Patent ID: 6595555
Filing Date: 2003-07-22
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A coiled tubing swivel for rotatably connecting a first conduit to a second conduit, one of the first and second conduits comprising a string of coiled tubing which is wound upon a reel, the swivel comprising:a swivel body which includes a cylindrical receptacle, a port that communicates with the first conduit, a flowpath that extends between the receptacle and the port, and an annular shoulder that is located between the receptacle and the flowpath; a tubular mandrel which is received within the receptacle and which includes a first end that is positioned proximate the shoulder, a second end that communicates with the second conduit, a longitudinal hole that extends between the first and second ends, an outer diameter surface, and a flange that extends radially outwardly from the outer diameter surface generally proximate the first end; a bearing assembly which is positioned between the receptacle and the mandrel and which includes: a central axis; a cylindrical outer sleeve that comprises an inner surface and at least first and second annular inner grooves which are formed on the inner surface coaxially with the central axis; a cylindrical inner sleeve that comprises an outer surface and at least first and second annular outer grooves which are formed on the outer surface coaxially with the central axis; wherein the outer grooves align with respective inner grooves to define at least first and second bearing races; and a plurality of balls that are disposed in the bearing races to rotatably secure the inner sleeve to the outer sleeve; means for sealing the bearing assembly from the flowpath in the swivel body; and means for retaining the bearing assembly within the receptacle; wherein the flange is positioned between the bearing assembly and the swivel body to secure the mandrel within the receptacle; and wherein the first bearing race comprises a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the adjacent bearing race that is closer to the first end of the mandrel.