Chiksan swivel joint

Technical Specifications

The table below covers our standard Chiksan swivel joint models. Custom sizes, pressures, and materials are available.

Single Swivel Joint (90° or 360° Plane Rotation)

Triple Swivel Joint (Three Axes)

Chiksan swivel joints from SJ are used wherever rigid pipe needs flexibility under pressure:

1. Rig Standpipe & Mud Manifold Connections

The standpipe on a drilling rig is fixed to the derrick. The rotary hose (or top drive hose) must swivel as the block moves up and down. A single Chiksan joint at the standpipe outlet provides 360° rotation, reducing hose kinking and fatigue. We supply the 4″ 5,000 psi swivel joint used on most land rigs.

2. Frac Manifolds & Missile Systems

Hydraulic fracturing requires dozens of high‑pressure iron connections between the frac pumps, missile, and wellhead. Double and triple swivel joints allow the frac iron to flex as the wellhead moves (temperature changes) or as trucks reposition. Our 15,000 psi swivels are standard on frac fleets in the Permian and Bakken.

3. Cementing & Acidizing Lines

Cement slurries and 15% HCl acid are corrosive and abrasive. Our Chiksan joints with FKM seals and Inconel 625 cladding are used on cement skids and acidizing pumpers. The smooth swivel action makes rig‑up faster – no more fighting rigid pipe.

4. Well Testing & Flowback Manifolds

Exploration well testing involves multiple choke changes and flow line reconfigurations. Swivel joints let crews rearrange the manifold without breaking connections. Our 10,000 psi Fig 1502 single joints are standard on well test packages worldwide.

5. Offshore Loading Arms (FPSO, CALM Buoy)

Offloading crude oil from FPSO to shuttle tanker requires articulating arms that follow the ship’s motion. Triple swivel joints provide the three axes of rotation needed. SJ supplies API 16C swivel joints for offshore loading systems.

6. Mud Transfer Lines (Pit to Pump)

Between the mud pit and the mud pump suction, rigid pipe with swivel joints is easier to route than hose. Our 6″ 2,000 psi single swivels are used for this application.

Product Types & Models

We offer a complete range of Chiksan swivel joints for every pressure and configuration:

OEM / Custom Options:

• Non‑standard sizes (5″, 6″)

• Special alloys (17‑4PH, Inconel 625)

• Low‑temperature (-60°F) seals and grease

• NACE MR0175 sour service full documentation

• Your brand name and part numbers engraved

Why Choose SJ Petroleum Machinery?

1. Sinopec‑Owned – Proven on Our Own Rigs

SJ is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sinopec, which operates over 500 drilling rigs and thousands of frac jobs each year. Our Chiksan swivel joints are standard components on Sinopec’s own equipment. That means they’ve been tested in real mud, real sand, real H₂S – not just in a lab.

2. 80+ Years of Fluid Handling Experience

We’ve been manufacturing high‑pressure swivel joints since the 1970s. Over five decades, we’ve refined the seal design, bearing geometry, and heat treatment. Many of our joints are still in service after 20+ years – we have the repair records to prove it.

3. Full API 7K & 16C Certification

Our Chiksan joints carry the API monogram. We supply full documentation: material certificates, hardness tests, NDE reports (MT or UT as required), pressure test certificates, and dimension reports. You won’t get "will comply” – you get "already certified.”

4. Interchangeable with Major Brands – No Redesign

SJ joints are dimensionally interchangeable with FMC Chiksan, SPM, NOV, and Weco. You can replace a worn joint without changing other components. We even offer adapter unions to bridge between different brands.

5. Harder Bearing Race = Longer Life

Our induction‑hardened raceway (55–60 HRC) is harder than many competitors’ case‑hardened parts. That means the balls don’t dent the race under high side load, so the joint stays smooth for years. We’ve seen competitive joints become "notchy” after 6 months; ours go for 5+ years.

6. Shorter Lead Times & Lower Cost

Typical lead time for a single 10k Chiksan joint: 2–4 weeks for stock sizes. Custom sizes: 6–8 weeks. Western brands often quote 10–16 weeks. Pricing is typically 20–30% lower, with no compromise on API quality.

7. Fast Spare Parts – Seals & Bearings In Stock

We maintain regional inventories of seal kits (NBR, FKM, HNBR), ball bearings, and retaining rings in Houston, Dubai, Singapore, and Jingzhou. Spare parts ship within 24 hours. For field repair, we provide simple disassembly/assembly instructions – a swivel joint can be re‑sealed in 30 minutes.

8. Field Service & Recertification

We offer on‑site inspection and recertification of used Chiksan joints. Our technicians will disassemble, inspect, replace worn seals and bearings, pressure test, and issue a new certificate. Much cheaper than buying new.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What’s the difference between a Chiksan joint and a standard swivel union?

A Chiksan joint (generic term, originally a brand) is a specific design with ball bearings and a pressure‑energized seal. It handles higher pressure (up to 15,000 psi) and allows full 360° rotation under load. A standard swivel union (e.g., a 2″ 1,000 psi union) is a simpler design with less rotation range and lower pressure rating. For drilling and frac, use Chiksan.

Q2: How often should I grease a Chiksan joint?

Standard service (mud lines, standpipe): grease every 30 days or after each well. For frac service (abrasive sand, high cycle): grease before each job. Use NLGI #2 lithium‑based grease. For Arctic or low‑temp, use synthetic low‑temp grease. Don’t over‑grease – 3–5 pumps of the grease gun is enough. Over‑greasing can blow seals.

Q3: Can I repair a Chiksan joint in the field, or must I send it back?

You can repair it in the field – we provide seal kits and bearing sets with illustrated instructions. The tools needed are basic: wrench to remove the retaining ring, pin spanner for the seal retainer, and a soft hammer. A trained mechanic can re‑seal a 2″ joint in about 30 minutes. No special press required.

Q4: How do I know if my Chiksan joint needs rebuilding?

Signs of wear:

• Leaking from the swivel (visible drips)

• Hard to swivel (binding or "notchy” feeling)

• Excessive play (wobble) between the two halves

• Noise (grinding or clicking during rotation)
  If any of these occur, stop use, disassemble, inspect the race and balls, replace seals. Don’t keep using a leaking HP swivel – it can fail catastrophically.

Q5: Do your Chiksan joints fit FMC / SPM / NOV irons?

Yes – we design to the industry standard dimensions. For Fig 1502 hammer union connections, the wing nut thread and seal profile match FMC and SPM. You can mix SJ joints with other brands on the same line without adapters. If you have a non‑standard brand, send us a drawing and we’ll confirm.

Q6: What certifications come with each Chiksan joint?

Each joint is supplied with:

• API 7K or 16C Certificate of Compliance (monogram)

• Material test report (heat traceable to forging)

• Hardness test report (HRC per API)

• Hydrostatic pressure test report (1.5× working pressure, held for 5 minutes)

• Dimensional inspection report

• NACE MR0175 documentation (if ordered)

We can also provide third‑party witness inspection (SGS, BV, DNV) at extra cost.

Q7: Can you make a Chiksan joint for 20,000 psi working pressure?

Yes, but it’s not a standard stocked item. We have designed 20k psi swivel joints for subsea and HPHT well testing. The body is thicker wall, the bearing race is hardened deeper, and we use Inconel 718 for seals. Lead time is 12–16 weeks. Call us with your exact requirements.

Q8: What’s the temperature limit for standard Chiksan joints?

• NBR (nitrile) seals: -20°F to 200°F (-29°C to 93°C)

• FKM (Viton) seals: -10°F to 300°F (-23°C to 150°C)

• HNBR seals: -20°F to 250°F (-29°C to 121°C) – best for H₂S
  For steam or cryogenic service (< -60°F), we can use special seals – contact engineering.

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