Patent ID: 6070917
Filing Date: 2000-06-06
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A swivel coupling for high pressure fluid comprising:an axle having a first end and a second end and defining an axis of rotation longitudinal thereto;a first fluid port at the first end of the axle;a first and a second mechanical bearing mounted on the axle at spaced positions therealong, each bearing defining an inner bearing member fixed to the axle and an outer bearing member rotatable relative to the inner bearing member;a mounting means attached to the outer bearing members so that the bearings provide mechanical support between the axle and the mounting means and allow relative rotation therebetween;the axle having a fluid opening at a position thereon located between the mechanical bearings;a rotatable fluid connector mounted on the axle at the fluid opening and between the mechanical bearings for rotation relative to the axle, the fluid connector being sealed by high pressure seals on opposite sides of the opening and providing a second fluid port; anda boom having a plurality of nozzles mounted to the first end of the axle and being arranged to rotate with the axle for communicating fluid from the first fluid port to the nozzles;whereby the mechanical bearings provide mechanical support for torque loads applied between the axle and the mounting means and the high pressure seals of the fluid connector are maintained substantially free from said torque loads.