Chiksan Longsweep Swivel Joints Operating and Maintenance Instructions

Standard Service Models: LS-7, 3-inch LS-10, 1-, 11/2-, 2- and 3-inch LS-15, 1-, 11/2-, 2-, 3- and 4-inch LS-20, 2- and 3-inch Product Description

Product Description Chiksan Longsweep swivel joints are made to handle a variety of oilfield fluids, including cement, drilling mud, fracturing fluids, crude oil and other abrasive well-treating materials. Several Longsweep styles are available. These configurations provide flexibility in making piping connections at the wellhead, blowout preventer stack, and at other pieces of equipment used in servicing or testing wells. Longsweep swivel joint components are made from low-alloy steel and are heat-treated to achieve required strength for the rated working pressure. Primary packings are elastomeric with a bonded metal anti-extrusion ring. All Longsweep swivels, except for the I- and 11/2-inch sizes, have a secondary 0-ring with a leak detector port between the primary and secondary seals. If leakage should occur through the packing, the self-relieving grease retainer will prevent pressure accumulation in the ball race chamber. Longsweep swivel joints are available with integral Weco wing union end connections of corresponding pressure ratings. Some sizes are available with female API line pipe threads. Swivel joint size designations indicate nominal size only. Actual inside diameters are as follows: Swivel Joint LS-10, LS-15 LS-10, LS-15 LS-10, LS-15 LS-20 LS-7, LS-10, LS-15 LS-20 LS-15 Nominal Size 1-inch 11/2-inch 2-inch 2-inch 3-inch 3-inch 4-inch Actual Size .88-inch 22 mm 1.3-inch 33 mm 1.88-inch 47 mm 1.3-inch 33 mm 2.75-inch 70 mm 3-inch 75 mm 3.5-inch 89 mm

End Connections Weco wing union end connections have pressure ratings that are consistent with the swivel joint rating. Union parts with the same figure numbers are interchangeable. Mixing parts with different figure numbers is hazardous and can cause wing union failure. Substituting parts other than Weco voids pressure ratings. When tightening union nuts, personnel must wear suitable eye protection to protect against metal fragments that may be loosened from the surfaces of the nut or hammer. Use of excessive hammering force or overtightening can damage wing unions and must be avoided. Threaded end connections are machined in accordance with API Line Pipe Thread (LPT) Standards. Threaded ends are limited to either 7,500 or 10,000 psi cold working pressure, depending on the model. Thread compound and power make-up must be used to achieve rated cold working pressure and to prevent backoff when under pressure. Torques for adequate make-up of line pipe threads are estimated as follows: Swivel Joint Size, in. 1 1 1/2 2 3 Torque, ft-lbs 250 to 400 500 to 800 1,000 to 1,400 1,500 to 2,000

Pressure/Temperature Ratings Longsweep swivel joints are available for service at 7,500 psi to 20,000 psi cold working pressure. Pressure ratings are given on nameplates and union nuts that are part of the specific assemblies.
NOTE: Nameplates are the primary way to Identify the pressure rating of a Longsweep swivel. They must not be removed, painted or otherwise obliterated.

After proper make-up, pipe threads are distorted and will not meet gauging standards if disassembled. When such threads are disengaged for any reason, it is recommended that parts not be reused, but be replaced with new ones having unused ends. FMC recommends that the complete system containing threaded swivel joints be tested as a unit to the highest pressure anticipated in service. The test should not exceed the rated cold working pressure. New swivel joints can be subjected to a one-time test at 11/2 times the rated pressure if other equipment involved is compatible with the test pressure. Longsweep swivel joints are not intended for service in assemblies, fixtures, or machines which inhibit rotation about the centerline. Alignment and concentricity of bearings with the end connections require a total lack of constraint to assure dependable service.

Paint color* as originally provided by FMC indicates rated working pressure as follows: Light Blue 20,000 psi (1380 bar) Red 15,000 psi (1034 bar) Black 10,000 psi (690 bar) Brown 7,500 psi (517 bar)
*IMPORTANT: Since swivels may be repainted a different color by users, do not use color as a primary means of Identification. CAUTION: THE RATED WORKING PRESSURE IS NOT TO BE EXCEEDED DURING FIELD SERVICE OR FIELD TESTING.

Factory pressure testing is limited to 3,000 psi to avoid damage to end connections. Testing at higher pressures may be arranged on customer request. Users may subject new swivel joints to a one-time hydrostatic shop test at 11/2 times the rated cold working pressure. The maximum operating temperature for swivels with nitrile packing (FMC Compound 00) is 225F (107C). However, exposure to well fluids at temperatures above 160F (71C) may accelerate deterioration of the elastomeric packing as a result of compression set, tearing, chemical attack or gas absorption. The minimum operating temperature is -20OF (-6C). Assemblies consisting of components with different pressure ratings are always limited to the lowest rating given on any individual component.

Applications Although Longsweep swivel joints can be rotated or oscillated while under fluid pressure, seal and bearing life may be dramatically shortened if they are subjected to significant motion at high pressure. Chiksan swivel joints are not recommended for use under continuous rotary motion. Swivel joint life and warranty will be limited if joints are subjected to continuous oscillation at high pressure. When connecting swivels to pumps on vehicles, or when installing swivels or fabricated loops into stationary fluid lines which are subject to vibration, the swivel joints must be oriented so that line flexibility is present in all planes. Style 50 (2 swivels) or Style 10 (3 swivels) assemblies are suited for most of these installations. Style 40 (1 swivel) assemblies are not normally used and are not suitable for use in these applications. Care must be exercised when installing swivel joints to prevent subsequent mechanical loading which might cause bearing damage. Typical services which require special thought and care include installation of piping from pump vehicles to lines on the ground and running of lines where trucks or other vehicles could hit or run over the lines. Acids or other corrosive fluids may cause pitting of internal surfaces and deterioration of packing. Use of inhibitors in these fluids and thorough flushing of swivels after exposure to pressure are necessary to minimize damage. Examination of swivel joints following each exposure is recommended. Applied bending or tensile forces will result in stresses and ball-race loads which add to those induced by internal pressure. If loads are to be applied, consult factory to determine limitations that may result. Gases at high pressures (especially carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide) tend to permeate elastomers, resulting in blistering or rupturing when pressure is released. After known exposure to gas pressures above 2,000 psi, FMC recommends that swivels be examined frequently and damaged packings replaced. See note on sour gas service below.
NOTE: Standard Longsweep swivels are not suitable for use In sour gas environment, because they are susceptible to stress corrosion cracking. Special swivels conforming with NACE MR-01-75 are available for sour gas service.

Leak Detection Longsweep swivel joints, except for I- and 11/2-inch sizes, have a leak detector port on the shoulder of the female ball race section. Swivels are shipped from the factory with a screw sealing the leak detector port. Users who wish to use the leak detector port must remove the screw.
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Longsweep swivel joints are not recommended in applications where rotating torque may be a critical factor. These swivels have relatively high torque levels, especially at high pressures, and torque will vary as much as 50 percent between swivels. Some Longsweep swivel joints come with external seals and ball plug seals which permit use in submerged service. Before installing Longsweep swivel joints underwater, consult FMC to make sure the proper swivel joint is used.

To prevent leakage, malfunctions resulting from internal wear, packing degradation, or ball-race deterioration, the user must establish a Preventive Maintenance and Inspection Program. This program must include: inspection of parts to detect loss of wall thickness which may result in decreased pressure capacity; routine replacement of packings; and, regularly scheduled lubrication.
IMPORTANT: Longsweep swivel joints which exhibit a loss of wall thickness exceeding 20 percent at any point must be taken out of service. Wall thickness may be measured using visual, sonic or mechanical means.

Swivel Life and Preventive Maintenance Because normal applications for Longsweep swivel joints involve handling of abrasive or corrosive fluids at relatively high flow velocities, internal surfaces may be subject to accelerated deterioration as indicated by loss of wall thickness, pitting and wear on sealing surfaces, or possible ball race damage if packing leakage was not detected early.

After handling acids or other corrosive fluids, swivels must be flushed out with water to prevent continued corrosion and deterioration when not in service.

Repacking Instructions

Special Tools Truarc pliers, awl or similar pointed tool, vise, screwdriver, pipe wrench Disassembly 1. Remove ball plug snap rings using Truarc pliers. 2. Remove ball plugs using awl. 3. Secure female component in vise with ball plug holes positioned over a suitable container. 4. Rotate male component, using a pipe wrench if necessary. Ball bearings should drop out.
NOTE: It may be necessary to thin hardened lubricant with petroleum solvent.

CAUTION: Use extreme care In removing old packing to prevent damage tosealing surfaces.

7. Remove 0-ring from female component. 8. Remove grease retainer from male component. 9. Clean all parts with petroleum solvent. 10. Inspect parts for excessive wear, corrosion or other damage. a. Inspect ball races for dents or grooves. b. Check male and female components for excessive erosion or corrosion. c. Carefully inspect the inside surfaces of elbows for evidence of erosion or corrosion.
WARNING: Replace all parts for which visual, ultrasonic, or other Inspection means Indicate wall section wear or thinning in elbows or straight sections. Such damage will result in severely reduced pressure and structural capacity. Replace all parts that show evidence of damage In the ball races, packing seal surfaces, or other areas. (See Swivel Life and Preventive Maintenance.)

5. Separate male and female components after ball bearings have been removed.
CAUTION: Do not damage machined surfaces when separating components. Protect sealing surfaces at all times.

6. Carefully remove old packing from female packing chamber using screwdriver.
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11. Sealing surfaces must be completely smooth. Remove minor scratches or pitting by polishing with fine abrasive. 12. Reclean all parts after polishing to remove metal particles and abrasives.

Assembly 1. Apply a thin coat of lubricant to ball races, sealing surfaces, new packing and 0-ring.
CAUTION: Make sure correct lubricant Is used for intended service conditions. (See Lubricant Data.)

d. Repeat step c two more times, lubricating at each quarter turn. e. Check smoothness of rotation.
CAUTION: Excessive lubrication can cause swivel joint to bind, distort the anti-extrusion ring and displace the packing. Use only enough lubricant to obtain smooth rotation. If the swivel Is more difficult to rotate after greasing than before, or If lubricant Is detected on Inside of primary packing, or If distortion of packing Is noted on Inner diameter, disassemble joint and carefully Inspect all seals for damage. Replace damaged seals and any packing which has been distorted or displaced Into the bore.

2. Install new packing in female component and 0-ring as required.

CAUTION: Anti-extrusion ring must face outward, toward ball races.

3. Place grease retainer on male component and position at extreme end of machined surface so that it is clear of female end when parts are initially assembled.
CAUTION: Lip on ID of grease retainer must face away from ball races when installed.

11. Remove grease fitting and reinstall lube plug.

Packing Identification Unless otherwise specified on purchase order, or required for application described on purchase order, FMC will supply nitrile packing with brass anti-extrusion ring (OOB). Compound code* 00 Compound Nitrile Anti-extrusion ring Brass Designation OOB

4. 5. 6. 7.

Secure female component in vise with ball plug holes on top. Insert male component into female component. Look through ball plug holes to align ball races. Drop balls into races. Rotate male component and add balls until races are filled with the specified number of balls in each race.

CAUTION: Count the number of balls Installed in each race to be certain that exactly the specified number are installed. Incorrect number will cause binding or excessive wear and reduced pressure or structural capacity. (Refer to Replacement Parts List for the specified model.)

*Compound code appears on inside diameter of each packing.

Lubricant Data 8. Install grease retainer into groove in female component, using screwdriver. Be certain the lip on ID of retainer faces outward when installed. 9. Insert ball plugs. 10. Insert ball plug snap rings. 11. Lubricate bearings as follows: a. Remove lube fitting plug and install grease fitting. b. Use small, hand-held grease gun to force a small amount of lubricant through the fitting.
CAUTION: Standard lubricant Is FMC Chiksan No. 7. (See Lubricant Data.)

Lubricant Standard Lube No. 7

Temperature range* -50OF (-46C) to 212-F (100C)

Part number 3115574

For special service conditions, consult factory for lubrication recommendations. *Minimum temperature for OOB packing is -20F (-6C).

c. Rotate male component 90 degrees (quarter turn) and add more grease.

**FMC Chiksan lubricants are available in various container sizes. Consult the Chiksan Swivel Joint Price List for part numbers.

Hazardous Conditions

CAUTION: Following Is a list of hazardous conditions which, If not avoided as Indicated, may result In severe property damage, serious Injury, or death.

Hazardous Conditions Use of incompatible union end connections on mating piping or equipment will result in catastrophic failure of the connection at pressures far below the rated working pressure of the swivel or union. Mating end components not manufactured by FMC Corporation may result in catastrophic failure of the connection at pressures far below the rated working pressure of the FMC union or swivel. Inadequate make-up of pipe threads may result in loosening of the pipe connection, leakage of toxic or flammable fluids, structural failure of the connection, or catastrophic failure under pressure. Make-up outside a shop environment does not provide adequate control of torque, cleanliness, pipe compound, and thread engagement to assure leak-free performance at the rated working pressure. Assembly of the swivel into a system which inhibits the free rotation of the swivel about its centerline will cause binding of the bearings, premature bearing failure, and possible structure-pressure load combinations. This may result in catastrophic failure or structure collapse. Use of incorrect swivels in handling fluids containing Hydrogen Sulfide (Sour Gas) may result in stress corrosion cracking and catastrophic failure of the swivel. Use of swivels at pressures above the rated working pressure will result in rapid deterioration of the bearing races and possible catastrophic failure of the swivel. Uncontrollable hazardous conditions may result from the use of eroded, corroded, worn, or second-hand swivels, or the modification of swivels by welding, machining, plating, heating or substitution of components not made by FMC. Use of swivels in handling acids and corrosive fluids may cause pitting of internal surfaces, localized wall section thinning, and seal deterioration. This may result in external leakage, structural weakening of the swivel, and potential catastrophic failure. Use of swivels after initial leakage has been detected may result in contaminated bearings, binding of the swivel, external leakage of hazardous fluids, and the introduction of mechanical loads beyond the capacity of the swivel. Use of swivels in any of the following applications may result in hazardous conditions. Means of avoiding these hazards cannot be predetermined. -Submerged or underwater service -Application of external loads -Continuous rotation or oscillation -Extended use at temperatures above 160F or below OF -Handling radioactive materials -Inaccessible locations or closed environments in which the eventual leakage of the contained fluid may create a toxic or flammable condition Impact loads, such as hammer blows, may cause failure of pressurized swivel joints.

Means to Avoid Hazard Examine the union nut for identification marking to assure that Figure Numbers are identical. If not identical, do not use; consult factory. Carefully examine all components for FMC identification marking. FMC Corporation cannot assure compatibility or performance of components not made by FMC. Carefully make-up all pipe thread connections as recommended by the American Petroleum Institute. Refer to torque recommendations on page 1. A hydrostatic test of the system at the rated working pressure is required prior to use in the field.

Do not assemble or fabricate the swivel into a system which fixes the centerlines of both the male and the female components of the swivel. Precision tolerances will not alleviate the hazard described in lefthand paragraph. See page I for further information. Use only Chiksan swivels specifically designated and identified for Sour Gas service for handling these fluids. Consult FMC Fluid Control Division regarding swivel joints for sour gas service. Include rated working pressure limitations in written operating procedures and train operators in the use of the procedures. Used or worn swivels must be destroyed to prevent inadvertent or intentional reuse and potential injury to subsequent users. Do not attempt repair. A Preventive Maintenance and Inspection Program must be initiated. (See page 2.) The use of inhibitors in these fluids and thorough flushing of swivels immediately after use is required to minimize damage. See Swivel Life and Preventive Maintenance for important requirements. Inspect swivels frequently in the area of the leak detector port or grease seal. Immediately discontinue use and maintain swivel per Repacking Instructions if leaks are detected. See Leak Detection feature and explanation of purpose on page 1. In most cases, special swivels and special precautions are necessary to avoid misapplication and potential hazards. Do not use swivels in these applications without specific recommendations from FMC. Consult FMC Fluid Control. See paragraphs on Submerged Applications, Temperature Limitations, and General Service on pages 1 and 2.

Avoid conditions which expose pressurized swivel joints to impact loads.

FMC Corporation Fluid Control Division Web: www.fmcenergysystems.com Email: fluid_control@fmc.com Fluid Control Headquarters FMC Fluid Control 6677 North Gessner Road Houston, TX 77040 Phone: (1) 713/510-6800 Fax: (1) 713/510-6803 Manufacturing Facility FMC Fluid Control 2825 West Washington P.O. Box 1377 Stephenville, TX 76401 Toll Free: 800/772-8582 (U.S.) Phone: (1) 254/968-2181 Fax: (1) 254/968-5709 Eastern FMC Fluid Control 130 St. Nazaire Road Broussard, LA 70518 P.O. Box 3091 Lafayette, LA 70505 Phone: (1) 318/837-9263 Fax: (1) 318/837-5844 Western FMC Fluid Control 1675 Broadway, Suite 1800 Denver, CO 80202 Phone: (1) 303/623-4622 Fax: (1) 303/623-7347 West Texas FMC Fluid Control 3500 West County Road North Odessa, TX 79764 Phone: (1) 915/550-2084 FAX: (1) 915/366-8538

Scotland FMC Corporation (U.K.) Ltd. Fluid Control Wellington Road Industrial Park Wellington Circle Aberdeen AB12 3JG, Scotland Phone: 011 + 44 + 1224/898-555 Fax: 011 + 44 + 1224/249-460 Singapore FMC South East Asia Pte. Ltd. 149 Gul Circle Singapore 629605 Phone: 011 + 65/ 862-3659 Fax: 011 + 65/ 861-8251 United Arab Emirates FMC International S.A. Al Moosa Tower, 17th Floor Box 3228 Dubai, United Arab Emirates Phone: 011 + 971 + 4/310-948 Fax: 011 + 971 + 4/310-950 Mexico FMC Equipo Petrolero S.A. de C.V. Carretera a Buena Vista km. 2.8 Ranchera Miguel Hidalgo Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico Phone: 011 + 52 + 93/50-0123 Fax: 011 + 52 + 93/50-1661 Venezuela FMC Services and Supplies Occidente, S.A. Fluid Control Division Avenida Intercomunal Diagonal Carretera "L" Sector Los Morochas, #202 Cludad Ojeda Edo Zulia, Venezuela Phone: 011 + 58 + 65-26901 Fax: 011 + 58 + 65-23406

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