Swivel joints present one of the most challenging seals within a fluid transfer application – especially when the media needs to migrate across different transfer lines. These mechanisms provide a connection between two objects, where one rotates away from the other in a horizontal plane, vertical or both. 

Examples include jumper assemblies and loading/unloading arms, both of which are commonly found in the petroleum and oil and gas industries but equally found in grain feed loading and unloading systems and the like.

Swivel joints are often used as a reliable alternative to flexible hoses. Within the heart of the joint is a seal, which plays a pivotal role in ensuring leak-free operation. Various designs and materials are used to make this happen – the right type and combination depend on the application.

The sealing capability of whatever medium is used is key for leak-free operation and a smooth, safe industrial process.

Whatever the pipework is transporting, be it chemicals, oil products, gas or food grains, the integrity of the swivel joint seals must be able to withstand excessive force and – very often – a harsh environment. These stresses can be asserted internally, externally or through a combination of the two. Some of the typical contributory pressures come from:

Sealing solutions for swivel joints come in various designs, with cantilever spring designs being widely used. However, Chesterton would like to introduce a relatively new kid on the block – that of the spring energised seal .

The case for spring energised seals

 A spring energised seal is designed to be used within critical applications and extreme operating conditions. When a standard seal (either elastomer or polyurethane-based) can’t effectively perform within the required operating limits, this is the exact situation where the uniquely designed spring energised seal can revolutionise the quality of the seal.

Such is the efficiency of a spring energised seal, upgrading – even where standard seals meet minimum standards – can dramatically increase reliability and MTBR.

The reasons spring energised seals are so effective is because:

Spring energised seals can be used in multiple applications – oscillating, reciprocating and rotary – making them suitable for both static and dynamic industrial equipment. Depending on the requirements, bespoke designed seals might be necessary to maximise performance. Chesterton is one of the few companies that offer this. 

Many industries are already benefitting from the advantages afforded by spring energised seals. Success stories can be found in upstream and downstream oil and gas, chemical processing, the energy sector, military, transportation, automotive, medical, aerospace and more.

Typical applications where the use of spring energised seals are particularly advantageous include:

When to consider a spring energised sealing option

 The sealing solution is so additionally effective thanks to a design that uses the force of the medium travelling through the pipes. As this increases, so does the integrity of the seal. In addition, the tension that’s applied to the seal also compensates for other external influences, such as moderate equipment deformities, misalignment, thermal expansion/contraction and any manufacturing tolerances. 

More about this can be found in the blog article, Understanding Spring Energised Seals .

Deciding whether to stick with standard seals or to upgrade to spring energised differs depending on the situation. Some considerations that would suggest that the technology could be extremely effective are:

Both off-the-shelf and bespoke spring energised seals are available for a variety of applications. Discover more at https://www.chestertoncustomseal.com.au and get in contact to discuss the benefits with our expert team.

This sponsored editorial is brought to you by Chesterton Customseal. For more information, visit chestertoncustomseal.com.au.

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