temperature configuration
Sour service	H₂S configuration available
Sealing system	Replaceable synthetic elastomer seals
Safety feature	Anti-extrusion metal ring and pressure-relief provision
Repair parts	Seal kits, bearings and associated components
Main applications	Fracturing, cementing, acidizing and pressure pumping
Drawing	Supplied according to selected style and connection
Testing	Hydrostatic and functional testing as specified

The final pressure rating is determined by the complete assembly, including the body, seals, bearing system, adapters and end connections.

Size and Pressure Availability

Nominal Size	Available Working-Pressure Ratings
1 in	Up to 3,500 psi in the page-listed short-radius configuration
1-1/2 in	6,000 and 10,000 psi
2 in	6,000, 10,000, 15,000 and 20,000 psi
3 in	10,000, 15,000 and 20,000 psi
4 in	6,000 and 10,000 psi

Not every pressure rating is available with every style and end connection. The exact combination must be confirmed through the approved dimensional drawing.

Long-Radius and Short-Radius Swivel Joints

Long-Radius Swivel Joint

A long-radius swivel joint provides a smoother internal flow path through the elbow.

It may be preferred for:

• High flow rates
• Abrasive fracturing fluids
• Cement slurry
• High-solids service
• High-pressure pumping
• Applications with severe erosion risk
• Installations where space allows a larger turning radius

The smoother flow path can help reduce localized turbulence, fluid shock and erosion at the bend.

Short-Radius Swivel Joint

A short-radius swivel joint provides a more compact directional change.

It may be selected when:

• Installation space is limited
• A compact iron layout is required
• Flow rate and erosion conditions are less severe
• Existing equipment uses a short-radius configuration
• Direct dimensional replacement is required

Short radius should not be selected only because it is smaller. Flow velocity, pressure loss, solids content and expected service life must also be reviewed.

Available Swivel Joint Styles

Different swivel styles describe the number and orientation of swivel elbows used to create a required piping movement.

Style	General Configuration Purpose
Style 10	Single swivel elbow for one directional change
Style 20	Multiple swivel sections for additional articulation
Style 30	Compound configuration for flexible piping alignment
Style 50	Common compact articulated flowline arrangement
Style 60	Multi-plane movement for equipment connection
Style 80	Extended articulation for complex line routing
Style 100	Multi-swivel assembly for greater movement flexibility

The style number alone is not sufficient for ordering. The customer should provide the required dimensional drawing, inlet and outlet orientation and available installation envelope.

Typical Style and Size Availability

The existing Goldenman product range includes the following general combinations:

Product Group	Size	Pressure Range	Available Styles
Short-radius swivel joint	1–2 in	3,500–10,000 psi	Mainly Style 10 and Style 50
Long-radius swivel joint	1-1/2 in	Up to 10,000 psi	Style 10 and Style 50
Long-radius swivel joint	2 in	Up to 20,000 psi	Styles 10, 20, 30, 50, 60, 80 and 100
Long-radius swivel joint	3 in	Up to 20,000 psi	Styles 10, 20, 30, 50, 60, 80 and 100
Long-radius swivel joint	4 in	Up to 10,000 psi	Mainly Style 10 and Style 50

Final style availability depends on the requested working pressure, end connection and dimensional layout.

Available End Connections

The swivel joint can be configured with different connection arrangements, including:

• LP female thread
• TBG female thread
• Male × female
• Male × male
• Female × female
• Trapezoidal-thread configurations
• American-style threaded interfaces
• Hammer-union-compatible ends
• Custom adapters according to approved drawings

The connection specification should define:

• Nominal size
• Connection standard
• Pressure class
• Male or female orientation
• Union figure where applicable
• Seal type
• Thread dimensions
• Inlet and outlet direction

A connection should not be selected using only the nominal pipe size.

Three-Ball-Race Bearing Design

The swivel joint uses an integral three-ball-race structure to support external loading and permit controlled rotation.

The bearing system helps manage:

• Axial loading
• Radial loading
• Piping weight
• Variable mechanical loads
• Vibration
• Repeated rotation during installation
• Movement caused by pumping equipment

Correct lubrication is required to reduce friction, bearing wear and vibration.

The swivel should rotate freely but should not be used as an unsupported structural hinge for excessive piping loads.

Seal and Pressure-Relief Design

The internal sealing system uses replaceable synthetic elastomer seals selected for the required fluid and temperature conditions.

The assembly may include:

• Primary pressure seal
• Backup or anti-extrusion metal ring
• Bearing-area seals
• Lubrication seals
• Pressure-relief or telltale port

The relief or telltale opening can provide an external indication of internal seal leakage and help prevent pressure from becoming trapped in an unintended cavity.

Fluid compatibility must be confirmed for:

• Water-based fracturing fluid
• Acidizing fluid
• Cement slurry
• Hydrocarbon-containing fluid
• Chemical additives
• H₂S-containing media
• Low-temperature operation

How to Select the Correct Swivel Joint

1. Confirm Nominal Size and Flow Rate

The internal flow size should be selected according to:

• Maximum pump rate
• Fluid density
• Fluid viscosity
• Proppant or solids concentration
• Allowable flow velocity
• Pressure loss
• Connected manifold bore

An undersized swivel can increase pressure loss and erosion. An oversized swivel may add unnecessary weight, cost and installation space.

2. Confirm Working Pressure

The selected swivel working pressure must equal or exceed the maximum pressure expected in the flowline.

Consider:

• Normal operating pressure
• Maximum pump pressure
• Pressure spikes
• Shut-in pressure
• Test pressure
• Temperature effects
• End-user design margin

The pressure rating of the swivel, union ends, adapters and adjacent piping must be compatible.

3. Select Long or Short Radius

Choose long radius when flow performance and erosion resistance are the priority.

Choose short radius when installation space is limited and the operating conditions permit the tighter internal bend.

4. Define the Required Style

The required style depends on:

• Number of directional changes
• Required planes of movement
• Inlet and outlet orientation
• Installation envelope
• Equipment movement
• Maintenance access
• Existing piping arrangement

A sketch or general arrangement drawing is recommended.

5. Confirm End Connections

Provide the complete end-connection specification rather than only “hammer union” or “threaded end.”

For a hammer-union-compatible connection, confirm:

• Union figure
• Nominal size
• Pressure rating
• Male or female sub
• Seal ring
• Existing mating equipment

6. Confirm Service Conditions

Provide:

• Fluid type
• Proppant size and concentration
• Cement or acid service
• H₂S content
• CO₂ content
• Operating temperature
• Minimum ambient temperature
• Chemical additives
• Expected rotation frequency

These conditions affect body material, seal compound and inspection requirements.

Erosion and Fluid-Shock Control

High-pressure swivel joints can be exposed to severe erosion, particularly when transporting fracturing fluid, cement slurry or sand-bearing media.

Erosion risk increases with:

• High flow velocity
• Large pressure drop
• High proppant concentration
• Sharp internal turns
• Gas-liquid flow
• Corrosive chemicals
• Extended pumping duration
• Worn internal surfaces

To improve service life:

• Select the correct bore
• Use long-radius designs where practical
• Avoid unnecessary flow restrictions
• Inspect high-wear bend areas
• Monitor wall-thickness loss
• Replace seals and bearings at planned intervals
• Remove equipment from service when washout is suspected

Replacement and Compatibility Requirements

A replacement swivel joint should not be ordered using only the description “2-inch Chiksan swivel.”

Provide:

• Existing manufacturer
• Product style
• Nominal size
• Working pressure
• Long or short radius
• End connection at side A
• End connection at side B
• Male or female orientation
• Overall dimensions
• Centerline-to-end dimensions
• Flow direction
• Service temperature
• Seal type
• Existing part number
• Photographs and product markings

Dimensional compatibility should be confirmed through an approved drawing before production.

Repair Kits and Maintenance

Available repair components may include:

• Primary seal sets
• Backup rings
• Anti-extrusion rings
• Ball bearings
• Bearing-race components
• Lubrication fittings
• Retaining components
• Threaded-end seals
• Complete repair kits

Routine maintenance should include:

• Cleaning after service
• Lubrication according to procedure
• External visual inspection
• Leakage-port inspection
• Rotation check
• Thread and union inspection
• Wall-thickness monitoring
• Seal replacement
• Pressure testing after repair

A swivel joint that is difficult to rotate, leaks through the telltale port or shows external washout damage should be removed from service for inspection.

H₂S and Low-Temperature Service

For H₂S-containing or low-temperature service, the purchaser should provide:

• H₂S concentration or partial pressure
• CO₂ content
• Minimum design temperature
• Maximum operating temperature
• Fluid composition
• Chloride concentration
• Applicable NACE requirements
• Required impact-test temperature
• Seal compound requirements

The body material, heat treatment, hardness, bolting and elastomers must be reviewed as one complete assembly.

A standard swivel joint should not automatically be considered suitable for sour or low-temperature service.

Manufacturing and Quality Control

Goldenman quality-control activities may include:

• Alloy-steel material verification
• Heat-number traceability
• Chemical and mechanical property review
• Heat-treatment record verification
• CNC dimensional inspection
• Internal flow-path inspection
• Wall-thickness inspection
• Bearing-race dimensional inspection
• Connection and thread inspection
• Hardness testing
• Nondestructive examination where required
• Seal and bearing assembly inspection
• Rotation and functional testing
• Hydrostatic pressure testing
• External leakage inspection
• Product marking verification
• Coating and preservation inspection
• Final document review

The final inspection scope is determined by pressure class, service conditions and purchase-order requirements.

Available Documentation

The order documentation package can include:

• Applicable API certificate
• Certificate of Conformity
• Approved product datasheet
• Dimensional drawing
• Material certificates
• Heat-treatment records
• NDE reports
• Hardness report
• Dimensional inspection report
• Hydrostatic pressure-test report
• Functional rotation test record
• Seal and repair-kit identification
• Operation and maintenance instructions
• Recommended spare-parts list
• Packing list
• Third-party inspection report

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Chiksan-style swivel joint and an ordinary pipe elbow?

An ordinary elbow provides a fixed directional change.

A swivel joint contains bearing races and pressure seals that allow the connected piping sections to rotate relative to one another while maintaining a pressure-containing flow path. It is intended to accommodate alignment and movement that a fixed elbow cannot.

How should long-radius and short-radius swivel joints be selected?

Long-radius joints are generally preferred for high flow, abrasive fluids and severe erosion conditions because they provide a smoother internal bend.

Short-radius joints are more compact and may be appropriate where space is restricted and the pressure, flow and solids conditions permit a tighter turn.

Can a swivel joint rated at 20,000 psi be connected to a 15,000 psi hammer union?

The working pressure of the complete flowline is limited by the lowest-rated component.

If the swivel body is rated for 20,000 psi but the union, adapter or adjacent pipe is rated for 15,000 psi, the assembly must not be operated above the lower rating.

Are all 2-inch Style 50 swivel joints interchangeable?

No.

They may differ in working pressure, long- or short-radius geometry, end connections, centerline dimensions, seal systems and overall length.

An approved dimensional drawing is required before interchangeability can be confirmed.

What causes leakage from the swivel joint telltale or relief port?

Leakage from the port commonly indicates failure or wear of an internal pressure seal.

The joint should be removed from service and inspected. Blocking or plugging the port can conceal seal failure and create trapped pressure in the bearing cavity.

Why does a high-pressure swivel joint become difficult to rotate?

Possible causes include:

• Insufficient lubrication
• Contaminated bearings
• Corrosion
• Excessive external piping load
• Deformed bearing races
• Damaged seals
• Incorrect assembly
• Internal pressure trapped in the bearing cavity

Rotation resistance should be investigated before the joint is returned to service.

Can the same seal kit be used for fracturing fluid, acid and H₂S service?

Not automatically.

Seal compounds must be matched to the fluid chemistry, temperature, pressure and gas exposure. A seal suitable for water-based fracturing fluid may not be suitable for acid or sour-gas service.

What information is needed to replace an FMC/Chiksan-style swivel joint?

Provide the size, pressure rating, style, radius, end connections, dimensions, part number, service fluid and photographs.

The centerline dimensions and inlet/outlet orientation are particularly important for drop-in replacement.

What should be included in the factory acceptance test?

The FAT can include material and document review, dimensional inspection, end-connection verification, rotation testing, hydrostatic pressure testing, leakage inspection and product-marking checks.

The test pressure, holding time and witness requirements should be agreed before production.

Information Required for Quotation

Please provide:

• Nominal size
• Required working pressure
• Maximum operating pressure
• Long-radius or short-radius design
• Required style number
• Inlet connection
• Outlet connection
• Male or female orientation
• Hammer union figure, if applicable
• Overall and centerline dimensions
• Required flow rate
• Pumped fluid
• Proppant or solids content
• Operating temperature
• Minimum ambient temperature
• H₂S and CO₂ conditions
• Required seal compound
• Required repair kits
• Applicable API certificate requirement
• Pressure-test requirement
• NDE and inspection requirements
• Third-party inspection requirement
• Quantity
• Destination country
• Required delivery schedule

For replacement equipment, also provide the existing part number, dimensional drawing, markings and clear photographs.

Request a Technical Quotation

Goldenman supplies high-pressure flowline swivel joints for fracturing, cementing, acidizing, testing and pressure-pumping systems.

Available configurations include 1–4 inch sizes, pressure ratings up to 20,000 psi, long- and short-radius designs and multiple swivel styles.

Send your required size, pressure, style, end connections, dimensions and service conditions to:

Email: info@goldenman.com

Goldenman will review the piping interfaces and prepare the appropriate dimensional drawing, technical datasheet and commercial quotation.