Drilling Swivel | API 8C Standard Kelly Spinner | Deenpu Machinery

Drilling Swivel — API 8C Standard, Kelly Spinner Combination

SL Series • 110–585 Ton Static Load • 5,000 PSI Working Pressure • 300 RPM Max Speed • API 8C Certified

API 8C CertifiedISO 9001:2015110–585 Ton5,000 PSI300 RPMHigh Strength Steel

Product Overview

DEENPU SL Series Drilling Swivel with Kelly Spinner — API 8C rated, high strength alloy steel body, high pressure drilling fluid sealing system for oil and gas drilling rigs

DEENPU SL Series Drilling Swivel with Integrated Kelly Spinner — API 8C Standard, 110–585 Ton Capacity

The Drilling Swivel is a critical component suspended directly below the traveling block and above the kelly on a drilling rig. It serves the essential dual function of allowing the kelly and drill string to rotate freely while the traveling block remains stationary, and simultaneously introducing high-pressure drilling fluid into the rotating drill string through the gooseneck and washpipe assembly.

Deenpu Machinery’s SL Series Drilling Swivels are designed and manufactured to API 8C standards, covering static load capacities from 110 tons to 585 tons with dynamic load ratings up to 410 tons. Each swivel features a high-strength alloy steel body and frame, advanced high-pressure drilling fluid sealing system, and a keyless connection between the optional Kelly spinner and the central pipe. All units operate at a maximum speed of 300 RPM with a standard working pressure of 35 MPa (5,000 PSI).

The swivel comprises precision-engineered components including the bail, gooseneck, upper shell, main body, lower shell, swivel stem, main shaft, and a multi-stage sealing system. Our integrated swivel and Kelly spinner combination provides drillers with a complete rotary and fluid circulation solution in one assembly, eliminating the need for separate equipment mounting and alignment.

Technical Drawing

DEENPU SL Series Drilling Swivel technical drawing showing component layout: bail, gooseneck, upper shell, body, lower shell, swivel stem, shaft, and sealing system

DEENPU SL Series Swivel Technical Drawing — Component Layout and Interface Dimensions

The swivel assembly drawing above illustrates the key structural components and their arrangement. Main load-bearing elements including the bail, upper and lower shells, and main body are fabricated from high-strength alloy steel for maximum durability and service life. The central pipe features a keyless connection to the Kelly spinner, eliminating stress concentrations and simplifying assembly and maintenance. The gooseneck and washpipe assembly provide the high-pressure drilling fluid path with multi-stage dynamic sealing.

How the Swivel Works

The drilling swivel performs three critical functions simultaneously during drilling operations:

  1. Rotational Decoupling — The swivel body is suspended from the traveling block via the bail and remains rotationally stationary. Inside, a precision bearing assembly allows the central stem and shaft to rotate freely with the drill string. This decoupling is what makes rotary drilling possible; without a swivel, the entire traveling block assembly would have to rotate.
  2. High-Pressure Fluid Circulation — Drilling mud enters the swivel through the stationary gooseneck connection and passes through a rotating washpipe and seal assembly into the central stem. The high-pressure sealing system maintains fluid integrity at up to 35 MPa (5,000 PSI) while the stem rotates at up to 300 RPM, preventing leakage and ensuring consistent mud delivery to the bit.
  3. Load Transmission — The entire weight of the drill string is transmitted through the swivel’s main bearing assembly to the bail and upward to the traveling block. Deenpu swivels are rated for static loads up to 585 tons with dynamic load ratings sufficient for continuous drilling and tripping operations.

When equipped with the optional Kelly spinner, the swivel provides powered rotation of the kelly during connections, eliminating manual spinning chain operations and improving rig floor safety. The keyless connection between spinner and central pipe ensures zero backlash and maximum torque transfer efficiency.

Key Features

📏API 8C Design StandardFully compliant with API 8C specification for drilling and production hoisting equipment. Design verification and load rating per API guidelines.
🏗High Strength Alloy SteelMain body, bail, and structural frame fabricated from premium high-strength alloy steel for maximum load capacity and extended service life.
🔌Kelly Spinner IntegrationSeamless combination of swivel and Kelly spinner in one unit. Keyless connection eliminates stress risers and simplifies assembly.
💧High Pressure Sealing SystemMulti-stage dynamic sealing system rated to 35 MPa (5,000 PSI). Wear-resistant washpipe and packing for long service intervals.
300 RPM Maximum SpeedPrecision bearing assembly supports rotational speeds up to 300 RPM across all models. Smooth operation throughout the full speed range.
📦10 Model RangeFrom SL110 (110 ton) to SL585 (585 ton) covering all standard rig sizes. Dynamic load ratings from 60 to 410 tons.
🔧Standardized ConnectionsGooseneck connections from 3LP to 4LP. Sub connections from 4-1/2″ REG to 6-5/8″ REG for compatibility with standard drill string components.
ISO 9001 CertifiedManufactured under ISO 9001:2015 quality management system. Full material traceability and inspection documentation provided.

Applications

  • Land drilling rigs — Mechanical and SCR drilling rigs from 1,000 HP to 3,000 HP requiring reliable swivel performance
  • Workover rigs — Compact SL110 and SL135 models suitable for workover and well servicing operations
  • Deep drilling operations — SL450 and SL585 models for deep and ultra-deep wells with high hook loads
  • Directional and horizontal drilling — High-speed 300 RPM rating supports oriented drilling and PDM operations
  • HPHT drilling — 5,000 PSI sealing system suitable for high-pressure, high-temperature drilling programs
  • Rig fleet upgrades — Drop-in replacement swivels for upgrading aging rig equipment to API 8C standards
  • OEM equipment packages — Swivel supply for rig manufacturers and drilling equipment integrators

Technical Specifications

Model Max Static Load
(kN / US ton)
Dynamic Load
(kN / US ton)
Max Speed
(RPM)
Max Pressure
(MPa / PSI)
Gooseneck Conn. Sub Connection Applicable Spinner
SL110 1,100 / 120 600 / 65 300 35 / 5,000 3LP 4-1/2″ REG-LH
SL135 1,350 / 150 1,000 / 110 300 35 / 5,000 4LP 6-5/8″ REG-LH XSL135
SL170 1,700 / 200 1,300 / 140 300 35 / 5,000 4LP 6-5/8″ REG-LH XSL170
SL225 2,250 / 250 1,600 / 175 300 35 / 5,000 4LP 6-5/8″ REG-LH XSL225
SL315 3,150 / 350 2,100 / 230 300 35 / 5,000 4LP 6-5/8″ REG-LH XSL315
SL450 4,500 / 500 3,200 / 350 300 35 / 5,000 4LP 6-5/8″ REG-LH XSL450
SL450A 4,500 / 500 3,200 / 350 300 35 / 5,000 4LP 6-5/8″ EG-LH SL450A
LBC200 1,700 / 200 1,300 / 140 300 35 / 5,000 4LP 6-5/8″ REG-LH XSLBC200
LD300 2,600 / 300 1,500 / 165 300 35 / 5,000 4LP 5-1/2″ REG-LH
SL585 5,850 / 650 4,100 / 450 300 35 / 5,000 4LP 6-5/8″ REG-LH

All SL models: 300 RPM maximum speed, 35 MPa (5,000 PSI) working pressure. Static load rating per API 8C. Dynamic load rating based on 1,000,000 revolution bearing life (L10). Contact us for dimensional drawings and complete bearing specifications.

When Ordering, Please Specify

  1. Rig SpecificationsRig horsepower and maximum hook load. Derrick type and traveling block model for bail compatibility.
  2. Load RequirementsMaximum static hook load and expected dynamic drilling load. Select appropriate SL model from 110 to 585 tons.
  3. Working PressureMaximum anticipated mud circulating pressure. Standard configuration is 35 MPa (5,000 PSI).
  4. Sub Connection TypeDrill stem connection size and thread type: 4-1/2″ REG-LH, 5-1/2″ REG-LH, 6-5/8″ REG-LH, or 6-5/8″ EG-LH.
  5. Gooseneck ConnectionMud hose connection size and type: 3LP or 4LP standard. Alternative connection types available on request.
  6. Kelly Spinner RequirementSpecify if Kelly spinner integration is required. Indicate the spinner model for compatibility matching.
  7. Bail DimensionsBail size, type, and connection requirements. Compatibility with existing elevator links and traveling block.
  8. Certification RequirementsAPI 8C certification, material test certificates (MTC), NDT reports, and third-party inspection (DNV, BV, SGS).
  9. Spare Parts PackageRecommended spare parts: washpipe packing kit, main bearing set, seal kit, and gooseneck O-ring set.
  10. Shipping & DeliveryDelivery destination and preferred shipping method. Export packaging (fumigated wooden crate) included as standard.

Custom Manufacturing & OEM Capability

  • Load Capacity Customization — Custom static load ratings available beyond the standard 110–585 ton range for specialized drilling applications.
  • Connection Adaptation — Non-standard sub connections, gooseneck sizes, and bail interfaces manufactured to customer specifications.
  • Pressure Rating Upgrade — High-pressure variants with enhanced sealing systems for working pressures exceeding 35 MPa (5,000 PSI).
  • Bearing Configuration — Alternative bearing arrangements for extended service life, higher dynamic loads, or specialized drilling conditions.
  • Kelly Spinner Integration — Custom spinner mounting interfaces, drive adapter plates, and keyless coupling designs.
  • Material Specifications — Alternative alloy steel grades, stainless steel trim options, and specialized coatings for corrosive environments (H2S, CO2).
  • Branding & Documentation — Customer-specific nameplates, paint colors, manuals, and certification packages.

Quality Control & Testing Standards

  • Main bearing assembly load tested to 1.25x rated static capacity with certified load cell verification.
  • Complete swivel assembly function tested at factory: full-speed rotation test, pressure integrity verification, and dynamic sealing performance evaluation.
  • Washpipe and sealing system hydrostatically tested to 1.5x rated working pressure (52.5 MPa / 7,500 PSI).
  • Ultrasonic testing (UT) and magnetic particle inspection (MPI) on all load-bearing structural weldments and forgings.
  • Material test certificates (MTC) per EN 10204 3.1 for all pressure-containing and load-bearing components.
  • Dimensional inspection report with critical interface dimensions verified against engineering drawings.
  • FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) performed before shipment — customer or third-party witness attendance optional.
  • Third-party inspection and certification by DNV, BV, SGS, or ABS available upon request.
  • Complete quality dossier provided with each unit: MTCs, NDT reports, pressure test certificates, and dimensional inspection reports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between static load and dynamic load rating?

Static load rating (110–585 tons on SL Series) refers to the maximum suspended weight the swivel can support when the drill string is stationary — for example, during connections or when the string is hanging in the slips. Dynamic load rating (65–450 tons) is the maximum load the swivel can support while rotating, based on bearing life of 1,000,000 revolutions (L10). During normal drilling, the dynamic load is typically 50–70% of the static rating, allowing sufficient safety margin for downhole conditions.

What is a Kelly spinner and do I need one?

A Kelly spinner is a pneumatically or hydraulically powered device mounted on top of the swivel that rotates the kelly during drill pipe connections. Instead of using a spinning chain (manual and hazardous), the Kelly spinner provides controlled, powered rotation to make up or break out kelly connections. It significantly improves rig floor safety and reduces connection time. Deenpu offers integrated swivel-spinner combinations (indicated by the “XSL” prefix on applicable spinner models) with a keyless connection that eliminates backlash and simplifies maintenance.

What maintenance does a swivel require?

Routine maintenance includes: daily visual inspection of the gooseneck seal area for mud leaks, checking oil level in the bearing lubrication system; weekly greasing of the main bearing and lower seal bearing; monthly inspection of bail pins and connections for wear; per well or quarterly washpipe packing replacement depending on operating hours and mud conditions; annually or every 2,000 operating hours: complete inspection of bearings, seals, and stem. Deenpu provides detailed maintenance manuals with each swivel and can supply complete overhaul kits including bearings, seals, washpipe packing, and gaskets.

How do I select the right swivel size for my rig?

Swivel selection is primarily based on three factors: (1) Maximum hook load — select a model whose static load rating exceeds your maximum anticipated hook load (including drill string weight, casing weight, and overpull margin); (2) Working pressure — all SL Series models are rated for 35 MPa (5,000 PSI), sufficient for most land drilling operations; (3) Connection compatibility — ensure the sub connection matches your drill stem and the gooseneck connection matches your mud hose. Our engineering team can review your rig specifications and recommend the optimal model.

What is the washpipe and why is it important?

The washpipe is the critical dynamic sealing component inside the swivel that allows high-pressure drilling mud to flow from the stationary gooseneck into the rotating stem. It consists of a hardened steel pipe (washpipe) with multiple stages of packing rings that create a dynamic seal against the rotating surface. Washpipe packing is a routine wear item that requires periodic replacement. Deenpu uses premium washpipe materials and multi-stage packing configurations to maximize service life. We recommend keeping a spare washpipe packing kit on the rig for quick change-out when leakage is observed at the gooseneck drip area.

What certifications do your swivels carry?

Deenpu SL Series swivels are designed and manufactured to API 8C (Specification for Drilling and Production Hoisting Equipment) standards. Our manufacturing facility is ISO 9001:2015 certified by DNV. Each swivel is supplied with full documentation including material test certificates (EN 10204 3.1), NDT reports (UT/MPI), hydrostatic pressure test certificates, dimensional inspection reports, and a load test certificate. API monogram licensing, ABS/DNV/BV design appraisal, and individual unit certification are available on request for projects requiring classification society approval.

Request a Quote — Drilling Swivel

Send your rig specifications and we will recommend the optimal SL Series swivel model with a complete proposal including pricing, dimensional drawings, and delivery schedule within 48 hours.

  • EMAILSALES@DEENPU-MACHINERY.COM
  • WHATSAPP+86-15806284962
  • RESPONSEQuotation within 48 hours

Include: Rig type, maximum hook load, drilling depth, mud pressure requirement, sub connection type, and Kelly spinner requirement (if applicable).

Request Quote & Datasheet