Shandong Liu Laotou Hydraulic Machinery Technology Co., Ltd.
Contact: Liu Lifu
WeChat and phone: 15726156288

The kelly swivel, also known as a "rotary joint" or "torque breaker", is a critical component of a rotary drilling rig used to lift and suspend the drill pipe and drilling tools. Its upper end connects to the main winch wire rope of the drilling rig, and its lower end connects to the drill pipe. As the main winch wire rope is paid out or reeled in, it drives the lifting and lowering of the rotary drill pipe and drill bit. When the power head rotates and the drill bit spins to discharge soil, it bears the torsional force of the drill pipe. Through its own rotation, it removes the torsional force transmitted from the rotation of the drill pipe and other components to the wire rope, preventing the wire rope from kinking, coiling, or breaking due to torsion, which could lead to major accidents. 

Therefore, the kelly swivel must have sufficient tensile strength and flexible rotation capability under high tension.

II. Structural Performance

III. Usage Precautions

　　Before initial use or restarting after long-term storage, fill the kelly swivel with grease. After filling, rotate the lower joint to ensure it turns freely without sticking or abnormal noise.

1. Grease filling method: Unscrew and remove the filler plug, press the grease gun against the grease nipple, and slowly inject grease until it overflows from the lower joint and middle section. Tighten the plug to prevent foreign matter from entering the lubrication channel.
2. Remove the pins at both ends, lay the kelly swivel flat and lift it, insert the U-shaped groove of the lower joint into the drill pipe lifting lug, align the holes and insert the lower pin, then install the flat washer, spring retaining ring, and cotter pin; place the main winch wire rope thimble into the U-shaped groove of the upper joint, align the holes and insert the upper pin, then install the flat washer, spring retaining ring, and cotter pin.
3. Before lifting and assembling the drill pipe, ensure the U-shaped groove of the lower joint is vertical to the ground, so that the kelly swivel can move vertically up and down. Slowly lift the main winch until the drill pipe assembly is complete.

IV. Troubleshooting

V. Daily Maintenance and Care

1. Before each shift (approximately 12 hours), grease the kelly swivel to replace old grease with new until new grease overflows, ensuring good lubrication and rotation. Turn the lower joint by hand to check for sticking.

2. Check the quality of the overflowing grease. If the grease contains sand, mud, or other foreign matter, it indicates that the primary seal is damaged to some extent and must be replaced or repaired promptly; do not continue to use.

3. Check the appearance of the kelly swivel for damage, whether the pin connections at both ends are reliable, and whether there is any abnormal grease leakage.

4. Replace grease with different grades according to the season. If not used for a long time, fill the product with grease.

VI. New Kelly Swivel

Our company has developed a triple-seal kelly swivel with a longer service life. The patent is currently pending, with German technology and quality assurance.