After 17 years of use on a water tower at the Ffestigniog & Welsh Railways, Rotaflow was contacted by Matt, with some photos of the very well-used S1855 8″ Carbon Steel swivel joint. He wanted to chat about the options for an overhaul or replacement.
The 2007-built swivel was shipped to our factory for a full assessment. After investigation, although it may not look it, the swivel was deemed in surprisingly good condition. With only light corrosion over the wetted surfaces and no corrosion behind the seal or in the bearing. This meant that the maintenance was scheduled before any major damage to the swivel and we were able to offer two different options for the refurbishment.
The swivel would be viable for a clean up and rebuild without any weld overlay repair to seal surfaces, however life may not be quite as long as when initially installed, (and there was an option for a more substantial overhaul with a weld-overlay with Stainless Steel to obtain a seal surface to a better than new condition).
The straight-forward refurbishment was preferred and in turn the team at Rotaflow completed the overhaul, the swivel was tested and then returned a few weeks later for re-installation.
The attached photos show the swivel before and after refurb and it is now back where it belongs: refitted and in operation at Beddgelert Station. Matt advised additional large flanges had been fitted to either end of the swivel so that the arm of the water crane can be locked in the “home” position.
The swivel is fitted to the water crane at Beddgelert Station.
If you have an engineering problem and require specialist solutions, or you have parts you’d like to discuss refurbishment rather than replacement of, contact us on…
Tel: +44(0) 1663 735003