TESTING OF SWIVEL JOINTS

Hydro Test:
Associate Engineers, India follows the guidelines of ISO-9001 that Swivel Joints are Hydro-tested, Internally Pressure test 150 to 350 PSI for 30 to 60 minutes and swivels are rotated 360º cycled for 10 times during the test.

Air Test (Numatic):
Random numbers of swivel are air tested and/or test are performed as per client's specification requirements.

EXTERNAL PRESSURE TESTING OF
SUBMERGED TRIPLE SEAL DESIGN SWIVEL JOINTS
Swivel joints used in submerged applications such as a floating suction assemblies, skimmers, and roof drain assemblies are provided with an external lip seal, an additional seal along with the regular main seals and `O'- ring seals.

Based on information received from users in the field, and working knowledge obtained from field engineers for more than 25 years, various data has been obtained as to the "average" number of swivel joint cycles per day and the working loads on the swivel joints under various conditions, especially the external pressure in storage tanks.

External pressure testing of a triple seal design swivel joint in a controlled test area (in a plant facility other than actually being in the field) requires a test set up and a formal test procedure. A formal procedure has been established, using a special test set-up to simulate field conditions, to perform external pressure tests on swivel joints. The joints are also rotated (360º deg. cycle) during the external pressure test.

Life Cycle Test Setup

 

A method of establishing the operating life, such as a test setup and a procedure for determining the anticipated operating life of the swivel joint in the field, without actually requiring the swivel joint to be used in the field for several years, would be very useful. The primary purpose of this test setup and procedure would be to know in advance the appropriate materials for construction and the proper sealing material for a swivel joint for a specified operating life, in a particular application.

Based on information received from users in the field and working knowledge obtained from field engineers for more than 30 years, various data has been obtained as to the "average" number of swivel joint rotations/cycles/operations per day, working loads on the swivel joints under various conditions, operating environments, etc. This data has allowed parameters to be established for testing and determining the operating life of swivel joints. A formal procedure has been established, using a special test apparatus (test setup), to predict the operating life of swivel joints.

A user can maximize the use of a particular type of swivel joint, and a manufacturer can manufacture the optimum swivel joint (after performing the necessary tests) for use in a particular application. This information can also be used to establish a product warranty or guarantee period. Associate Engineers maintains a continuous life cycle analysis and laboratory testing program for various types of swivel joints.

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